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One Good Lie
One little lie will be her downfall.
Ruby has always been the strong, older sister. Sophie has been the delicate one.
Ruby can’t help but worry for Sophie, who is wracked with guilt for introducing their mother to the man who would eventually murder her. And then the unthinkable happens. On the night of their mother’s wake, another woman is killed, a woman whose name they haven't heard in a long time.
Ruby doesn’t want to suspect Sophie’s boyfriend, Ewan, of foul play. But she knows that Ewan was in the area the woman was killed around the time of her death – a fact that he desperately wants to hide. Ruby can’t help but wonder what else Ewan is hiding. But the more she digs, the more she wonders just how much danger her sister might be in…
Ruby has always been the strong, older sister. Sophie has been the delicate one.
Ruby can’t help but worry for Sophie, who is wracked with guilt for introducing their mother to the man who would eventually murder her. And then the unthinkable happens. On the night of their mother’s wake, another woman is killed, a woman whose name they haven't heard in a long time.
Ruby doesn’t want to suspect Sophie’s boyfriend, Ewan, of foul play. But she knows that Ewan was in the area the woman was killed around the time of her death – a fact that he desperately wants to hide. Ruby can’t help but wonder what else Ewan is hiding. But the more she digs, the more she wonders just how much danger her sister might be in…
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2021
57 people are currently reading
946 people want to read
About the author
Jane Isaac
45 books348 followersJane Isaac is married to a retired detective and they live in rural Northamptonshire, UK with their dogs, Bollo and Digity.
Jane is author of three bestselling detective series: DCI Helen Lavery, DI Will Jackman (based in Stratford upon Avon), and DC Beth Chamberlain (a Family Liaison Officer). She also writes standalone suspense novels.
Her books have been nominated as best mystery in the 'eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards' and selected as 'Thriller of the Month' by E-thriller.com.
Jane loves to hear from readers and writers. You can reach her via her website at www.janeisaac.co.uk where you can join her Readers' Club for information on new releases.
Jane is author of three bestselling detective series: DCI Helen Lavery, DI Will Jackman (based in Stratford upon Avon), and DC Beth Chamberlain (a Family Liaison Officer). She also writes standalone suspense novels.
Her books have been nominated as best mystery in the 'eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards' and selected as 'Thriller of the Month' by E-thriller.com.
Jane loves to hear from readers and writers. You can reach her via her website at www.janeisaac.co.uk where you can join her Readers' Club for information on new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
May 20, 2021
Ruby and Sophie’s mother was murdered nearly a year ago and on the evening after the memorial service Sophie’s partner Ewan kissed Ruby. They agreed to keep quiet about the incident but the aftermath of this led to multiple problems, danger and a multitude of secrets and lies. Ruby and Sophie narrated the story alternately which worked well with their contrasting views.
First of all, the positives of the book. The characterisation of the sisters was good with their emotions clearly depicted. Ruby’s growth of anxiety regarding Ewan and her escalation of suspicion was good as was the deterioration of the sisters relationship. Sophie had many struggles too and this was clearly demonstrated. There were moments of tension, some creepiness and a few good red herrings. I liked the premise of the novel too.
However, the start of the book with the setting of the scene was all over the place being muddled and confused. The style at times was impersonal and so you didn’t especially invest in the sisters story. It was unevenly paced, at times it was slow and there was quite a bit of going round and round in Sophie’s head. The perpetrator became obvious and was easy to predict with clear warning signs but the motivation was strange and I didn’t find it very believable.
Overall, this was not a bad book by any means but I was disappointed as I’ve read a few books by Jane Isaac and enjoyed them but this one was only good in parts.
With thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc in return for an honest review.
First of all, the positives of the book. The characterisation of the sisters was good with their emotions clearly depicted. Ruby’s growth of anxiety regarding Ewan and her escalation of suspicion was good as was the deterioration of the sisters relationship. Sophie had many struggles too and this was clearly demonstrated. There were moments of tension, some creepiness and a few good red herrings. I liked the premise of the novel too.
However, the start of the book with the setting of the scene was all over the place being muddled and confused. The style at times was impersonal and so you didn’t especially invest in the sisters story. It was unevenly paced, at times it was slow and there was quite a bit of going round and round in Sophie’s head. The perpetrator became obvious and was easy to predict with clear warning signs but the motivation was strange and I didn’t find it very believable.
Overall, this was not a bad book by any means but I was disappointed as I’ve read a few books by Jane Isaac and enjoyed them but this one was only good in parts.
With thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc in return for an honest review.
May 6, 2021
Oh my GOODNESS!! I absolutely loved this story of two sisters. We first meet Sophie and Ruby at the memorial of their beloved mother who was shockingly murdered in their small town. The sisters have had a tough time but at least they’ve been there for one another through it all. The killer has been caught, and is now prison, so the sisters can get on with their healing process, right? WRONG!
So begins a tense and creepy story where the sisters’ lives are gradually and terrifyingly picked apart. Each of them is struggling with their own demons, but instead of supporting one another like they would normally do, they’re gradually drifting apart, and becoming more isolated. Suspicions are growing and trust is being eroded on both sides.
I loved the fact that this story was told from both points of view. It gave more depth yet felt very pacey as I flipped from one sister’s story to the other. It got to the point where I was suspecting every single character in the book, and the tension at times was unbearable. The ending was twisty, thrilling, scary and, best of all, satisfying.
Truly a wonderful psychological thriller that kept me captivated throughout!
So begins a tense and creepy story where the sisters’ lives are gradually and terrifyingly picked apart. Each of them is struggling with their own demons, but instead of supporting one another like they would normally do, they’re gradually drifting apart, and becoming more isolated. Suspicions are growing and trust is being eroded on both sides.
I loved the fact that this story was told from both points of view. It gave more depth yet felt very pacey as I flipped from one sister’s story to the other. It got to the point where I was suspecting every single character in the book, and the tension at times was unbearable. The ending was twisty, thrilling, scary and, best of all, satisfying.
Truly a wonderful psychological thriller that kept me captivated throughout!
June 19, 2021
ONE GOOD LIE is a standalone psychological thriller by bestselling author Jane Isaac.
The plot centers around two sisters: Sophie and Ruby. Sophie is the youngest sister, the soft delicate one, a single mother of two young children, Alfie and Daisy. Sophie has been in a one- year relationship with Ewan. Ruby, the eldest strong sister, is single and works as a Senior designer. She had been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Tom, but now had moved on, as she was not ready to commit.
Aileen McBride, the girl’s mother, had been murdered by her partner, Colin Halliday, in the kitchen at the back of her shop. Colin was found guilty and received a life sentence, to serve a minimum of fifteen years.
Sophie felt responsible for her mother’s death because it was her that introduced Colin to their mother. If it wasn’t for Sophie, her mother would still be alive…and for that she feels guilty.
The girls had never had a proper funeral for their mom, so now on the anniversary of Aileen’s birthday, the daughters were throwing her celebration of life, a memorial service, with her friends present.
Ruby’s sister’s boyfriend is her worst nightmare.
On the night of her mother’s wake, Ewan kisses a shocked Ruby. They both agree to pretend that the kiss never happened – in fact, according to Ewan, no one even needs to know he walked Ruby home.
But when Ruby learns of another woman's murder close to Ewan’s route home on the night of the kiss, she fears that her lie has left her sister in terrible danger.
The police were looking for witnesses that had been in the area that night. They had a fuzzy CCTV photo of Ruby and Ewan. Ewan was unwilling to go to the police and admit it was them, for fear of losing Sophie. Ewan had persuaded Ruby to lie or not admit they had been together. Just one little lie!
After all, how well do the sisters really know Ewan? Why did he want to hide that he was in the area at the time the woman was killed? What really happened on the day their mother died?
Ruby sets out to find the truth…to protect her sister.
One Good Lie is a well-written, domestic thriller, that starts off a little slow, but builds slowly with enough red herrings along the path to satisfy the reader.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
The plot centers around two sisters: Sophie and Ruby. Sophie is the youngest sister, the soft delicate one, a single mother of two young children, Alfie and Daisy. Sophie has been in a one- year relationship with Ewan. Ruby, the eldest strong sister, is single and works as a Senior designer. She had been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Tom, but now had moved on, as she was not ready to commit.
Aileen McBride, the girl’s mother, had been murdered by her partner, Colin Halliday, in the kitchen at the back of her shop. Colin was found guilty and received a life sentence, to serve a minimum of fifteen years.
Sophie felt responsible for her mother’s death because it was her that introduced Colin to their mother. If it wasn’t for Sophie, her mother would still be alive…and for that she feels guilty.
The girls had never had a proper funeral for their mom, so now on the anniversary of Aileen’s birthday, the daughters were throwing her celebration of life, a memorial service, with her friends present.
Ruby’s sister’s boyfriend is her worst nightmare.
On the night of her mother’s wake, Ewan kisses a shocked Ruby. They both agree to pretend that the kiss never happened – in fact, according to Ewan, no one even needs to know he walked Ruby home.
But when Ruby learns of another woman's murder close to Ewan’s route home on the night of the kiss, she fears that her lie has left her sister in terrible danger.
The police were looking for witnesses that had been in the area that night. They had a fuzzy CCTV photo of Ruby and Ewan. Ewan was unwilling to go to the police and admit it was them, for fear of losing Sophie. Ewan had persuaded Ruby to lie or not admit they had been together. Just one little lie!
After all, how well do the sisters really know Ewan? Why did he want to hide that he was in the area at the time the woman was killed? What really happened on the day their mother died?
Ruby sets out to find the truth…to protect her sister.
One Good Lie is a well-written, domestic thriller, that starts off a little slow, but builds slowly with enough red herrings along the path to satisfy the reader.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
June 23, 2021
When this book landed on my kindle I just had that deep instinctual knowledge that this was going to be my kind of book. The relationship between siblings is a deep and complicated one. We have this passed down expectation that we should be close with them but don’t look away too quickly because sibling rivalry will soon be skipping down the corridors of the mind. The blurb had me searching for clues, is there something hidden in plain sight? Is a shadow creeping at the very edge of your vision? This stand-alone thriller was everything I needed at precisely the right time.
One Good Lie had a strong opening that had me hungering for more. Two sisters, who couldn’t be more different if you had plucked them from a large crowd. The saying like chalk and cheese springs to mind. The starting cadence had the ethereal feel of a movie in slow motion. The events and reasonings are happening in front of you but you know there is more to it all than what meets the eye.
Sophie and Ruby are struggling to come to terms with the untimely death of their mother. She was murdered, however, now that her killer is behind bars they want to move forward and are treating her wake as a celebration of her life. Like any emotionally charged situation, Ruby has one too many to drink and gets herself into a bit of a state, Sophie’s boyfriend walks her home, but what is his motivation? Ensuring his girlfriend’s sister gets home safe or is it romantically enclined? He makes a pass at her which ultimately leaves Ruby wondering how much she knows about Ewan. It starts a spiralling set of events that border on obsession and fear.
Jane Isaacs took a microscope and focused it on the intricate relationship between siblings and the elephant in the room, grief. The red herrings, the drama and the potential fallout had all my alarm bells ringing. My favourite part of the novel was just how much the author had seeped her characters into reality. Real-life situations were the catalyst of so much destruction. Ruby wanted to know the truth, she was only looking out for her younger sister but ended up alienating herself due to her obsessive way of getting to the truth.
Nothing makes a better psychological thriller than the human condition. This is everything human, the relationships, the fallout, the impact of one little thought that can spiral. Relationships are held together by a bit of string, the threads slowly unravelling. A book that I just had to read one more chapter.
One Good Lie was shocking and compelling, I felt lost in maze of destruction and wanting – wanting to know the truth but afraid of the potential outcome.
One Good Lie had a strong opening that had me hungering for more. Two sisters, who couldn’t be more different if you had plucked them from a large crowd. The saying like chalk and cheese springs to mind. The starting cadence had the ethereal feel of a movie in slow motion. The events and reasonings are happening in front of you but you know there is more to it all than what meets the eye.
Sophie and Ruby are struggling to come to terms with the untimely death of their mother. She was murdered, however, now that her killer is behind bars they want to move forward and are treating her wake as a celebration of her life. Like any emotionally charged situation, Ruby has one too many to drink and gets herself into a bit of a state, Sophie’s boyfriend walks her home, but what is his motivation? Ensuring his girlfriend’s sister gets home safe or is it romantically enclined? He makes a pass at her which ultimately leaves Ruby wondering how much she knows about Ewan. It starts a spiralling set of events that border on obsession and fear.
Jane Isaacs took a microscope and focused it on the intricate relationship between siblings and the elephant in the room, grief. The red herrings, the drama and the potential fallout had all my alarm bells ringing. My favourite part of the novel was just how much the author had seeped her characters into reality. Real-life situations were the catalyst of so much destruction. Ruby wanted to know the truth, she was only looking out for her younger sister but ended up alienating herself due to her obsessive way of getting to the truth.
Nothing makes a better psychological thriller than the human condition. This is everything human, the relationships, the fallout, the impact of one little thought that can spiral. Relationships are held together by a bit of string, the threads slowly unravelling. A book that I just had to read one more chapter.
One Good Lie was shocking and compelling, I felt lost in maze of destruction and wanting – wanting to know the truth but afraid of the potential outcome.
May 29, 2021
this book was a good one. not my favorite thriller ever, but not bad either. and i would say it has stalker/obsession over people kinda vibe which is always creepy af.
however, i found Sophie, one of the 2 sisters, sooo annoying and naive at some parts. i also didn't really like the idea of this particular person being resposible for the deaths, it just didn't hit right. like it was meh for me, yk? and the whole ending wasn't really as good to me tbh, the way everything unfolded. i wanted to be shocked, confused, played with (like some thrillers do with readers' heads), but i was reading it with such a poker face lmaoo.
i think the start of the book to the middle were the parts that really made up for it.
and PLEASE can they not spoil anything in the synopsis??? i think i would of liked it SOOO much better if i didn't already know that Ewan was a dickhead & has something up his sleeve. so disappointed about that :/
however, i did enjoy the book, i loved how close the sisters Sophie and Ruby were and their relationship with their mother as well. the family drama is everything to me lmaoo.
i do recommend this if u wanna get into this genre, but avid thriller readers won't find anything marvelous in this book 🤷♀️
however, i found Sophie, one of the 2 sisters, sooo annoying and naive at some parts. i also didn't really like the idea of this particular person being resposible for the deaths, it just didn't hit right. like it was meh for me, yk? and the whole ending wasn't really as good to me tbh, the way everything unfolded. i wanted to be shocked, confused, played with (like some thrillers do with readers' heads), but i was reading it with such a poker face lmaoo.
i think the start of the book to the middle were the parts that really made up for it.
and PLEASE can they not spoil anything in the synopsis??? i think i would of liked it SOOO much better if i didn't already know that Ewan was a dickhead & has something up his sleeve. so disappointed about that :/
however, i did enjoy the book, i loved how close the sisters Sophie and Ruby were and their relationship with their mother as well. the family drama is everything to me lmaoo.
i do recommend this if u wanna get into this genre, but avid thriller readers won't find anything marvelous in this book 🤷♀️
August 10, 2021
Having long been a fan of Jane Isaac’s three crime series, I was keen to read this standalone venture into psychological thriller territory.
Set over a period of nine days and following a most intriguing prologue, the story begins with a small memorial service at Sophie’s home for Aileen McBride, the mother of Sophie and Ruby. Aileen had been murdered many months before and following the trial, the person responsible was now in prison. It is also the anniversary of Aileen’s birthday. Although still grieving, both sisters wanted this to be a point to move their lives forward – Sophie had a new boyfriend, Ewan who seemed to be perfect and Ruby was getting on with her life. However, things are not that straightforward and something happens that night which makes Ruby doubt Ewan and she is forced to lie. It is when the lies start to catch up with her that she starts digging further and things do get interesting.
Jane Isaac has managed to keep the suspense and tension going throughout the story. Matters are further complicated when a woman’s body is found which has connections to Aileen’s murder and, with various unsettling occurrences, the worry is that the sisters are in danger.
Talking about characters, Ruby was by far my favourite sister. She was tenacious in her investigations to find out the truth and desperate to protect her remaining family. It’s a little odd to say that I disliked a character, because they hadn’t actually done anything wrong, but Sophie really irritated me. She was the more sensitive of the two sisters – but the most stubborn and naive and I lost patience with her so many times, especially when she threw a hissy fit. There was something a bit off about Ewan, but he appeared to be very supportive to Sophie and so good with her children, could he really be capable of anything so awful?
With an intermittent narrative by an unknown sinister voice, this well plotted thriller had me wondering if anyone was who they claimed to be. I had my suspicions about a couple of people and there was a point when I realised the who but not the why however all was revealed before the dramatic conclusion and it was something that I hadn’t even considered.
After a slower start to bring the characters into play, this turned into a fast paced read and the author’s first foray into the thriller genre has got off to a very good start. I do love her crime novels but look forward to reading more thrillers too.
Set over a period of nine days and following a most intriguing prologue, the story begins with a small memorial service at Sophie’s home for Aileen McBride, the mother of Sophie and Ruby. Aileen had been murdered many months before and following the trial, the person responsible was now in prison. It is also the anniversary of Aileen’s birthday. Although still grieving, both sisters wanted this to be a point to move their lives forward – Sophie had a new boyfriend, Ewan who seemed to be perfect and Ruby was getting on with her life. However, things are not that straightforward and something happens that night which makes Ruby doubt Ewan and she is forced to lie. It is when the lies start to catch up with her that she starts digging further and things do get interesting.
Jane Isaac has managed to keep the suspense and tension going throughout the story. Matters are further complicated when a woman’s body is found which has connections to Aileen’s murder and, with various unsettling occurrences, the worry is that the sisters are in danger.
Talking about characters, Ruby was by far my favourite sister. She was tenacious in her investigations to find out the truth and desperate to protect her remaining family. It’s a little odd to say that I disliked a character, because they hadn’t actually done anything wrong, but Sophie really irritated me. She was the more sensitive of the two sisters – but the most stubborn and naive and I lost patience with her so many times, especially when she threw a hissy fit. There was something a bit off about Ewan, but he appeared to be very supportive to Sophie and so good with her children, could he really be capable of anything so awful?
With an intermittent narrative by an unknown sinister voice, this well plotted thriller had me wondering if anyone was who they claimed to be. I had my suspicions about a couple of people and there was a point when I realised the who but not the why however all was revealed before the dramatic conclusion and it was something that I hadn’t even considered.
After a slower start to bring the characters into play, this turned into a fast paced read and the author’s first foray into the thriller genre has got off to a very good start. I do love her crime novels but look forward to reading more thrillers too.
June 8, 2021
Thank you Netgalley, Canelo, and Jane Isaac for this ARC.
I struggled to get into this book. It crawled so slowly until about 70%. The characters were under developed and boring, which pulled from the suspect aspect of them. Even the twists at the end didn't feel as hard-hitting as they could have been. This book didn't hit the target for me.
I struggled to get into this book. It crawled so slowly until about 70%. The characters were under developed and boring, which pulled from the suspect aspect of them. Even the twists at the end didn't feel as hard-hitting as they could have been. This book didn't hit the target for me.
June 8, 2021
This book starts off slow but picks up steam as it goes on. It centers primarily on Ruby, who is reeling from the brutal death of her mother when her sister Sophie's boyfriend makes a romantic advance on her. Because everyone has been through so much, they agree to not tell anyone, but another murder occurs which causes Ruby to question everything she thinks is true.
I had a really hard time getting into this book over the first 30% or so- I felt that it was slow paced and somewhat repetitive. After that point, the tension picks up the rest of the book is a faster read. I did figure out who the villain was, but there were a few surprises here and there before all was revealed.
Overall, this was an OK book- the ending was somewhat satisfying but the slow burn and the predictable ending likely won't make it super memorable for me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really hard time getting into this book over the first 30% or so- I felt that it was slow paced and somewhat repetitive. After that point, the tension picks up the rest of the book is a faster read. I did figure out who the villain was, but there were a few surprises here and there before all was revealed.
Overall, this was an OK book- the ending was somewhat satisfying but the slow burn and the predictable ending likely won't make it super memorable for me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2021
A devastating murder in Sophie and Ruby's family is just the start of a traumatic year. With secrets building and tensions rising, who can be trusted? Why does Ewan, Sophie's partner, not like to talk about his past? Why does Sophie have bruises on her neck and wrists? More importantly, is anything ever as it seems?
I loved this book! It had some really good twists, a few parts I saw coming but it didn't really affect the story as the major twist could never have been guessed! A very tense read that made me not want to put it down! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
I loved this book! It had some really good twists, a few parts I saw coming but it didn't really affect the story as the major twist could never have been guessed! A very tense read that made me not want to put it down! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
June 24, 2021
What a mess! Ruby has just left her mother's wake and has had a few drinks too many. Walking home, she finds her sister's boyfriend, Ewan, walking with her. Then she get s real shock .. Ewan grabs her and kisses her. Ruby immediately withdraws in shock and anger.
Ewan has been wonderful to Ruby's sister, Sophie, got her through their mother's murder, funeral, wake... helps her with her two young children. He really wants to keep this from Sophie ... Ruby agrees. This was just a stupid mistake.
When Ruby learns of another woman's murder close to Ewan’s route home on the night of the kiss, she fears that her lie has left her sister in terrible danger.
After all, how well do the sisters really know Ewan? How well do they know each other? And are they sure they know the truth about what really happened on the day their mother died?
Someone is stalking Ruby. Is she being targeted as the next victim? Is it Ewan, who wants her separated from her sister and will do anything to keep Sophie from knowing he made a pass at her sister? Ruby's ex-boyfriend who wants to make amends and is angry because the only word Ruby has for him is NO? Her ex-boyfriend's friend, who seems to be turning up wherever Ruby is? Her boss, who has really been acting strange? The man who killed their mother .. and who is in prison ... but manages to stay in touch with Ruby .. he does have friends on the outside, right?
