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If You Lie
A buried past. A new-age cult. A floating prison with no way off.
Seven years ago, Olivia woke up in the trunk of a stranger’s car—and barely escaped with her life. She’s been looking over her shoulder ever since.
Now, Olivia is a true-crime podcaster on a mission to help other women avoid her fate. But years spent covering violence and crime have left her burned out. So when Olivia’s estranged sister Quinn invites her to reconnect on an exclusive cruise, she jumps at the chance for a break…only this trip won’t be the relaxing vacation she’s hoping for.
The ship is elegant, the meals are divine, and the people are friendly—maybe too friendly. But Quinn isn’t the sister Olivia remembers. And strange things are starting to happen that echo Olivia's past in unsettling ways.
When someone on the ship goes missing, Olivia realizes she’s playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Only this time, she might not survive.
Seven years ago, Olivia woke up in the trunk of a stranger’s car—and barely escaped with her life. She’s been looking over her shoulder ever since.
Now, Olivia is a true-crime podcaster on a mission to help other women avoid her fate. But years spent covering violence and crime have left her burned out. So when Olivia’s estranged sister Quinn invites her to reconnect on an exclusive cruise, she jumps at the chance for a break…only this trip won’t be the relaxing vacation she’s hoping for.
The ship is elegant, the meals are divine, and the people are friendly—maybe too friendly. But Quinn isn’t the sister Olivia remembers. And strange things are starting to happen that echo Olivia's past in unsettling ways.
When someone on the ship goes missing, Olivia realizes she’s playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Only this time, she might not survive.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
1957 people are currently reading
25602 people want to read
About the author
Caleb Stephens
24 books863 followersCaleb Stephens is an award-winning thriller author based in Denver, Colorado. He's the author of the psychological thrillers You'll Never Know, If You Lie, and The Girls in the Cabin, and a two-time Colorado Book Award finalist. When he's not writing, Caleb enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, Bodhi — ideally while drinking a strong cup of coffee.
To learn more about his work and grab a free story, check out his website www.calebstephensauthor.com, and follow him on TikTok and Instagram @calebstephensauthor.
To learn more about his work and grab a free story, check out his website www.calebstephensauthor.com, and follow him on TikTok and Instagram @calebstephensauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 920 reviews
December 7, 2024
My thanks to Thrillerscape Press, Caleb Stephens and Netgalley.
Holy heck! I freaking loved this book!
I'm not a fan of books about cults. I was raised in California, and I'll tell ya' true...there are a shit ton of cults in Cali. When I was a kid they worried me. As I got older, they managed to freak me out.
This story? Holy shit!
Worst of all was them being stuck on a ship. Shit on a cracker.
I absolutely recommend this book. It tapped all my story boxes!
Holy heck! I freaking loved this book!
I'm not a fan of books about cults. I was raised in California, and I'll tell ya' true...there are a shit ton of cults in Cali. When I was a kid they worried me. As I got older, they managed to freak me out.
This story? Holy shit!
Worst of all was them being stuck on a ship. Shit on a cracker.
I absolutely recommend this book. It tapped all my story boxes!
November 19, 2025
Original plot, but I couldn’t quite get into it.
October 18, 2024
I have been a fan of CS since reading and loving ‘Feeders’, and then ‘The Girls in the Cabin’, so I jumped at the chance to read this new one…he did not let me down.
This is full of twists and turns which had me gripped from the beginning to the end.
Olivia is on her way to Puerto Rica to embark on a cruise with her adopted sister Quinn and her new fiancé Bryce. Olivia (Via) is shocked and very anxious about seeing her sister again, after receiving an email from Quinn, out of the blue.
The sisters haven’t seen or had any contact with each other in four years since they had a huge fight.
Olivia (Via) is shocked and very anxious after receiving an email from Quinn, out of the blue…one she will regret opening.
This is excellently written, and I applaud CS for creating such an intricately weaved, psychological thriller, which kept me reading until the early hours 😵💫 but I just couldn’t sleep until I had finished.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it
Thanks to Caleb Stephens, Thrillerscape Press, and BookSirens, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: 1 November 2024
This is full of twists and turns which had me gripped from the beginning to the end.
Olivia is on her way to Puerto Rica to embark on a cruise with her adopted sister Quinn and her new fiancé Bryce. Olivia (Via) is shocked and very anxious about seeing her sister again, after receiving an email from Quinn, out of the blue.
The sisters haven’t seen or had any contact with each other in four years since they had a huge fight.
Olivia (Via) is shocked and very anxious after receiving an email from Quinn, out of the blue…one she will regret opening.
This is excellently written, and I applaud CS for creating such an intricately weaved, psychological thriller, which kept me reading until the early hours 😵💫 but I just couldn’t sleep until I had finished.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it
Thanks to Caleb Stephens, Thrillerscape Press, and BookSirens, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: 1 November 2024
September 9, 2025
dudeeeeeeee
my type of thriller. stunning. the best part about this was the pacing. it starts off slow and then all at once picks up very quickly, faster and faster until the end. a few good plot twists!! one predictable one, but can’t fault much else, I read the second half of the book in one sitting. YUM YUM YUM DELISH XX
TLDR: girls estranged sister invites her onto a yacht for a weekend away, lots goes wrong, finds herself very much wrong place wrong time. it was giving MLM/cult vibes.
I need more, immediately.
my type of thriller. stunning. the best part about this was the pacing. it starts off slow and then all at once picks up very quickly, faster and faster until the end. a few good plot twists!! one predictable one, but can’t fault much else, I read the second half of the book in one sitting. YUM YUM YUM DELISH XX
TLDR: girls estranged sister invites her onto a yacht for a weekend away, lots goes wrong, finds herself very much wrong place wrong time. it was giving MLM/cult vibes.
I need more, immediately.
November 9, 2024
Boring. Predictable. Last time I listen to TikTok. 😂
June 3, 2025
Singing the praises of If You Lie This has it all... Thrills, chills, suspense and twists galore.
The highest of recommendations.
The highest of recommendations.
November 22, 2024
I really enjoy Caleb’s books! And this one, is no different. This is a well told thriller that truly builds in action as we progress!
This tells the story of Olivia who seven years earlier nearly died when she is attacked by a stranger. After her harrowing escape, she gains fame as a true crime podcaster. When her estranged sister invites her back into her life she finds herself isolated on a luxury yacht with a group of strangers… and Olivia quickly discovers she been brought here, with the intentions of joining a cult who’s not only got some questionable motives, but some sinister plans as well. Is Olivia’s sister a part of this cult, or is she too in extreme danger?
This was an isolating thrill ride that really spirals in the best way up to a catastrophic conclusion! Well done Caleb! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
This tells the story of Olivia who seven years earlier nearly died when she is attacked by a stranger. After her harrowing escape, she gains fame as a true crime podcaster. When her estranged sister invites her back into her life she finds herself isolated on a luxury yacht with a group of strangers… and Olivia quickly discovers she been brought here, with the intentions of joining a cult who’s not only got some questionable motives, but some sinister plans as well. Is Olivia’s sister a part of this cult, or is she too in extreme danger?
This was an isolating thrill ride that really spirals in the best way up to a catastrophic conclusion! Well done Caleb! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
November 12, 2025
“𝙄𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚-𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨—𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙭𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙙…”
Olivia is the survivor of a vicious attack where she almost died. It forever changed her life and now she is a true-crime podcaster trying to help others get justice. When Quinn, her estranged sister, invites her on a cruise, Oliva takes the opportunity to reconnect. A chance to get away for some fun in the sun 𝗔𝗡𝗗 hoping to mend her relationship with her sister sounds like just what she needs.
This starts off 𝗜 𝗻 𝗧 𝗲 𝗡 𝘀 𝗘! From the first two pages I knew I was in for a wild ride. At first everything is glitzy and luxurious on the ship, but Quinn isn’t the sister Olivia remembers, at 𝗔𝗟𝗟. Very quickly there’s talk of doing ‘The Work’, being selected for ‘Transcension’ and the ‘Law of Plenty’. That was cringy and creepy enough, but then the group participation exercises began and things really got weird. Thoughts of escape began to form in Olivia’s mind especially as a survivor of something horrific, but guess what? There’s nowhere to go! The dread, powerlessness and claustrophobia was rivaled by the impending doom and escalating danger. I had NO idea where things were going as events escalated further and further. Some things I suspected and others came crashing at me like a tsunami. 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧. 𝗜𝗦. 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚?!
𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗘 delivers wave after wave of mind whirling twists that build to an action packed, jaw dropping climax! The best part? Utterly believably and brilliantly executed. Stephens has created characters of complexity that burst from the pages and scenarios that are entirely plausible. I was manic with glee, happily swept away by the crescendo of crazy! Thriller lovers do yourself a favor and get this 𝗡𝗢𝗪. Trust me. I did ‘The Work’ and came out the other side a certified Caleb Stephens 𝗙𝗔𝗡! Somebody get me his backlist, quick!
____
Thank you Caleb Stephens for my free copy. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below:
⚠️Content Warnings: language, assault, domestic abuse, gun violence, knife violence, PTSD, death Mention of: drug addiction, infertility, abduction, suicide, slave labor, human trafficking
Olivia is the survivor of a vicious attack where she almost died. It forever changed her life and now she is a true-crime podcaster trying to help others get justice. When Quinn, her estranged sister, invites her on a cruise, Oliva takes the opportunity to reconnect. A chance to get away for some fun in the sun 𝗔𝗡𝗗 hoping to mend her relationship with her sister sounds like just what she needs.
This starts off 𝗜 𝗻 𝗧 𝗲 𝗡 𝘀 𝗘! From the first two pages I knew I was in for a wild ride. At first everything is glitzy and luxurious on the ship, but Quinn isn’t the sister Olivia remembers, at 𝗔𝗟𝗟. Very quickly there’s talk of doing ‘The Work’, being selected for ‘Transcension’ and the ‘Law of Plenty’. That was cringy and creepy enough, but then the group participation exercises began and things really got weird. Thoughts of escape began to form in Olivia’s mind especially as a survivor of something horrific, but guess what? There’s nowhere to go! The dread, powerlessness and claustrophobia was rivaled by the impending doom and escalating danger. I had NO idea where things were going as events escalated further and further. Some things I suspected and others came crashing at me like a tsunami. 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧. 𝗜𝗦. 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚?!
𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗘 delivers wave after wave of mind whirling twists that build to an action packed, jaw dropping climax! The best part? Utterly believably and brilliantly executed. Stephens has created characters of complexity that burst from the pages and scenarios that are entirely plausible. I was manic with glee, happily swept away by the crescendo of crazy! Thriller lovers do yourself a favor and get this 𝗡𝗢𝗪. Trust me. I did ‘The Work’ and came out the other side a certified Caleb Stephens 𝗙𝗔𝗡! Somebody get me his backlist, quick!
____
Thank you Caleb Stephens for my free copy. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below:
⚠️Content Warnings: language, assault, domestic abuse, gun violence, knife violence, PTSD, death Mention of: drug addiction, infertility, abduction, suicide, slave labor, human trafficking
November 10, 2024
I love a good cult novel, and this one is near the top of my list! I’ve never liked the idea of cruises but If You Lie just guaranteed I will never be going on another in my life.
Fast paced and twisty, this book had my heart beating out of my chest. I recommend it and can’t wait to read Caleb’s other books!
Fast paced and twisty, this book had my heart beating out of my chest. I recommend it and can’t wait to read Caleb’s other books!
January 5, 2025
WOW!! I love this book! The twists were so good! 🫣😳😲🤯
~ 🎧
~ 🎧
September 6, 2025
Entertaining from start to finish! My first book from this author and it won’t be my last. He is my new auto-buy author.
I don’t usually wish for books to be longer but I would’ve read a thousand more pages from this book. I could not stop! Just so, so good!
I don’t usually wish for books to be longer but I would’ve read a thousand more pages from this book. I could not stop! Just so, so good!
November 1, 2024
✨H A P P Y • P U B • D A Y✨
#ad Many thanks for the advance copy @calebstephensauthor #partner
ᥫ᭡. If You Lie ᥫ᭡.
As soon as I saw the advance praises for this book from some of my favorite authors - like Noelle Ihli, Steph Nelson, Faith Gardner, and C.B. Jones (whom I haven’t read yet but definitely will now) - I knew I HAD to read it and that I WOULD love it.
NXIVM meets The Stowaway 💥
First, can we talk about this author’s metaphors and similes? They’re some of the best I’ve ever read! I even giggled a few times. Some of my favorites were ‘Trunk-O-Trauma,’ ‘the cotton candy cadence of a 16-year-old,’ and ‘an interstate of knots.’
This is an intense, heart-racing read. The suspense, plot, and pacing are expertly crafted - a delicious concoction of a book that you’ll devour.
I enjoyed the FMC, especially her “Therapist Olivia” voice she hears in her head. I loved how she turned her trauma into a passion of helping others.
From the very first page, you’ll be pulled in - now THAT is how you start a book! I loved the yacht setting as it enhanced the locked-room vibe of this book; there’s truly nowhere to escape.
You’ll want to grab a copy of this one, and it’s perfect because it publishes today! If you love action-packed books with nonstop suspense, this is a must-read. Grab your copy today.
Also much love to @this.human.reads for reading this book first and telling me I HAD TO READ IT! ♥️ Her recs have never let me down!
#IfYouLie #thrillerbooks #thriller #suspensebooks #suspense #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers
#ad Many thanks for the advance copy @calebstephensauthor #partner
ᥫ᭡. If You Lie ᥫ᭡.
As soon as I saw the advance praises for this book from some of my favorite authors - like Noelle Ihli, Steph Nelson, Faith Gardner, and C.B. Jones (whom I haven’t read yet but definitely will now) - I knew I HAD to read it and that I WOULD love it.
NXIVM meets The Stowaway 💥
First, can we talk about this author’s metaphors and similes? They’re some of the best I’ve ever read! I even giggled a few times. Some of my favorites were ‘Trunk-O-Trauma,’ ‘the cotton candy cadence of a 16-year-old,’ and ‘an interstate of knots.’
This is an intense, heart-racing read. The suspense, plot, and pacing are expertly crafted - a delicious concoction of a book that you’ll devour.
I enjoyed the FMC, especially her “Therapist Olivia” voice she hears in her head. I loved how she turned her trauma into a passion of helping others.
From the very first page, you’ll be pulled in - now THAT is how you start a book! I loved the yacht setting as it enhanced the locked-room vibe of this book; there’s truly nowhere to escape.
You’ll want to grab a copy of this one, and it’s perfect because it publishes today! If you love action-packed books with nonstop suspense, this is a must-read. Grab your copy today.
Also much love to @this.human.reads for reading this book first and telling me I HAD TO READ IT! ♥️ Her recs have never let me down!
#IfYouLie #thrillerbooks #thriller #suspensebooks #suspense #book #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookstagrammer #read #bookish #booknerd #instabook #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #bookshelf #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #reader #booklove #literature #instabooks #booklovers
November 13, 2024
“Who are you? Who have you become?”
I enjoyed this fairly well paced cult thriller. There were a few times I skimmed pages to get further along into the action, as the plot slowed at times with the Xclivity’s “sessions” aboard the ship.
A podcaster with a troubled history reunites with her estranged sister, and a group of “wellness” minded strangers aboard a private yacht.
What I really struggled with were the characters, there were so many to try and get to know in such a short time frame, but all felt essential to the story. I also didn’t like Olivia; you’d think after all her personal experiences, and working on a true crime show, she would listen to her gut. However she ignores her instincts SO many times, it was insufferable after a while. She even monologues this: “I’ve always had an eye for detail. I see the little things others miss—the extra breath someone takes before telling a lie, that slight hitch of the chest that means they’re thinking about what to say next.”
Yet still gets blindsided so many times.
Thank you to BookSirens & the author for a copy!
I enjoyed this fairly well paced cult thriller. There were a few times I skimmed pages to get further along into the action, as the plot slowed at times with the Xclivity’s “sessions” aboard the ship.
A podcaster with a troubled history reunites with her estranged sister, and a group of “wellness” minded strangers aboard a private yacht.
What I really struggled with were the characters, there were so many to try and get to know in such a short time frame, but all felt essential to the story. I also didn’t like Olivia; you’d think after all her personal experiences, and working on a true crime show, she would listen to her gut. However she ignores her instincts SO many times, it was insufferable after a while. She even monologues this: “I’ve always had an eye for detail. I see the little things others miss—the extra breath someone takes before telling a lie, that slight hitch of the chest that means they’re thinking about what to say next.”
Yet still gets blindsided so many times.
Thank you to BookSirens & the author for a copy!
November 10, 2024
The idea was great. It combined my favorite things in thrillers: cruises & cults.
Unfortunately, it just wasn't good. It read like an old cartoon where the cat keeps chasing the mouse and things get knocked over and broken along the way, but it's so ridiculous the stakes feel low.
Unfortunately, it just wasn't good. It read like an old cartoon where the cat keeps chasing the mouse and things get knocked over and broken along the way, but it's so ridiculous the stakes feel low.
December 3, 2024
Was I even reading the same book as the others that left reviews?!?!? 1 ⭐️ is generous.
December 8, 2024
This was such a unique thriller! If you’ve seen the show “9 Perfect Strangers”, it reminded me a little of that kind of vibe. Not exactly, of course, but just think a weird cult with lots of secrets and you don’t know who to trust. This was perfectly paced and I loved the yacht setting in the middle of the ocean. Caleb Stephens is an auto-read author for me and I will read anything he writes!
February 23, 2026
I really struggled with this one. My biggest issue with If You Lie was the total lack of connection—both with the characters and the plot itself. I didn't find any of the characters likable or even interesting enough to care what happened to them, which made pushing through to the end a real chore.
Beyond the characters, the story structure felt incredibly disjointed. I kept waiting for the opening chapters to eventually tie back into the main narrative in a way that made sense, but that "aha!" moment never arrived for me. It felt like I was reading two different books that were forced together.
Ultimately, it was a confusing experience that left me feeling more annoyed than entertained. If you value character depth and a cohesive plot, you might want to skip this one.
Beyond the characters, the story structure felt incredibly disjointed. I kept waiting for the opening chapters to eventually tie back into the main narrative in a way that made sense, but that "aha!" moment never arrived for me. It felt like I was reading two different books that were forced together.
Ultimately, it was a confusing experience that left me feeling more annoyed than entertained. If you value character depth and a cohesive plot, you might want to skip this one.
February 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
November 9, 2024
Mr. Caleb Stephens. Sir. SIR. I’m going to need a sequel to this book IMMEDIATELY. This gripped me with full force and would not let go. I will never be able to step foot on a cruise ship and I’m okay with that. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything this novel is. I absolutely loved it.
December 17, 2024
This was a fun thriller to take down. Some things took my by surprise, some didn't, but I enjoyed my time with this thriller nonetheless. The pacing was steady the whole time where I never felt bored. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job. This was a solid story.
April 1, 2025
It’s kind of like the same formula… a + b = c…
Well this followed the same formula and didn’t really give me a surprise. 🙄
Well this followed the same formula and didn’t really give me a surprise. 🙄
April 21, 2025
LOL HATED THIS ONE BONK
February 28, 2026
All I read was "Seven years ago, Olivia woke up in the trunk of a car" and I was in! This sentence screams GREAT psychological thriller. Boy I was wrong.
What I didn't realize I would be reading was a girl taking a small cruise with her estranged sister. The cult like characters and traditions were a little too far fetched for me.
The book had potential plot, some great characters, also some really awful and not relatable at all.
*predictable
*story fell short
*long chapters
*boring
*not realistic
No shock factor for me because it just was not realistic. In my opinion a strong FMC that has been through trauma would never agree to do any of the stuff that was presented to her on the cruise. Let along get onboard the boat!
Anyway this book was not for me. Caleb has written some 5 star books for me, so I won't let this one stop me from reading more of his books.
2.5 stars, the last chapter was most of those stars! The best one in the entire book!
What I didn't realize I would be reading was a girl taking a small cruise with her estranged sister. The cult like characters and traditions were a little too far fetched for me.
The book had potential plot, some great characters, also some really awful and not relatable at all.
*predictable
*story fell short
*long chapters
*boring
*not realistic
No shock factor for me because it just was not realistic. In my opinion a strong FMC that has been through trauma would never agree to do any of the stuff that was presented to her on the cruise. Let along get onboard the boat!
Anyway this book was not for me. Caleb has written some 5 star books for me, so I won't let this one stop me from reading more of his books.
2.5 stars, the last chapter was most of those stars! The best one in the entire book!
January 13, 2025
Quick read, wasn't bad. Nothing really memorable to me though.
November 19, 2024
Another crappy subpar mystery book to add to 2024. Disappointing waste of a week 😒
January 9, 2026
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
after finishing you’ll never know, i had the urge to read every single one of this author’s books. because you’ll never know was a masterpiece and i wanted another one.
well, sadly you can never have too many masterpieces. this was so bad, so boring and stupid. it had so much potential, i love the writing and the idea but ugh i am so disappointed. i really don’t like this type of books i wanna erase it from my brain
i’ll still be giving a chance to his other books but this one does not exist to me
after finishing you’ll never know, i had the urge to read every single one of this author’s books. because you’ll never know was a masterpiece and i wanted another one.
well, sadly you can never have too many masterpieces. this was so bad, so boring and stupid. it had so much potential, i love the writing and the idea but ugh i am so disappointed. i really don’t like this type of books i wanna erase it from my brain
i’ll still be giving a chance to his other books but this one does not exist to me
October 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️- Slow start to this one but it finished with a bang. This book is filled with family trauma, secrets, manipulation, cult activity, and some heart pounding scenes. This was my second Caleb Stephens book and I feel like more people need to check his work out!
November 1, 2024
this book made me NEVER want to go on a boat or cruise ship in my life. absolutely insane and terrifying. just when I thought I had everything figured out and it couldn't get any crazier, it did. there were so many characters I hated and then also so many characters I felt bad for, this was such a good read
December 13, 2024
This was an unhinged psychological thriller! 🤯 I thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end! Suspenseful, connected with the characters and kept me engaged! Checked all the boxes for me! ☑️ Highly recommend!
December 31, 2024
Goodness sake! The suspense doesn’t let up from like page 15 on. This is the definitely of edge of your seat thriller. This is so fast paced and so hard to put down. I loved all the twists and turns - and will Definitely get you out of a reading slump.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 920 reviews