THE GOOD LIE

SYNOPSIS

Psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Moore is an expert on killers. She’s spent a decade treating California’s most depraved predators and unlocking their motives―predators much like the notorious Bloody Heart serial killer, whose latest teenage victim escaped and then identified local high school teacher Randall Thompson as his captor. The case against Thompson as the Bloody Heart Killer is damning―and closed, as far as Gwen and the media are concerned. If not for one new development…

Defense attorney Robert Kavin is a still-traumatized father whose own son fell prey to the BH Killer. Convinced of Thompson’s innocence, he steps in to represent him. Now Robert wants Gwen to interview the accused, create a psych profile of the killer and his victims, and help clear his client’s name.

As Gwen and Robert grow closer and she dives deeper into the investigation, grave questions arise. So does Gwen’s suspicion that Robert is hiding something―and that he might not be the only one with a secret.

Title: The good lie

Author: A.R. Torre

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Publication date: July 20, 2021

REVIEW

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If I had to use just one word to describe A.R. Torre that would be versatile. So far I've only read three of her books, and all three have been completely different but equally engaging.

The Bloody Heart Killer has been terrorizing the city of L.A. for months, having already killed six young men. Dr. Gwen Moore is a renowned psychiatrist who specializes in treating people with violent tendencies. Robert Kavin is an attorney grieving the loss of his only child. When the seventh victim of the BH Killer manages to escape Gwen and Robert's paths come together in an attempt to discover the killer's identity.

I love when a thriller makes me think and keep developing theories, and The good lie certainly did! By 80% I was still thinking of new ones but I could never fit all the pieces. Once all is revealed you realize that the whole plot worked like a well oiled machine with every piece of the puzzle in place. The shocking ending I never saw coming was another point in its favor.

It is clear from the start that several characters are hiding secrets, the question is why would they do that. I loved Gwen and Robert's relationship and how you can't never be sure who's playing who, as both of them are holding back something from each other.

The short chapters and alternating POVs made of this an absolute page turner. Although a key aspect of the premise was a bit far fetched (I doubt that would even be possible irl), this is fiction, and if that's what it takes to have an absolutely riveting story I'll gladly turn a blind eye.

I'm already anxious to see what kind of story A.R. Torre comes up with next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.