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The Promise Of A Lie
Howard Roughan's debut, The Up and Comer, was hailed as one of the most hip and entertaining thrillers of the year. Now Roughan returns at full stride with a scintillating novel of deception that begins when a gifted young psychologist becomes entangled in the life of a beautiful and calculating patient. Nothing can prepare Dr. David Remler for the shocking phone call he receives from a patient named Samantha Kent. Stunned and anxious to help, he rushes out into the Manhattan night to keep a bloody act of violence from spinning further out of control. He knows he is too involved, that he's crossed a line, and that his professional reputation is at stake. But he has no idea what awaits him at his destination...that he's become a pawn in a very deadly game of revenge. Suddenly the focus of a criminal case that flares into an out-of-control media circus, David has only one shot to clear his name. But first he has to clear up the mystery of his patient, - Samantha Kent. Just who is she? And why did she choose to involve David? Little by little, the outlines of a brilliant plot emerge - and, with it, the horrifying power of a single lie - In this richly textured tale of a man's battle against the mother of all manipulations, the perfect setup is even more diabolical than it looks.
432 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2004
30 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Howard Roughan
37 books81 followersHoward Roughan (pronounced "Rowan") is the author of the critically acclaimed novels, THE UP AND COMER and THE PROMISE OF A LIE, as well as the co-author of multiple #1 bestsellers with James Patterson, including HONEYMOON, 2ND HONEYMOON, DON'T BLINK, and TRUTH OR DIE. Their collaboration, MURDER GAMES, was adapted into the CBS television show "Instinct" staring Alan Cumming as Dr. Dylan Reinhart. Reinhart has returned in KILLER INSTINCT, available now, and will do so again in a third installment of the INSTINCT series, coming soon.
Howard's latest short story, THE CABOTS & THE CROMWELLS, is available on Amazon Kindle and the Kindle app.
Howard is a graduate of Dartmouth and currently resides in Naples, Florida. He and his wife have one son together who is off at college and doesn't call his parents enough.
Howard's latest short story, THE CABOTS & THE CROMWELLS, is available on Amazon Kindle and the Kindle app.
Howard is a graduate of Dartmouth and currently resides in Naples, Florida. He and his wife have one son together who is off at college and doesn't call his parents enough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 2, 2008
The protagonist Dr. David Remler,is a a compassionate, caring psychologist who is good at his work. Remler has a small social circle but is still mourning the loss of Rebecca, his wife and the mother of their pre-born child, in an accident some years before.
Remler was later framed for murder by a mysterious patient by the name of Samantha Kent, a beautiful woman who is trapped in a abusive relationship. Late one night, she calls to say she has killed her husband and gave clues that she may kill herself. Remler rushes to her home to find a dead man, but no one else. The police came to the house believing that he is the killer. Samantha Kent is alive and she is nothing like his patient. Remler is confuse as to who is the real Samantha Kent is and who is setting him up to take the blame.
These physcological thriller really creeps me out since you don't know wh the manipulator is and why they did this. These mind games make people go crazy sometimes. The way people's mind work is pretty scary. The idea that a perfect murder starts with a perfect lie, which to some extend I agree with it. A murder could not be solve if you don't find any loopholes in the lie. This is the scary part where lies could be as powerful as putting an innocent person in jail.
Remler was later framed for murder by a mysterious patient by the name of Samantha Kent, a beautiful woman who is trapped in a abusive relationship. Late one night, she calls to say she has killed her husband and gave clues that she may kill herself. Remler rushes to her home to find a dead man, but no one else. The police came to the house believing that he is the killer. Samantha Kent is alive and she is nothing like his patient. Remler is confuse as to who is the real Samantha Kent is and who is setting him up to take the blame.
These physcological thriller really creeps me out since you don't know wh the manipulator is and why they did this. These mind games make people go crazy sometimes. The way people's mind work is pretty scary. The idea that a perfect murder starts with a perfect lie, which to some extend I agree with it. A murder could not be solve if you don't find any loopholes in the lie. This is the scary part where lies could be as powerful as putting an innocent person in jail.
