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The Lies I Told Him
One night, Daphne’s teenage son Gabriel returns early from a house party, completely distraught. He refuses to let his mother know what’s wrong and becomes very reclusive.
But Daphne’s son is not her only concern. Far from it. Her husband is acting oddly. And she is getting messages from an ex-partner she’d very much rather forget.
Her family life seems to be unravelling at the seams, so when Gabriel’s classmate Leo gets in touch and promises to help her son, she has hopes she can address at least one problem.
But things aren’t quite as they appear. Add online shaming, flaming, and cyberbullying to the mix and Daphne’s life looks like it’s heading for catastrophe…
But Daphne’s son is not her only concern. Far from it. Her husband is acting oddly. And she is getting messages from an ex-partner she’d very much rather forget.
Her family life seems to be unravelling at the seams, so when Gabriel’s classmate Leo gets in touch and promises to help her son, she has hopes she can address at least one problem.
But things aren’t quite as they appear. Add online shaming, flaming, and cyberbullying to the mix and Daphne’s life looks like it’s heading for catastrophe…
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2021
About the author
Vanessa Garbin
13 books102 followersVanessa lives with her husband and their three children by the sea in Western Australia.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading a good book with her cat Bruce curled on her lap.
Vanessa worked as a bookseller for several years and enjoyed being surrounded by books of all genres.
Her favourite authors are John Steinbeck, Daphne Du Maurier and Ray Bradbury, and in more recent times, Shari Lapena, Claire McGowan and Kimberly Belle.
When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading a good book with her cat Bruce curled on her lap.
Vanessa worked as a bookseller for several years and enjoyed being surrounded by books of all genres.
Her favourite authors are John Steinbeck, Daphne Du Maurier and Ray Bradbury, and in more recent times, Shari Lapena, Claire McGowan and Kimberly Belle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 26, 2023
Setting: Perth, Western Australia; 2019.
20 years ago, 17-year-old Daphne fled her abusive boyfriend on the East Coast and is now happily married to Joe and has a 17-year-old son Gabriel. Still trying to put the traumas of her past behind her, Daphne revels in her new life, despite a recent lack of intimacy in her marriage.
But when Gabriel returns from his first real party in a distraught state and refuses to talk about it, Daphne is uncertain what to do. Approached by one of his classmates, Leo, who says he is also concerned about Gabriel's changed behaviour, Daphne starts to communicate with Leo. The reader, however, also sees Gabriel's side of things and knows that he detests Leo!
As Daphne continues trying to help Gabriel - and remains in contact with Leo - she starts to get anonymous emails threatening to expose her previous East Coast life, of which she is not proud....
Like several reviewers, I felt that Daphne continued to make bad decisions throughout the book and, like them, just wanted to give her a good shake to make her come to her senses! This was the most frustrating thing for me which marred what was a quite gripping story overall, with several unexpected twists. However, although the epilogue was a clear attempt to explain the outcome for the various characters (including the 'villains'), no mention was made of the 'other men', which was disappointing. Also, didn't get much of an Aussie vibe from this one - could have been set anywhere! Nonetheless, still a 4* read for me but slight downgrade on the 'mark' for the reasons stated - 8/10.
20 years ago, 17-year-old Daphne fled her abusive boyfriend on the East Coast and is now happily married to Joe and has a 17-year-old son Gabriel. Still trying to put the traumas of her past behind her, Daphne revels in her new life, despite a recent lack of intimacy in her marriage.
But when Gabriel returns from his first real party in a distraught state and refuses to talk about it, Daphne is uncertain what to do. Approached by one of his classmates, Leo, who says he is also concerned about Gabriel's changed behaviour, Daphne starts to communicate with Leo. The reader, however, also sees Gabriel's side of things and knows that he detests Leo!
As Daphne continues trying to help Gabriel - and remains in contact with Leo - she starts to get anonymous emails threatening to expose her previous East Coast life, of which she is not proud....
Like several reviewers, I felt that Daphne continued to make bad decisions throughout the book and, like them, just wanted to give her a good shake to make her come to her senses! This was the most frustrating thing for me which marred what was a quite gripping story overall, with several unexpected twists. However, although the epilogue was a clear attempt to explain the outcome for the various characters (including the 'villains'), no mention was made of the 'other men', which was disappointing. Also, didn't get much of an Aussie vibe from this one - could have been set anywhere! Nonetheless, still a 4* read for me but slight downgrade on the 'mark' for the reasons stated - 8/10.
January 12, 2022
New author for me to follow!
After reading "What We Did Last Night", I checked to see what else I could
find by this author, because I liked her style of writing and the way she got me interested in her characters. I'm so glad I did! Daphne is married with one teenage son, Gabriel. She has a big secret that she has been keeping for 20 years that is threatening to come out because someone else knows what it is. While she is trying to deal with this, she has husband and son problems. Add in a friend of her son's, who is clearly in love with her and it makes for a good read. I recommend this book ( but would also like to go down as saying that even though I loved the character, Daphne is dumb as a stump)!😁
After reading "What We Did Last Night", I checked to see what else I could
find by this author, because I liked her style of writing and the way she got me interested in her characters. I'm so glad I did! Daphne is married with one teenage son, Gabriel. She has a big secret that she has been keeping for 20 years that is threatening to come out because someone else knows what it is. While she is trying to deal with this, she has husband and son problems. Add in a friend of her son's, who is clearly in love with her and it makes for a good read. I recommend this book ( but would also like to go down as saying that even though I loved the character, Daphne is dumb as a stump)!😁
January 19, 2022
Daphne is married to Joe and they have a son, Gabriel. Born Ana, Daphne has changed her identity, her hair colour, eye colour and moved across the country to escape her abusive ex-boyfriend Justin. So far she has avoided recognition even though Justin has memorialized a terrible incident involving Ana on video.
When Daphne starts receiving threatening emails and her son starts behaving abnormally, her life is turned upside down as her past threatens to become public.
A good one day read but Daphne's behaviour lost this book a star for me. Instead of sympathizing with her, I wanted to shake her repeatedly. What mature, decent woman befriends her son's friend, visits him, meets him for coffee, has dinner with him but hasn't the intelligence to speak to his parents ever or question him staying in a mansion on his own. 4 stars
When Daphne starts receiving threatening emails and her son starts behaving abnormally, her life is turned upside down as her past threatens to become public.
A good one day read but Daphne's behaviour lost this book a star for me. Instead of sympathizing with her, I wanted to shake her repeatedly. What mature, decent woman befriends her son's friend, visits him, meets him for coffee, has dinner with him but hasn't the intelligence to speak to his parents ever or question him staying in a mansion on his own. 4 stars
December 4, 2021
A tight and compelling domestic thriller that encompasses all the murky and boiling issues of suburban life. A typical family with secrets and tribulations only some are much darker than they first appear. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. A fantastic story!
October 30, 2024
I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, but had a hard time getting through this one. Felt like a bad Lifetime movie I was reading. I rolled my eyes several times because the main character was just doing very stupid things and it was really just unbelievable. In my opinion: skip this one!!
February 2, 2022
Great story!
I devoured this book in one sitting. Would give 5 stars for the writing and character depth but I was so irritated by the many proofreading errors or editing errors in the book. Yes, I am a grammar nerd! Things like, "Between you and I" really get on my last nerve. Slows down my reading as I silently correct what should have been corrected before going to print. The author is terrific and I will look forward to more from her.
I devoured this book in one sitting. Would give 5 stars for the writing and character depth but I was so irritated by the many proofreading errors or editing errors in the book. Yes, I am a grammar nerd! Things like, "Between you and I" really get on my last nerve. Slows down my reading as I silently correct what should have been corrected before going to print. The author is terrific and I will look forward to more from her.
March 20, 2022
A very good read but with TW required
Great characters, original plot that is drip fed to you through fast paced plots. Trigger warning is needed for this book, as it features rape, child abuse, drug abuse and may upset some readers but i found it to be a very good read and hopefully even a book to encourage more people to speak up
Great characters, original plot that is drip fed to you through fast paced plots. Trigger warning is needed for this book, as it features rape, child abuse, drug abuse and may upset some readers but i found it to be a very good read and hopefully even a book to encourage more people to speak up
January 18, 2022
Found myself cringing at the characters making one bad decision after another. But still a good read!
September 25, 2022
TRULY a MUST read!
I love this novel! I read at least two books a week and I promise you will love this one! Enjoy!
I love this novel! I read at least two books a week and I promise you will love this one! Enjoy!
March 8, 2022
fantastic story
I love that you feel that know what is going to happen and then it doesn't. The end is a good lesson for all
I love that you feel that know what is going to happen and then it doesn't. The end is a good lesson for all
January 13, 2022
I gave this book 4 stars because Daphne actually annoyed me so much. I will let you all make up your own minds but I feel that her actions at times were inappropriate.
July 6, 2022
Amazing!
I loved this story; the characters are well written and believable. I loved the twists and turns in the tale, and how the past linked up with the present so well.
I loved this story; the characters are well written and believable. I loved the twists and turns in the tale, and how the past linked up with the present so well.
February 6, 2022
Such a great story
From the page, I was hooked with this story. Finished the book in one day, which is an achievement for me. I loved the style of writing & how the story flowed. Definitely worth a read👍🏽
From the page, I was hooked with this story. Finished the book in one day, which is an achievement for me. I loved the style of writing & how the story flowed. Definitely worth a read👍🏽
February 4, 2022
This is a 4.5! I started this late last night and finished it this morning!
The author has me anxious within 5 pages and it kept building!
I had to stay in it to find out what the heck was going on, I loved the way the author choose not to go the predictable route and threw curve balls in the plot!
The author has me anxious within 5 pages and it kept building!
I had to stay in it to find out what the heck was going on, I loved the way the author choose not to go the predictable route and threw curve balls in the plot!
April 10, 2022
Beautifully written
I couldn't put it down! The characters and dialogue are fantastic. Fast paced and REAL. Off to find another Vanessa Garbin book.
I couldn't put it down! The characters and dialogue are fantastic. Fast paced and REAL. Off to find another Vanessa Garbin book.
April 24, 2022
Wasn’t happy with some of Daphne’s actions but the story was a twisty one.
January 3, 2022
Fantastic
What a rollacoster of a storey unfolds drawing you in the more you read the deeper you are drawn in
What a rollacoster of a storey unfolds drawing you in the more you read the deeper you are drawn in
December 31, 2021
This one reminded me of a Lifetime movie. A very quick and simple read.
It did have a surprise ending but I needed more twists and turns.
Easy read though that I read in 1 sitting.
It did have a surprise ending but I needed more twists and turns.
Easy read though that I read in 1 sitting.
January 28, 2023
Anna's truth
This kept me on my toes guessing who had who's secret. The last hour I couldn't put it down I had to stay up and finish it.
This kept me on my toes guessing who had who's secret. The last hour I couldn't put it down I had to stay up and finish it.
January 24, 2023
This was a nice easy read and I got into it straight away.
Worked out pretty early on that one of the characters at the beginning of the book wasn't all they seemed, so I wanted to see how the plot unfolded and who that character fitted in with.
Would recommend,
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion
Worked out pretty early on that one of the characters at the beginning of the book wasn't all they seemed, so I wanted to see how the plot unfolded and who that character fitted in with.
Would recommend,
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion
December 23, 2021
This is the second book I’ve read by this author this week, and I’m hooked.
Another compelling read. Anna, as a teenager, escaped her abusive partner and changed her identity, fleeing the area and starting again with a new identity.
Now it seems that Daphne is concerned for her teenage son and his strange friendship with another boy. What secrets are they keeping and why can’t she confide in her husband? Is it her imagination, or is her ex about to catch up with her too?
Another compelling read. Anna, as a teenager, escaped her abusive partner and changed her identity, fleeing the area and starting again with a new identity.
Now it seems that Daphne is concerned for her teenage son and his strange friendship with another boy. What secrets are they keeping and why can’t she confide in her husband? Is it her imagination, or is her ex about to catch up with her too?
December 22, 2021
Compelling
So compelling, I will Follow this author anywhere. I try not write spoilers so I will say this is for anyone who likes dramatic drama with some suspense.
The story is socially relevant, the characters make the book and the setting is a great backdrop. The author focused on story and let the setting recede in the background and with this technique it felt a little like any neighborhood anywhere.
This is my second book by this author and both got 5 stars of which I’m stingy with.
Grab what you need before this book grabs you and reels you in.
So compelling, I will Follow this author anywhere. I try not write spoilers so I will say this is for anyone who likes dramatic drama with some suspense.
The story is socially relevant, the characters make the book and the setting is a great backdrop. The author focused on story and let the setting recede in the background and with this technique it felt a little like any neighborhood anywhere.
This is my second book by this author and both got 5 stars of which I’m stingy with.
Grab what you need before this book grabs you and reels you in.
August 5, 2024
What to do... After a tragedy happens!
This was a very good, wonderful story, I was wondering if I had missed something in the preview of it. I had not. This was a great, realistic telling of what people CAN do during and after something horrible happens to themselves and others.
What I really loved, was the caring within the people, the good intentions those good people had... and then the other side, some people will never change!
This was a well-wound story, very real-like, which does put out some triggers for some. For some of us, it made us feel great that the good won, even if ours did not.
Thank you, Vanessa Garbin, for a great story! I look forward to reading more of your work.
This was a very good, wonderful story, I was wondering if I had missed something in the preview of it. I had not. This was a great, realistic telling of what people CAN do during and after something horrible happens to themselves and others.
What I really loved, was the caring within the people, the good intentions those good people had... and then the other side, some people will never change!
This was a well-wound story, very real-like, which does put out some triggers for some. For some of us, it made us feel great that the good won, even if ours did not.
Thank you, Vanessa Garbin, for a great story! I look forward to reading more of your work.
August 26, 2023
Triggers for sexual abuse. Ok so I’m at 42% and feeling frustrated with Daphne. Maybe some people really are as naive and gullible as she is in regards to Leo. And I feel like there has been a lot of repetitiveness. The book has gone over and over the fact that Daphne has a secret past. Leo is a creep. Joe likes porn and it’s the only way he can get hard. Gabriel is changed because something happened at a party. So needless to say, I’m not feeling like there has been much that has happened plot wise yet. I did finish the book. 2.0 audio.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2021
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Daphne's concerns appear superficial at first, a bored housewife suffering from a disinterested husband. But there are other things stirring in the background and when her kid starts to have problems and she's befriended by a weird kid, her life starts to spiral until only by taking decisive actual can she find her feet.
August 15, 2022
Great Story
This story kept me flipping the pages late into the night. The tension around Daphne and who was sending her the emails and what happened at the 'party' was well done. My only gripe and what seemed implausible was a grown woman texting a young 17yo and going to his house at odd hours of the night to help him find a murderer. Still, the ending really tired everything together beautifully. Good read.
This story kept me flipping the pages late into the night. The tension around Daphne and who was sending her the emails and what happened at the 'party' was well done. My only gripe and what seemed implausible was a grown woman texting a young 17yo and going to his house at odd hours of the night to help him find a murderer. Still, the ending really tired everything together beautifully. Good read.
December 8, 2022
Wicked and Clever
This is not just a good story with well developed characters, it’s a book of triumph. I am so glad I found it and I hope it has empowered anyone who needed the boost.
This is not just a good story with well developed characters, it’s a book of triumph. I am so glad I found it and I hope it has empowered anyone who needed the boost.
April 1, 2024
This is the second of Vanessa Garbin’s books that I have read and oh my god!!! I honestly could not put it down. She is an amazing writer. Gripping from the first page till the last. I can’t wait to start the next… and hopefully a lot more from her. Absolutely fantastic!!!!
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May 17, 2022DNF
July 25, 2022
A great read
A great story covering some very important issues. You really feel for the characters, even more so as you know it goes on in real life.
A great story covering some very important issues. You really feel for the characters, even more so as you know it goes on in real life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews