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Flat Out Lies
Ria Stiles is a good wife, a loving mother and successful photographer. She is also a practiced liar, with a dark past concealed by a new identity. Her husband Jim is no saint. He’s preoccupied by the threat he is about to be fired and their teenage son’s questionable antics.
When gunfire erupts in broad daylight on their street and one of their neighbours is murdered, Ria and Jim’s home life begins to unravel. Both double down to protect themselves, desperate to keep their nefarious activities hidden. As the police try and track down the shooter, Ria and Jim’s secrets collide.
But not everything is as it first appears.
In a game of lies, when only one can win...
Sometimes the truth can be deadly.
When gunfire erupts in broad daylight on their street and one of their neighbours is murdered, Ria and Jim’s home life begins to unravel. Both double down to protect themselves, desperate to keep their nefarious activities hidden. As the police try and track down the shooter, Ria and Jim’s secrets collide.
But not everything is as it first appears.
In a game of lies, when only one can win...
Sometimes the truth can be deadly.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2024
10 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Karen Grose
6 books15 followersKaren Grose is from Toronto, Canada. Her debut novel, The Dime Box, was selected by Amnesty International for its 2021 Book Club. Flat Out Lies, and All June Left Behind followed. Ties That Bind, the first novel in The Bri Watters Thriller Series will be released in Spring 2026.
She has flash fiction, poems, and short stories published by Roi Faineant Press, Paddler Press, Punk Noir Magazine, Epistemic Literary Magazine, Hooghly Review, Bunker Squirrel Magazine, and Superior Shores Press. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and the #thrillsandchills writing group.
Track her down on X: @kgrose2, IG: karengrosewrites, Facebook, or at www.karengrose.ca
She has flash fiction, poems, and short stories published by Roi Faineant Press, Paddler Press, Punk Noir Magazine, Epistemic Literary Magazine, Hooghly Review, Bunker Squirrel Magazine, and Superior Shores Press. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and the #thrillsandchills writing group.
Track her down on X: @kgrose2, IG: karengrosewrites, Facebook, or at www.karengrose.ca
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 29, 2024
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Karen Grose for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
New to the world of Karen Grose, I was interested to get my hands on her latest ARC. Grose is able to offer up a keen mystery that helps the reader see that there are many sides to a story, as well as multiple ways a lie can flavour it. When a neighbour is gunned down, Ría and her family must come to terms with this, as well as try to determine what happened. Are they in danger as well? What secrets do various members of the household possess that could help the police, or explain this violent situation? All this is revealed in a slow-paced thriller. Grose keeps things on point and provides the reader with an entertaining experience.
Ria Stiles has long been called one of the great photographers to those who know her. Work that shines above all others is a keen aspect of her reputation, but she is more than this. She is a loving wife to Jim and a mother who loves her two boys. However, she has secrets and uses a well-honed ability to lie to keep those things hidden away. One of Ria’s lies is her new identity when she arrived in town. But how will this all come to light and what can Ria do about it?
When gunfire erupts up the street, Ria and her family are sent into a tailspin. While no one knew the victim, a new neighbour, the violent act shakes them all. Jim is certainly no stellar individual, with issues of his own, but he would never have brought any of this to their bucolic community, right? Ria’s eldest son has issues of his own, having found a way into the world of gambling as a teen, but even his betting and losing could not have brought someone to send them a lesson. Yet no one is willing to admit anything, covering lies up with more falsehoods.
With the authorities sniffing around, both Ria and Jim pull themselves into their respective shells, only to realise that their lies have a connection, and it’s nothing innocent. Ria discovers something that Jim has been desperate to keep hidden, while he discovers a new side to his wife. They both come to see that their eldest is anything but simply a teenager pushing the limits. Lies have a way of distorting the truth, though there are times that they could be better than what actually happened. In this story, the truth is a weapon and someone could ie to protect their lies. But who and how will it all come to pass? Grose takes the reader on an adventure, leaving the truth dangling at the end.
I enjoy reading thrillers when I cannot predict where things are headed, since it adds something to the story’s allure. Karen Gorse does just that with this piece, teasing the reader with partial truths throughout. A narrative that builds from the opening pages keeps the reader in check, while refusing to offer anyone a clear picture of what is taking place. When the reader finds themselves in a position to know something, the narrative turns and builds in new directions. This is further helped by a cast of characters whose lives are in disarray The reader wants t know about them all, though cannot fully understand what they are seeing. Mysteries build upon half-truths and deceptions, all with a lie woven into the middle. Grose creates a world where the lie is the new truth and when someone discovers what really happened, they will wish they had not bothered. There is much in this book to enjoy and I can only hope readers will be patient so they can reach the climactic ending.
Plot points fuel a thriller like nothing else. Karen Grose does well with her delivery, offering up twists and turns throughout the reading experience. The surprises that await the reader (and characters, to a degree) prove effective in developing a story that is top-notch and a thriller that pulls no punches. While a tad slow at times, the plot points push things forward and ofer up something for the determined reader, though nothing can prepare them for the final reveal, where truth and lies collide, leaving but one survivor. The question is whom and how will it reach this point?
Kudos, Madam Grose, for piquing my interest with this quick thriller.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
New to the world of Karen Grose, I was interested to get my hands on her latest ARC. Grose is able to offer up a keen mystery that helps the reader see that there are many sides to a story, as well as multiple ways a lie can flavour it. When a neighbour is gunned down, Ría and her family must come to terms with this, as well as try to determine what happened. Are they in danger as well? What secrets do various members of the household possess that could help the police, or explain this violent situation? All this is revealed in a slow-paced thriller. Grose keeps things on point and provides the reader with an entertaining experience.
Ria Stiles has long been called one of the great photographers to those who know her. Work that shines above all others is a keen aspect of her reputation, but she is more than this. She is a loving wife to Jim and a mother who loves her two boys. However, she has secrets and uses a well-honed ability to lie to keep those things hidden away. One of Ria’s lies is her new identity when she arrived in town. But how will this all come to light and what can Ria do about it?
When gunfire erupts up the street, Ria and her family are sent into a tailspin. While no one knew the victim, a new neighbour, the violent act shakes them all. Jim is certainly no stellar individual, with issues of his own, but he would never have brought any of this to their bucolic community, right? Ria’s eldest son has issues of his own, having found a way into the world of gambling as a teen, but even his betting and losing could not have brought someone to send them a lesson. Yet no one is willing to admit anything, covering lies up with more falsehoods.
With the authorities sniffing around, both Ria and Jim pull themselves into their respective shells, only to realise that their lies have a connection, and it’s nothing innocent. Ria discovers something that Jim has been desperate to keep hidden, while he discovers a new side to his wife. They both come to see that their eldest is anything but simply a teenager pushing the limits. Lies have a way of distorting the truth, though there are times that they could be better than what actually happened. In this story, the truth is a weapon and someone could ie to protect their lies. But who and how will it all come to pass? Grose takes the reader on an adventure, leaving the truth dangling at the end.
I enjoy reading thrillers when I cannot predict where things are headed, since it adds something to the story’s allure. Karen Gorse does just that with this piece, teasing the reader with partial truths throughout. A narrative that builds from the opening pages keeps the reader in check, while refusing to offer anyone a clear picture of what is taking place. When the reader finds themselves in a position to know something, the narrative turns and builds in new directions. This is further helped by a cast of characters whose lives are in disarray The reader wants t know about them all, though cannot fully understand what they are seeing. Mysteries build upon half-truths and deceptions, all with a lie woven into the middle. Grose creates a world where the lie is the new truth and when someone discovers what really happened, they will wish they had not bothered. There is much in this book to enjoy and I can only hope readers will be patient so they can reach the climactic ending.
Plot points fuel a thriller like nothing else. Karen Grose does well with her delivery, offering up twists and turns throughout the reading experience. The surprises that await the reader (and characters, to a degree) prove effective in developing a story that is top-notch and a thriller that pulls no punches. While a tad slow at times, the plot points push things forward and ofer up something for the determined reader, though nothing can prepare them for the final reveal, where truth and lies collide, leaving but one survivor. The question is whom and how will it reach this point?
Kudos, Madam Grose, for piquing my interest with this quick thriller.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 11, 2024
This book gives classic thriller in the best way. I did not see the ending coming at all!!!!!
December 21, 2024
A mix of suspense, drama, and heart. Karen Grose's writing shines.
December 24, 2024
Fantastic twists! Every time I thought I figured it out, I was proven wrong.
December 30, 2024
Such a captivating and well-paced thriller. You won't regret picking this up.
December 21, 2024
Dark, compelling, and full of surprises. One of the best thrillers I’ve read this year.
July 17, 2024
The twists and turns and build up of this thriller was phenomenal all the way to the end. Grose does an amazing job of capturing the reader's interest immediately and keeping a vice grip throughout.
However, there were substantial errors in the text that pulled me out of this intense story and I wish a more thorough line edit had been done so my focus could have remained with the fantastic writing.
One other distracting quirk was the use of Canadian terminology for a story that takes place completely in NY State with characters that were American. Some were distracting, while others were so unfamiliar, I had no idea what the term meant.
Despite the issues with language and typos, Grose does a "killer" job crafting this tale of secrets and betrayal.
However, there were substantial errors in the text that pulled me out of this intense story and I wish a more thorough line edit had been done so my focus could have remained with the fantastic writing.
One other distracting quirk was the use of Canadian terminology for a story that takes place completely in NY State with characters that were American. Some were distracting, while others were so unfamiliar, I had no idea what the term meant.
Despite the issues with language and typos, Grose does a "killer" job crafting this tale of secrets and betrayal.
November 23, 2024
A thrilling page-turner! Karen Grose masterfully weaves suspense and emotion. Couldn't put it down!
August 5, 2024
Flat Out Lies is an aptly named mystery thriller by Karen Grose. It is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Ria and Jim appear to be a typical married couple, striving to maintain a happy home for their two teenage sons. However, their facade begins to crack when an unexpected murder shakes their tranquil neighborhood. As secrets unravel, the foundation of their seemingly perfect marriage reveals itself to be a web of lies threatening to tear their family apart.
From the first page, Grose crafts an atmosphere of suspense. As readers try to understand the motivations of Ria and Jim, they quickly realize that the narrative is unreliable. Both characters conceal crucial information, transforming this mystery into a complex puzzle. With each chapter, new revelations about the characters deepen the intrigue, making it clear that nothing and no one can be trusted. Ria and Jim’s fear of their past actions being exposed leads to mounting tension and paranoia. Jim views Ria as increasingly erratic, while Ria suspects Jim is hiding something significant. The resulting confusion and uncertainty raise doubts about whether the truth will ever surface. Grose's writing captivates and keeps readers on edge. Her compelling storytelling immerses readers in a world of secrecy and suspense. The plot’s numerous twists make it difficult to put the book down, as each answered question spawns new mysteries. Grose transforms readers into detectives, challenging them to piece together the truth.
Flat Out Lies is a deeply engaging thriller with a meticulously structured plot and well-developed characters. For anyone seeking a gripping read from start to finish, this book is an excellent choice.
From the first page, Grose crafts an atmosphere of suspense. As readers try to understand the motivations of Ria and Jim, they quickly realize that the narrative is unreliable. Both characters conceal crucial information, transforming this mystery into a complex puzzle. With each chapter, new revelations about the characters deepen the intrigue, making it clear that nothing and no one can be trusted. Ria and Jim’s fear of their past actions being exposed leads to mounting tension and paranoia. Jim views Ria as increasingly erratic, while Ria suspects Jim is hiding something significant. The resulting confusion and uncertainty raise doubts about whether the truth will ever surface. Grose's writing captivates and keeps readers on edge. Her compelling storytelling immerses readers in a world of secrecy and suspense. The plot’s numerous twists make it difficult to put the book down, as each answered question spawns new mysteries. Grose transforms readers into detectives, challenging them to piece together the truth.
Flat Out Lies is a deeply engaging thriller with a meticulously structured plot and well-developed characters. For anyone seeking a gripping read from start to finish, this book is an excellent choice.
Read
December 23, 2025Flat Out Lies is a measured, psychologically driven thriller that examines how deception quietly corrodes a family long before violence erupts. Karen Grose constructs a story where lies aren’t twists they’re the architecture holding everything together.
Ria Stiles is a compelling central figure: accomplished, controlled, and hiding far more than anyone suspects. When a neighbour is gunned down in broad daylight, the shock doesn’t expose the truth so much as force every member of the household to double down on their own secrets. The tension comes not from speed, but from accumulation half-truths layered atop one another until the weight becomes unbearable.
Grose’s pacing is deliberate, allowing character psychology to drive the narrative. Perspectives shift, suspicions evolve, and just when clarity seems within reach, the story reframes itself. The result is a thriller that rewards patience, drawing readers deeper into a world where truth is dangerous and ignorance may feel safer.
A sobering, well-crafted psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy domestic noir, morally compromised characters, and revelations that land hard rather than loud.
Ria Stiles is a compelling central figure: accomplished, controlled, and hiding far more than anyone suspects. When a neighbour is gunned down in broad daylight, the shock doesn’t expose the truth so much as force every member of the household to double down on their own secrets. The tension comes not from speed, but from accumulation half-truths layered atop one another until the weight becomes unbearable.
Grose’s pacing is deliberate, allowing character psychology to drive the narrative. Perspectives shift, suspicions evolve, and just when clarity seems within reach, the story reframes itself. The result is a thriller that rewards patience, drawing readers deeper into a world where truth is dangerous and ignorance may feel safer.
A sobering, well-crafted psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy domestic noir, morally compromised characters, and revelations that land hard rather than loud.
September 30, 2024
"Flat Out Lies" is an extremely thrilling page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The suspense is palpable, with bone-chilling characters that linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. With a plot filled with arson, gambling, adultery, and murder, this book is a wild ride of unexpected twists, culminating in a jaw-dropping ending that leaves you reeling. There’s so much to unpack, and I’m still processing it all! This is another great success for Karen Gross, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. Highly recommended for fans of gripping thrillers!
November 19, 2024
Flat Out Lies is a thought-provoking exploration of deception and its impact on relationships and society. Through vivid stories and psychological insights, the author examines why people lie and the consequences of dishonesty.
Engaging and reflective, the book balances humor and seriousness, making it both accessible and profound. While some sections feel repetitive, its core message is powerful and invites readers to rethink their views on truth and lies. A must-read for anyone curious about human nature and the complexities of honesty.
Engaging and reflective, the book balances humor and seriousness, making it both accessible and profound. While some sections feel repetitive, its core message is powerful and invites readers to rethink their views on truth and lies. A must-read for anyone curious about human nature and the complexities of honesty.
July 28, 2024
I absolutely loved Karen’s first book, and I was excited to read this one. It did not disappoint. There were some very unexpected twists in this book, right until the last page. I love that! This was a very hard book to put down. Grose certainly knows how to write a suspense. The plot seemed a little extreme at times, but I still really enjoyed the book (and the many unexpected events). It was interesting how everything came together in the end. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 read for me. Highly recommend.
July 26, 2024
A great read that I couldn’t put down. The title is almost a warning and as a reader, you don’t know who you can believe. As the murders pile up, you start to second guess what you know about these deeply crafted and messed up characters. But the final chapter will leave you gasping in shock. Highly recommend!!
September 6, 2024
This novel was an excellent read. Fully realized characters protecting secrets heaped upon secrets all living in the same house, and all circling around a neighborhood crime that may or may not affect them all. If you like twists and turns, you’ll love this one. You can’t trust anyone, but you’ll enjoy the story.
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June 9, 2025To the author- I hope you see this
I was really enjoying the audiobook, but every chapter is cut off before it’s over and then it just skips to the next chapter. I think the audiobook is missing a decent chunk of material, because the new chapters will reflect on events that were never discussed in the chapter before.
I was really enjoying the audiobook, but every chapter is cut off before it’s over and then it just skips to the next chapter. I think the audiobook is missing a decent chunk of material, because the new chapters will reflect on events that were never discussed in the chapter before.
May 30, 2024
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are fresh and deep! Karen kept me enthralled and guessing the whole way through. Don’t wonder if you should pick it up, grab your copy now!!!
October 2, 2024
Twists, turns, and more twists and turns, you'll want to read late into the night to finish this one. That said, there are a few areas where a line edit was necessary. The ending? Contrived, convenient or brilliant -- you decide!
November 28, 2024
Loved the complex characters and unexpected twists. This book kept me guessing!
December 1, 2024
A gripping story with layers of deceit and intrigue. Karen Grose is a storyteller to watch.
December 1, 2024
Flat Out Lies is an emotional rollercoaster. So many wow moments!
December 9, 2024
Cleverly written with a pace that keeps you on edge. Highly recommend!
December 26, 2024
Deeply engrossing and emotionally charged. Karen Grose knows how to deliver suspense.
January 7, 2025
The intricate plot had me hooked from the start. Truly a standout read.
January 23, 2025
That ending with her son confessing he killed the neighbour whatttttt
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2025
Flat Out Lies kept me guessing until the very end. A must-read for thriller fans.
February 3, 2025
Karen Grose creates an atmosphere so vivid, you feel like you’re part of the story.
February 4, 2025
Complex and layered, this book challenges you to think about truth and perception.
February 4, 2025
A perfect blend of suspense and psychological drama. Highly enjoyable.
February 5, 2025
A perfect blend of suspense and psychological drama. Highly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews