Title: NEVER LIE
Author: Freida McFadden
ISBN: 9798352831533
Publisher: Independently Published
Pages: 336
Source: Private Copy
Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan are searching for the house of their dreams.
But when they visit the remote manor that once belonged to Dr. Adrienne Hale, a renowned psychiatrist who vanished without a trace four years earlier, a violent winter storm traps them at the estate… with no chance of escape until the blizzard comes to an end.
In search of a book to keep her entertained until the snow abates, Tricia happens upon a secret room. One that contains audio transcripts from every single patient Dr. Hale has ever interviewed. As Tricia listens to the cassette tapes, she learns about the terrifying chain of events leading up to Dr. Hale’s mysterious disappearance.
Tricia plays the tapes one by one, late into the night. With each one, another shocking piece of the puzzle falls into place, and Dr. Adrienne Hale’s web of lies slowly unravels.
And then Tricia reaches the final cassette.
The one that reveals the entire horrifying truth.
Official Summary
15 January 2025
Freida McFadden is one of the authors whose backlist I have been working on. She masterfully combines psychological suspense with a haunting atmosphere in Never Lie, delivering a story brimming with twists that keep you guessing until the very last page. This locked-in thriller is as chilling as the blizzard that traps the characters, making it a compulsive read for fans of dark and twisty tales.
Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan’s search for their dream home takes a sinister turn when they visit an isolated manor amid a snowstorm. With no way to leave until the storm passes, Tricia stumbles upon a hidden room filled with the chilling audio transcripts of Dr. Adrienne Hale’s psychiatric sessions. As she delves deeper into the tapes, secrets unravel—not just about Dr. Hale but about the house, her husband, and the terrifying truths lurking in the shadows.
Freida McFadden excels at creating an oppressive, claustrophobic setting. The remote manor, paired with the raging blizzard, becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the tension. Tricia is relatable and resourceful, a character whose growing unease mirrors the reader’s own. Her curiosity about the tapes felt natural and added depth to her character. The cassette recordings were a brilliant narrative device, offering a chilling glimpse into Dr. Hale’s mind and her patients’ darkest secrets. Each tape brought new revelations, deepening the suspense. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, McFadden pulls the rug out from under you. The final cassette and its revelation left me stunned.
While the plot is undeniably gripping, there were moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven. The beginning leaned heavily into the setup, and some readers might wish for the action to kick in sooner. Additionally, Ethan’s character could have been fleshed out more, as his motivations felt somewhat underexplored until the climax.
Never Lie is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. With its intricate plot, spine-tingling atmosphere, and jaw-dropping twists, it’s a testament to Freida McFadden’s storytelling talent. Perfect for a stormy night, this book will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about its characters.
If you’ve read this book, did the ending leave you as shocked as it did me?
Also by Freida McFadden
THE BOYFRIEND
She’s looking for the perfect man. He’s looking for the perfect victim.
Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She’s seen it men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill, and worst of all, men who can’t shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot.
Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect. He’s charming, handsome, and works as a doctor at a local hospital. Sydney is swept off her feet.
Then the brutal murder of a young woman―the latest in a string of deaths across the coast―confounds police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them.
Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can’t shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn’t get to the truth, she’ll be the killer’s next victim…
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
#1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practising physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humour novels. She lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.
Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review. Are you a McFadden fan? Which is your favourite book? I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment below. I love her latest release, The Boyfriend – have you read it? If not, I highly recommend it – while you are here, have a look at our Buddy-Read review: https://featzreviews.com/the-boyfriend-book-review/ Until next time….. Happy Reading!
