What do you think?
Rate this book
Everyone Is Lying
Alexandra has the perfect a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. But twenty years ago, she witnessed something she was never meant to see.
When she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Only four people knew her nickname—Birdie—and one of them is dead.
She thought she'd buried the past. She thought she was safe.
Now she’s forced to confront the night that changed everything—when three girls died at an exclusive party, and Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
The little bird isn’t just a reminder—it’s a warning.
Someone knows what really happened that night. And they’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.
Fans of Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware and Gillian Flynn will be hooked on this unforgettable thriller which will keep you up listening late into the night.
When she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Only four people knew her nickname—Birdie—and one of them is dead.
She thought she'd buried the past. She thought she was safe.
Now she’s forced to confront the night that changed everything—when three girls died at an exclusive party, and Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
The little bird isn’t just a reminder—it’s a warning.
Someone knows what really happened that night. And they’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.
Fans of Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware and Gillian Flynn will be hooked on this unforgettable thriller which will keep you up listening late into the night.
Audible Audio
Published March 31, 2025
144 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
D.E. White
24 books97 followersPseudonym for author Daisy White
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 25, 2025
A psychological thriller about a woman with a secret that eventually catches up with her.
Alexander has a happy marriage to Harlan, a nice house in Brighton, her own business and two much loved children. Things start to fall apart and her whole world is threatened when she begins to receive tiny origami birds - a reminder of a time when she was called Birdie and lived a very different life.
I thought this was a really good read. It was a clever story full of suspense which kept me on the edge of my seat. Plus I could not stop reading because I just had to know what was going to happen. Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Alexander has a happy marriage to Harlan, a nice house in Brighton, her own business and two much loved children. Things start to fall apart and her whole world is threatened when she begins to receive tiny origami birds - a reminder of a time when she was called Birdie and lived a very different life.
I thought this was a really good read. It was a clever story full of suspense which kept me on the edge of my seat. Plus I could not stop reading because I just had to know what was going to happen. Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 28, 2025
2.75 ⭐
Blurb: “Alexandra has the perfect life: a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. But twenty years ago, she witnessed something she was never meant to see.
When she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Only four people knew her nickname – Birdie – and one of them is dead.
Now she’s forced to confront the night that changed everything – when three girls died at an exclusive party, and Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
The little bird isn’t just a reminder – it’s a warning.
Someone knows what really happened that night. And they’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.”
The Plot: The premise was promising and at times the story was quite interesting, but I didn’t really enjoy reading this book. It seemed like everything that happened could’ve been prevented and that thought was nagging me the entire time. Everything we do has consequences, whether it be good or bad, and it seems like nobody knew about this while they were striving for success and money. I will say that there were points of the story that surprised me, but most of the “surprises” I had already guessed or were explained. The story didn’t thrill me, chill me, or wow me. It’s more of a mystery novel than a thriller, but it isn't very mysterious. I wish it were so I could have liked it better! 😭
The Characters: The characters were all right. I liked how motherly and protective Alexandra was over her children, but she frustrated me sometimes with her back and forth of regretting being a part of the parties yet thinking it wasn’t so terribly bad because she didn’t do anything illegal and she got to get her degree. 🤦♀️ I’m not judging her because desperate times call for desperate measures, but like, girl. There are plenty of other students who work their butts off in school and work several crappy jobs to keep themselves afloat and still graduate and live the life they want without having to look over their shoulder. Her excuses fell flat for me. She confused me and I felt like she was on the fence about her past life. Everyone else was sketchy (except for Alexandra’s friends, I kinda liked them). I don’t think I liked any of the characters besides Alexandra’s kids, Clara, and maybe, maybe Gareth. 😅
The Writing: D. E. White is very good at what she does. Although I didn’t really like the story, her writing kept me engaged and the dialogue was realistic and readable, which helped me to press on and finish the book.
Overall Thoughts: I wish I could have liked it, but I didn’t. The lack of accountability and impulsiveness was incredible. I wanted to bang my head on the wall at how much of this could’ve been prevented if the love of money weren’t driving these characters to do things they wouldn’t have done otherwise. Money’s great and all, but it ain’t that great. 😅 Especially if it takes away your peace, puts you and your loved ones in danger, and destroys your future. Doesn’t seem worth it to me.
Content Warnings: murder, death, grief, some violence
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the complimentary digital arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and statements are my own.
#EveryoneIsLying #NetGalley
Blurb: “Alexandra has the perfect life: a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. But twenty years ago, she witnessed something she was never meant to see.
When she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Only four people knew her nickname – Birdie – and one of them is dead.
Now she’s forced to confront the night that changed everything – when three girls died at an exclusive party, and Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
The little bird isn’t just a reminder – it’s a warning.
Someone knows what really happened that night. And they’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.”
The Plot: The premise was promising and at times the story was quite interesting, but I didn’t really enjoy reading this book. It seemed like everything that happened could’ve been prevented and that thought was nagging me the entire time. Everything we do has consequences, whether it be good or bad, and it seems like nobody knew about this while they were striving for success and money. I will say that there were points of the story that surprised me, but most of the “surprises” I had already guessed or were explained. The story didn’t thrill me, chill me, or wow me. It’s more of a mystery novel than a thriller, but it isn't very mysterious. I wish it were so I could have liked it better! 😭
The Characters: The characters were all right. I liked how motherly and protective Alexandra was over her children, but she frustrated me sometimes with her back and forth of regretting being a part of the parties yet thinking it wasn’t so terribly bad because she didn’t do anything illegal and she got to get her degree. 🤦♀️ I’m not judging her because desperate times call for desperate measures, but like, girl. There are plenty of other students who work their butts off in school and work several crappy jobs to keep themselves afloat and still graduate and live the life they want without having to look over their shoulder. Her excuses fell flat for me. She confused me and I felt like she was on the fence about her past life. Everyone else was sketchy (except for Alexandra’s friends, I kinda liked them). I don’t think I liked any of the characters besides Alexandra’s kids, Clara, and maybe, maybe Gareth. 😅
The Writing: D. E. White is very good at what she does. Although I didn’t really like the story, her writing kept me engaged and the dialogue was realistic and readable, which helped me to press on and finish the book.
Overall Thoughts: I wish I could have liked it, but I didn’t. The lack of accountability and impulsiveness was incredible. I wanted to bang my head on the wall at how much of this could’ve been prevented if the love of money weren’t driving these characters to do things they wouldn’t have done otherwise. Money’s great and all, but it ain’t that great. 😅 Especially if it takes away your peace, puts you and your loved ones in danger, and destroys your future. Doesn’t seem worth it to me.
Content Warnings: murder, death, grief, some violence
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the complimentary digital arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and statements are my own.
#EveryoneIsLying #NetGalley
April 14, 2025
Everyone is Lying by D.E. White
Synopsis /
Alexandra has the perfect life: a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. But twenty years ago, she witnessed something she was never meant to see.
When she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Only four people knew her nickname – Birdie – and one of them is dead.
Now she’s forced to confront the night that changed everything – when three girls died at an exclusive party, and Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
The little bird isn’t just a reminder – it’s a warning.
Someone knows what really happened that night. And they’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, D.E. White for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Everything we do has consequences.
It started out as an interesting premise, but in the end, the pacing and unnecessary storyline killed it for me.
Alexandra's worked hard – gaining her degree, starting her own business, marriage and family. Life as she knows it now is pretty great and for those on the outside looking in, she has it all. But it wasn't anything like this in the beginning….
For Lexy and her friends, the struggles of being a student were real – money was tight. When her best friend and roommate, Lana, presented her with the opportunity of joining the Candy Girls, Lexy thought it was easy money.
In short, the Candy Girls organisation was an escort service whose clients consisted of wealthy, powerful, and politically active men. The organisation hosted parties which the candy girls all attended. Money, alcohol and drugs were never in short supply. Unlike some of the other girls, Lexy mainly served as a hostess and bartender at these parties and never spent any one-on-one time with the clientele. She was making good money working these parties, but it all came crashing down one evening when Lexy saw something she was never meant to see.
Twenty years later – and a string of occurrences happening in the present are on a collision path which may implode the life as she knows it.
Things that worked:
👉 The storyline about the Candy Girls and Alexandra's involvement worked well and was an interesting premise. There were plot points regarding this story thread that engaged and surprised this reader.
Things that didn't work:
👉 The storyline lost a bit of its pacing when looping back in time from the present. The passages where Alexandra was 'remembering' back to that night in question became a little repetitive for this reader.
👉 Unfortunately, I didn't connect with our FMC. I found her to be frustrating and lacking depth. And indeed, I didn't find any likable characters at all (which is perfectly fine, except that I began to enjoy the story less as a result).
👉 The inclusion of husband Harlan's own 'issues' towards the end of the book could have been omitted entirely and I felt did nothing to the enhance the overall effect of the story except to increase the page count.
I think this novel had a good bone structure but wasn't built to its full potential.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Synopsis /
Alexandra has the perfect life: a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. But twenty years ago, she witnessed something she was never meant to see.
When she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Only four people knew her nickname – Birdie – and one of them is dead.
Now she’s forced to confront the night that changed everything – when three girls died at an exclusive party, and Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
The little bird isn’t just a reminder – it’s a warning.
Someone knows what really happened that night. And they’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, D.E. White for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Everything we do has consequences.
It started out as an interesting premise, but in the end, the pacing and unnecessary storyline killed it for me.
Alexandra's worked hard – gaining her degree, starting her own business, marriage and family. Life as she knows it now is pretty great and for those on the outside looking in, she has it all. But it wasn't anything like this in the beginning….
For Lexy and her friends, the struggles of being a student were real – money was tight. When her best friend and roommate, Lana, presented her with the opportunity of joining the Candy Girls, Lexy thought it was easy money.
In short, the Candy Girls organisation was an escort service whose clients consisted of wealthy, powerful, and politically active men. The organisation hosted parties which the candy girls all attended. Money, alcohol and drugs were never in short supply. Unlike some of the other girls, Lexy mainly served as a hostess and bartender at these parties and never spent any one-on-one time with the clientele. She was making good money working these parties, but it all came crashing down one evening when Lexy saw something she was never meant to see.
Twenty years later – and a string of occurrences happening in the present are on a collision path which may implode the life as she knows it.
Things that worked:
👉 The storyline about the Candy Girls and Alexandra's involvement worked well and was an interesting premise. There were plot points regarding this story thread that engaged and surprised this reader.
Things that didn't work:
👉 The storyline lost a bit of its pacing when looping back in time from the present. The passages where Alexandra was 'remembering' back to that night in question became a little repetitive for this reader.
👉 Unfortunately, I didn't connect with our FMC. I found her to be frustrating and lacking depth. And indeed, I didn't find any likable characters at all (which is perfectly fine, except that I began to enjoy the story less as a result).
👉 The inclusion of husband Harlan's own 'issues' towards the end of the book could have been omitted entirely and I felt did nothing to the enhance the overall effect of the story except to increase the page count.
I think this novel had a good bone structure but wasn't built to its full potential.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 1, 2025
3.25 ⭐️ - Arc review from NetGalley
Who doesn’t love a good “you can only run away from your past for so long” plot. This is my first read from D.E. White and I will definitely be looking in to reading more from her.
I really loved the concept and storyline of a struggling young female trying to better her life, working hard to earn a perfectly normal but happy life and then having to fight past secrets to keep it, while still doing the right thing. A great book especially in these times of realising people with big money have big secrets. I usually read a little more dramatically written books but am pleasantly surprised how much I was drawn into the life of Lexy, being unable to put the book down.
The biggest way to lose my attention is by going to deep in to smaller activities eg verity’s grocery shop, I don’t need every item on your list but I like to have the routine of a person, making them more real to me and I found in this book I could get a sense of Alexandra’s life without trying to skim over it.
Just a PSA as I see this is an issue for some, it is written in third person. I mostly read first person but didn’t have any problems with it taking away from the plot for me :)
Who doesn’t love a good “you can only run away from your past for so long” plot. This is my first read from D.E. White and I will definitely be looking in to reading more from her.
I really loved the concept and storyline of a struggling young female trying to better her life, working hard to earn a perfectly normal but happy life and then having to fight past secrets to keep it, while still doing the right thing. A great book especially in these times of realising people with big money have big secrets. I usually read a little more dramatically written books but am pleasantly surprised how much I was drawn into the life of Lexy, being unable to put the book down.
The biggest way to lose my attention is by going to deep in to smaller activities eg verity’s grocery shop, I don’t need every item on your list but I like to have the routine of a person, making them more real to me and I found in this book I could get a sense of Alexandra’s life without trying to skim over it.
Just a PSA as I see this is an issue for some, it is written in third person. I mostly read first person but didn’t have any problems with it taking away from the plot for me :)
April 15, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC!
This book had *so* much potential.
The premise? Pretty compelling.
A former Candy Girl (read: hostess for a very shady, very elite escort service) trying to keep her past buried while it slowly comes back to bite her—yeah, that had me hooked.
The dual timeline was intriguing, especially when Alexandra starts receiving creepy paper birds that hint her past isn’t as buried as she thought.
The Candy Girls plotline, especially the events from twenty years ago, was by far the most gripping part of the book. That whole “something terrible happened at the party and now the past is catching up” vibe? Loved that. Unfortunately, the pacing kept tripping over itself.
The flashbacks dragged a bit and got repetitive, and while Alexandra (aka Lexy aka Birdie) should’ve been a complex, compelling character… I just couldn’t connect. Honestly, I didn’t find *anyone* in this book very likable, and that made it harder to stay invested.
Also, Alexandra’s husband suddenly getting his own drama felt like a random subplot the book didn’t need. Less filler, more thriller, please.
Still, there’s a solid skeleton here—a strong setup, some real tension, and a few twists that definitely landed. With tighter writing and deeper characters, this could’ve been a knockout.
As is? It’s a decent read for suspense fans looking for something with a little grit and glamour.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC!
This book had *so* much potential.
The premise? Pretty compelling.
A former Candy Girl (read: hostess for a very shady, very elite escort service) trying to keep her past buried while it slowly comes back to bite her—yeah, that had me hooked.
The dual timeline was intriguing, especially when Alexandra starts receiving creepy paper birds that hint her past isn’t as buried as she thought.
The Candy Girls plotline, especially the events from twenty years ago, was by far the most gripping part of the book. That whole “something terrible happened at the party and now the past is catching up” vibe? Loved that. Unfortunately, the pacing kept tripping over itself.
The flashbacks dragged a bit and got repetitive, and while Alexandra (aka Lexy aka Birdie) should’ve been a complex, compelling character… I just couldn’t connect. Honestly, I didn’t find *anyone* in this book very likable, and that made it harder to stay invested.
Also, Alexandra’s husband suddenly getting his own drama felt like a random subplot the book didn’t need. Less filler, more thriller, please.
Still, there’s a solid skeleton here—a strong setup, some real tension, and a few twists that definitely landed. With tighter writing and deeper characters, this could’ve been a knockout.
As is? It’s a decent read for suspense fans looking for something with a little grit and glamour.
April 27, 2025
Plots with past secrets always make for good storytelling. This book was no exception. I enjoyed trying to figure out the reason behind the origami birds!