Suspense starts from the very first and maintains a high level throughout. There are many suspects who bear watching. Characters are finely drawn. This was the author's first psychological suspense.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of ONE GOOD LIE. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 14, 2021
All I can say is WOW, if this is Jane Isaac’s first foray into psychological thriller writing, I am chomping at the bit to see what she produces next. This was an absolute cracker of a story, centring on two sisters grieving the loss of their mother who was murdered in their small hometown. I won’t spoil the details of the story, but safe as to say there’s a pervading sense of unease from page one, setting the tone for an intense, chilling and twisty read that had me hooked until the thrilling, heart-stopping denouement that didn’t disappoint with a series of revelations I hadn’t seen coming.
I liked that all the characters felt real and relatable, helped along by the fact that we see things from both sisters’ viewpoints. There was no obvious culprit, several characters had flaws and potential motivations, making me doubt them all, and racing to get to the end for the big reveal.
A first-rate thriller and a must for all fans of this genre. Highly recommended!
I liked that all the characters felt real and relatable, helped along by the fact that we see things from both sisters’ viewpoints. There was no obvious culprit, several characters had flaws and potential motivations, making me doubt them all, and racing to get to the end for the big reveal.
A first-rate thriller and a must for all fans of this genre. Highly recommended!
June 17, 2021
This is a fabulous standalone thriller from Jane Isaacs that kept me guessing throughout. I’ve loved her crime series previously so I was thoroughly looking forward to this psychological thriller from Jane and I wasn’t disappointed!
Sophie and Ruby are both struggling to come to terms with their mothers murder but her killer is now behind bars and they want to celebrate their mums life at her wake. But Ruby gets herself into a bit of a state when her sister’s boyfriend walks her home from the wake after she’s had a few drinks. She is shocked when he kisses her but the next day she starts to wonder what she really knows about Ewan. And as she digs further into his life, she risks her relationship with the sister that she loves…and possibly her life.
There were so many red herrings here that my head was spinning! Lots of questions needed to be answered and none of the paths that my thoughts wandered down seemed to lead to the truth! Ewan appeared to be the perfect boyfriend and had been wonderful for Sophie and her two young children, who have all been so much happier since he came into their lives but Ruby is suspicious after a woman is discovered murdered not far from where Ewan kissed her especially when Sophie seemed unaware that Ewan was even out of the house! I loved Ruby who came across as a devoted sister and daughter just trying to protect her family but managing to alienate herself from them all with her obsession to discover the truth.
I loved One Good Lie and really hope that Jane Isaac will continue to write psychological thrillers in a similar vein. This was an addictive and gripping read that demanded “just one more chapter” every time I tried to put it down! Definitely worth a read but be warned that it’s a bit of a sleep-stealer!
Sophie and Ruby are both struggling to come to terms with their mothers murder but her killer is now behind bars and they want to celebrate their mums life at her wake. But Ruby gets herself into a bit of a state when her sister’s boyfriend walks her home from the wake after she’s had a few drinks. She is shocked when he kisses her but the next day she starts to wonder what she really knows about Ewan. And as she digs further into his life, she risks her relationship with the sister that she loves…and possibly her life.
There were so many red herrings here that my head was spinning! Lots of questions needed to be answered and none of the paths that my thoughts wandered down seemed to lead to the truth! Ewan appeared to be the perfect boyfriend and had been wonderful for Sophie and her two young children, who have all been so much happier since he came into their lives but Ruby is suspicious after a woman is discovered murdered not far from where Ewan kissed her especially when Sophie seemed unaware that Ewan was even out of the house! I loved Ruby who came across as a devoted sister and daughter just trying to protect her family but managing to alienate herself from them all with her obsession to discover the truth.
I loved One Good Lie and really hope that Jane Isaac will continue to write psychological thrillers in a similar vein. This was an addictive and gripping read that demanded “just one more chapter” every time I tried to put it down! Definitely worth a read but be warned that it’s a bit of a sleep-stealer!
August 7, 2021
This book kept me up late at night, then made me thoroughly antisocial today. I couldn’t wait to find out the truth and see how things worked out! The story was full of drama, believable strained relationships, twists, turns, clues and red herrings. I was thoroughly invested in the fate of sisters Ruby and Sophie and loved the way Jane Isaac limited both their options, tying them in knots that ramped up the tension as the stakes rose. It may take some time for my adrenaline levels to return to normal! A first-rate psychological thriller.
November 18, 2025
Good solid holiday read! A fair paced thriller with two sisters at the center - Sophie and Ruby. Losing their mother in a brutal murder the story starts from after the event. Not too many characters to keep on top of so the story develops and flows very easily.
Grief and consequences of lies run through the book and you can feel the emotional connection between the sisters throughout. Would definitely read another of this authors books 📕
Grief and consequences of lies run through the book and you can feel the emotional connection between the sisters throughout. Would definitely read another of this authors books 📕
May 22, 2021
This was a change in direction for Jane Isaac, but she hasn't let us down. A well drawn plot line with believable and interesting characters. Well paced with moments of tension and intrigue.
January 22, 2022
Enjoyable, really good twist and nicely fast-paced!
June 21, 2021
One little lie will be her downfall.
Sophie and Ruby are sisters, both grieving for their mother who was murdered by the man that Sophie introduced her to, he is now behind bars and they can finally celebrate their mum's life but, on the night of the wake, another woman is killed, someone they both know but haven't heard about for years and suddenly things aren't as straightforward as they seemed. Ruby doesn't trust Sophie's new boyfriend Ewan, she knows he was in the area of the murder on that night, was he involved, what other secrets is he hiding and how much danger is her sister in?
One Good Lie is a fast paced read, with a great plot and believable characters. I immediately felt empathy for both Ruby and Sophie, they had both suffered such a terrible, unnecessary loss and were struggling, both with that and the breakdown of relationships with their partners. I didn't take to Ewan, Sophie's new boyfriend, at all, he was definitely a shifty character and seemed hell-bent on alienating everyone that Sophie was close to.
This psychological thriller is a first for this author, up to now her books have all been crime series and are fabulous reads, so I was quite excited to see how this would pan out and I was not disappointed, I couldn't put it down! It has short chapters which makes it much easier to read 'just one more' and before I knew it I was half way through the book and reading well into the early hours, devouring the whole book in less than two days. Jane Isaac keeps the reader guessing throughout this nailbiting, tense read which is full of twists and just when you think you know who the perpetrator is she throws another red herring into the mix. I can't wait to read more in this vein by her.
I'd like to thank Canelo and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Sophie and Ruby are sisters, both grieving for their mother who was murdered by the man that Sophie introduced her to, he is now behind bars and they can finally celebrate their mum's life but, on the night of the wake, another woman is killed, someone they both know but haven't heard about for years and suddenly things aren't as straightforward as they seemed. Ruby doesn't trust Sophie's new boyfriend Ewan, she knows he was in the area of the murder on that night, was he involved, what other secrets is he hiding and how much danger is her sister in?
One Good Lie is a fast paced read, with a great plot and believable characters. I immediately felt empathy for both Ruby and Sophie, they had both suffered such a terrible, unnecessary loss and were struggling, both with that and the breakdown of relationships with their partners. I didn't take to Ewan, Sophie's new boyfriend, at all, he was definitely a shifty character and seemed hell-bent on alienating everyone that Sophie was close to.
This psychological thriller is a first for this author, up to now her books have all been crime series and are fabulous reads, so I was quite excited to see how this would pan out and I was not disappointed, I couldn't put it down! It has short chapters which makes it much easier to read 'just one more' and before I knew it I was half way through the book and reading well into the early hours, devouring the whole book in less than two days. Jane Isaac keeps the reader guessing throughout this nailbiting, tense read which is full of twists and just when you think you know who the perpetrator is she throws another red herring into the mix. I can't wait to read more in this vein by her.
I'd like to thank Canelo and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
June 13, 2021
Ruby and Sophie are sisters whose mother has been murdered nearly a year ago. The book starts with a wake in her honour. Sophie is the emotional one. Ruby is the strong one.
But then, on the day of the wake, another murder occurs. The murdered woman is connected to their mother's murder. But their mother's murderer has been convicted and is in prison. So who murdered this woman?
There are a few characters who act suspiciously. Especially Sophie's boyfriend, Ewan. After a few incidents, Ruby begins to suspect him, though she doesn't really want to. Sophie really loves him.
But what if he is the murderer after all? Will Ruby be able to save Sophie from Ewan?
The book was good and most of the loose ends got tied up in the end. I guessed the killer and the reason for killing around midway. However, it did not make the story any boring for me.
As for the characters, I found Ruby to be the best. Her friends, Kat and Lewis, and her maybe-boyfriend, Tom, are good too. Ewan is sufficiently creepy. The only weak link was Sophie. She was too naive and stubborn. Her character reminded me of a teenager more than anything else. She was nothing close to a woman around 30 with 2 children of her own.
Otherwise, a taut thriller which I really liked.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
But then, on the day of the wake, another murder occurs. The murdered woman is connected to their mother's murder. But their mother's murderer has been convicted and is in prison. So who murdered this woman?
There are a few characters who act suspiciously. Especially Sophie's boyfriend, Ewan. After a few incidents, Ruby begins to suspect him, though she doesn't really want to. Sophie really loves him.
But what if he is the murderer after all? Will Ruby be able to save Sophie from Ewan?
The book was good and most of the loose ends got tied up in the end. I guessed the killer and the reason for killing around midway. However, it did not make the story any boring for me.
As for the characters, I found Ruby to be the best. Her friends, Kat and Lewis, and her maybe-boyfriend, Tom, are good too. Ewan is sufficiently creepy. The only weak link was Sophie. She was too naive and stubborn. Her character reminded me of a teenager more than anything else. She was nothing close to a woman around 30 with 2 children of her own.
Otherwise, a taut thriller which I really liked.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
March 2, 2024
This one took a little bit to get into and I felt like the beginning was scrambled and all over the place. It was hard to keep track of the characters in a way. It had some great parts that were intense and kept you wanting to read more. The author really tries to lead you down the path one way, but there were clues that lead to a predictable ending, in my opinion.
March 3, 2024
Loved this book was so good
May 17, 2021
Jane Isaac never lets us down; this is fast-paced storytelling at its best. One Good Lie is a chilling, unputdownable read, packed with menace and suspense and increasingly claustrophobic as we are sucked ever deeper into Ruby and Sophie’s lives. Highly recommended!
October 3, 2024
Just glad its over
July 8, 2021
🔊Song Pairing: Love The Way You Lie - Eminem ft. Rihanna
💭What I thought would happen:
Knew it was going to be a thriller and presumed it was definitely a within the family kind of issue based on the little idyllic home on the cover
📖What actually happens:
It is 10 months since the passing of 48 yo Aileen Mcbride was murdered by her boyfriend. Said boyfriend was also her daughter, Ruby’s therapist.
The evening of a memorial for Aileen, Ruby stumbles home where she runs into her sister, Shelby’s shady AF boyfriend, Ewan, who makes a move on her. Additionally, a murder linked to Aileen’s murder occurs while Ruby is being attacked Ewan’s tongue (no thanks) 🤨
A spiral of lies that grow, the truth getting caught in the web of denial and avoidance.
🗯Thoughts:
This was much better than I thought it would be. It was well written and exciting. It gave me The Good Sister vibes! It was exciting right until the end. However, the ending fell a slightly bit flat for me, only because I saw it coming a mile away.
There is a titillating conflict that I live for via books since I am not a reality tv person but I swear it’s a kind of high, major endorphin push when others are feuding and has NOTHING to do with you, am I evil?!
This book made me hesitant if a man ever buys me a scarf 😂 iykyk. Maybe I need to expand my willingness to be choked…
If you like dual POVs and short chapters!
Personal story: At a very young age (think 6) my cousin who wasn’t much older than I was advised me to never stick to a routine when going home in case I have a stalker and should never be predictable. I think that was a) traumatizing and b) shaped exactly who I am and I felt this book discussing the predictability of following and watching people does NOT apply to me 😂 no wonder I’m drawn to books such as this one.
Merged review:
Title: One Good Lie
Author: Jane Isaac
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔊Song Pairing: Love The Way You Lie - Eminem ft. Rihanna
💭What I thought would happen:
Knew it was going to be a thriller and presumed it was definitely a within the family kind of issue based on the little idyllic home on the cover
📖What actually happens:
It is 10 months since the passing of 48 yo Aileen Mcbride was murdered by her boyfriend. Said boyfriend was also her daughter, Ruby’s therapist.
The evening of a memorial for Aileen, Ruby stumbles home where she runs into her sister, Shelby’s shady AF boyfriend, Ewan, who makes a move on her. Additionally, a murder linked to Aileen’s murder occurs while Ruby is being attacked by Ewan’s tongue (no thanks) 🤨
A spiral of lies that grow, the truth getting caught in the web of denial and avoidance.
🗯Thoughts:
This was much better than I thought it would be. It was well written and exciting. It gave me The Good Sister vibes! It was exciting right until the end. However, the ending fell a slightly bit flat for me, only because I saw it coming a mile away.
There is a titillating conflict that I live for via books since I am not a reality tv person but I swear it’s a kind of high, major endorphin push when others are feuding and has NOTHING to do with you, am I evil?!
This book made me hesitant if a man ever buys me a scarf 😂 iykyk. Maybe I need to expand my willingness to be choked…
If you like dual POVs and short chapters!
💭What I thought would happen:
Knew it was going to be a thriller and presumed it was definitely a within the family kind of issue based on the little idyllic home on the cover
📖What actually happens:
It is 10 months since the passing of 48 yo Aileen Mcbride was murdered by her boyfriend. Said boyfriend was also her daughter, Ruby’s therapist.
The evening of a memorial for Aileen, Ruby stumbles home where she runs into her sister, Shelby’s shady AF boyfriend, Ewan, who makes a move on her. Additionally, a murder linked to Aileen’s murder occurs while Ruby is being attacked Ewan’s tongue (no thanks) 🤨
A spiral of lies that grow, the truth getting caught in the web of denial and avoidance.
🗯Thoughts:
This was much better than I thought it would be. It was well written and exciting. It gave me The Good Sister vibes! It was exciting right until the end. However, the ending fell a slightly bit flat for me, only because I saw it coming a mile away.
There is a titillating conflict that I live for via books since I am not a reality tv person but I swear it’s a kind of high, major endorphin push when others are feuding and has NOTHING to do with you, am I evil?!
This book made me hesitant if a man ever buys me a scarf 😂 iykyk. Maybe I need to expand my willingness to be choked…
If you like dual POVs and short chapters!
Personal story: At a very young age (think 6) my cousin who wasn’t much older than I was advised me to never stick to a routine when going home in case I have a stalker and should never be predictable. I think that was a) traumatizing and b) shaped exactly who I am and I felt this book discussing the predictability of following and watching people does NOT apply to me 😂 no wonder I’m drawn to books such as this one.
Merged review:
Title: One Good Lie
Author: Jane Isaac
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔊Song Pairing: Love The Way You Lie - Eminem ft. Rihanna
💭What I thought would happen:
Knew it was going to be a thriller and presumed it was definitely a within the family kind of issue based on the little idyllic home on the cover
📖What actually happens:
It is 10 months since the passing of 48 yo Aileen Mcbride was murdered by her boyfriend. Said boyfriend was also her daughter, Ruby’s therapist.
The evening of a memorial for Aileen, Ruby stumbles home where she runs into her sister, Shelby’s shady AF boyfriend, Ewan, who makes a move on her. Additionally, a murder linked to Aileen’s murder occurs while Ruby is being attacked by Ewan’s tongue (no thanks) 🤨
A spiral of lies that grow, the truth getting caught in the web of denial and avoidance.
🗯Thoughts:
This was much better than I thought it would be. It was well written and exciting. It gave me The Good Sister vibes! It was exciting right until the end. However, the ending fell a slightly bit flat for me, only because I saw it coming a mile away.
There is a titillating conflict that I live for via books since I am not a reality tv person but I swear it’s a kind of high, major endorphin push when others are feuding and has NOTHING to do with you, am I evil?!
This book made me hesitant if a man ever buys me a scarf 😂 iykyk. Maybe I need to expand my willingness to be choked…
If you like dual POVs and short chapters!
June 6, 2021
In her author letter, Jane Isaac mentions that this is her first foray into psychological suspense after writing crime. I sincerely hope it’s not her last. I can honestly say that this is psychological fiction at its best. Cleverly written and packed full of chilling suspense, the storyline immediately intrigues. The characterisation is excellent, featuring two sisters trying to recover from the aftermath of their mother’s murder. Concerned with the fragility of her sister’s emotions and unable to trust anyone with her own, Ruby has buried her grief. Sophie, raw and vulnerable, perhaps trusts too easily. We look at people who have touched their lives, people who are involved in their lives, all the while looking for the person responsible for the tragedy that shattered their lives. We have people we abhor, those who would seek to control others who might be vulnerable and isolate them from those who would care for them. We have people we root for, hoping that they don’t turn out to be the monster that drives the story. The ending is quite masterfully done, finally revealing the who and the why. Yes, I did have a fleeting suspicion, but the cleverness of the writing is that my suspicion antennae twanged on more than one occasion. With lots of delicious twists and clashes of personality that could set the pages on fire, One Good Lie ticks all the boxes for me. A hugely satisfying read and one I would highly recommend.
May 17, 2021
A long twisty novel that keeps you guessing till the very end; in my opinion, this book falls into my 'ambivalent' category. (I have to come up with a more creative name for this.)
Ruby and Sophie Mc Bride's sisterly bond is put to the test when Ewan, Sophie's boyfriend, makes a pass at Ruby. Still grieving the loss of their mother, the sisters are barely holding on, with Ruby shutting everyone out and Sophie relying on the occassional pills. But someone with sinister intent is stalking the sisters and unless they stick together, they won't make it out alive.
The suspense was taut right from the first page; the prologue itself reeled me in. The author managed to keep my interest piqued and the plethora of characters had me suspecting every character. Though I did figure out the villain, their motive was quite a change from the usual 'jilted lover' trope.
At seventy-four chapters, it was quite a long read that dragged at times. The one thing that I absolutely did not appreciate about this book was the author's tendency to focus on inane matters, like the waitress's blue hair or the random Asian woman who entered the restaurant. Also the backstory on Heather and Bridget seemed irrelevant to the plot as a whole.
Overall, a slow-burn suspense novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby and Sophie Mc Bride's sisterly bond is put to the test when Ewan, Sophie's boyfriend, makes a pass at Ruby. Still grieving the loss of their mother, the sisters are barely holding on, with Ruby shutting everyone out and Sophie relying on the occassional pills. But someone with sinister intent is stalking the sisters and unless they stick together, they won't make it out alive.
The suspense was taut right from the first page; the prologue itself reeled me in. The author managed to keep my interest piqued and the plethora of characters had me suspecting every character. Though I did figure out the villain, their motive was quite a change from the usual 'jilted lover' trope.
At seventy-four chapters, it was quite a long read that dragged at times. The one thing that I absolutely did not appreciate about this book was the author's tendency to focus on inane matters, like the waitress's blue hair or the random Asian woman who entered the restaurant. Also the backstory on Heather and Bridget seemed irrelevant to the plot as a whole.
Overall, a slow-burn suspense novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2022
Overly long and repetitive with pretty flat writing and storytelling. The baddie is super super super obvious in that it follows the standard blueprint . Unoriginal and stale. Nothing to make this story stand out from the pack.
May 16, 2021
As a confirmed Jane Isaac fan, I was delighted to receive a review copy of her first standalone psychological thriller via publishers Canelo and NetGalley although a little wary because like many readers, I've had such trouble staying focused on fiction this past year. But...
Book drought over! Hooked from page one, didn't stop reading until silly o'clock, had a few hours sleep, walked the dog then dived back in to finish.
Totally believable characters, great plot and enough red herrings to keep crime fans happy. Plus a moving depiction of how easily one can get caught up in a controlling relationship, testing strong friendships and even a bond between loving sisters.
Highly recommended!
Book drought over! Hooked from page one, didn't stop reading until silly o'clock, had a few hours sleep, walked the dog then dived back in to finish.
Totally believable characters, great plot and enough red herrings to keep crime fans happy. Plus a moving depiction of how easily one can get caught up in a controlling relationship, testing strong friendships and even a bond between loving sisters.
Highly recommended!
May 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book - Ruby and her sister Sophie have lost their mam to violence with the perpetrator behind bars. On the anniversary of theirs mam's death they hold a gathering at Sophie's home, afterwards Ruby walks home only to be caught up by Ewan, Sophie's boyfriend - he tries to kiss Ruby who manages to push him away. What follows is the aftermath - secrets being kept and then revealed, the girls mothers murder being looked at again after the murder of a potential witness the night of the anniversary. I really enjoyed the scope of this book - from the sisters relationship to finding out that the person in jail for their mams murder may be innocent - It had lots going on which I thought was great. A really enjoyable thriller
December 9, 2022
I fell for every getting, hook line and sinker. I’ve read hundreds of thrillers and mysteries so you would think I would be less gullible at this point. But when a character is portrayed as evil I take that at face value and assume it must be them! I detest spoilers so I won’t go into many details on this one. I enjoyed the bumpy ride and look forward to more of them in my future.
June 24, 2021
Something a bit different from Jane Isaac this time as it’s a standalone psychological thriller. I always enjoy her books and think she writes great characters but for some reason I didn’t really take to the sisters Ruby and Sophie. I didn’t dislike them in the way I did the horrible boyfriend Ewan but I wasn’t as connected as I felt I should be. This did keep me guessing and I fell for every misdirect. This is a successful foray into thriller writing and I can only wonder what the author will try her hand at next.
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