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There She Lies
We all have secrets—little white lies we tell ourselves. Everyone has them, but no matter how hard we try to keep them hidden, even our deepest secrets can come up to the surface.
When the Millers move across the province to pursue William’s lifelong dream of becoming a helicopter pilot, Quinn, a new mother, feels isolated from everything she’s ever known, only, Quinn has been there before. Struggling with severe postpartum depression, Quinn turns to her elderly neighbour for help, but how much does she really know about Mrs. Westover? Only what she chooses to reveal. Mrs. Westover never lies, in fact, she despises liars. What will she do when she finds out Quinn’s been dishonest with her? This story started long before Quinn ever met Mrs. Westover.
An old secret, a story of revenge, and a friendship gone wrong. How do we decide who to trust? This twisted story will makes us think twice about who we choose as friends.
When the Millers move across the province to pursue William’s lifelong dream of becoming a helicopter pilot, Quinn, a new mother, feels isolated from everything she’s ever known, only, Quinn has been there before. Struggling with severe postpartum depression, Quinn turns to her elderly neighbour for help, but how much does she really know about Mrs. Westover? Only what she chooses to reveal. Mrs. Westover never lies, in fact, she despises liars. What will she do when she finds out Quinn’s been dishonest with her? This story started long before Quinn ever met Mrs. Westover.
An old secret, a story of revenge, and a friendship gone wrong. How do we decide who to trust? This twisted story will makes us think twice about who we choose as friends.
436 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2021
14 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Young
14 books85 followersMichelle Young is a Canadian author of multiple books. She has been featured in The Globe and Mail, appeared on television and podcasts, and is passionately seeking new ways to bring invisible battles into the light through her stories. Young lives in the country on the outskirts of Ottawa with her family.
Follow Michelle on Instagram and Facebook
@michelleyoungauthor
Follow Michelle on Instagram and Facebook
@michelleyoungauthor
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 25, 2021
This book was un-putdown-able (the only way to describe it) it kept me kept so late at night, the twists and turns and ups and down, a constant guessing game on what would happen from page 1 until the very end. Such a relatable topic of postpartum depression and handling life in a new place and seemingly married but single mom, trying to make it through the days. Becoming friends with neighbors on her new street, however one of them isn’t what they seem.
This book was phenomenal, a *MUST READ* for thriller and mystery readers. Hands Down, 5 Stars.
This book was phenomenal, a *MUST READ* for thriller and mystery readers. Hands Down, 5 Stars.
March 6, 2023
Wow. Once I got 30% of the way through, I read the rest of the book within a few hours. What a wild ride this book took me on. If you need a suspenseful mystery… here it is. Do yourself a favor and look up trigger warnings first though.
August 12, 2022
Michelle is a local author here and was kind enough to drop off her books for me to read and then share in my Little Free Library! Thank you Michelle .This was my first by her but won’t be my last.
Things I loved:
-was surprised in the direction it took at the end of part one
-love a dark thriller and this one didn’t shy away from darkness
-a great twisted character that kept you guessing
Things that weren’t my favourite:
-took me a little bit to get into it, but once it took a surprising turn I was hooked
Things I loved:
-was surprised in the direction it took at the end of part one
-love a dark thriller and this one didn’t shy away from darkness
-a great twisted character that kept you guessing
Things that weren’t my favourite:
-took me a little bit to get into it, but once it took a surprising turn I was hooked
July 2, 2021
I finished this book last night, and I am trying to gather my thoughts on it.
I will start by saying that the writing is amazing. It draws you in and makes this book something you don't want to put down. I got to a certain point in the book where I knew that if I put it down without finishing it, I wouldn't have been able to sleep, so I stayed up late to finish it haha
It was also the most effed up book I have ever read and imo it should have had a trigger warning on it. As a mama of a small boy, it was extremely difficult to read. The author describes it as a parents worst nightmare, and I would agree with that. However, I think that these very traumatic themes should have been warned about somewhere. This book has themes of kidnapping, child abuse and child murder.
My rating of 4 is because of the writing, the way that the stories all intertwine, and how compelling the characters are. My rating is not a 5 because this book wrecked me. And honestly I think that speaks a lot about the writing. But if I had known that it contained the above themes, I probably would have skipped it. This book is not for everyone, and I would say if you're a newer mom, it will probably affect you similar to the way it affected me. This is the type of book that Joey would put in the freezer (iykyk). I finished at about midnight, put it down and burst into tears. I wanted to go get my son from his crib and hold him. It messed me up, y'all!!
If the above themes aren't triggers for you, I would say you should absolutely read this book. It was chilling and really makes you think about who you should trust, and maybe not to put all your trust in someone new so quickly.