November 19, 2018
I-as fi dat mai multe stele daca nu mi-ar fi adus aminte la un moment dat de "Chipul fara masca" al lui Sidney Sheldon, o carte publicata in anii `80. Desigur ca exista o evolutie de atunci in ceea ce priveste acest subiect doar ca nu atat de mare cat m-as fi asteptat eu. Autorul putea sa faca mult mai mult cu aceasta poveste, sfarsitul este unul grabit si previzibil. Personajul principal ridica mari semne de intrebare... Este de necrezut ca un psihiatru sa fie atat de labil, naiv si nesigur sentimental. Alt lucru care nu mi-a placut este faptul ca totul este ori negru ori alb. Avocatii sunt toti foarte inteligenti, femeile sunt toate foarte frumoase, procurorul este mereu stangaci si psihiatrul este credul pana in panzele albe. Mi-ar fi placut sa vad si putin gri.. :)
January 25, 2018
I've become of real fan of Howard Roughan's style. Didn't want to put it down. I really enjoy the plot twists.
October 24, 2021
Nekem ez most nagyon jólesett, faltam az oldalakat. Épp olyan stílusban íródott, amit szeretek: volt benne humor és irónia, könnyed, mint egy Coben krimi. A pszichológus főszereplő agyalása speciális ízt adott a történetnek, és a tárgyalótermi részeket is imádtam. A végső csavaron már nem lepődtem meg, de nyilván túl sok krimit olvasok. Sose hallottam a szerzőről, de bárcsak írna még!
January 24, 2021
Cartea nu este foarte credibila. In rest, este antrenanta si te tine cu sufletul la gura.
August 10, 2022
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Howard Roughan; LOVE his Instinct series, with the infamous Dr. Dylan Rinehart. The MC for this story is psychologist Dr David Remler who has been accused of the murder of a patient’s husband. Unfortunately, Dr. David is nowhere near as intelligent or as interesting as Dr. Dylan, not even in the same league. The book summary pretty much lays out the premise of the story so I’m not going to repeat any of it here.
When it comes to mystery/thrillers, I prefer crime stories where the MC’s are law enforcement characters who are investigating the crime/case. Legal thrillers aren’t really my thing. Not that there aren’t some really great legal thrillers out there. I’ve actually enjoyed reading quite a few. I’m just not into all the legal tricks and games and courtroom antics that so many legal thrillers are jam packed with. I personally find stories like that boring.
The first half of the story revolved around introducing the characters, setting up the framing of Dr David and the subsequent arrest of Dr David for the murder. The second half pretty much started with the court trial with Dr David’s legal team (for a combined rate of $1,200 an hour) the stars of the circus show. This is where I struggled to stay engaged with the story.
Fortunately, around the 75% mark, a major twist was revealed, which suspended the court trial. Thank goodness because I was so over the courtroom dramarama. Uuuggghhh!!! Then there is a handful of twists that completely turns the story upside down. While I didn’t find this story as good as Roughan’s Instinct series, it’s still a solid 3star story.
When it comes to mystery/thrillers, I prefer crime stories where the MC’s are law enforcement characters who are investigating the crime/case. Legal thrillers aren’t really my thing. Not that there aren’t some really great legal thrillers out there. I’ve actually enjoyed reading quite a few. I’m just not into all the legal tricks and games and courtroom antics that so many legal thrillers are jam packed with. I personally find stories like that boring.
The first half of the story revolved around introducing the characters, setting up the framing of Dr David and the subsequent arrest of Dr David for the murder. The second half pretty much started with the court trial with Dr David’s legal team (for a combined rate of $1,200 an hour) the stars of the circus show. This is where I struggled to stay engaged with the story.
Fortunately, around the 75% mark, a major twist was revealed, which suspended the court trial. Thank goodness because I was so over the courtroom dramarama. Uuuggghhh!!! Then there is a handful of twists that completely turns the story upside down. While I didn’t find this story as good as Roughan’s Instinct series, it’s still a solid 3star story.
October 8, 2013
Promisiune mincinoasa--- review.
Its always nice when you just reach out for a unknown author,after a prolonged period of reading only famous and well-known novels.i mean,who can imagine something that can follow after psycho,lord of light(zelazny),stephen king and so on? So yeah,when my hands stop on promise of a lie by roughan,i didnt think i will be so pleased after 300 pages.because ,lets be serious,a story that center a woman that kills her concubine isnt a very interstting premise.well,at least for me.
But this book..hmm.the dialogue is actually very,very,very good.the author had the kindness of not filling this book with so many technical lingo,and still it feels like a very 'shrinky' book.
The story flows awesomely well,and the characters are good.well,yeah the 'character'.thats the only flaw here.
The author..didnt include any other characters to the action ,to put it simply.the lawyers are there,but they dont do anything for the story.the friends are there,but they just appear at the start and at the end of the book.the mistress is just a tool(i would just loved a bit of POV from her).and the wife is just your normal jack-in-a-box.
But overall , a nice experience.howard roughan,i approve your message.you got yourself a place in my hall of fame.
4.5 stars.
Its always nice when you just reach out for a unknown author,after a prolonged period of reading only famous and well-known novels.i mean,who can imagine something that can follow after psycho,lord of light(zelazny),stephen king and so on? So yeah,when my hands stop on promise of a lie by roughan,i didnt think i will be so pleased after 300 pages.because ,lets be serious,a story that center a woman that kills her concubine isnt a very interstting premise.well,at least for me.
But this book..hmm.the dialogue is actually very,very,very good.the author had the kindness of not filling this book with so many technical lingo,and still it feels like a very 'shrinky' book.
The story flows awesomely well,and the characters are good.well,yeah the 'character'.thats the only flaw here.
The author..didnt include any other characters to the action ,to put it simply.the lawyers are there,but they dont do anything for the story.the friends are there,but they just appear at the start and at the end of the book.the mistress is just a tool(i would just loved a bit of POV from her).and the wife is just your normal jack-in-a-box.
But overall , a nice experience.howard roughan,i approve your message.you got yourself a place in my hall of fame.
4.5 stars.
December 27, 2012
New York pyschologist David Remler is still recovering from the death of his beloved wife and unborn baby when Samantha Kent walks through the door of his office. During their first session together, Kent talks about her abusive relationship with her husband, expressing her desire to kill him.
Later, David runs into Kent at an evening soiree and can't deny his attraction to her. They end up returning to David's house to have dinner together, with the good doctor feeling very aware of the fact that he has crossed a line between doctor and patient by letting Kent into his personal life.
When Dr. Remler receives a late night phone call from Kent saying that she has followed through on her wish to see her husband dead, he doesn't think twice about rushing to her aid. Soon enough, he realizes the police are treating him as the prime suspect in the case. Knowing he has to prove his innocence, Remler then discovers that the woman he met with wasn't the 'real' Samantha Kent. So just who is the woman David met with, and why is she trying to frame him for murder? You'll have to read the book to find out!
Later, David runs into Kent at an evening soiree and can't deny his attraction to her. They end up returning to David's house to have dinner together, with the good doctor feeling very aware of the fact that he has crossed a line between doctor and patient by letting Kent into his personal life.
When Dr. Remler receives a late night phone call from Kent saying that she has followed through on her wish to see her husband dead, he doesn't think twice about rushing to her aid. Soon enough, he realizes the police are treating him as the prime suspect in the case. Knowing he has to prove his innocence, Remler then discovers that the woman he met with wasn't the 'real' Samantha Kent. So just who is the woman David met with, and why is she trying to frame him for murder? You'll have to read the book to find out!
August 24, 2010
Dr. David Remler is a widowed psychologist who falls for a married patient who wants to kill her husband. Then a late-night phone call convinces him that the worst has happened. What follows next is an elaborate frame-up, which although dependent on coincidence, luck and the many "too stupid to life" actions of the main character, makes for a well-written, fun, fast-moving thriller with likable characters. I read this book on the recommendation who assured me that the Howard Roughan stand-alone books are nothing like his collaborations with James Patterson and she was definitely right.
August 31, 2012
This is nothing but an averagely interesting novel, some details are to be admired, such as the psychologist's personality and thoughts even his lawyers' plus the little surprises, but on the other hand, some details are just too useless, I got really bored during several chapters, mainly in the trial.
March 26, 2013
The Promise of a lie is a very interesting book. It has several Intriguing moments and has a little of suspence...i love it!
September 30, 2013
myestry events, lies, and untruthful and helpful poeple
July 11, 2017
A mystery thriller that is well-written to keep your attention. Written from the perspective of the main character, a psychologist, it offers interesting insights into human behaviors as the book starts with a lineup of his patient appointments for the day. The reader is immediately drawn in by the frailty of human nature for all but one of his appointments. The last appointment is a new patient, and eventually the focus of the book. But as events unfurl, both the doctor and the reader are confounded and challenged to explain a series of events that lead to the mystery. Eventually, the events lead to a trial. Throughout, but especially in the trial, we are introduced to some of the psychology involved in the various criminal and legal actions. Fascinating insights in how people think, combined with a good story with plenty of mystery.
November 24, 2022
At first I thought Sam was going to try to get David to help her kill her husband. Then when he dropped her off but didn't actually see her go into the house, I knew something else was going on. I knew that wasn't her house and for some reason she didn't what him to know where she lived. The clincher was when David went to the house after Sam called and he didn't find a kid's bedroom. How could he not have noticed this. How could he not have been concerned for the kid if he thought Sam was going to kill herself.
June 11, 2025
Psychologist Dr. David Remler is asked at a cocktail party whether he has ever been "taken advantage emotionally by a woman." The ensuing murder mystery reveals how susceptible Remler is to the wiles of attractive women.
A patient, Samantha Kent, frames him for a murder he did not commit and leaves no clue as to her identity. It seems Remler is a sucker for a pretty woman - his patient, the real Ms. Kent and even his defense council. The gripping investigation and trial leaves you guessing who done it and why. The conclusion is a little drawn out.
A patient, Samantha Kent, frames him for a murder he did not commit and leaves no clue as to her identity. It seems Remler is a sucker for a pretty woman - his patient, the real Ms. Kent and even his defense council. The gripping investigation and trial leaves you guessing who done it and why. The conclusion is a little drawn out.
March 9, 2023
En español “una promesa engañosa” está increíble la forma en que la novela se desenvuelve, los personajes se vuelven especiales aún siendo insustanciales. Me sorprende como el más insignificante logra marcarse en el lector para no hacerlo a un lado, se los quiere y se los odia LOL. Mi parte favorita y que me hizo pensar mucho en que todo era más enmarañado de lo que ya era (qué silo fue jajaja) fue en la ceremonia en el museo de arte donde curiosamente +
June 19, 2017
Slow starting, but it picked up as the reader tries to figure out why character was framed and how his defense will try to prove his innocence, and if/how they'll capture the real murderer. Some twists and turns with one after the apparent ending.
September 24, 2020
I couldn't put the book down. Fast paced, never boring, kept my interest on edge. Plus it didn't help when your reading late at night, your eyes are getting heavy, and then the author ends a chapter with a sentence that's like "omg, I have to keep reading"
February 23, 2022
Roughan is a great writer
Always looking for new authors and I've definitely found one. Roughan keeps the pages flipping with interesting characters who don't always do what is expected.
Always looking for new authors and I've definitely found one. Roughan keeps the pages flipping with interesting characters who don't always do what is expected.
March 22, 2019
Not bad, not really good. Roughan and Patterson really are better together.
Mild skimming, decent story. Didn't get irritated with it, so yay I guess.
Mild skimming, decent story. Didn't get irritated with it, so yay I guess.
November 3, 2020
Actual rating: 4.5
Would not read again, but this was a titillating mystery that kept me on my toes. As soon as I started reading it, I wanted nothing more than to continue. Very satisfying ending!
Would not read again, but this was a titillating mystery that kept me on my toes. As soon as I started reading it, I wanted nothing more than to continue. Very satisfying ending!
January 23, 2021
From beginning to end this book throws you for a loop! Mind blowing and hard to put down!
February 8, 2022
Ok. Really a 3.7. Very entertaining but the initial choices of our protagonist irked me. Come on man! You’re smarter than that. Other than that I feel like the ending was too “neat”.
May 7, 2025
Suomenkielinen käännös 3 1/2.
January 4, 2017
I understand why James Patterson coauthored with Howard Roughan....he's an awesome writer!
November 23, 2017
Good plot. I really enjoyed it.
September 16, 2017
I enjoyed this, it had a couple of twists, one I didn't see coming.
I've taken one star off for the sickly sweet 'happy ever after' ending.
I've taken one star off for the sickly sweet 'happy ever after' ending.
February 3, 2023
Not an overwhelming nor an underwhelming read, rather something pretty average. Some plot twists were interesting but I didn't feel much suspense.
May 18, 2013
A fost o poveste destul de interesantă care m-a ținut cu sufletul al gură. Pot să îl încadrez în categoria romanelor polițiste, dar și în categoria thrillerelor psihologice cu destule întorsături de situație.
Dialoguri dintre personaje au fost la obiect și inteligente, poate mai ales pentru că personajul principal este psiholog. Pe alocuri mai întâlneai și câte o frază ironică sau care te făcea să pufnești în râs.
Personajele au fost bine conturate, fără prea multe descrieri inutile ale vieții trecute, prezentându-se tot felul de caractere.
Cartea a avut ca inspirație o discuție purtată cu o femeie care mergea la psiholog, iar autorul a început să se întrebe dacă un om care consideră că poate citii persoane poate fi prostit de cineva care pretinde a fi altcineva.
Romanul se citește foarte ușor, nu numai datorită dialogului ci și datorită poveștii captivante și bine conturate, care nu se abate de la cursul normal al acțiunii. Dacă închizi ochii și îți imaginezi acțiunea ai senzația că stai în fața televizorului. Aș vrea să văd cartea ecranizată și l-aș vedea în rolul psihologului pe Tim Roth din ”Lie to me” sau Hugh Laurie din ”House MD”.
Acțiunea cărții se învârte în jurul unui psiholog văduv de 3 ani – David Rember – și a pacientei lui misterioase – Samantha Kent. Aceasta din urmă vine la David Rember pentru o consiliere psihologice. Aceasta își folosește farmecul și dr. David începe să se îndrăgostească de pacienta lui.
În una din ședințele lor Samantha îi dezvălui doctorului că simte nevoia să-și ucidă soțul, care nu-i dădea dreptul la divorț, amenințând-o cu reținerea copilului lor în vârstă de 2 ani.
[...]
http://www.imforeveryoung.info/promis...
Dialoguri dintre personaje au fost la obiect și inteligente, poate mai ales pentru că personajul principal este psiholog. Pe alocuri mai întâlneai și câte o frază ironică sau care te făcea să pufnești în râs.
Personajele au fost bine conturate, fără prea multe descrieri inutile ale vieții trecute, prezentându-se tot felul de caractere.
Cartea a avut ca inspirație o discuție purtată cu o femeie care mergea la psiholog, iar autorul a început să se întrebe dacă un om care consideră că poate citii persoane poate fi prostit de cineva care pretinde a fi altcineva.
Romanul se citește foarte ușor, nu numai datorită dialogului ci și datorită poveștii captivante și bine conturate, care nu se abate de la cursul normal al acțiunii. Dacă închizi ochii și îți imaginezi acțiunea ai senzația că stai în fața televizorului. Aș vrea să văd cartea ecranizată și l-aș vedea în rolul psihologului pe Tim Roth din ”Lie to me” sau Hugh Laurie din ”House MD”.
Acțiunea cărții se învârte în jurul unui psiholog văduv de 3 ani – David Rember – și a pacientei lui misterioase – Samantha Kent. Aceasta din urmă vine la David Rember pentru o consiliere psihologice. Aceasta își folosește farmecul și dr. David începe să se îndrăgostească de pacienta lui.
În una din ședințele lor Samantha îi dezvălui doctorului că simte nevoia să-și ucidă soțul, care nu-i dădea dreptul la divorț, amenințând-o cu reținerea copilului lor în vârstă de 2 ani.
[...]
http://www.imforeveryoung.info/promis...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews