Book Details
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Author
Freida McFadden |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Published | September 19, 2022 |
| ISBN | 9781728296166 |
| Pages | 336 |
Genre:
Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
Story Setting:
A remote, snowbound manor
What To Expect:
Twists, Suspense, Mystery, Lies
Readability:
Fast-paced, Gripping
Book Review
A Taut Psychological Thriller That Keeps You Guessing
Freida McFadden delivers a tense, thriller with the book Never Lie that hooks you from the start. The story follows newlyweds Tricia and Ethan, who, in their search for a dream home, become trapped in a mansion where secrets unfold during a snowstorm. Surprisingly this mansion was once owned by Dr. Adrienne Hale. He is a psychiatrist who was out of sight for four years. As the storm worsens and tensions rise, Tricia uncovers a hidden room filled with Dr. Hale’s audio tapes, each holding chilling confessions from her patients. Listening to these tapes, Tricia is pulled into a dark web of secrets, lies, and revelations that lead to a shocking conclusion.
Plot That Defies Predictability
Initially, the plot shows correspondence: a snowbound couple, a mysterious house, and dark secrets lurking in the shadows. But McFadden flips this setup on its head with relentless twists and turns. The author brilliantly plants seeds of doubt at every corner, making the reader question the reliability of every character, especially as Tricia becomes increasingly obsessed with the tapes. By the time you think you’ve figured things out, McFadden pulls the rug out from under you with jaw-dropping revelations that you genuinely won’t see coming. The rhythm of the novel is succinct and precise and captivates your attention.
Characters Driven by Secrets
Tricia, the primary narrator, is an intriguing protagonist—her curiosity and increasing paranoia fuel much of the story’s tension. As she listens to the tapes, you can almost feel her unravelling, and McFadden does an excellent job of slowly blurring the lines between Tricia’s fears and reality. Ethan, on the other hand, remains somewhat of an enigma throughout. His actions often leave you questioning his motives and leave you in limbo. Though some readers might find effective flatness in the characters a downside, it works in the context of the story, where faith is on thin ice, and all you see is the characters being stealthy.
One area where the characters falter is in their relatability. Though their actions drive the suspense, it’s difficult to form an emotional connection with them. While this adds to the book’s cold, clinical atmosphere, it might leave readers craving more depth or reason to root for the protagonists.
Writing Style: Fast and Furious
The author’s writing is tailor-made for this kind of thriller. The short, punchy chapters propel the narrative forward at breakneck speed, making it easy to lose yourself in the book for hours without realising. Her descriptions of the house and storm create an oppressive, claustrophobic setting, making you feel as trapped as the characters themselves. The simple yet evocative prose ensures that the story remains accessible, even as the plot becomes increasingly complex.
Now and then the story seems plain and shallow. Also, this story makes you feel as if the characters are in a hurry, especially in the curtain-ending scenes. Still, the fast pace makes up for this, keeping the reader’s adrenaline pumping throughout.
Emotional Response and Final Thoughts
Personally, I found Never Lie to be an incredibly addictive read. The tension builds masterfully, and the final twist left me both shocked and impressed. The isolated, snow-covered setting combined with Tricia’s creeping paranoia added a real sense of unease that kept me turning pages late into the night. It would have been great if the people in the story were shown in detail, however, it is a hoot all over.
For readers who are suspense aficionados, this book is a classic in its field. Never Lie is a book that hooks you from the start and draws you in until the end. McFadden’s ability to weave a story full of suspense and surprises will leave readers satisfied and ready to dive into her other works.
Book Price & Overview
| Well-Structured Plot |  |
| Good World-Building |  |
| Engaging Characters | |
| Gripping Story Hooks | |
| Non-Predictable Twists | |
| Satisfying Ending | |