I will start by saying that the writing is amazing. It draws you in and makes this book something you don't want to put down. I got to a certain point in the book where I knew that if I put it down without finishing it, I wouldn't have been able to sleep, so I stayed up late to finish it haha
It was also the most effed up book I have ever read and imo it should have had a trigger warning on it. As a mama of a small boy, it was extremely difficult to read. The author describes it as a parents worst nightmare, and I would agree with that. However, I think that these very traumatic themes should have been warned about somewhere. This book has themes of kidnapping, child abuse and child murder.
My rating of 4 is because of the writing, the way that the stories all intertwine, and how compelling the characters are. My rating is not a 5 because this book wrecked me. And honestly I think that speaks a lot about the writing. But if I had known that it contained the above themes, I probably would have skipped it. This book is not for everyone, and I would say if you're a newer mom, it will probably affect you similar to the way it affected me. This is the type of book that Joey would put in the freezer (iykyk). I finished at about midnight, put it down and burst into tears. I wanted to go get my son from his crib and hold him. It messed me up, y'all!!
If the above themes aren't triggers for you, I would say you should absolutely read this book. It was chilling and really makes you think about who you should trust, and maybe not to put all your trust in someone new so quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
Not only are Young’s books extremely entertaining. I immediately fell in love with Young’s writing after reading Your Move last year and was SUPER pumped when I found out she wrote another book.
I have to say There She Lies, was REALLY good!
I’m talking filled with drama and suspense you won’t even know how to contain yourself with reading it. I was literally holding the book so hard (one because it was heavy 😂 and two because I was so trying to piece together and make sense with all that was happening)
I love books that are thrilling and suspenseful the whole way through like There She Lies was and am really looking forward to reading the next book she comes out with next!!
I have to say There She Lies, was REALLY good!
I’m talking filled with drama and suspense you won’t even know how to contain yourself with reading it. I was literally holding the book so hard (one because it was heavy 😂 and two because I was so trying to piece together and make sense with all that was happening)
I love books that are thrilling and suspenseful the whole way through like There She Lies was and am really looking forward to reading the next book she comes out with next!!
February 20, 2021
I don't think I've ever held my breath or heart in place for as long as I did during the last chunk of this book. I got drawn in to a point where I didn't know if I would be able to get out... I wanted to, but I was so immersed.
A lot of ugly things happen in There She Lies, that's what makes it so beautiful. It's full of twists and turns, parts where I was left speechless and in shock at where the author was taking the story.
It hurt to read, no doubt, as Michelle shed light onto events and feelings I can't even imagine. Motherhood, post partum depression, isolation, loss...
When I finished reading, I had to sit in silence and gather my feelings together as mixed emotions of anger, heartbreak and nausea ran through me. Even over an hour after finishing this book, I was still in shock, still feeling shakey.
Everyone has a book that leaves some kind of scar or mark with them, and I think somewhere whilst reading this one, a mark was engraved.
The last book that made me feel the way this one did was way over 20 years ago when I read A Child Called 'It' by Dave Pelzer.
It takes a lot of strength to read this book, and I can't imagine what it took to write it. Michelle's writing style and the way she went into the entire storyline makes you really care about Quinn and sweet, baby Cole, so much.
There's so much more I want to say here, but I don't want to give anything away.
Thank you Michelle, for sharing such an incredible novel.
A lot of ugly things happen in There She Lies, that's what makes it so beautiful. It's full of twists and turns, parts where I was left speechless and in shock at where the author was taking the story.
It hurt to read, no doubt, as Michelle shed light onto events and feelings I can't even imagine. Motherhood, post partum depression, isolation, loss...
When I finished reading, I had to sit in silence and gather my feelings together as mixed emotions of anger, heartbreak and nausea ran through me. Even over an hour after finishing this book, I was still in shock, still feeling shakey.
Everyone has a book that leaves some kind of scar or mark with them, and I think somewhere whilst reading this one, a mark was engraved.
The last book that made me feel the way this one did was way over 20 years ago when I read A Child Called 'It' by Dave Pelzer.
It takes a lot of strength to read this book, and I can't imagine what it took to write it. Michelle's writing style and the way she went into the entire storyline makes you really care about Quinn and sweet, baby Cole, so much.
There's so much more I want to say here, but I don't want to give anything away.
Thank you Michelle, for sharing such an incredible novel.
June 10, 2021
A Twisted, Traumatic Tale that leaves you wondering
After seeing this book on an Instagram page, I was instinctively intrigued, the cover drew me in and then the blurb, I knew I had to get it and find out what's hiding beneath the surface.
Initially, I thought it started off slow. Sure I empathized with the main character because post partum depression is no joke, I could feel her struggles and understand her grievances but I wanted a little more. And boy was I not disappointed. At the book's second act, it does up, pulling me into a whirlwind. The excitement and fear I felt had my heart pounding as I hurried to read the words before they could race off the page. And though I feel truly traumatized by some scenes, the book was written so beautifully that I understand exactly what the author was going for.
The only issue I had was with a character being mentioned late in the novel and having no major role at the end. I longed to see him come back with guns blazing (figuratively of course 👀) but he just vanished. I mean that's something that could be easily overlooked but I love delving into the nitty gritty of a book and its backstory.
So stop what you're doing and grab this book, and be ready to devour it as if in a hungry daze.
After seeing this book on an Instagram page, I was instinctively intrigued, the cover drew me in and then the blurb, I knew I had to get it and find out what's hiding beneath the surface.
Initially, I thought it started off slow. Sure I empathized with the main character because post partum depression is no joke, I could feel her struggles and understand her grievances but I wanted a little more. And boy was I not disappointed. At the book's second act, it does up, pulling me into a whirlwind. The excitement and fear I felt had my heart pounding as I hurried to read the words before they could race off the page. And though I feel truly traumatized by some scenes, the book was written so beautifully that I understand exactly what the author was going for.
The only issue I had was with a character being mentioned late in the novel and having no major role at the end. I longed to see him come back with guns blazing (figuratively of course 👀) but he just vanished. I mean that's something that could be easily overlooked but I love delving into the nitty gritty of a book and its backstory.
So stop what you're doing and grab this book, and be ready to devour it as if in a hungry daze.
May 27, 2021
It’s been a long time since I read an indie thriller, and this one certainly did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it. Really great, complex characters and an original storyline that kept you guessing. I genuinely had no idea how it was going to end and the suspense was unreal – just like all thrillers should be!
It was also really refreshing to hear the main character’s struggle with post natal depression, which was explored in such an authentic way. As a toddler mum, the newborn years still seem within recent reach and I could really relate to some of her struggles, which I’ve not come across in this genre before.
Loads of twists and turns and the climax will have you on the edge of your seat. Superb writing. Highly recommend.
It was also really refreshing to hear the main character’s struggle with post natal depression, which was explored in such an authentic way. As a toddler mum, the newborn years still seem within recent reach and I could really relate to some of her struggles, which I’ve not come across in this genre before.
Loads of twists and turns and the climax will have you on the edge of your seat. Superb writing. Highly recommend.
July 15, 2021
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a thriller novel, and this book didn’t disappoint! As someone who resonates with themes of physical, mental, and emotional pain, I was especially intrigued with the psychological journey of the main character. I thought the author did an incredible job depicting the emotional state of someone battle depression (which is a difficult feat to accomplish). The narrative contained just the right amount of gore—not to the extent that it made you put down the book, but enough to make you say, “Oh gosh, that’s pretty sick.” I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that contain characters battling real-world issues.
November 7, 2021
There She Lies shocks, intrigues, raises questions, but most of all, keeps you reading. The overall premise is that everyone has secrets - some bigger than others. Some are so big, they can destroy the person holding them, as well as their loved ones. Michelle Young slowly unveils those secrets among the characters in her book until you are putting everything else aside to find out what happens next. The skilful and smooth use of analogies draws vivid images for the reader. It all culminates in a shocking conclusion.
I highly recommend There She Lies but be prepared for a ride.
I highly recommend There She Lies but be prepared for a ride.
February 9, 2021
A dark, suspenseful and chilling novel of lies and struggles, set in a small, quaint Canadian town. Filled with conflicting emotions of love and hate, hope and despair. The story is both compelling yet unsettling with many surprising twists that keeps you on edge right to the end.
February 9, 2021
The book’s story starts with detailed events and context, but then things really take off with suspense, twists and turns to keep you on edge. This is quite an adventure and doesn’t turn out how you’d expect it…so read on!
February 20, 2021
A very powerful, twisted read that might be difficult for some folks due to content, but certainly held my attention and kept me on the edge of my seat!
February 19, 2023
I thought the writing was quite good, the author is an exquisite wordsmith and weaves together some lovely descriptive passages. My issue was with the actual plot and the storytelling. I found the story overly long with much too much padding and superfluous information. And it veered off-lane IMO. Is it a domestic drama? is it about post partum depression? a serial killer story? The "intro" part, introducing William and Quinn and baby was overly long for my liking. I also think the story would have been better and more true to the psychological genre if the villain wasn't presented to the reader on a silver platter so early in the story. After that reveal everything else plays out as expected. There's no surprise or big payoff at the end. I was waiting for a big twist in those final pages but there wasn't one. Even the 'motive' was anti-climactic. . I did however appreciate that the author 'went there' with baby Cole since most authors wouldn't have.
March 16, 2023
2.75 - I wish there had been a little more mystery. Felt like everything got revealed far too early. Also there were loose ends without answers. Was that guy in the beginning really there to inspect the furnace? Why so much emphasis on Henry and his dog leading him to the bodies when that isn’t even how the police found them? Overall, a story about a struggling mother wayyy too hard on herself and an oblivious father. Oh and also a murderer next door.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2022
I’m not sure why everyone else loved this book… I thought it was absolutely terrible. If you want to listen to someone whine about how sucky it is to have a kid for 200 pages, then sure. The “twists” were so predictable, nothing was shocking, it all seemed so forced.
September 29, 2022
I gave this book 3 stars even though I was unable to finish it. The storyline is really good, however, the repeating (constantly) of non important information was way too much for me.
Read
March 1, 2025There She Lies is the kind of book that lulls you into a false sense of security before yanking the rug out from under you! At first, it settles into an eerie, slow-burn rhythm while simultaneously tackling some real-world issues like postpartum depression and the overwhelming isolation of the FMC's new reality. As someone who has struggled with this myself, I related to her on a personal level. Some parts were downright hard to read, so be weary of that of PPD is a trigger for you. You think you know where it’s going. You don’t. Just when you’re getting comfortable, the story throws a curveball!
Young’s writing is immersive, balancing psychological depth with just the right amount of nail-biting tension. It’s unsettlingly real, diving headfirst into difficult themes with an impressive effortlessness. The ending left me wanting for a bit more. Certain plot threads dangled just out of reach, and a late-introduced character seemed more important than they were.
Even with those little blips, There She Lies is a haunting, well-crafted thriller that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. If you like dark, thought-provoking mysteries with twists that slap you awake at 2 AM, add this one to your list. It's worth a read. First book by this author, but it won't be my last. 🥰
Young’s writing is immersive, balancing psychological depth with just the right amount of nail-biting tension. It’s unsettlingly real, diving headfirst into difficult themes with an impressive effortlessness. The ending left me wanting for a bit more. Certain plot threads dangled just out of reach, and a late-introduced character seemed more important than they were.
Even with those little blips, There She Lies is a haunting, well-crafted thriller that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. If you like dark, thought-provoking mysteries with twists that slap you awake at 2 AM, add this one to your list. It's worth a read. First book by this author, but it won't be my last. 🥰
June 7, 2022
Quinn and William along with their newborn son, make a big move so that William can pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. They live in a house that is owned by William’s instructor. After moving, Quinn is struggling with motherhood and depression, being a mom is not what she thought it would be. They become friends with Rose their older neighbor and she helps them out now and again with their son. Rose seems like a nice older lady, but she is hiding deep dark secrets. However, Quinn has a secret of her own. These two worlds collide and it is a twist that I did not see coming. This book was recommended on a Facebook group and glad that I downloaded it on my Kindle. Definitely a great read.
January 1, 2024
Good thriller with many twists and turns. However, the pace of the first third of the story is slow and redundant; the main characters are not very endearing... Likewise, several secondary characters obtain a point of view in the story, in the form of chapters, which, for many, remain poorly developed. Although the plot becomes more gripping about halfway through the book, the fact that the emphasis is still on a grumpy baby makes the reading cumbersome. In short, a good first read for 2024!
January 8, 2026
I’m surprised so many people enjoyed this book. I found it annoying to finish due to the predictability, and slow and redundant writing. It felt like reading an essay of a student trying to reach a total word count limit. Padded with unnecessary information and the introduction of underdeveloped characters, the book was hard to enjoy. Although there were many opportunities to create thrilling twists, you’re left with no answers, unfinished storylines, and an anti-climactic finish.
February 8, 2021
I'm so excited to finally share this book with all of you!!! The story came to me in a two second vision that left so many questions running wild in my mind and wouldn't let me sleep. It's a mother's worst nightmare. Get lost in this intense psychological thriller and get to know The Millers and Mrs. Westover during some of the darkest times of their lives. I hope you enjoy !
June 4, 2022
What a thrilling ride! With such a compassionate look at the often untalked about thoughts behind postpartum depression, the horrors of this tale oscillate between the darkness that can consume our worst bits and the monsters outside of us.
This story unfolded in unpredictable layers, holding me captive as I read!
This story unfolded in unpredictable layers, holding me captive as I read!
August 6, 2023
This book was amazing! I love thrillers that keep your attention and don't give everything away. This book was so hard to put down. I almost read it in one sitting. When reading this, you could feel the emotions dripping off the pages, it was written very well. I wish I could read this over again for the first time.
May 22, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down! I loved how all the characters are tied together and how the book just makes you think what the….!
June 1, 2022
Great read
Loved all the twists and intertwined stories. The ending fell a little flat for me but overall a really good book.
Loved all the twists and intertwined stories. The ending fell a little flat for me but overall a really good book.
January 17, 2023
Very addictive story want to know who you can trust. Answers might surprise you.
June 12, 2024
Perfect book. Finished it in 2 days easily. Hard read while on my first maternity leave though!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews