Title: THIS IS WHY WE LIED
Author: Karin Slaughter
ISBN: 9780008625825
Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Pages: 432
Source: NetGalley
Welcome to the McAlpine Lodge: a secluded mountain getaway, it’s the height of escapist luxury living.
Except that everyone here is lying. Lying about their past. Lying to their family. Lying to themselves.
Then one night, Mercy McAlpine – until now the good daughter – threatens to expose everybody’s secrets. Just hours later, Mercy is dead.
In an area this remote, it’s easy to get away with murder. But Will Trent and Sara Linton – investigator and medical examiner for the GBI – are here on their honeymoon.
And now, with the killer poised to strike again, the holiday of a lifetime becomes a race against the clock…
Official Summary
10 July 2024
Reading Cop Town recently, reminded me how much I enjoy Karin Slaughter’s books. When this title appeared on NetGalley I could not resist. Naturally, this book jumped to the top of my TBR pile. “This is Why We Lied” is a wonderful blend of suspense and psychological intrigue, set against the backdrop of the luxurious yet eerily isolated McAlpine Lodge. This secluded mountain getaway, promising escapist luxury, quickly transforms into a hotbed of secrets and lies, setting the stage for a thrilling and unforgettable narrative.
The story kicks off with an unsettling premise: everyone at McAlpine Lodge is hiding something. The characters are complex, each bringing their hidden pasts and personal deceptions to the fore. Slaughter weaves these secrets into a tangled web, heightening the tension with every page. The catalyst for the unravelling of these lies is Mercy McAlpine, the seemingly good daughter, who threatens to expose everyone’s secrets. Her sudden and mysterious death plunges the story into a gripping whodunit.
Enter Will Trent and Sara Linton, the GBI investigator and medical examiner, respectively, who find their honeymoon interrupted by this shocking murder. Their presence brings a sense of urgency and professionalism to the investigation, as they navigate through a maze of deceit and danger. Slaughter’s portrayal of their relationship is realistic, adding depth to their characters and providing a counterbalance to the mounting tension of the murder investigation.
The remote setting of McAlpine Lodge adds a layer of suspense. The isolation creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, making you feel the looming presence of danger. Slaughter uses this setting to her advantage, creating a sense of foreboding that fills the novel. The idea that, in such a secluded area, it’s easy to get away with murder, keeps the stakes high.
Slaughter’s writing is sharp and evocative, drawing you into the dark and twisted world she has created. The pacing is impeccable, with each twist and revelation meticulously timed to keep you guessing. The exploration of themes such as trust, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets, adds a psychological depth to the thriller.
“This is Why We Lied” is a compelling read that shows Karin Slaughter’s skill in crafting intricate plots and complex characters. It’s a novel that keeps you hooked from start to finish, blending suspense with deep psychological insight. For fans of gripping thrillers, this book is a must-read that will leave you eagerly anticipating Slaughter’s next masterpiece.
Also by Karin Slaughter
COP TOWN
Atlanta, 1974. As a brutal killing and a furious manhunt rock the city, Kate Murphy wonders if her first day on the police force will also be her last. For life is anything but easy in the male-dominated world of the Atlanta Police Department, where even the other female cops have little mercy for the new girl.
Kate isn’t the only woman on the force who is finding things tough. Maggie Lawson followed her uncle and brother into the ranks to prove her worth in their cynical eyes. When Maggie and Kate become partners and are sidelined in the search for the city’s cop killer, their fury, pain, and pride finally reach boiling point.
With the killer poised to strike again, will Kate and Maggie have the courage to pursue their own line of investigation? And are they prepared to risk everything as they venture into the city’s darkest heart?
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Karin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular and acclaimed storytellers. She is the author of more than twenty instant New York Times bestselling novels, including the Edgar–nominated Cop Town and standalone novels Pretty Girls, The Good Daughter, and Pieces of Her. She is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. Pieces of Her is a #1 Netflix original series starring Toni Collette, and WILL TRENT, based on her Will Trent series, is on ABC (and streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally). False Witness and The Good Daughter are in development for television. Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.
I hadn’t read any Karin Slaughter books for a while, so “This is Why We Lied” was a real treat. If you’re looking for an all-night read, this book is a perfect choice. What is your favourite Karin Slaughter book? Please leave a comment below, and if I haven’t read it, I’ll add it to my TBR list. Thank you for visiting the blog!
