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Little Lies
In this riveting prequel to her novel Little Mercies, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf explores how even the smallest lies can have far-reaching consequences.
When the body of a woman is discovered in a local park—with her bewildered four-year-old son sitting beside her—veteran social worker Ellen Moore is called in to assist in the police investigation. Positioned beneath a statue of Leto, the goddess of motherhood, the crime is weighted with meaning and, Ellen discovers, remarkably similar to one from a decade past.
Ellen's professional duty is to protect the child, but she's not equipped to contend with a killer. As she races to connect the dots, she knows her time is running out. And the stakes are high: if she fails, another mother is sure to make the ultimate sacrifice.
When the body of a woman is discovered in a local park—with her bewildered four-year-old son sitting beside her—veteran social worker Ellen Moore is called in to assist in the police investigation. Positioned beneath a statue of Leto, the goddess of motherhood, the crime is weighted with meaning and, Ellen discovers, remarkably similar to one from a decade past.
Ellen's professional duty is to protect the child, but she's not equipped to contend with a killer. As she races to connect the dots, she knows her time is running out. And the stakes are high: if she fails, another mother is sure to make the ultimate sacrifice.
45 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
448 people are currently reading
6175 people want to read
About the author
Heather Gudenkauf
20 books9,800 followersHeather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including The Overnight Guest and her most recent thriller Everyone is Watching. Her debut novel, The Weight of Silence, was an instant NYT bestseller and remained on the list for 22 weeks. Gudenkauf’s critically acclaimed novels have been published in over 25 countries and have sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. Her books have been featured on many Best Of roundups including lists by The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Amazon, Apple Books, GoodReads, and more. Her eleventh novel, The Perfect Hosts will be released on November 4, 2025. Heather lives in Iowa with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
February 6, 2017
Short review for a short story!
I don't read very many novella's but decided to read this one because I love HEATHER GUDENKAUF novels. I read LITTLE MERCIES quite a while ago and thought it was extremely good and wanted to learn more about the main character, Ellen who is a social worker with a husband and three small children.
LITTLE LIES was a worthwhile suspenseful read that was fast-paced, quick and easy with a satisfying ending.
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
I don't read very many novella's but decided to read this one because I love HEATHER GUDENKAUF novels. I read LITTLE MERCIES quite a while ago and thought it was extremely good and wanted to learn more about the main character, Ellen who is a social worker with a husband and three small children.
LITTLE LIES was a worthwhile suspenseful read that was fast-paced, quick and easy with a satisfying ending.
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
September 5, 2015
Slow to start but picks up fairly quickly, it's a nice introduction to Ellen and Joe and the world they inhabit.
The murderer for me wasn't easy to guess but when all is revealed, mixed feelings. Not for the storytelling (which is done well) but for the fact that you are glad for just being served yet sad for what happened and hope that the little boy will be alright somehow.
There's a preview at the end for her novel at the end so the audiobook is 2 discs, with 10 tracks on the second one for the story.
Would recommend, it's worth the few dollars but I would suggest downloading off Itunes or buying it for your e-reader of you have one.
The murderer for me wasn't easy to guess but when all is revealed, mixed feelings. Not for the storytelling (which is done well) but for the fact that you are glad for just being served yet sad for what happened and hope that the little boy will be alright somehow.
There's a preview at the end for her novel at the end so the audiobook is 2 discs, with 10 tracks on the second one for the story.
Would recommend, it's worth the few dollars but I would suggest downloading off Itunes or buying it for your e-reader of you have one.
August 6, 2019
This is the third book I've read by Heather Gudenkauf and I've enjoyed them all thus far. Little Lies is the prequel to Little Mercies which follows veteran social worker, Ellen Moore. This was a nice short audiobook with a quick pace and once I started listening I couldn't stop until the end.
I liked narrator, Kate Rudd's storytelling and she was able to portray the emotions of the characters and it's easy to follow which person is talking throughout the book. I'm looking forward to listening to Little Mercies. In fact, I've already listened to chapter one!
I recommend this audiobook.
I liked narrator, Kate Rudd's storytelling and she was able to portray the emotions of the characters and it's easy to follow which person is talking throughout the book. I'm looking forward to listening to Little Mercies. In fact, I've already listened to chapter one!
I recommend this audiobook.
April 7, 2015
I enjoyed this novella which made me even more excited for the new book.
I have read all of Heather Gudenkauf books and will continue to do so.
I've not been disappointed.
I have read all of Heather Gudenkauf books and will continue to do so.
I've not been disappointed.
April 25, 2020
Social worker Ellen Moore is a busy, busy woman. Married, with two young children and an infant, her time and her sleep is precious. When she gets a call in the early hours, she knows that the day won't end well. He friend on the police force, Detective Joe Gaddey wants her to talk to a four year old boy who was found in a park near the body of his dead mother.
Just like a similar murder thirteen years ago, the mother was killed by blunt force trauma to the head. Her young son, distraught beside her.
Between them, Ellen and Joe discern the boy's name and begin to investigate the murder.
MY THOUGHTS
In the mood for a short read as I transition from one novel to the next, I thought I'd pick up one that I had purchased some time ago. The prequel to the author's "Little Mercies", this novella introduces social worker Ellen Moore.
A quick read, it was nonetheless compelling with a lot of ground covered in only 45 pages. It certainly held my interest, and I would eagerly read the following novel to learn more about the characters.
If I have one quibble, it is that Ellen's life seems just too perfect. Although tired, she doesn't seem otherwise stressed about her work/life balance. Her husband, without griping, delivers the children to school and the baby to the babysitters, washes, diapers, and feeds the children, never knowing exactly when Ellen will arrive home - if at all. This just didn't seem realistic to me. Perhaps the family will fall short of perfection in the next book?
The story was interesting, and the killer a real surprise. Recommended!
Just like a similar murder thirteen years ago, the mother was killed by blunt force trauma to the head. Her young son, distraught beside her.
Between them, Ellen and Joe discern the boy's name and begin to investigate the murder.
MY THOUGHTS
In the mood for a short read as I transition from one novel to the next, I thought I'd pick up one that I had purchased some time ago. The prequel to the author's "Little Mercies", this novella introduces social worker Ellen Moore.
A quick read, it was nonetheless compelling with a lot of ground covered in only 45 pages. It certainly held my interest, and I would eagerly read the following novel to learn more about the characters.
If I have one quibble, it is that Ellen's life seems just too perfect. Although tired, she doesn't seem otherwise stressed about her work/life balance. Her husband, without griping, delivers the children to school and the baby to the babysitters, washes, diapers, and feeds the children, never knowing exactly when Ellen will arrive home - if at all. This just didn't seem realistic to me. Perhaps the family will fall short of perfection in the next book?
The story was interesting, and the killer a real surprise. Recommended!
September 12, 2014
It's not that they don't love their kids - I know they do - but something has distracted them; a boyfriend, alcohol, drugs or life has hardened them so that they aren't capable of expressing that kind of love.
A prequel to Heather Gudenkauf new novel releasing later this year. It was short, but I connected with the characters and was totally hooked by the story. This novella was just to introduce us to the new characters. If you've never read any of her previous books, my favorite is One Breath Away, I read it in one day.
January 9, 2022
In terms of a teaser or appetizer for the full length novel Little Mercies, the Heather Gudenkauf novella Little Lies was excellent. I listened to the Audiobook, narrated by Kate Rudd and was instantly drawn into the story about Ellen Sharp, the social worker called out in the middle of the night to attend a crime scene in which a young boys mother had been murdered.
Ellen and her friend, police detective Joe Gaddy investigated the case together and I enjoyed their rapport. Given the short nature of the novella the case was wrapped up fairly quickly and easily - one of my early hunches being correct - but it still worked for me. I also liked the way Ellen was a working mum with three young children and a husband she loved and the way they parented their children.
I grew to like the characters quite quickly and look forward to spending more time with them Little Lies ended with a chapter introducing Little Mercies which I immediately downloaded so I guess I wont need to wait too long to get started and reacquainted.
Ellen and her friend, police detective Joe Gaddy investigated the case together and I enjoyed their rapport. Given the short nature of the novella the case was wrapped up fairly quickly and easily - one of my early hunches being correct - but it still worked for me. I also liked the way Ellen was a working mum with three young children and a husband she loved and the way they parented their children.
I grew to like the characters quite quickly and look forward to spending more time with them Little Lies ended with a chapter introducing Little Mercies which I immediately downloaded so I guess I wont need to wait too long to get started and reacquainted.
April 18, 2014
This was a very enjoyable novella from Heather Gudenkauf. I love the idea of introducing us to a character through a short story, giving us a chance to meet him or her before the full-length novel comes out. I've seen a lot of authors do this "teaser" lately, but only offer the first few chapters of a new release. I like this approach of a separate story using the same characters much better.
While I admit that I'm drawn to this author because she writes about things or places I know, I think many of us could relate to her characters. I enjoyed getting to know Ellen Moore and the child she was called to help. I could also relate to her struggles with work/family balance and the issues that can arise when work sometimes has to come first.
Sometimes short stories can feel a bit rushed, but I thought this maintained a nice pace. It felt a little abrupt toward the end, but it didn't bother me because I knew there was more to come. I'm definitely adding Little Mercies to my tbr list.
*I received an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While I admit that I'm drawn to this author because she writes about things or places I know, I think many of us could relate to her characters. I enjoyed getting to know Ellen Moore and the child she was called to help. I could also relate to her struggles with work/family balance and the issues that can arise when work sometimes has to come first.
Sometimes short stories can feel a bit rushed, but I thought this maintained a nice pace. It felt a little abrupt toward the end, but it didn't bother me because I knew there was more to come. I'm definitely adding Little Mercies to my tbr list.
*I received an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2020
Basically simple language and easy peasy plot. This social worker's life is pure fiction. Especially in details of how she nurses her less than 2 month old baby while being gone at work for 12 to 15 hour spells and then sleeping for 8 hours straight at one point. And all 3 kids under 8 also come and go with her only cooking macaroni or chicken fingers every few days. They must have been another species from my kids? It made the entire mother value crux of the plot seem almost ridiculous. Social work is intensely realistic. This was not. The ending? I won't even go there.
I read others of hers I liked better. No more. Beyond the baby schedule and children care unreality, it's YA level depth of sensibility prose form.
I read others of hers I liked better. No more. Beyond the baby schedule and children care unreality, it's YA level depth of sensibility prose form.
June 5, 2014
"Little Lies" is a prequel to Heather Gudenkauf's new novel "Little Mercies" which is due to be released shortly.
We are introduced to Ellen Moore, wife, daughter, mother and Social Worker. She is called by police to a local park where a young boy is huddled against the lifeless form of his mother.
This story centers around the murder investigation and Ellen helping this traumatized child.
A compelling plot, realistic characters and an excellent introduction to "Little Mercies".
We are introduced to Ellen Moore, wife, daughter, mother and Social Worker. She is called by police to a local park where a young boy is huddled against the lifeless form of his mother.
This story centers around the murder investigation and Ellen helping this traumatized child.
A compelling plot, realistic characters and an excellent introduction to "Little Mercies".
March 18, 2014
Quick review for a quick read. This was a very nice, self-contained murder mystery. This novella is a prequel companion to Heather Gudenkauf's upcoming novel "Little Mercies." The story revolves around a social worker named Ellen who gets called in on an emergency run regarding a four-year-old boy who was left in the park under a Leto statue beside his murdered mother. Ellen notes that the case has a similarity to one committed 13 years ago, when another little boy was found beside his mother. Suspicions link to the surviving boy of that former crime, but Ellen believes another culprit is at work.
The narrative toggles between the crime scene and parties and Ellen's home life with her three kids and always on the go husband (he's a basketball player). I thought it was well done for the details it provided and for being a self-contained case with some finality. I didn't think the mystery would wrap up, but it provided a clear rationale for motive and the suspicious parties when it came up. I will admit it went by very quickly, but I was still invested in the details of the story.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this respective story continues with "Little Mercies."
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Harlequin.
The narrative toggles between the crime scene and parties and Ellen's home life with her three kids and always on the go husband (he's a basketball player). I thought it was well done for the details it provided and for being a self-contained case with some finality. I didn't think the mystery would wrap up, but it provided a clear rationale for motive and the suspicious parties when it came up. I will admit it went by very quickly, but I was still invested in the details of the story.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this respective story continues with "Little Mercies."
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Harlequin.
March 24, 2014
Enjoyed this little prequel andLittle Mercies her new book comes out soon. I have always thought that social work is a very hard field to be in, and I liked the character in this one. If her new book is as interesting as this little short, it should be very good.
ARC from nETGALLEY.
ARC from nETGALLEY.
July 4, 2014
This short story did exactly what it was suppose to do, got me excited about the new book!
July 24, 2022
Social worker Ellen Moore is awake by a call in the middle of a cold winter night. A woman has been found murdered in the park and her young son, Mason, is left traumatized. The case mirrors one at the beginning of her career, thirteen years ago when another young boy, Jonah, was found next to his murdered mother, under the same statue. Is there a connection? Could Jonah be involved in this murder? Could Ellen herself be in danger.
LITTLE LIES introduces readers to Ellen Moore, the main character in Heather Gudenkauf's upcoming release LITTLE MERCIES. I was lucky to procure an advanced copy of LITTLE MERCIES and both novel and short story woe as stand alone or companion reads. I do recommend you read everything Gudenkauf has even written, for your own enjoyment.
Ellen's heartfelt narration show us a dedicated, yet flawed social worker, mother, wife, and daughter. A fierce advocate for her clients. The plot is compelling as readers will be engrossed in the mystery and root for both Mason and Jonah's happy endings.
My only criticism Heather Gudenkauf is that she can't write new books and stories for me to read every month (or week, I don't want to be too greedy).
LITTLE LIES introduces readers to Ellen Moore, the main character in Heather Gudenkauf's upcoming release LITTLE MERCIES. I was lucky to procure an advanced copy of LITTLE MERCIES and both novel and short story woe as stand alone or companion reads. I do recommend you read everything Gudenkauf has even written, for your own enjoyment.
Ellen's heartfelt narration show us a dedicated, yet flawed social worker, mother, wife, and daughter. A fierce advocate for her clients. The plot is compelling as readers will be engrossed in the mystery and root for both Mason and Jonah's happy endings.
My only criticism Heather Gudenkauf is that she can't write new books and stories for me to read every month (or week, I don't want to be too greedy).
August 6, 2014
Novellas are usually short stories to get readers excited for a new novel coming out. I actually read LITTLE LIES after I read LITTLE MERCIES. I would agree that reading LITTLE LIES would make you very interested in reading more of Ellen's story. But, reading it after is just as good.
LITTLE LIES is comparable to a few chapters in a regular book. So, you have to fit a lot of details in a short amount and Gudenkauf does it well. The story flows well and gives you a glimpse into the horrors Ellen sees in her job as a social worker. The mystery of the murder will surprise you and leave you wanting more from Gudenkauf.
LITTLE LIES is comparable to a few chapters in a regular book. So, you have to fit a lot of details in a short amount and Gudenkauf does it well. The story flows well and gives you a glimpse into the horrors Ellen sees in her job as a social worker. The mystery of the murder will surprise you and leave you wanting more from Gudenkauf.
May 27, 2017
This is a short story that is a prequel to a coming novel, Little Mercies, by this author. I wanted to read this to see how authentic the portrayal of a social worker in the child welfare field might be. I was surprised at how realistic the story was, in many ways. There were exceptions--most notable the "quiet morning in the office" seemed almost unheard of, but there was much that took me back to many memories of children and families from the past. While the ending is within the realm of possibility, luckily it is a rarity.
July 8, 2015
A murder mystery from a different viewpoint, that of a social worker. I didn't realise that this book would be so short, barely 100 pages, but whilst it is tiny, it is good. I will read more from this writer.
October 10, 2014
I loved it! I stayed up all night reading it and never put it down! I have all of her books, she is amazing!
May 31, 2020
This is a short prequel novella to Little mercies by the author. Though being short it really packs a punch. I did not see the end coming. A classic who did it story.
January 3, 2018
Heather Gudenkauf seriously NEVER disappoints!
May 10, 2017
Originally posted on http://www.lostinanotherbook.blogspot.ca
When I found out this was a short story/prequel, I decided to download the ebook from my library and blow through it in an afternoon. I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did but WOW, what a roller coaster ride of pure adventure.
Heather Gudenkauf is an author that I have picked up here and there over the years but not someone that I continually pay attention to and I have to wonder why that is. This is likely the third book of hers that I have read and can honestly say that I loved all of them. It's taking everything in me NOT to order up the book 'Little Mercies' that this book is the prequel to because I have that MUST READ MORE feeling.
Now, with short stories/prequels, I have always read the actual book they are based on before it so I am not sure how exactly Ellen (and family) and Joe are connected in the main story. Whether it is based around the original crime from 13-years ago or if the crimes of 'Little Lies' have nothing to do with it but either way, I am excited about the potential of reading more of these characters. I liked both Ellen and Joe and think there is definitely 'more to the story' of their relationship.
Overall, a very worthwhile read for those who enjoy quick, fast-faced, stories.
When I found out this was a short story/prequel, I decided to download the ebook from my library and blow through it in an afternoon. I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did but WOW, what a roller coaster ride of pure adventure.
Heather Gudenkauf is an author that I have picked up here and there over the years but not someone that I continually pay attention to and I have to wonder why that is. This is likely the third book of hers that I have read and can honestly say that I loved all of them. It's taking everything in me NOT to order up the book 'Little Mercies' that this book is the prequel to because I have that MUST READ MORE feeling.
Now, with short stories/prequels, I have always read the actual book they are based on before it so I am not sure how exactly Ellen (and family) and Joe are connected in the main story. Whether it is based around the original crime from 13-years ago or if the crimes of 'Little Lies' have nothing to do with it but either way, I am excited about the potential of reading more of these characters. I liked both Ellen and Joe and think there is definitely 'more to the story' of their relationship.
Overall, a very worthwhile read for those who enjoy quick, fast-faced, stories.
June 23, 2014
Heather Gudenkauf’s LITTLE LIES is a short novella, a prequel for the upcoming riveting LITTLE MERCIES. A story of a social worker, Ellen—a woman balancing her personal and work life as a mother of three, with a husband, and a complex career.
Having read an ARC of LITTLE MERCIES (a 5-star winner), prior to LITTLE LIES, immediately purchased the novella, as was so intrigued with the main character, Ellen, and wanted to learn more about her background.
LITTLE LIES introduces Ellen, as she is called to assist with an investigation. A child has lost his mother in a brutal murder. The body was found beneath a park statue which is similar to a murder thirteen years ago—with a little boy left behind.
Full of suspense, each can be standalone reads; however, highly recommend reading both books, as you will not be disappointed.
I love novels featuring social workers, as they are so undervalued, with huge responsibilities— making for an emotional, and gripping novel. Well done!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
Having read an ARC of LITTLE MERCIES (a 5-star winner), prior to LITTLE LIES, immediately purchased the novella, as was so intrigued with the main character, Ellen, and wanted to learn more about her background.
LITTLE LIES introduces Ellen, as she is called to assist with an investigation. A child has lost his mother in a brutal murder. The body was found beneath a park statue which is similar to a murder thirteen years ago—with a little boy left behind.
Full of suspense, each can be standalone reads; however, highly recommend reading both books, as you will not be disappointed.
I love novels featuring social workers, as they are so undervalued, with huge responsibilities— making for an emotional, and gripping novel. Well done!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
June 11, 2014
Sad circumstances, great short story to lead into the lives of Ellen Moore, her family and the detectives. Her job is to save the boy and make sure he is okay, not finding a killer but as Ellen dives into the background to save another child/teen, she becomes aware of a few things that will connect the dots. I love everything Heather writes so I can't wait until the full book Little Mercies is in my hands. An awesome Kindle short!!!!
August 12, 2016
I've always enjoyed the majority of books by Heather Gudenkauf and I'm really looking forward to reading her new book, Little Mercies. Although this book, Little Lies, was a short teaser for the new book, I'm not sure it was really necessary. Although it will fill in a half hour reading, I didn't love it but nor did I dislike it. I guess I just thought it was pointless. My expectation for the new book is that hopefully it will be better, time will tell.
November 17, 2014
In this prequel to Little Mercies we are introduced to Social Worker, Ellen Moore, who is called in to assist the police in an investigation. What Ellen doesn't know is that her life is about to change and not in a good way.
With Ellen's mistake hanging over her, she learns what is important to her and what is not.
4.5 stars
With Ellen's mistake hanging over her, she learns what is important to her and what is not.
4.5 stars
January 2, 2015
I'm feeling kind of lost that I have finished this book. I LOVED it and I cannot wait until Little Mercies!!
August 17, 2014
very short but good.
February 19, 2018
This short story was fun to read on my kindle. It's a short story mystery and starts with a death of a woman in the park where her 4 year old is found sitting near her body. The main character is a social worker who basically solves the murder mystery. Can't wait to read her full novel. Love Heather's writing style.
September 2, 2018
A quick read introducing Ellen a social worker with a huge heart for her work. I started the next one already since this novella pricked my interest.
September 30, 2021
Another great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews