THE LIES I TELL

SYNOPSIS

Meg Varnum. Maggie Littleton. Meg Upton. Different names for the same person, depending on the town, depending on the job. I'm not a con artist as much as an avenger. A righter of wrongs. But nothing about me is real, other than my desire to hold men like you accountable for the things you've done.

I don't break any laws, and what I take is given willingly. I can't be blamed for how easy it is to manipulate you. It's a discipline involving confidence, cleverness, and deception. And now, I'm about to work my final trick . . . this time under my real name. Because when it's done, I want you to know who I am and remember what you did to me.

Title: The lies I tell

Author: Julie Clark

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication date: June 2023, 2022

REVIEW

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

The Last Flight was one of my favorite books of 2020 and its ending was one of the most heartbreaking, memorable ones I remember lately (I still think about it to this day), so obviously, when I saw announces The Lies I Tell, it immediately jumped up to the top of my most anticipated reads list for 2022, and let me tell you (no lies here) that it was bloody brilliant.

Meg Williams has many names, after all she’s a con artist that will erase herself in order to become whoever she need to be to con her target. Kat Roberts is a journalist that has been waiting ten years to expose Meg, the woman that ruined her life. When their paths cross, they will start playing a cat and mouse game in which you’ll never be sure who’s the prey.

In one word, this was unputdownable! I always love this type of stories where characters try to outwit each other, and The Lies I Tell is a perfect example of this.

Even though at first you may find yourself rooting for Kat, as the story progresses and we learn more about Meg, her last and why she does what se does, you can0t helps but cheer on her endeavor, and when the ending comes you will find yourself deeply entrenched on her corner. #TeamMeg all the way!! That you can empathize with a con artist says a lot about Ms. Clark writing skills.

Both main characters were deeply complex, multilayered ones. The characterization was really well done and the dual perspective worked perfectly, making the story flow in a real smooth way.

In parts it was a bit heavy on real state argot, with lots of talk on transactions and legalese that went a bit over my head, but that in no way will prevent you from enjoying this story.

Even though there’re no huge twists and it’s more of a slow burn at first, I found myself deeply engaged as, at heart, it’s a story about revenge and justice (my favorites!).

Another clear winner for Ms. Clark. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too much for her new book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.