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Eva Rae Thomas #17
So We Lie
This mystery novel is the prequel to the #1 bestselling Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series.
Eva Rae Thomas is in over her head on her first assignment as an FBI profiler in multi-million-copy bestselling author Willow Rose’s nail-biting mystery.
When the mother of two, Arlene Wood, crashes her car against a tree at four in the morning, the case seems pretty straightforward.
But evidence found in the remains of the car soon raises the question of whether this was really an accident.
Shortly after, her husband is taken in and later convicted of having murdered his own wife. But many questions remain unanswered.
Why was Arlene driving in the middle of the night? Why did she leave the house, her husband, and her sleeping children, get into her car, and drive away? Was she meeting someone?
A friend?
A lover?
A killer?
Six years later, fresh out of training, FBI-profiler Eva Rae Thomas is new on the job when she stumbles upon something that suddenly blows this case wide open.
But can she persuade anyone to reopen the case when even the husband is convinced that he is guilty?
And will she be able to do it in time before this killer strikes again?
Eva Rae Thomas is in over her head on her first assignment as an FBI profiler in multi-million-copy bestselling author Willow Rose’s nail-biting mystery.
When the mother of two, Arlene Wood, crashes her car against a tree at four in the morning, the case seems pretty straightforward.
But evidence found in the remains of the car soon raises the question of whether this was really an accident.
Shortly after, her husband is taken in and later convicted of having murdered his own wife. But many questions remain unanswered.
Why was Arlene driving in the middle of the night? Why did she leave the house, her husband, and her sleeping children, get into her car, and drive away? Was she meeting someone?
A friend?
A lover?
A killer?
Six years later, fresh out of training, FBI-profiler Eva Rae Thomas is new on the job when she stumbles upon something that suddenly blows this case wide open.
But can she persuade anyone to reopen the case when even the husband is convinced that he is guilty?
And will she be able to do it in time before this killer strikes again?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2021
1917 people are currently reading
1284 people want to read
About the author
Willow Rose
232 books2,710 followersWillow Rose is a multi-million-copy best-selling Author and an Amazon ALL-star Author of more than 100 novels.
Several of her books have reached the top 10 of ALL books on Amazon in the US, UK, and Canada. She has sold more than three million books all over the world.
She writes Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Horror, Supernatural thrillers, and Fantasy.
Willow's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming. That's why her fans call her The Queen of Scream.
Willow lives on Florida's Space Coast. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her surfing and watch the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Connect with Willow online:
http://www.facebook.com/willowredrose
https://twitter.com/madamwillowrose
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/willo...
Sign up for Willow's VIP email list, and you'll automatically be notified as soon as her next book is released: www.willow-rose.net
Inbox already stuffed? Send the word: “ebooks” to 31996 to get a text alert with news about new releases, giveaways, and bargains from Willow.
Several of her books have reached the top 10 of ALL books on Amazon in the US, UK, and Canada. She has sold more than three million books all over the world.
She writes Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Horror, Supernatural thrillers, and Fantasy.
Willow's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming. That's why her fans call her The Queen of Scream.
Willow lives on Florida's Space Coast. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her surfing and watch the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Connect with Willow online:
http://www.facebook.com/willowredrose
https://twitter.com/madamwillowrose
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/willo...
Sign up for Willow's VIP email list, and you'll automatically be notified as soon as her next book is released: www.willow-rose.net
Inbox already stuffed? Send the word: “ebooks” to 31996 to get a text alert with news about new releases, giveaways, and bargains from Willow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 25, 2022
So We Lie is the prequel to the Eva Rae Thomas series, taking the readers back to the beginning of Eva's career as a FBI profiler but comes much later in the order of the actual series which so far consists of ten books. The thing is I already have a few books from the series but I decided to start off with this prequel. On the whole, the book was definitely very fast paced but I felt that after all the non-stop chase the mystery, which deals with a six year old murder cold case and child trafficking, still seemed unresolved. However, it is hinted that this book is connected with the events of book 1 in the series so I guess I will read that next to see how the plot from both books come together and the whole thing resolved.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Buoy Media LLC and the author Willow Rose via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Buoy Media LLC and the author Willow Rose via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
August 16, 2023
4 Stars
Complicated story at the beginning. Very back and forth from 6 years ago to present.
Some characters aren't who you think are.
Well written with a great ending.
This is the start of a detective series.
Complicated story at the beginning. Very back and forth from 6 years ago to present.
Some characters aren't who you think are.
Well written with a great ending.
This is the start of a detective series.
December 16, 2021
Good, but I expected a little better. I found it a little bit hard to follow.
March 8, 2022
Eva Rae, a FBI agent has opened a six years old murder case for further investigation, the murder victim Arlene was a married woman and eventually her husband Frank was convicted of her murder. but when Eva begins to delve deeper into old evidences, suddenly one of the main witnesses ends up murdered in a brutal way. so she suspects that Frank may have been wrongly accused.
So I haven't read the previous nine books but this was a really good experience. the author gave briefly history of her between pages so I did fell comfortable reading the tenth book of a series and wasn't confused. the story line was great and though some of the scenes could be better, the whole book was a very delightful experience for me.
This is my honest opinion.
I hope you enjoy reading it. and thanks to NetGallery for providing me a copy of this great book.
this review will be published on Goodreads and NetGallery.
So I haven't read the previous nine books but this was a really good experience. the author gave briefly history of her between pages so I did fell comfortable reading the tenth book of a series and wasn't confused. the story line was great and though some of the scenes could be better, the whole book was a very delightful experience for me.
This is my honest opinion.
I hope you enjoy reading it. and thanks to NetGallery for providing me a copy of this great book.
this review will be published on Goodreads and NetGallery.
November 8, 2021
Just not great.
The story was confusing at times. The then and now approach is hard to write and it be well written with a plot that draws us in and characters we want to understand. In my opinion, this was all over the place. As adults when an abuser is at his height in anger, he or she does not say darn, dang, and heck. When a woman is being slapped we do not hear, “you darn well know why”, which makes it unreal! I just could not get this book.
The story was confusing at times. The then and now approach is hard to write and it be well written with a plot that draws us in and characters we want to understand. In my opinion, this was all over the place. As adults when an abuser is at his height in anger, he or she does not say darn, dang, and heck. When a woman is being slapped we do not hear, “you darn well know why”, which makes it unreal! I just could not get this book.
December 12, 2021
Can FBI agent Eva Rea Thomas figure out who really committed this crime?
FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas is compelled to reopen a murder investigation that is six-years old. Arlene (the murder victim) is married to Frank who is eventually convicted of his wife's murder. As Eva Rae begins sifting through old evidence, suddenly eyewitnesses to the crime are brutally murdered. This new development leads Eva to suspect Frank may have been wrongfully convicted. leaving the real killer on the loose.
So We Lie by Willow Rose is the prequel in the Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series. Currently this series consists of ten books.
I was very invested in each character as they unfolded in the author's writing. I did have a few very small issues with the ending scenes, but overall this is a very good read.
Thank you to Willow Rose and NetGalley for this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is being published on NetGalley and Goodreads.
FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas is compelled to reopen a murder investigation that is six-years old. Arlene (the murder victim) is married to Frank who is eventually convicted of his wife's murder. As Eva Rae begins sifting through old evidence, suddenly eyewitnesses to the crime are brutally murdered. This new development leads Eva to suspect Frank may have been wrongfully convicted. leaving the real killer on the loose.
So We Lie by Willow Rose is the prequel in the Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series. Currently this series consists of ten books.
I was very invested in each character as they unfolded in the author's writing. I did have a few very small issues with the ending scenes, but overall this is a very good read.
Thank you to Willow Rose and NetGalley for this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is being published on NetGalley and Goodreads.
October 23, 2021
All I can say is wow. I have read this whole series and loved them all..this one included. This book helps fill in some blanks in Eva Rae’s past and help you understand a few things better. I gotta say that I thought I had it figured out early on but I should have known better...it’s never the easy. The story grabs a hold of you right from the start and doesn’t let you go. Then ending was shocking to me and it was great! The only thing I can say bad about this book is that it’s so good that you’ll finish it before you know it but be back to waiting for the next one...hahahaha. Would definitely recommend you read this!!
June 23, 2022
My first mistake with this book was possibly the high expectation, for the series to be spanning to 10+ books.
I understand that this was intended to be a prequel and therein lies my second mistake: of having read the prequel before the books published earlier. Star Wars ought to have taught me that.
Coming to the actual book: It's not as gripping a thriller as I hoped it to be, despite the fact that I finished it in two days. But that could be because I just wanted the book to get over so I could start another. The ending was predictable, no major plot twists.
Nevertheless, the build up of the character enticed me to take up the next books in the series sometime to give the series another chance. Also in the hope of perhaps a more interesting case for Eva Rae.
I understand that this was intended to be a prequel and therein lies my second mistake: of having read the prequel before the books published earlier. Star Wars ought to have taught me that.
Coming to the actual book: It's not as gripping a thriller as I hoped it to be, despite the fact that I finished it in two days. But that could be because I just wanted the book to get over so I could start another. The ending was predictable, no major plot twists.
Nevertheless, the build up of the character enticed me to take up the next books in the series sometime to give the series another chance. Also in the hope of perhaps a more interesting case for Eva Rae.
November 1, 2021
Once again another outstanding, intriguing story. Eva Rae is busy trying to solve a case. Is it an accident or a murder. Fast paced, action packed as always. Definitely need more.
November 24, 2021
In the prologue we are introduced to Mindy and Tuck, the drunk couple who were involved in the collision that killed Arlene Woods and in the back of my mind, I couldn’t work out how this was ever treated as a murder as Arlene had been killed when she collided with a tree but it’s certainly clear that there is more to this than meets the eye.
There are a lot of characters introduced from the outset and I found it difficult to place the timeline and how it all fitted together but once I got into the flow, I was hooked and the suspense is pretty tremendous throughout.
Six years have passed and Eva Rae Thomas has decided that in her new role as an FBI profiler, she wants to take on the case of the murder of Arlene Woods having studied it when she was in training. It’s fair to say that the case has stuck in her thoughts since that time and she can’t shake it off as she is utterly convinced that Arlene’s killer, the man who was convicted of her murder, is innocent as he does not fit the profile.
It is a truly exceptionally well written thriller.
Eva Rae Thomas is a gloriously rich character. She has been working hard to get the job of a profiler in a field that she feels a little overwhelmed in, but she has a stamina and conviction second to none and is determined to take on this case even if it puts pressure on her marriage and the fact that she’s not around very much for her two daughters. Let’s face it, as mothers in the 21st century, we all have an element of the guilt of wanting a career as well as to be a good mother to our children.
The way the Author releases the information about how this came to be a murder case is executed brilliantly, with Eva Rae pitching to the most frightening woman in her office, something that is made clear to her she shouldn’t have done makes it all the more authentic and believable.
Mindy ad Tuck are a couple of colourful characters. Now separated, Mindy very much wants to go to the police and tell them what happened that night.
The novel has got a sense of Dan Brown about it, not by the content of the story but purely because the Author lays a hook at the end of each chapter that leaves you in suspense and it became one of those books that I stayed up late into the night to read ‘just one more chapter.’
The reality was that I couldn’t put this book down.
The authentic writing style is fast paced and totally page turning stuff. The ending felt as though I was full of suspense, most definitely keeping me on my toes.
Highly recommended.
There are a lot of characters introduced from the outset and I found it difficult to place the timeline and how it all fitted together but once I got into the flow, I was hooked and the suspense is pretty tremendous throughout.
Six years have passed and Eva Rae Thomas has decided that in her new role as an FBI profiler, she wants to take on the case of the murder of Arlene Woods having studied it when she was in training. It’s fair to say that the case has stuck in her thoughts since that time and she can’t shake it off as she is utterly convinced that Arlene’s killer, the man who was convicted of her murder, is innocent as he does not fit the profile.
It is a truly exceptionally well written thriller.
Eva Rae Thomas is a gloriously rich character. She has been working hard to get the job of a profiler in a field that she feels a little overwhelmed in, but she has a stamina and conviction second to none and is determined to take on this case even if it puts pressure on her marriage and the fact that she’s not around very much for her two daughters. Let’s face it, as mothers in the 21st century, we all have an element of the guilt of wanting a career as well as to be a good mother to our children.
The way the Author releases the information about how this came to be a murder case is executed brilliantly, with Eva Rae pitching to the most frightening woman in her office, something that is made clear to her she shouldn’t have done makes it all the more authentic and believable.
Mindy ad Tuck are a couple of colourful characters. Now separated, Mindy very much wants to go to the police and tell them what happened that night.
The novel has got a sense of Dan Brown about it, not by the content of the story but purely because the Author lays a hook at the end of each chapter that leaves you in suspense and it became one of those books that I stayed up late into the night to read ‘just one more chapter.’
The reality was that I couldn’t put this book down.
The authentic writing style is fast paced and totally page turning stuff. The ending felt as though I was full of suspense, most definitely keeping me on my toes.
Highly recommended.
October 22, 2021
I was not fond of this book, I did read it all in one setting. I guess that the main reason that I gave" So We Lie " such a dismal rating is that I have read all of the other Eva Rae books in the series ( all 5 stars I think) and just couldn't seem to make sense of it being the first of the story I had already read the books further along in the series. I thought that it also had way to many players that seemed unconnected to each other until the very end. The 'bad' woman wasn't really a bad woman, the innocent, framed man wasn't really innocent. The murdered woman was murdered because she wanted to go to the police, but the murderer didn't want to got to the police because 2 other police hadn't helped her in her crisis (situation). It just all seemed very confusing, the reason for the murders didn't make any sense, the children (except for 2 who weren't even taken by the bad guys) were still missing at the end of the story and the actual bad guys got away to continue on with their bad ways, then on top of that the woman doing all of the murders, just seemed to murder anyone and everyone that were unrealated to the crime against her. I'm going to have to read it again to try to understand it.
November 9, 2021
This book takes us back to Eva Rae's beginnings as an FBI agent. It is a great prequel to the series, introducing us to many of the characters that we see throughout the series. It sets the framework for who Eva Rae is and the type of agent she will become. The story is well written and the mystery complex and well plotted. A very satisfying read!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
April 16, 2022
3.5 stars
The book is the prequel to the Eva Rae Thomas series. A mother of two crashes her car into a tree at 4am and it seems fairly straight forward but evidence found in the car soon raises doubt and questions. In short order her husband is arrested and convicted of her murder. Six years later, novice FBI profiler Eve Rae Thomas com across some information that blows the case wide open and she has to convince others to reopen the case and find the real murderer. The story was a bit convoluted and hard to follow in parts, flipping back and forth in time, but overall Eva's determined search for the truth shows us glimpses of the agent she will become. A great story that will have me checking out other books in the series. Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is the prequel to the Eva Rae Thomas series. A mother of two crashes her car into a tree at 4am and it seems fairly straight forward but evidence found in the car soon raises doubt and questions. In short order her husband is arrested and convicted of her murder. Six years later, novice FBI profiler Eve Rae Thomas com across some information that blows the case wide open and she has to convince others to reopen the case and find the real murderer. The story was a bit convoluted and hard to follow in parts, flipping back and forth in time, but overall Eva's determined search for the truth shows us glimpses of the agent she will become. A great story that will have me checking out other books in the series. Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2025
A fast paced read. I was confused at times with the different POV, but things came together rapidly at the end. I didn’t like the very last part- it seemed the duration of the story was pointing a different direction. There were a couple of things I still wondered about at the end too.
November 4, 2021
Driven.
It was good to get the story of Eva Rae's early career moves. It was convoluted and full of suspense. Her dogged search for the truth was convincing, but corrosive.
It was good to get the story of Eva Rae's early career moves. It was convoluted and full of suspense. Her dogged search for the truth was convincing, but corrosive.
Read
January 21, 2022DNF
November 2, 2021
This may be #10 in the Eva Rae series, but it's a prequel and takes us to meet Eva when she's starting her career as an FBI profiler. She's studied a case in school and she's sure the wrong guy was convicted. As she starts an investigation, she encounters more dead bodies and deeper mystery.
This is a great detective/mystery/suspense story. Willow Rose tells a great story and in this book, she has multiple story lines going, both past and present. Like so many other books by Willow Rose, this one is full of so any twists that it's difficult to figure out who the bad guy or guys may be. It may keep you guessing until the end. I'm a big fan of Willow Rose and she does not disappoint.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. This is my honest review.
This is a great detective/mystery/suspense story. Willow Rose tells a great story and in this book, she has multiple story lines going, both past and present. Like so many other books by Willow Rose, this one is full of so any twists that it's difficult to figure out who the bad guy or guys may be. It may keep you guessing until the end. I'm a big fan of Willow Rose and she does not disappoint.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. This is my honest review.
November 13, 2021
So yet again I come to the party late. But in this instance I may have scored because it's the prequel. So maybe I'm on time for a change.
This was an awesome book despite not reading the previous nine. Here you learn all about Eva a newly appointed FBI profiler and how she started her career. Her first case is one that she thinks the wrong person was convicted. As she delves deeper more bodies turn up.
Rose tells an awesome story with several storylines at the same time. Both past and present. Rose has a true gift in story telling. She takes you down so many paths. More twists and turns. She certainly has me guessing. Just when you thought you had it it changed. I was guessing right up til the end.
It's a journey worth taking. Enjoy!
This was an awesome book despite not reading the previous nine. Here you learn all about Eva a newly appointed FBI profiler and how she started her career. Her first case is one that she thinks the wrong person was convicted. As she delves deeper more bodies turn up.
Rose tells an awesome story with several storylines at the same time. Both past and present. Rose has a true gift in story telling. She takes you down so many paths. More twists and turns. She certainly has me guessing. Just when you thought you had it it changed. I was guessing right up til the end.
It's a journey worth taking. Enjoy!
October 28, 2021
For those of you who know Eva Rae, and for those of you who don’t, this book will introduce you to how she got her start with the FBI. Newly hired profiler, Eva Rae Wilson works hard to prove herself. She has even taken a case to work on, on her own time. A case they studied in training class, a case she felt a man was wrongly jailed six years before, even though he confessed, because he didn’t fit the profile of a murder. What happens next opens a huge can of worms . . . Did Frank Woods really kill his wife? What did Mindy and Tuck see? What happened to Mary Ellen’s children? Who is Ethan? Why was Eva Rae shot? A lot of twists and turns along the way with a totally surprising ending. This book has me captivated and I finished it in one sitting. Each book Willow writes surpasses the previous one. I highly recommend this book and all of her Eva Rae books.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. The above review is totally my own opinion.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. The above review is totally my own opinion.
November 11, 2021
Enjoyed reading yet another awesome book by this author. Especially liked how Willow went back to the time when Eva Rae was married to Chad and at the beginning of her FBI career. The storyline was great and the book like all of her books was well written. A must read... (I received an advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.)
January 8, 2022
*This review is based on an early digital copy of the book that I was given by the publisher, and received through NetGalley. This did not sway my opinion.*
I had never heard of Willow Rose until I was given a Kindle, and started looking at free books on Amazon. Then, I saw that she’s a prolific thriller writer, with the help of the retailer. So many books had her name attached to them, and a lot of them had really good titles and nice cover art, not to mention interesting synopses.
It helped that a lot of them seemed to go free often. I guess they’re used as loss leaders, to hook a reader before hoping that they’ll buy the rest at $4-8 a pop.
Although I was too busy reading other books, I made sure to redeem any free Willow Rose book or collection that I saw, and have even blind bought some through the Kindle Daily Deals page. They’ve always been 99 cents to $2.
Yet I hadn’t read any of her novels until now, when I decided to start So We Lie a couple of days before the dawn of 2022. It’s something I’d requested and received through NetGalley, and owed a review for.
So We Lie is a prequel to the rather lengthy Eva Rae Thomas series, which exists as just one of a few or several. Thus, it provides backstory on the character — a strong-willed, redheaded, FBI agent.
This story begins after Eva Rae has been accepted into the FBI’s BAU unit as a profiler, and centres upon a case she reopens without permission. One involving a woman who seemingly died in a fiery, single vehicle car crash, but was actually murdered beforehand.
The arrested killer? Her husband, Frank.
Eva Rae has studied this particular case, and it doesn’t sit well with her. She thinks Frank may be innocent, and decides to work on it in her spare time.
In the meantime, troubles are brewing at home due to her long hours and obsession with work.
Going in, I had high hopes. I didn’t expect a Harlan Coben level masterpiece, but was excited to finally read a book by Willow Rose, whose books I had been collecting on Kindle — much like Blake Pierce’s — thanks to numerous loss leaders and good sales.
In the end, I’m left feeling ho-hum.
This isn’t a bad book by any means. In fact, I thought it started well, had a good mystery and was pretty easy to read and follow. That is, until I put it down for 3-5 days, then returned to read the last 20%. It was then that it started to fall off the rails.
The problem is that things are just too convenient. The ending is too easy, and feels too manufactured. It’s as if the author had a good premise, but didn’t really have a great ending in mind and just manufactured/rushed things.
A big part of this novel takes place in the past, and involves a woman who meets a handsome man on a dating app. You don’t know how it factors into the present day case, but eventually learn. Well, this didn’t happen as I’d expected, and I ended up being shocked by who the killer really was. Not in a good way, though. In a “That didn’t make a lot of sense” kind of way.
It also seemed like the main character deduced things awfully quickly at the end, and in a way that kind of jumped around or bypassed organic storytelling.
Here’s hoping I’ll enjoy her other books more, when I get to them. This was a mediocre introduction though, and it’s too bad because the first half or more was pretty good.
I had never heard of Willow Rose until I was given a Kindle, and started looking at free books on Amazon. Then, I saw that she’s a prolific thriller writer, with the help of the retailer. So many books had her name attached to them, and a lot of them had really good titles and nice cover art, not to mention interesting synopses.
It helped that a lot of them seemed to go free often. I guess they’re used as loss leaders, to hook a reader before hoping that they’ll buy the rest at $4-8 a pop.
Although I was too busy reading other books, I made sure to redeem any free Willow Rose book or collection that I saw, and have even blind bought some through the Kindle Daily Deals page. They’ve always been 99 cents to $2.
Yet I hadn’t read any of her novels until now, when I decided to start So We Lie a couple of days before the dawn of 2022. It’s something I’d requested and received through NetGalley, and owed a review for.
So We Lie is a prequel to the rather lengthy Eva Rae Thomas series, which exists as just one of a few or several. Thus, it provides backstory on the character — a strong-willed, redheaded, FBI agent.
This story begins after Eva Rae has been accepted into the FBI’s BAU unit as a profiler, and centres upon a case she reopens without permission. One involving a woman who seemingly died in a fiery, single vehicle car crash, but was actually murdered beforehand.
The arrested killer? Her husband, Frank.
Eva Rae has studied this particular case, and it doesn’t sit well with her. She thinks Frank may be innocent, and decides to work on it in her spare time.
In the meantime, troubles are brewing at home due to her long hours and obsession with work.
Going in, I had high hopes. I didn’t expect a Harlan Coben level masterpiece, but was excited to finally read a book by Willow Rose, whose books I had been collecting on Kindle — much like Blake Pierce’s — thanks to numerous loss leaders and good sales.
In the end, I’m left feeling ho-hum.
This isn’t a bad book by any means. In fact, I thought it started well, had a good mystery and was pretty easy to read and follow. That is, until I put it down for 3-5 days, then returned to read the last 20%. It was then that it started to fall off the rails.
The problem is that things are just too convenient. The ending is too easy, and feels too manufactured. It’s as if the author had a good premise, but didn’t really have a great ending in mind and just manufactured/rushed things.
A big part of this novel takes place in the past, and involves a woman who meets a handsome man on a dating app. You don’t know how it factors into the present day case, but eventually learn. Well, this didn’t happen as I’d expected, and I ended up being shocked by who the killer really was. Not in a good way, though. In a “That didn’t make a lot of sense” kind of way.
It also seemed like the main character deduced things awfully quickly at the end, and in a way that kind of jumped around or bypassed organic storytelling.
Here’s hoping I’ll enjoy her other books more, when I get to them. This was a mediocre introduction though, and it’s too bad because the first half or more was pretty good.
January 31, 2022
This was given to me by NetGalley to review, so for that I am grateful. Unfortunately, I realized WELL into the book that it is like the 8th book in this series. Thankfullly though, it is also a kind of prequel - so even though it is book 8- it takes the reader BACK to the beginning. I have a HUGE issue starting books in the middle of a series.....so unfortunately for me, that was not a good thing. So, there is that.
This is a "new to me" author. The series apparently is about a woman who is an FBI profiler who also is a mother and a wife. She seems to have pretty good instincts when it comes to cases, yet I have to admit, she is NOT a very likeable MC.
I'm not sure what the deal is lately, but I have come across several books lately where the MC is not even remotely likeable. Why do authors do that? Maybe it's just me but I have found that I WANT to be able to root for someone. I WANT to like SOMEONE in a story. Maybe it's just me. Thankfully, she is not TOO bad. Just a bit self centered.
The problem that I had with her was not the fact that she was a working mom and felt justified with the fact that she deserved a career. I don't think there is a working mom among us that hasn't had to deal with the guilt of being a working mom. We ALL deserve to be able to feel satisfaction not only in the home but in a career outside if that is something that we want. What I started feeling uncomfortable with was that her children tended to be "after thoughts". She literally forgot about them often. She began to lie to her husband about her where abouts and she completely dismissed his feelings about her level of contribution to the family. She thought he was just being a whiny baby and if the tables were turned, I would never want my feelings discounted like that.
But, that's neither here nor there. The case itself was really odd. When all was said and done, if you were to map it out, it doesn't really make sense. Without going into spoilers, I can't say more, but it has MANY, MANY plot holes.
So, an interesting new series, but I think I'm going to stop at this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
This is a "new to me" author. The series apparently is about a woman who is an FBI profiler who also is a mother and a wife. She seems to have pretty good instincts when it comes to cases, yet I have to admit, she is NOT a very likeable MC.
I'm not sure what the deal is lately, but I have come across several books lately where the MC is not even remotely likeable. Why do authors do that? Maybe it's just me but I have found that I WANT to be able to root for someone. I WANT to like SOMEONE in a story. Maybe it's just me. Thankfully, she is not TOO bad. Just a bit self centered.
The problem that I had with her was not the fact that she was a working mom and felt justified with the fact that she deserved a career. I don't think there is a working mom among us that hasn't had to deal with the guilt of being a working mom. We ALL deserve to be able to feel satisfaction not only in the home but in a career outside if that is something that we want. What I started feeling uncomfortable with was that her children tended to be "after thoughts". She literally forgot about them often. She began to lie to her husband about her where abouts and she completely dismissed his feelings about her level of contribution to the family. She thought he was just being a whiny baby and if the tables were turned, I would never want my feelings discounted like that.
But, that's neither here nor there. The case itself was really odd. When all was said and done, if you were to map it out, it doesn't really make sense. Without going into spoilers, I can't say more, but it has MANY, MANY plot holes.
So, an interesting new series, but I think I'm going to stop at this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
November 2, 2021
I've read a few of Eva Rae series only this one is how she got started with the FBI.
I found it a bit selfish of Eva Rae I can understand that she would want for a career but it seems she started too early and with such a young family constantly being left with the husband.
The story is basically she profiles this case while in training and she decides to investigate and hope to open up the case that the defendant was already in jail for, and that did not sit well with her superiors, all in all, I found the late nights the rows she was having with her husband, yes she worked it out in the end to what cost. I thought it was a bit messy, and I have given it a 3 normally Willow Rose books usually are much better so perhaps this was just a one-off.
I found it a bit selfish of Eva Rae I can understand that she would want for a career but it seems she started too early and with such a young family constantly being left with the husband.
The story is basically she profiles this case while in training and she decides to investigate and hope to open up the case that the defendant was already in jail for, and that did not sit well with her superiors, all in all, I found the late nights the rows she was having with her husband, yes she worked it out in the end to what cost. I thought it was a bit messy, and I have given it a 3 normally Willow Rose books usually are much better so perhaps this was just a one-off.
October 24, 2021
This is the book that started the Eva Rae Thomas series. It moved along quickly. There were a lot of characters in the book and I thought the end was a bit confusing. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read.
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
March 22, 2025
Willow Rose has done it again with So We Lie, a riveting addition to the Eva Rae Thomas series that takes us back to where it all began. Published as Book #17 in the series, this prequel is a brilliant standalone that offers readers a glimpse into Eva Rae’s early days as an FBI profiler with the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). Fans of Criminal Minds will find themselves right at home with this gripping, psychological thriller.
The story kicks off with the mysterious death of Arlene Wood, a mother of two who crashes her car into a tree at four in the morning. While the accident seems cut-and-dry, the discovery of unusual evidence in the car’s wreckage casts doubt on the initial findings. When Arlene’s husband is convicted of her murder, the case appears closed—but questions linger. What drove Arlene to leave her home in the dead of night? Was she meeting someone? And if so, who?
Fast-forward six years, and we meet a younger, more uncertain Eva Rae Thomas, fresh out of FBI training and ready to take on her first big assignment. As she revisits the case, Eva Rae uncovers a startling clue that could exonerate Arlene’s husband and expose the true culprit. But with her inexperience working against her and the odds stacked high, Eva Rae must summon every ounce of her determination to convince her team to reopen the investigation. The tension escalates as she races against time to catch the killer before they strike again.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, So We Lie is a must-read. Willow Rose delivers a masterclass in suspense, making this prequel an unforgettable addition to the Eva Rae Thomas universe. Prepare to be hooked from the first page to the last!
The story kicks off with the mysterious death of Arlene Wood, a mother of two who crashes her car into a tree at four in the morning. While the accident seems cut-and-dry, the discovery of unusual evidence in the car’s wreckage casts doubt on the initial findings. When Arlene’s husband is convicted of her murder, the case appears closed—but questions linger. What drove Arlene to leave her home in the dead of night? Was she meeting someone? And if so, who?
Fast-forward six years, and we meet a younger, more uncertain Eva Rae Thomas, fresh out of FBI training and ready to take on her first big assignment. As she revisits the case, Eva Rae uncovers a startling clue that could exonerate Arlene’s husband and expose the true culprit. But with her inexperience working against her and the odds stacked high, Eva Rae must summon every ounce of her determination to convince her team to reopen the investigation. The tension escalates as she races against time to catch the killer before they strike again.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, So We Lie is a must-read. Willow Rose delivers a masterclass in suspense, making this prequel an unforgettable addition to the Eva Rae Thomas universe. Prepare to be hooked from the first page to the last!
October 28, 2021
Eva Rae Thomas is an absolutely fascinating character. This book takes us back to the time when she was beginning her career as and FBI profiler with a brand new shiny badge. When Eva Rae was in the academy one particular case caught her attention, and she's determined to find the truth. But first she needs to convince her boss that this case needs to be investigated, and that she has discovered new evidence that will break the case wide open and calls into question the guilt of the man convicted of the crime. What she will discover is a horrifying and shocking crime ring guilty of using diabolical methods to carry out their atrocities.
All of the characters are realistic, compelling, very well written, and this book gives a reader some insights into how they evolved into who they became in the "later" books in the series. At least that's what I think and I love them all. Exciting, fast-paced, suspenseful thriller with plenty of unexpected, and surprising twists in the plot that makes it nearly impossible to put this book down. Fantastic!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
All of the characters are realistic, compelling, very well written, and this book gives a reader some insights into how they evolved into who they became in the "later" books in the series. At least that's what I think and I love them all. Exciting, fast-paced, suspenseful thriller with plenty of unexpected, and surprising twists in the plot that makes it nearly impossible to put this book down. Fantastic!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 23, 2021
This is a peep into Eva Rae Thomas's early life as an FBI Profiler.
Straight from college Eva Rae was about to open a can of worms, during her training she had come across the case of convicted murderer Frank Woods, Frank had admitted killing his wife but something didn't sit well with Eva Rae, could she convince the department to reopen the case ?
Eva Rae was good, she was driven but was she about to put her marriage on the line and her two children's lives in danger ? was she putting her work before her family ? Would getting Frank Woods released open an even bigger can of worms ?
This story is convoluted, it spans two timelines, it is intriguing, suspense filled, Eva Rae is like a terrier, she wont let go, she has the bit between her teeth and she is determined to solve this case but nothing is as it seems.
This is a great story although there are quite a lot of characters which makes it a bit confusing at times, but it was nevertheless enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary..
Straight from college Eva Rae was about to open a can of worms, during her training she had come across the case of convicted murderer Frank Woods, Frank had admitted killing his wife but something didn't sit well with Eva Rae, could she convince the department to reopen the case ?
Eva Rae was good, she was driven but was she about to put her marriage on the line and her two children's lives in danger ? was she putting her work before her family ? Would getting Frank Woods released open an even bigger can of worms ?
This story is convoluted, it spans two timelines, it is intriguing, suspense filled, Eva Rae is like a terrier, she wont let go, she has the bit between her teeth and she is determined to solve this case but nothing is as it seems.
This is a great story although there are quite a lot of characters which makes it a bit confusing at times, but it was nevertheless enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary..
November 24, 2021
SO WE LIE: A gripping, heart-stopping mystery novel (Eva Rae Thomas Mystery) by Willow Rose is the beginning of the Eva Rae Thomas mystery series and gives us insights into who this character was before she became the dominant force in the FBI. In this prequel, Eva is fresh out of the FBI training academy and has just been given her first assignment. A woman crashed her car into a tree at 4 am, but there are mysterious circumstances surrounding the accident. The husband is accused of the murder and admits his own guilt. It seems like an easy open and shut case, until new evidence comes to light that shows that there were other forces at work.
I am new to this series but am very excited that I came in at this point. This gives me the chance to see how Eva grew into the top-level FBI agent later in the series. The writing is done very well, and the narrative moves along very fast. It is easy to get lost in the story as there is so much going on. I think that fans of mystery and suspense novels will enjoy this, along with anyone who enjoys thrillers.
I am new to this series but am very excited that I came in at this point. This gives me the chance to see how Eva grew into the top-level FBI agent later in the series. The writing is done very well, and the narrative moves along very fast. It is easy to get lost in the story as there is so much going on. I think that fans of mystery and suspense novels will enjoy this, along with anyone who enjoys thrillers.
October 31, 2021
SO WE LIE is the prequel to the Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series. Willow Rose knows how to create characters that you love and hate. She keeps the chills running up and down your spine, and your eyes checking out shadows and dark corners.
Eva Rae is an FBI Profiler and finally just received her first posting to the BAU in D.C. One case her class studied in training has haunted her, now she's in a position to take a closer look at the case. Before she finishes she will stir up a hornet's nest of lies and deception going back over six years. The case seems to be taking over her life, leaving her husband to raise their two children.
This story is filled with subplots that are skillfully woven together into a surprising ending. The storyline grabbed me from the start and kept me reading through every twist and turn right up to the ending.
I did receive this book from the author and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.
Eva Rae is an FBI Profiler and finally just received her first posting to the BAU in D.C. One case her class studied in training has haunted her, now she's in a position to take a closer look at the case. Before she finishes she will stir up a hornet's nest of lies and deception going back over six years. The case seems to be taking over her life, leaving her husband to raise their two children.
This story is filled with subplots that are skillfully woven together into a surprising ending. The storyline grabbed me from the start and kept me reading through every twist and turn right up to the ending.
I did receive this book from the author and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.
October 31, 2021
The 10th book in the Eva Rae Thomas series and in one word, WOW! This is an amazing series and this book gives us the backstory on Eva Rae Thomas and how she began to make a name for herself as an FBI profiler. As with all the books in this series, it is a page turner that grabs you in and keeps you turning pages until the end. Having studied a case in school which had the husband convicted by killing the wife left her with a lot of questions. So of course, our extremely thorough and curios Eva Rae decides to get dive into the case since she felt the wrong man was convicted. And so we are treated to so many twists and turns, secrets and dead bodies that the deeper she delves into the case, the more things seem to get more and more dangerous. Will Eva Rae figure it all out and find the answers or will there be more dead bodies. The ending will take you by surprise and you will want more and more. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!
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