March 25, 2025
Everyone Is Lying by D. E. White is fast-paced psychological thriller about a dark past that catches you in the most unexpected way and time.
I loved the concept and the story:
Story of money, power and politics!
Story of greed and never enough.
Story of innocence dragged to the dark side.
Story of hope and future chances.
Alexandra (Lexy) has worked hard to succeed and she did. She's happily married to Harlan, has two young children and a successful business.
Twenty years ago Lexy took an extra job as a Candy Girl to arrange and host exclusive parties. This was the way she paid for her studies and was able to save for her future.
Now she is called in for jury duty and she must face the dark secrets... 20 years ago she witnessed something that she should not have, she ran and kept a low profile but looks like her past caught up with her and all she carefully built can go in dust in split second.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this copy!
I loved the concept and the story:
Story of money, power and politics!
Story of greed and never enough.
Story of innocence dragged to the dark side.
Story of hope and future chances.
Alexandra (Lexy) has worked hard to succeed and she did. She's happily married to Harlan, has two young children and a successful business.
Twenty years ago Lexy took an extra job as a Candy Girl to arrange and host exclusive parties. This was the way she paid for her studies and was able to save for her future.
Now she is called in for jury duty and she must face the dark secrets... 20 years ago she witnessed something that she should not have, she ran and kept a low profile but looks like her past caught up with her and all she carefully built can go in dust in split second.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this copy!
February 25, 2025
This was a nice little psychological thriller. Maybe a little slow to start off, but when the pace picks up, it's game on.
Our protagonist is Alexandra, an aesthetics practitioner. She has it all; a successful business, a townhouse in Brighton, a husband and two children. She also has a secret past, and someone is keen to remind her of it.
There are one or two creepy moments in the book, such as the arrival of the first origami bird, and that constant feeling Alexandra has of being watched. 🐦
With the exception of the children, the main characters aren't very likeable. There were times I slapped Alexandra, in my head obviously, because of all her dithering about doing the right thing. And don't get me started on Harlan! 😣
For all that, Everyone is Lying is a tension filled page turner, and I'll be checking out other titles by the author.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
Our protagonist is Alexandra, an aesthetics practitioner. She has it all; a successful business, a townhouse in Brighton, a husband and two children. She also has a secret past, and someone is keen to remind her of it.
There are one or two creepy moments in the book, such as the arrival of the first origami bird, and that constant feeling Alexandra has of being watched. 🐦
With the exception of the children, the main characters aren't very likeable. There were times I slapped Alexandra, in my head obviously, because of all her dithering about doing the right thing. And don't get me started on Harlan! 😣
For all that, Everyone is Lying is a tension filled page turner, and I'll be checking out other titles by the author.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
June 18, 2025
The title is definitely apropos! It took until the end of the book to find who was lying and who wasn’t. What a mess!
Alexandra has a past, and her husband doesn’t know about it. The book begins with that lie and we run into other lies we didn’t expect. What started with an origami bird on the table (Alexandra doesn’t know who delivered it, where it came from, and what exactly the hidden message is) morphs into a full-blown conspiracy reaching backwards and forwards with strong political implications.
I enjoyed the story and I’m glad to be introduced to this writer.
Four stars!
I received a copy of the digital ARC via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Alexandra has a past, and her husband doesn’t know about it. The book begins with that lie and we run into other lies we didn’t expect. What started with an origami bird on the table (Alexandra doesn’t know who delivered it, where it came from, and what exactly the hidden message is) morphs into a full-blown conspiracy reaching backwards and forwards with strong political implications.
I enjoyed the story and I’m glad to be introduced to this writer.
Four stars!
I received a copy of the digital ARC via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
March 16, 2025
3.5 stars ~~
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I enjoyed this mystery and was really bamboozled by some of the characters. I was curious and enticed right from the beginning! If you’re looking for a quick read with lots of twists, this is it. :)
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I enjoyed this mystery and was really bamboozled by some of the characters. I was curious and enticed right from the beginning! If you’re looking for a quick read with lots of twists, this is it. :)
February 15, 2025
I enjoyed this one a great deal! In 2004 Lexy is a "Candy Girl," a hostess who earns money by entertaining men. Now in the present she is married to Harlan, a police officer and they have two young children. She finds an odd oragami bird on her doorstep and it reminds her of her sketchy past. Then when she is assigned jury duty, she finds herself on a murder case and believes she recognizes the defendant from her past. Now she must put all those memories behind her as she is bound by the law but it brings back so many memories she has trouble staying in the present! It's a captivating story that I raced through as it's unlike anything I've read!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 13, 2025
Alexander's thought she'd put the tragic events at a party twenty years ago away. But when she's called for Jury service, she recognises the defendant as someone from the party. And when she discovers an origami bird on her dining table she's fully aware that her comfortable lifestyle is going to explode.
I found this fairly fast paced, fairly predictable but enjoyable
I found this fairly fast paced, fairly predictable but enjoyable
March 31, 2025
Everyone is Lying by D.E. White is a suspenseful thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Alexandra (Lexy) has built up a successful business, is happily married to her husband Harlan, and has two young children. She has been able to overcome her past as a party girl and host to exclusive get together. Twenty years ago Lexy witnessed something that she should not have seen and has been on the run ever since. When one day she finds an origami bird with a broken wing she is faced with the terrifying fact that her past has caught up to her. Who could have possibly known that her nickname was Birdie other than the person she is hiding from?
This book was a good suspense thriller with a dual timeline. It is in a third person narrative which I don't read as often but I really enjoyed it in this. The plot of the book is enjoyable and while some parts are on the slow side , I feel that it is necessary to set the stage for the twists to come. Overall I would recommend Everyone is Lying to readers who like their thrillers with tension and suspense!!
Thank you to NetGalley, D.E White, and Storm Publishing for this ARC. Publication date is March 31st 2025.
Alexandra (Lexy) has built up a successful business, is happily married to her husband Harlan, and has two young children. She has been able to overcome her past as a party girl and host to exclusive get together. Twenty years ago Lexy witnessed something that she should not have seen and has been on the run ever since. When one day she finds an origami bird with a broken wing she is faced with the terrifying fact that her past has caught up to her. Who could have possibly known that her nickname was Birdie other than the person she is hiding from?
This book was a good suspense thriller with a dual timeline. It is in a third person narrative which I don't read as often but I really enjoyed it in this. The plot of the book is enjoyable and while some parts are on the slow side , I feel that it is necessary to set the stage for the twists to come. Overall I would recommend Everyone is Lying to readers who like their thrillers with tension and suspense!!
Thank you to NetGalley, D.E White, and Storm Publishing for this ARC. Publication date is March 31st 2025.
January 11, 2026
I enjoyed this book even though it was slower paced than what I usually read. The story builds gradually and focuses more on tension and characters than fast action and twists that are unexpected. Overall, a solid slow-burn thriller that kept me curious until the end.
April 13, 2025
CANDY GIRLS!
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by D. E. White and published by Storm Publishing in 2025, this is a suspense/murder thriller set in Brighton, U.K. The Candy Girls is the name of an escort service (whorehouse, house of prostitution) and its female staff. It was located near Brighton. The ladies were good-looking young women who made a lot of money and shared drugs from their clients, and from the men (pimps) who ran the operation. Alexandra (Lexy) did not sleep with the clients. She served as a hostess and bartender in this large house with a basement swimming pool. Life was good. Everybody was having fun! Lexy and the other girls were making a lot of money.
Then, Alexandra, also known as “Birdie,” because she loved to sing and make small paper origami birds, discovered that all was not good in the Candy Girls organization. That was in 2004. Three of the girls were murdered within minutes of each other in the swimming pool by one of the clients. He was, and is, wealthy, related to Royalty, and politically active and powerful. His name is Thomas Blake. One of the pimps, a man known as Mac, urged Lexy to leave while she still could as he began burying three young bodies in the basement. Lexy has seen the body of Lana’s younger sister, Jess, so she knows that she is dead, but wonders about Lana, from whom she has heard nothing in the last twenty years. Lexy’s stepbrother Niall was also working at the Candy Girl house, and she saw him carry Jess’s body into the basement to be buried. She wondered about Mac but had heard nothing from any of them. Lexy left and never went back. She completed her degree in Nursing and began a new life, all the while wondering if her best friend and roommate, Lana, had also been murdered.
After graduation, Lexy started her own business which she named Glow. It is an aesthetics practice, and Alexandra has become a very successful aesthetician. Her clientele all want to be beautiful, and Alexandra is very good with cosmetics and the facial injections that can make women look prettier. She has married Harlan, a police officer who works rotating shifts, and has inherited a lot of money. They have two children, a boy named Tom and a girl named Sophie. Alexandra’s mother has Alzheimer’s Disease and lives in a nursing home, but Alexandra tries to visit her often. It is now twenty years later, and the suspense begins.
Alexandra awakens one morning and goes down to her kitchen to make breakfast for her family. On the table she sees a white envelope addressed to Birdie, and when she opens it, she finds a perfectly made little paper origami bird. Who has found her? How did they find her? How do they know about her past? Is her family in danger? How did they get into her house?
The suspense builds relentlessly from this point in the story onward until it reaches an unexpected climax. A few questions to ponder: Did Harlan really inherit his money? If not, where does it come from? Is Lana really dead. How about Mac? Is he dead also? Who has broken into her house and left the origami bird? Will she be arrested and jailed because she did not report the twenty-year-old murders to the police?
You can find the answers to all these questions, and more, by reading this excellent book. It is well-written, suspenseful and entertaining. I award all five of the five stars available for this novel along with my recommendation.
I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Written by D. E. White and published by Storm Publishing in 2025, this is a suspense/murder thriller set in Brighton, U.K. The Candy Girls is the name of an escort service (whorehouse, house of prostitution) and its female staff. It was located near Brighton. The ladies were good-looking young women who made a lot of money and shared drugs from their clients, and from the men (pimps) who ran the operation. Alexandra (Lexy) did not sleep with the clients. She served as a hostess and bartender in this large house with a basement swimming pool. Life was good. Everybody was having fun! Lexy and the other girls were making a lot of money.
Then, Alexandra, also known as “Birdie,” because she loved to sing and make small paper origami birds, discovered that all was not good in the Candy Girls organization. That was in 2004. Three of the girls were murdered within minutes of each other in the swimming pool by one of the clients. He was, and is, wealthy, related to Royalty, and politically active and powerful. His name is Thomas Blake. One of the pimps, a man known as Mac, urged Lexy to leave while she still could as he began burying three young bodies in the basement. Lexy has seen the body of Lana’s younger sister, Jess, so she knows that she is dead, but wonders about Lana, from whom she has heard nothing in the last twenty years. Lexy’s stepbrother Niall was also working at the Candy Girl house, and she saw him carry Jess’s body into the basement to be buried. She wondered about Mac but had heard nothing from any of them. Lexy left and never went back. She completed her degree in Nursing and began a new life, all the while wondering if her best friend and roommate, Lana, had also been murdered.
After graduation, Lexy started her own business which she named Glow. It is an aesthetics practice, and Alexandra has become a very successful aesthetician. Her clientele all want to be beautiful, and Alexandra is very good with cosmetics and the facial injections that can make women look prettier. She has married Harlan, a police officer who works rotating shifts, and has inherited a lot of money. They have two children, a boy named Tom and a girl named Sophie. Alexandra’s mother has Alzheimer’s Disease and lives in a nursing home, but Alexandra tries to visit her often. It is now twenty years later, and the suspense begins.
Alexandra awakens one morning and goes down to her kitchen to make breakfast for her family. On the table she sees a white envelope addressed to Birdie, and when she opens it, she finds a perfectly made little paper origami bird. Who has found her? How did they find her? How do they know about her past? Is her family in danger? How did they get into her house?
The suspense builds relentlessly from this point in the story onward until it reaches an unexpected climax. A few questions to ponder: Did Harlan really inherit his money? If not, where does it come from? Is Lana really dead. How about Mac? Is he dead also? Who has broken into her house and left the origami bird? Will she be arrested and jailed because she did not report the twenty-year-old murders to the police?
You can find the answers to all these questions, and more, by reading this excellent book. It is well-written, suspenseful and entertaining. I award all five of the five stars available for this novel along with my recommendation.
September 1, 2025
Everyone Is Lying by D. E. White is a gripping suspense thriller that keeps you guessing from start to finish. Alexandra, formerly known as Lexy or Birdie, has built a seemingly perfect life: a thriving aesthetics business, a loving husband, two children, and a carefully constructed routine that keeps her past buried. But when a single paper origami bird appears on her kitchen table, she realizes that someone from her past knows more than they should—and her life begins to unravel.
Twenty years ago, Alexandra worked as a hostess for the Candy Girls, an elite and dangerous operation. That final party, where three young women died, has haunted her ever since. Now, powerful men connected to those events—and possibly people she thought were gone—are reaching out in mysterious, threatening ways. Alexandra must navigate the danger while protecting her family, unsure who she can trust and who has ulterior motives.
White does a fantastic job building tension and atmosphere. The slow-burn beginning lets you settle into Alexandra’s world and fully grasp the stakes, while the suspense steadily escalates as the secrets of the past begin to surface. The dual timeline keeps the story layered and intriguing, slowly revealing the harrowing events of that fateful night alongside Alexandra’s present-day struggles.
Alexandra is a complex protagonist—her love for her family makes her relatable, though her occasional indecisiveness and hesitation about confronting her past can be frustrating. Still, her resourcefulness and courage shine through, especially as the threats become more immediate. Secondary characters, particularly those tied to her past at the Candy Girls, add layers of tension and uncertainty, keeping the reader guessing about motives and alliances.
While a few plot threads, especially around her husband Harlan, feel slightly underdeveloped, the overall narrative is compelling and suspenseful. White’s writing is clear and engaging, balancing action, character insight, and the darker intrigue of Alexandra’s history. The thriller elements—mystery, danger, and secrets—are well executed, making it difficult to put down.
Everyone Is Lying is a tense, twist-filled thriller about secrets, lies, and the past refusing to stay buried. Fans of suspense with a touch of psychological complexity and high-stakes intrigue will find themselves hooked until the very last page.
Twenty years ago, Alexandra worked as a hostess for the Candy Girls, an elite and dangerous operation. That final party, where three young women died, has haunted her ever since. Now, powerful men connected to those events—and possibly people she thought were gone—are reaching out in mysterious, threatening ways. Alexandra must navigate the danger while protecting her family, unsure who she can trust and who has ulterior motives.
White does a fantastic job building tension and atmosphere. The slow-burn beginning lets you settle into Alexandra’s world and fully grasp the stakes, while the suspense steadily escalates as the secrets of the past begin to surface. The dual timeline keeps the story layered and intriguing, slowly revealing the harrowing events of that fateful night alongside Alexandra’s present-day struggles.
Alexandra is a complex protagonist—her love for her family makes her relatable, though her occasional indecisiveness and hesitation about confronting her past can be frustrating. Still, her resourcefulness and courage shine through, especially as the threats become more immediate. Secondary characters, particularly those tied to her past at the Candy Girls, add layers of tension and uncertainty, keeping the reader guessing about motives and alliances.
While a few plot threads, especially around her husband Harlan, feel slightly underdeveloped, the overall narrative is compelling and suspenseful. White’s writing is clear and engaging, balancing action, character insight, and the darker intrigue of Alexandra’s history. The thriller elements—mystery, danger, and secrets—are well executed, making it difficult to put down.
Everyone Is Lying is a tense, twist-filled thriller about secrets, lies, and the past refusing to stay buried. Fans of suspense with a touch of psychological complexity and high-stakes intrigue will find themselves hooked until the very last page.
May 3, 2025
⭐ 3.5
Blurb:
“Alexandra has the perfect life: a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. But twenty years ago, she witnessed something she was never meant to see.
When she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Only four people knew her nickname – Birdie – and one of them is dead.
Now she’s forced to confront the night that changed everything – when three girls died at an exclusive party, and Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
The little bird isn’t just a reminder – it’s a warning. Someone knows what really happened that night. And they’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.”
The Plot:
The setup grabbed me right away, and I was curious to see how things would unfold. There were definitely moments that kept me guessing, and I liked the steady pace. That said, some of the tension around Alexandra’s husband felt a little forced, almost like it was added just to keep readers suspicious, which didn’t fully work for me. Still, the big reveals were handled well, and the ending felt like it fit the story.
The Characters:
Alexandra stood out most to me when she was in protective mom mode—her love for her kids was one of the strongest parts of the book. But I did find her back-and-forth about her past frustrating at times. It was hard to tell where she really stood, and that made her feel a bit inconsistent. As for the side characters, I mostly enjoyed her friends, and her kids brought some warmth to the story.
The Writing:
D.E. White has an easy-to-read style that moves things along without dragging. Even when I wasn’t totally sold on the plot points, the writing itself kept me engaged. The dialogue felt natural, and the balance of description and action worked well.
Overall Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable mystery overall. While it wasn’t quite the heart-pounding thriller I expected, it had enough twists and emotional moments to keep me interested. The story raises some thoughtful questions about how past choices shape the present, and I appreciated that part of it. A solid pick if you’re in the mood for a twisty, layered read.
Content Warnings: murder, death, grief, some violence
Blurb:
“Alexandra has the perfect life: a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. But twenty years ago, she witnessed something she was never meant to see.
When she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Only four people knew her nickname – Birdie – and one of them is dead.
Now she’s forced to confront the night that changed everything – when three girls died at an exclusive party, and Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
The little bird isn’t just a reminder – it’s a warning. Someone knows what really happened that night. And they’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.”
The Plot:
The setup grabbed me right away, and I was curious to see how things would unfold. There were definitely moments that kept me guessing, and I liked the steady pace. That said, some of the tension around Alexandra’s husband felt a little forced, almost like it was added just to keep readers suspicious, which didn’t fully work for me. Still, the big reveals were handled well, and the ending felt like it fit the story.
The Characters:
Alexandra stood out most to me when she was in protective mom mode—her love for her kids was one of the strongest parts of the book. But I did find her back-and-forth about her past frustrating at times. It was hard to tell where she really stood, and that made her feel a bit inconsistent. As for the side characters, I mostly enjoyed her friends, and her kids brought some warmth to the story.
The Writing:
D.E. White has an easy-to-read style that moves things along without dragging. Even when I wasn’t totally sold on the plot points, the writing itself kept me engaged. The dialogue felt natural, and the balance of description and action worked well.
Overall Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable mystery overall. While it wasn’t quite the heart-pounding thriller I expected, it had enough twists and emotional moments to keep me interested. The story raises some thoughtful questions about how past choices shape the present, and I appreciated that part of it. A solid pick if you’re in the mood for a twisty, layered read.
Content Warnings: murder, death, grief, some violence
February 20, 2025
Title: Everyone if Lying
Author: D.E. White
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: March 31, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 Rounded up
Pages: 269
Alexandra has it all –married to Harlan a wonderful man who is a police office and offers love and security, they have two beautiful children Tom and Sophie and Alexandria runs a successful business,
However, twenty years ago, when Alexandra was a student at Brighton University and known as Lexy she worked as a Hostesses for private parties (it paid well and she needed the money for finish her education for her nursing degree as well as to help her mother). The parties were run by a group of four wealthy successful guys. Niall her older adopted brother is into drugs and helps organize the parties. The Candy Girls~ Mina, Bex and Jess (each wears a candy bracelet at the parties) are young girls invited to entertained guests. One night they drown ~ believed from an over dose.
Lexy saw what was going on and was offered a bribe and told – To leave immediately as there is nothing she can do however her life is in danger otherwise.
She wasn’t supposed to see and know what happen - as it could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country! Gareth Sellers, Thomas Blake and
Story is told from the POV of Alexandra and the Gareth Seller. Additionally there are flashbacks of twenty years ago. .
Present day~ One morning getting ready for breakfast Alexandra spots a white envelope addressed to Birdie. At that time only four knew her nickname was – Birdie.
Next - she finds an intricate origami bird with one white wing missing.
She knows the bird isn’t just a reminder – it is a warning and she is afraid.
I read a lot of psychological thrillers and although this story held my attention- it wasn’t a typical Psychological thriller .Some of what I thought would happen did happen but there still was a surprise.
About the Author ~ D. E. also uses the pseudonym Daisy White and wrote 25 novels – the most popular was Glass Dolls, Detective Dove Milson Series #1
Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 31, 2025.
Author: D.E. White
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: March 31, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 Rounded up
Pages: 269
Alexandra has it all –married to Harlan a wonderful man who is a police office and offers love and security, they have two beautiful children Tom and Sophie and Alexandria runs a successful business,
However, twenty years ago, when Alexandra was a student at Brighton University and known as Lexy she worked as a Hostesses for private parties (it paid well and she needed the money for finish her education for her nursing degree as well as to help her mother). The parties were run by a group of four wealthy successful guys. Niall her older adopted brother is into drugs and helps organize the parties. The Candy Girls~ Mina, Bex and Jess (each wears a candy bracelet at the parties) are young girls invited to entertained guests. One night they drown ~ believed from an over dose.
Lexy saw what was going on and was offered a bribe and told – To leave immediately as there is nothing she can do however her life is in danger otherwise.
She wasn’t supposed to see and know what happen - as it could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country! Gareth Sellers, Thomas Blake and
Story is told from the POV of Alexandra and the Gareth Seller. Additionally there are flashbacks of twenty years ago. .
Present day~ One morning getting ready for breakfast Alexandra spots a white envelope addressed to Birdie. At that time only four knew her nickname was – Birdie.
Next - she finds an intricate origami bird with one white wing missing.
She knows the bird isn’t just a reminder – it is a warning and she is afraid.
I read a lot of psychological thrillers and although this story held my attention- it wasn’t a typical Psychological thriller .Some of what I thought would happen did happen but there still was a surprise.
About the Author ~ D. E. also uses the pseudonym Daisy White and wrote 25 novels – the most popular was Glass Dolls, Detective Dove Milson Series #1
Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 31, 2025.
March 30, 2025
This book starts out with a very happy family. Alexandra has everything going for her in life, a perfect husband two perfect children and house that would leave everyone envious. Things are about to change for her when she suddenly starts getting paper birds at her doorstep. Now to anyone else this would just be a minor inconvenience, however this has a little bit more significance to her. With the dismantled bird she has suddenly acutely aware that someone knows about her past, a past she spent a long time trying to hide from. And with the damage to the paper birds she is sure that this is meant as a threat. But who could possibly know if her life before when she was known as birdie and what she did? Especially since only four people know about that nickname and one of them is dead. How is she going to be able to stop her pass from ruining the future she has so painstakingly created for herself? I really like how the author talked about what was going on in Alexandra AKA birdie's life in the future but it also link back to what she did in the past and how her actions were catching up to her. It was very easy to follow and there was so much tension and suspense in this book since it was all told from a third party so you were able to see everyone's confusion anger and worry. This book really grabbed my attention and had me desperate for answers all at the same time. I really enjoyed watching the desperation in our main character as she struggled to keep her life under control and keep what was once buried still buried. What I didn't like was the third person narrative I don't read too many books written like that so times it was a little hard to follow. Besides that little critique however I did enjoy the plot of this book and I'm so glad that I got the chance to check it out. I found the pace of this book to be a little on the slow side and while I love parts and raced.through it other parts seemed to take forever and I had to force myself to pick it back up.
