The Lies They Told

by Mary Perrine

No one noticed me until the day I went missing. From that point on, they couldn't stop seeing me. My face was plastered everywhere - in the news, on social media, and on fliers tacked up around the small Minnesota town of Cedar Point.
For my entire adult life, I had been invisible. I wasn't an oops, a child my parents would eventually grow to love. I was a dammit, a baby no one would ever love. Lily and Laurel, my identical twin sisters, were my parents' dream. I was their mistake. Plain Jane is what they called me.
I had always lived in the shadow of others - until a terrifying call sent me on the run. Someone wanted me dead? Was it my prominent husband, who was privately abusive? My estranged parents? The town drifter, with whom I was closer than my own family? Or the Chief of Police, someone I had loved since I was twelve? Were some working together? I could trust no one.
All these years, I thought no one saw me. But as the lies blossomed, I realized everyone had from the very beginning. Like a marionette, I had been forced to dance. I was a puppet with many masters, each waiting for the perfect moment to use me and then cast me aside.
While some lies are small, the lies they told had the potential to destroy me.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2022

About the author

Growing up in McGregor, Minnesota, Mary Perrine learned to write at the tender age of four when her mother told her to “watch people and tell their stories—just make them bigger”. Essentially, her mom taught her to lie. After thirty-six years of teaching, Mary stepped into the career she always wanted—writing. With six books and numerous awards, she continues to tell stories that make her mother proud, and readers can’t put down.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫- The story was good, captivating and kept you guessing what was going to happen next. I thought it bounced around too much though. It would be the POV from Jane in present time then all of a sudden it'd be from her as a child.
Sometimes that was confusing in the beginning but got better the further I read.
And the ending...🤯

[Mary Vinje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

This book was completely different than Mary's first book, but once again, I had to make myself put it down. So many hints and clues...I could not predict the outcome. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and can't wait for Mary's third book!

[Dawn Flaskerud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again... Mary did it again... A good book and very hard to put down.

[Beth Dykman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! If you can handle the truth of our history…this is a must read! I had a hard time getting into the book but by the 5th chapter I was engaged, horrified and saddened by the reality.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book contains graphic child and spousal abuse that was very hard to read. I wish there would have been a trigger warning at the beginning of the book.

[JENNIFER SCHMIEG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. The twists and intertwining storylines had me wanting more. Being from Minnesota, I enjoyed all the local connections I could make. Can't wait to read more of Mary's books.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Great mystery that keeps you guessing for a long time and then excitedly waiting for the end.

[Linda Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the end and this book does. So many reasonable twists and turns! I’m looking forward to reading more of Mary Perrine’s books.

[Nathalie Levac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite disturbing because it’s based on actual policies. I loved it. It taught me about a subject matter that was completely unknown to me.

[Sarah (BlondeBookBesties) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally go for mysteries, but this one had me hooked by chapter 3! Mary did an excellent job giving us clues here and there, letting us come to our own conclusion before flipping the coin and taking us another direction. The characters were relatable and I enjoyed the multiple point of view. Sometimes I can get whiplash with the MPV but with this story it worked beautifully. I liked the ending but not the call Brian takes, it felt unnecessary to finish the story.

There were many "Oh my god" moments and many "awww that's cute" moments. Well balanced and surprising at times.

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok story but WAY too many characters and twisted relationships. Made my head spin just trying to keep track