February 20, 2025
While the book provides an abundance of content, I felt that the story lacked significant events. It began at a slow pace, with much of the focus on the protagonist, Alexandra's, feelings rather than on the unfolding of actions. Fortunately, the narrative did pick up towards the end. However, Alexandra's internal struggle between doing what is right and keeping her secret felt prolonged and at times too much. Her overwhelming emotions seemed a bit overdone.
The relationship between Alexandra, her mother, and her adopted brother, Niall, was somewhat perplexing. Although her mother had fostered several children, she chose to adopt Niall, and both of them were deeply fond of him. Alexandra even formed a strong bond with him. However, one night 20 years ago, Alexandra spilled everything to her mother, and despite their love for Niall, they continued their lives as if he no longer existed. This aspect of the story was unclear to me.
Alexandra's hypersensitivity, even to the sound of rain, was excessive as well. The main character was difficult to sympathize with. Despite having many secrets herself, Alexandra became excessively paranoid about others lying to her when her secrets were at risk of being exposed. While her husband did indeed lie to her, she came across as somewhat hypocritical.
Overall, this was not one of my favorite books. I found the main character challenging to like and occasionally irritating.
I do appreciate the author's effort in crafting the story, even though it was not to my taste. Thank you, Storm Publishing and NetGalley, for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.
The relationship between Alexandra, her mother, and her adopted brother, Niall, was somewhat perplexing. Although her mother had fostered several children, she chose to adopt Niall, and both of them were deeply fond of him. Alexandra even formed a strong bond with him. However, one night 20 years ago, Alexandra spilled everything to her mother, and despite their love for Niall, they continued their lives as if he no longer existed. This aspect of the story was unclear to me.
Alexandra's hypersensitivity, even to the sound of rain, was excessive as well. The main character was difficult to sympathize with. Despite having many secrets herself, Alexandra became excessively paranoid about others lying to her when her secrets were at risk of being exposed. While her husband did indeed lie to her, she came across as somewhat hypocritical.
Overall, this was not one of my favorite books. I found the main character challenging to like and occasionally irritating.
I do appreciate the author's effort in crafting the story, even though it was not to my taste. Thank you, Storm Publishing and NetGalley, for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I must admit that I really enjoyed it. D.E.White has managed to build the tension throughout, making it difficult to put down. The story is written over two timelines but it flows well.
Alexandra and Harlan had a perfect life, they had a nice house in Brighton, two beautiful children that they adored, Alexandra had built up a successful aesthetics business and Harlan was a police officer.
Things hadn't always been so easy, twenty years ago, Alexandra, then know as Lexy and a few friends, known as The Candy Girls, worked at an exclusive club as party girls, looking beautiful, serving drinks and escorting. Lexy worked hard and saved hard to pay for her nursing degree and her mother's care. Everything was well............until it wasn't, it changed on one horrific night, a night that would haunt Alexandra, a night that must stay in the past, a night that she would never speak about, Lexy had learned to live with the secret, a secret that her policeman husband must never discover.
When a traumatised Alexander found an origami bird in her house she knew that her past had caught up with her, her life was in danger, Alexandra must protect her family but how? who could she turn to ? she was up against powerful people, people who would stop at nothing to achieve their goal.
This is a well written book although the end felt a bit rushed and I can't say that I really connected with any of the characters but overall a really enjoyable story with a great build up of suspense and a good ending.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.
Alexandra and Harlan had a perfect life, they had a nice house in Brighton, two beautiful children that they adored, Alexandra had built up a successful aesthetics business and Harlan was a police officer.
Things hadn't always been so easy, twenty years ago, Alexandra, then know as Lexy and a few friends, known as The Candy Girls, worked at an exclusive club as party girls, looking beautiful, serving drinks and escorting. Lexy worked hard and saved hard to pay for her nursing degree and her mother's care. Everything was well............until it wasn't, it changed on one horrific night, a night that would haunt Alexandra, a night that must stay in the past, a night that she would never speak about, Lexy had learned to live with the secret, a secret that her policeman husband must never discover.
When a traumatised Alexander found an origami bird in her house she knew that her past had caught up with her, her life was in danger, Alexandra must protect her family but how? who could she turn to ? she was up against powerful people, people who would stop at nothing to achieve their goal.
This is a well written book although the end felt a bit rushed and I can't say that I really connected with any of the characters but overall a really enjoyable story with a great build up of suspense and a good ending.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.
May 5, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Everyone Is Lying by D.E. White is a psychological mystery thriller set in the UK, when Alexandra the perfect wife with a successful business is drawn into a life she hoped to regret, by both being selected for a jury service and an origami bird found on her table in the morning.
At only 256 pages Everyone is Lying is a quick read which is its one major advantage.
Not that D.E. White has written a bad book just that it is a thriller that uses som many popular plot points that it almost seems like it has been developed using tools that tell the writer how to write a thriller.
With Past secrets by both the main character Alexandra who has taken years to cultivate the life of a suburban wife with a business in beauty. While the husband is a busy successful policeman, add to that two young children.
The story hints at some event in herlife when she is selected to a jury service at the time someone from her past is on trial for murder.
While it is no problem that this is a written by numbers thriller, as all books no matter what genre they are all have standard plotlines, with the writer making it into a story that engages the reader by their style and technique.
Unfortunately D.E. White is unable to elevate this standard plot line, more than just a competent thriller, which will keep most readers engaged while reading it but the story will not be with you for much longer.
Making Everyone Is Lying by D.E. White the perfect book to distract you from a busy day or just perfect for reading while on holiday.
March 16, 2025
3* An easy read
At the beginning of Everyone is Lying I had serious doubts that I would enjoy the style of writing, it was overly elaborate and there were too many unnecessary comments and descriptions about hair length. How could Alexandra (Lexy) and Harlan own a luxury period townhouse in Brighton financed from a uniformed policeman's salary and her cosmetic business. However my main bugbear was Lexy remaining in Brighton after witnessing a crime which put her life in danger. A normal instinct would be to move far, far away.
Twenty years ago Lexy had financed her degree course by organising Matthew’s parties where she'd seen bags stuffed full of money, hard drugs and alcohol were plentiful and young girls invited especially for the wealthy clients. I assumed that Lexy had been an escort or call girl. No, the author wanted the reader to believe that Lexy was simply a hostess and bartender at the parties, and employed by Matthew for her organisation skills. Ha, tell that to the judge. At one party, 'her skirt was so short it showed her knickers when she bent over' and young girls were supplied for the 'amusement' of the older men.
Trying to ignore all the flying hair, the unexplained extreme wealth and the person who committed the original crimes never reoffending, I continued reading just to discover the what, where, when and how.
An OK read, the plot's a bit far fetched and shouldn't be taken too seriously.
With thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
At the beginning of Everyone is Lying I had serious doubts that I would enjoy the style of writing, it was overly elaborate and there were too many unnecessary comments and descriptions about hair length. How could Alexandra (Lexy) and Harlan own a luxury period townhouse in Brighton financed from a uniformed policeman's salary and her cosmetic business. However my main bugbear was Lexy remaining in Brighton after witnessing a crime which put her life in danger. A normal instinct would be to move far, far away.
Twenty years ago Lexy had financed her degree course by organising Matthew’s parties where she'd seen bags stuffed full of money, hard drugs and alcohol were plentiful and young girls invited especially for the wealthy clients. I assumed that Lexy had been an escort or call girl. No, the author wanted the reader to believe that Lexy was simply a hostess and bartender at the parties, and employed by Matthew for her organisation skills. Ha, tell that to the judge. At one party, 'her skirt was so short it showed her knickers when she bent over' and young girls were supplied for the 'amusement' of the older men.
Trying to ignore all the flying hair, the unexplained extreme wealth and the person who committed the original crimes never reoffending, I continued reading just to discover the what, where, when and how.
An OK read, the plot's a bit far fetched and shouldn't be taken too seriously.
With thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
March 22, 2025
When you fight with the bull, you get the horns. That last party was a doozie!
Lexy took an extra job as a Candy Girl while a student. While she was more of a party planner than a party girl, her position was lucrative enough to help her finish school and set up a successful business. Her marriage to a successful entreprenuer helped her to finish the transformation to Alexandra.
Now it is 20 plus years later and her past is coming back with a vengeance. Origami birds are being delivered to her and only a handful of people (most of them deceased to her knowledge) knew of her "Birdy" nickname. Not only that, her husband is acting weird -- what is he hiding?
I am only giving this one three stars for these reasons:
🌟Sorry, but Lexy built a life on ill-gotten gains. I am sympathetic to her attempts to keep her kids out of it, but dirty money is sticky.
🌟She is called in for jury duty and immediately placed on a jury trial. I know the UK has different procedures, but the pool seemed awfully small for such an important trial. I have sat in courtrooms for days in the US only to be dismissed from the jury pool for a murder trial.
🌟There were pacing issues.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Lexy took an extra job as a Candy Girl while a student. While she was more of a party planner than a party girl, her position was lucrative enough to help her finish school and set up a successful business. Her marriage to a successful entreprenuer helped her to finish the transformation to Alexandra.
Now it is 20 plus years later and her past is coming back with a vengeance. Origami birds are being delivered to her and only a handful of people (most of them deceased to her knowledge) knew of her "Birdy" nickname. Not only that, her husband is acting weird -- what is he hiding?
I am only giving this one three stars for these reasons:
🌟Sorry, but Lexy built a life on ill-gotten gains. I am sympathetic to her attempts to keep her kids out of it, but dirty money is sticky.
🌟She is called in for jury duty and immediately placed on a jury trial. I know the UK has different procedures, but the pool seemed awfully small for such an important trial. I have sat in courtrooms for days in the US only to be dismissed from the jury pool for a murder trial.
🌟There were pacing issues.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2025
For the last twenty years, Alexandra has worked hard to have the life she always dreamed of - beautiful house, loving family, and successful career. It was everything she always dreamed it could be, until one day she’s assigned jury duty and her past comes crashing back into her. Will her secrets finally come to light or can she keep the life she’s carefully crafted?
Everyone is Lying a story about how the past is never truly buried and when you least expect it things can come to light. Alexandra, aka Lexy, is a former Candy Girl who served as hostess during “parties” thrown by four well off guys, until on the night of the last party when three girls wound up dead. She’s worked hard to forget what she saw but then when serving jury duty one of the men she worked for wound up being the defendant. When she starts to receive origami birds telling her to vote guilty, she knows she can’t keep running. Her character starts off as timid and unsure but by the end of the story she truly shows how strong she is and how she’s grown.
The only part of the story that I wasn’t too invested in was everything going on with her husband. It felt forced and kind of pointless. Otherwise, the story flowed nicely with enough twists and turns to keep you invested.
***Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC for my honest review***
Everyone is Lying a story about how the past is never truly buried and when you least expect it things can come to light. Alexandra, aka Lexy, is a former Candy Girl who served as hostess during “parties” thrown by four well off guys, until on the night of the last party when three girls wound up dead. She’s worked hard to forget what she saw but then when serving jury duty one of the men she worked for wound up being the defendant. When she starts to receive origami birds telling her to vote guilty, she knows she can’t keep running. Her character starts off as timid and unsure but by the end of the story she truly shows how strong she is and how she’s grown.
The only part of the story that I wasn’t too invested in was everything going on with her husband. It felt forced and kind of pointless. Otherwise, the story flowed nicely with enough twists and turns to keep you invested.
***Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC for my honest review***
March 31, 2025
Everyone Is Lying by D. E. White was a great psychological thriller from start to finish and I really enjoyed it Especially as it is about a woman called Alexandra, she has the perfect a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. But twenty years ago, she witnessed something she was never meant to see. This has been kept a secret for all this time and now this secret is eventually catching up with her. WoW. . . . . .
Everything is perfect until Alexandra finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Now, only four people knew her nickname which is Birdie and one of them is dead.
She is forced to confront the night that changed everything, when three girls died at an exclusive party, Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
But, this secret is slowing rising to the surface and this little bird isn’t just a reminder! it’s a warning.
Someone knows what really happened that night. They’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.
Will, she survive?
Wow. . . this book was full of twists and turns. It was a great read and great for you holiday.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC.
Everything is perfect until Alexandra finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning, she knows someone from her past is after her. Now, only four people knew her nickname which is Birdie and one of them is dead.
She is forced to confront the night that changed everything, when three girls died at an exclusive party, Alexandra ran away with a secret that could destroy some of the most powerful men in the country.
But, this secret is slowing rising to the surface and this little bird isn’t just a reminder! it’s a warning.
Someone knows what really happened that night. They’re willing to tear apart her carefully constructed life to keep her quiet.
Will, she survive?
Wow. . . this book was full of twists and turns. It was a great read and great for you holiday.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC.
April 1, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eCopy to review
Everyone Is Lying follows Alexandra, who seems to have the perfect life with a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. However, her seemingly idyllic life is shattered when she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning. This bird is a chilling reminder of a dark secret from her past, a secret that only four people knew about—one of whom is dead.
The story takes us back twenty years to a night when three girls died at an exclusive party. Alexandra witnessed something she was never meant to see and has been running from that night ever since. The origami bird is not just a reminder but a warning that someone knows what really happened and is willing to destroy her life to keep her quiet.
The plot is gripping and filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The suspense builds up nicely, and the author does a great job of keeping the reader guessing about who is behind the threats and what their motives are. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself empathizing with Alexandra as she navigates the dangerous waters of her past and present.
Overall, Everyone Is Lying is an entertaining psychological with complex characters and a lot of suspense.
Everyone Is Lying follows Alexandra, who seems to have the perfect life with a successful business, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. However, her seemingly idyllic life is shattered when she finds a perfectly folded origami bird on her kitchen table one morning. This bird is a chilling reminder of a dark secret from her past, a secret that only four people knew about—one of whom is dead.
The story takes us back twenty years to a night when three girls died at an exclusive party. Alexandra witnessed something she was never meant to see and has been running from that night ever since. The origami bird is not just a reminder but a warning that someone knows what really happened and is willing to destroy her life to keep her quiet.
The plot is gripping and filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The suspense builds up nicely, and the author does a great job of keeping the reader guessing about who is behind the threats and what their motives are. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself empathizing with Alexandra as she navigates the dangerous waters of her past and present.
Overall, Everyone Is Lying is an entertaining psychological with complex characters and a lot of suspense.
April 1, 2025
Everyone Is Lying is a newly released novel ( March 31, 2025) by D. E. White. Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC; my review reflects my honest opinion. Alexandra is a successful business woman, happily married to Harlan, a Brighton policeman and loving mother to 10 year old Sophie and 7 year old Tom. She has worked hard for all she has achieved including being able to place her mom in a highly respected care home. In spite of this almost idyllic life, she worries that facts from her late teens and twenties could come back and possibly destroy her life. And one day that happens; she is selected to serve on the jury for the murder trial of Gareth Sellers, a man from her past. Everyone Is Lying is a compelling book that takes the reader through Alexandra's past from the trial to its aftermath. Can a person escape their past? Can a good woman bring down powerful men without jeopardizing her family? Do the mighty ever fall? Initially the book moved a bit slowly, yet certainly picked up momentum and had me hooked. It's a very suspenseful and intriguing thriller. 4 stars.
March 4, 2025
Everyone Is Lying
By: D. E. White
4 Stars
Alexandra has worked long and hard to keep her past in the past. Now, along with being on jury duty on a big case, Alexandra keeps finding secret notes around her home. Things only she, from the past, would know. Now, her only thought is to keep the past in the past and keep her present as it is. To protect her future, she will do what she has to do, just as she always has.
This book was so good. It kept me engaged by slowly dropping the past in while giving me a crazy ride during the present. The characters and storyline are so very real, especially in todays world. It could be a true crime story. I found danger and secrets around every corner. Both Alexandra and her husband, secrets are everywhere. It kept me reading. It kept me wanting more. If you love a good psychological thriller, this one definitely fills that mark starting from page one.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review
By: D. E. White
4 Stars
Alexandra has worked long and hard to keep her past in the past. Now, along with being on jury duty on a big case, Alexandra keeps finding secret notes around her home. Things only she, from the past, would know. Now, her only thought is to keep the past in the past and keep her present as it is. To protect her future, she will do what she has to do, just as she always has.
This book was so good. It kept me engaged by slowly dropping the past in while giving me a crazy ride during the present. The characters and storyline are so very real, especially in todays world. It could be a true crime story. I found danger and secrets around every corner. Both Alexandra and her husband, secrets are everywhere. It kept me reading. It kept me wanting more. If you love a good psychological thriller, this one definitely fills that mark starting from page one.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review
March 19, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5 /5
Aʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴀ ʜᴀs ᴡᴏʀᴋᴇᴅ ʜᴀʀᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴘᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴀsᴛ ᴏғ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴀ Cᴀɴᴅʏ Gɪʀʟ Hᴏsᴛᴇss ʙᴇʜɪɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ. A ɴɪɢʜᴛ ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ᴡɪᴛɴᴇss ᴛᴏ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ, Aʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴀ (ʙɪʀᴅɪᴇ) ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴢᴇs sʜᴇ ɴᴇᴇᴅs ᴛᴏ ᴛᴜʀɴ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ.
Tᴡᴇɴᴛʏ ʏᴇᴀʀs ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴘᴀssᴇᴅ. Sʜᴇ ɴᴏᴡ ʜᴀs ᴀ sᴜᴄᴄᴇssғᴜʟ ᴄᴀʀᴇᴇʀ, ᴀ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪғᴜʟ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʟᴏᴠɪɴɢ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ. Bᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀsᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ sᴛᴀʏs ʙᴜʀɪᴇᴅ.
Aɴ ᴏʀᴀɢᴀᴍɪ "ʙɪʀᴅɪᴇ" ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ ᴡɪɴɢ sʜᴏᴡs ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴋɪᴛᴄʜᴇɴ ᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ ʟɪғᴇ sᴛᴀʀᴛs ᴛᴏ sᴘɪɴ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ.
I ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴇᴍɪsᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪɴ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴛʏ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ sʟᴏᴡ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴇᴅɪᴄᴛᴀʙʟᴇ.
Tᴏʟᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ Aʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴀ ᴀɴᴅ Gᴀʀᴇᴛʜ"s POV ᴡɪᴛʜ ғʟᴀsʜʙᴀᴄᴋs ᴛᴏ ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ ʏᴇᴀʀs ᴘʀɪᴏʀ. Tʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ᴀ ғᴇᴡ ғᴇᴡ ᴍɪɴᴏʀ ᴛᴡɪsᴛs ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴍɪssɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ "ᴡᴏᴡ" ғᴀᴄᴛᴏʀ ᴛᴏ ʙʀɪɴɢ ɪᴛ ᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ.
Oᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅ. Tʜᴇ ᴏʀᴀɢᴀᴍɪ ʙɪʀᴅs ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴇᴛᴛᴇʀs sʜᴇ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ, ɢᴀᴠᴇ ɪᴛ ᴀɴ ᴏᴍɪɴᴏᴜs ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ.
Tʜɪs ɪs ᴍʏ ғɪʀsᴛ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʙʏ ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ ʙᴇ ᴡʟʟɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʜᴇʀ ғᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋs.
Tʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ, Sᴛᴏʀᴍ Pᴜʙʟɪsʜɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ ғᴏʀ ᴍʏ ɢɪғᴛᴇᴅ ᴄᴏᴘʏ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ᴠᴏʟᴜɴᴛᴀʀʏ
Aʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴀ ʜᴀs ᴡᴏʀᴋᴇᴅ ʜᴀʀᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴘᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴀsᴛ ᴏғ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴀ Cᴀɴᴅʏ Gɪʀʟ Hᴏsᴛᴇss ʙᴇʜɪɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ. A ɴɪɢʜᴛ ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ᴡɪᴛɴᴇss ᴛᴏ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ, Aʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴀ (ʙɪʀᴅɪᴇ) ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴢᴇs sʜᴇ ɴᴇᴇᴅs ᴛᴏ ᴛᴜʀɴ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ.
Tᴡᴇɴᴛʏ ʏᴇᴀʀs ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴘᴀssᴇᴅ. Sʜᴇ ɴᴏᴡ ʜᴀs ᴀ sᴜᴄᴄᴇssғᴜʟ ᴄᴀʀᴇᴇʀ, ᴀ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪғᴜʟ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʟᴏᴠɪɴɢ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ. Bᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀsᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ sᴛᴀʏs ʙᴜʀɪᴇᴅ.
Aɴ ᴏʀᴀɢᴀᴍɪ "ʙɪʀᴅɪᴇ" ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ ᴡɪɴɢ sʜᴏᴡs ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴋɪᴛᴄʜᴇɴ ᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ ʟɪғᴇ sᴛᴀʀᴛs ᴛᴏ sᴘɪɴ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ.
I ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴇᴍɪsᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪɴ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴛʏ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ sʟᴏᴡ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴇᴅɪᴄᴛᴀʙʟᴇ.
Tᴏʟᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ Aʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴀ ᴀɴᴅ Gᴀʀᴇᴛʜ"s POV ᴡɪᴛʜ ғʟᴀsʜʙᴀᴄᴋs ᴛᴏ ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ ʏᴇᴀʀs ᴘʀɪᴏʀ. Tʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ᴀ ғᴇᴡ ғᴇᴡ ᴍɪɴᴏʀ ᴛᴡɪsᴛs ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴍɪssɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ "ᴡᴏᴡ" ғᴀᴄᴛᴏʀ ᴛᴏ ʙʀɪɴɢ ɪᴛ ᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ.
Oᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅ. Tʜᴇ ᴏʀᴀɢᴀᴍɪ ʙɪʀᴅs ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴇᴛᴛᴇʀs sʜᴇ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ, ɢᴀᴠᴇ ɪᴛ ᴀɴ ᴏᴍɪɴᴏᴜs ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ.
Tʜɪs ɪs ᴍʏ ғɪʀsᴛ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʙʏ ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ ʙᴇ ᴡʟʟɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʜᴇʀ ғᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋs.
Tʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ, Sᴛᴏʀᴍ Pᴜʙʟɪsʜɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ ғᴏʀ ᴍʏ ɢɪғᴛᴇᴅ ᴄᴏᴘʏ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ᴠᴏʟᴜɴᴛᴀʀʏ
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews