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One More Lie
A thrilling new novel of psychological suspense from the award-winning, internationally bestselling author of
The Innocent Wife
Charlotte wants to start fresh. She wants to forget her past, forget prison and, most of all, forget Sean. But old habits die hard. Despite the ankle monitor she must wear as part of her parole agreement and frequent visits to her therapist, she soon finds herself sliding back toward the type of behavior that sent her to prison in the first place. The further down that path she goes, however, the closer she gets to the crime that put her in prison all those years ago. And that's the one memory she can't face. Until, one day, Sean tracks her down.
Amy Lloyd won theDaily Mail First Novel competition for her debut, The Innocent Wife. Now she returns with a chilling portrait of a woman trying to be good, even when she isn't sure she wants to be.
Charlotte wants to start fresh. She wants to forget her past, forget prison and, most of all, forget Sean. But old habits die hard. Despite the ankle monitor she must wear as part of her parole agreement and frequent visits to her therapist, she soon finds herself sliding back toward the type of behavior that sent her to prison in the first place. The further down that path she goes, however, the closer she gets to the crime that put her in prison all those years ago. And that's the one memory she can't face. Until, one day, Sean tracks her down.
Amy Lloyd won theDaily Mail First Novel competition for her debut, The Innocent Wife. Now she returns with a chilling portrait of a woman trying to be good, even when she isn't sure she wants to be.
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2019
228 people are currently reading
3051 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lloyd
2 books331 followersAmy Lloyd won the Daily Mail and Penguin Random House First Novel competition in 2016 with her thriller 'The Innocent Wife'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
April 5, 2025
Gripping, chilling, & sinister!
ONE MORE LIE by AMY LLOYD is an engaging, dark, suspenseful, and thrilling psychological suspense novel that immediately grabbed my attention and held taut right to the very last page. I was hooked right from the very first page and was racing through those pages as fast as I possibly could to see exactly who was deceiving who. The short chapters definitely helped to make this a fast-paced and quick read whilst ratcheting up the intensity level as the story progressed.
AMY LLOYD delivers an uncomfortable, intriguing, and well-written read here with characters that totally captivated and fascinated me. The subject matter is a little bit disturbing and I wouldn’t say the characters were all that likable or relateable but they definitely got under my skin though. The voices from our two main characters, Sean and Charlotte were distinctively their own and had me feeling different emotions for each of them. AMY LLOYD handles the tough subject matter really well here and with care.
Now I wouldn’t necessarily say that this story was all that shocking or twisty but it definitely had one heck of a thrilling and satisfying resolution in the end.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Dark, creepy, suspenseful, and a fitting representation to storyline.
Title: Appealing, suspenseful, intriguing and such a fitting representation to storyline. There was always one more lie…...
Writing/Prose: Well-written, readable, engaging, and captivating.
Plot: Disturbing, dark, sinister, memorable, fascinating, suspenseful, fast-paced, absorbing, enjoyable and entertaining.
Ending: There isn’t too much I can say about this ending without being spoilerish but I will say that I thought it fit extremely well and was totally satisfied with how everything all played out.
Overall: 4.5 Stars! The storytelling and the suspense of figuring out the truth from all the lies made this such an entertaining and enjoyable read. Would highly recommend!
I’d like to thank HarperCollins Canada for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
ONE MORE LIE by AMY LLOYD is an engaging, dark, suspenseful, and thrilling psychological suspense novel that immediately grabbed my attention and held taut right to the very last page. I was hooked right from the very first page and was racing through those pages as fast as I possibly could to see exactly who was deceiving who. The short chapters definitely helped to make this a fast-paced and quick read whilst ratcheting up the intensity level as the story progressed.
AMY LLOYD delivers an uncomfortable, intriguing, and well-written read here with characters that totally captivated and fascinated me. The subject matter is a little bit disturbing and I wouldn’t say the characters were all that likable or relateable but they definitely got under my skin though. The voices from our two main characters, Sean and Charlotte were distinctively their own and had me feeling different emotions for each of them. AMY LLOYD handles the tough subject matter really well here and with care.
Now I wouldn’t necessarily say that this story was all that shocking or twisty but it definitely had one heck of a thrilling and satisfying resolution in the end.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Dark, creepy, suspenseful, and a fitting representation to storyline.
Title: Appealing, suspenseful, intriguing and such a fitting representation to storyline. There was always one more lie…...
Writing/Prose: Well-written, readable, engaging, and captivating.
Plot: Disturbing, dark, sinister, memorable, fascinating, suspenseful, fast-paced, absorbing, enjoyable and entertaining.
Ending: There isn’t too much I can say about this ending without being spoilerish but I will say that I thought it fit extremely well and was totally satisfied with how everything all played out.
Overall: 4.5 Stars! The storytelling and the suspense of figuring out the truth from all the lies made this such an entertaining and enjoyable read. Would highly recommend!
I’d like to thank HarperCollins Canada for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
May 28, 2019
4.5 Stars
One More Lie is a fast-paced, suspenseful engaging and chilling read. From the very first pages, I was hooked wanting to know about the tangle of lies that lead to one more lie.
The premise of this story is disturbing and chilling here with the thought and reality of children so young committing crimes. I was fascinated by the unhealthy and toxic relationships here between the characters at a young age and the impact it had on them after a crime was committed. Amy Lloyd did push that uncomfortable feeling however I never felt that this story was going to go in the direction of anything more than just an entertaining thriller. The tension and suspense increased with each chapter as we become tangled in the web of deceit and lies and I was turning the pages as fast as I could to find out the truth. The truth in end left me completely satisfied with the way it all came together.
I received my copy from the publisher on NetGalley
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
One More Lie is a fast-paced, suspenseful engaging and chilling read. From the very first pages, I was hooked wanting to know about the tangle of lies that lead to one more lie.
The premise of this story is disturbing and chilling here with the thought and reality of children so young committing crimes. I was fascinated by the unhealthy and toxic relationships here between the characters at a young age and the impact it had on them after a crime was committed. Amy Lloyd did push that uncomfortable feeling however I never felt that this story was going to go in the direction of anything more than just an entertaining thriller. The tension and suspense increased with each chapter as we become tangled in the web of deceit and lies and I was turning the pages as fast as I could to find out the truth. The truth in end left me completely satisfied with the way it all came together.
I received my copy from the publisher on NetGalley
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
March 28, 2019
A fascinating disturbing psychological thriller that had me fully immersed in the mind of an unreliable protagonist crippled by anxiety, fear, isolation, lack of social skills and emotional maturity. Asks the pertinent question of whether or not you believe child murderers are born pre-disposed to kill or are shaped by the environment they grow up in? And also, if those who take a life can ever be redeemed? I won't deny that I found some parts tough to read, but Amy Lloyd handled difficult subject matter with sensitivity and caution.
Recently paroled, Charlotte, just wants to start over, despite the fact that she lives in a halfway house, and wears an ankle monitor. She has a new name, a new job, is meeting new people, and seeing her psychiatrist on a regular basis. As long as Sean doesn't find her, everything will be okay. When she was 10 years old, she along with her 11 year old best friend Sean, were convicted of killing a classmate. Well so Charlotte's been told – she doesn't remember doing so. Yes, as long as Sean stays away, she has a chance at a new life...
The start was a little slow – well at least the present storyline was, the flashbacks intrigued me right from the get go. The flashbacks are somewhat unusual – unordered, covering after the murder, the lead-up to the killing, Charlotte (I'll stick to using her new name to avoid spoilers) and Sean's meeting and friendship, and even as far back as six year old Charlotte, and her life between six and ten.
As I mentioned there's an initial slow burn, but there’s a lot at stake in the last half, and the tension and suspense definitely escalates. And those last few pages left me feeling chilled to the bone – yikes creepy! It's a really quick read as well – every time I caught sight of the page count another 10% had whizzed by.
This was my first novel by Amy Lloyd, and I can't wait to read her back catalogue, and any future psychological suspense books she writes.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Amy Lloyd, and Random House UK Cornerstone for the e-ARC.
US Release Date: 28th May, 2019.
UK Release Date: 4th April, 2019.
Recently paroled, Charlotte, just wants to start over, despite the fact that she lives in a halfway house, and wears an ankle monitor. She has a new name, a new job, is meeting new people, and seeing her psychiatrist on a regular basis. As long as Sean doesn't find her, everything will be okay. When she was 10 years old, she along with her 11 year old best friend Sean, were convicted of killing a classmate. Well so Charlotte's been told – she doesn't remember doing so. Yes, as long as Sean stays away, she has a chance at a new life...
The start was a little slow – well at least the present storyline was, the flashbacks intrigued me right from the get go. The flashbacks are somewhat unusual – unordered, covering after the murder, the lead-up to the killing, Charlotte (I'll stick to using her new name to avoid spoilers) and Sean's meeting and friendship, and even as far back as six year old Charlotte, and her life between six and ten.
As I mentioned there's an initial slow burn, but there’s a lot at stake in the last half, and the tension and suspense definitely escalates. And those last few pages left me feeling chilled to the bone – yikes creepy! It's a really quick read as well – every time I caught sight of the page count another 10% had whizzed by.
This was my first novel by Amy Lloyd, and I can't wait to read her back catalogue, and any future psychological suspense books she writes.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Amy Lloyd, and Random House UK Cornerstone for the e-ARC.
US Release Date: 28th May, 2019.
UK Release Date: 4th April, 2019.
June 6, 2019
One More Lie is the second book published by author Amy Lloyd and having read her first I was extremely curious how the second would be. Both of the books are fictional stories based off real life crimes and I was a little iffy on the first but still intrigued but in my opinion this one got even better.
One More Lie tells the story of Charlotte, a woman now in her late twenties that has just been released from prison. The twist with Charlotte’s story though is she doesn’t actually remember whether she was guilty or not as she was only a young child at the time she and her friend had been arrested.
Living almost twenty years behind bars with most being her formative childhood and teenage years it’s safe to say Charlotte really has no idea how the world works or how to exist in it now. Charlotte does have the help of her trusted therapist though and hopes to make a good life for herself now.
Amy Lloyd did a wonderful job writing this one through the eyes of her unreliable narrator. There’s this dark and creepy vibe from the very beginning that makes one question just what happened all those years before. We hear of horrible crimes daily and sometimes those are even committed by children so this had this realistic but sinister vibe down perfectly leaving me to rate it at 4 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
One More Lie tells the story of Charlotte, a woman now in her late twenties that has just been released from prison. The twist with Charlotte’s story though is she doesn’t actually remember whether she was guilty or not as she was only a young child at the time she and her friend had been arrested.
Living almost twenty years behind bars with most being her formative childhood and teenage years it’s safe to say Charlotte really has no idea how the world works or how to exist in it now. Charlotte does have the help of her trusted therapist though and hopes to make a good life for herself now.
Amy Lloyd did a wonderful job writing this one through the eyes of her unreliable narrator. There’s this dark and creepy vibe from the very beginning that makes one question just what happened all those years before. We hear of horrible crimes daily and sometimes those are even committed by children so this had this realistic but sinister vibe down perfectly leaving me to rate it at 4 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 8, 2019
Disturbing and Shocking!
This book tells the story of ‘Charlotte’ and Sean, 2 adults released back into the world after serving time, time for a murder, a murder they committed as children, they murdered a child, a disabled child
The story cannot help but be uncomfortable reading due to the nature of the story,,both are not likeable in any shape or form, yet the story is fascinating as it is abhorrent as it unfolds and goes from then to now and you learn more and more what really did happen that day and why they did what they did
You feel a mixture of repulsion and fear as the story progresses and I wanted to ‘jump in’ the book and try and stop what was going to happen, sounds daft anno but the book is very real
You cannot help but think of other child child killer cases as you read the book, that in itself is unnerving
The story doesn’t end with it all being a big mistake and these 2 were ‘fitted up’ for the crime but it does end with a big twist ( sorry but it does! ) and not a pleasant one, there is no happy ending to this story
Brilliantly written, chilling and worryingly real this book is not one you will easily forget
9/10 5 Stars
June 11, 2020
A disturbing and unsettling book which got me thinking about nature vs nurture.
Charlotte is fresh out of prison, trying to start a new life, but despite having a job, a place to live and an electronic tag, she soon finds herself making bad decisions, which could end up with her back in prison. Sean has been out a while, but isn't living his best life. What happened when Charlotte was 10? Will she remember? Which one of them is the bad guy?
This was an uncomfortable read for me, as it dealt with two characters who were convicted of murder when they were young children. It gave me flashbacks from the Jamie Bulger case, and made me feel anxious. I was only a little older than they were, and my sister the same age when that happened, and it has haunted me ever since. I have often asked myself, are children who kill other children born evil, or does their life experience shape them? Should children convicted of murder be given a second chance?
The story is told from both Sean and Charlotte's POV, and flashes back and forth in time. Both characters were both extremely unlikeable, but they definitely both left an impression on me! Sean had a sad upbringing, and people expected him to end up in prison. Since he's been released, he has not been living a life free from crime. Charlotte, who tells more of the story than Sean seemed frozen in time from when she was arrested. Childlike, lonely and anxious, she had a huge lack of social skills, and had also blocked out any memory of the crime. Even though Charlotte had a very sad childhood, I found it hard to empathise with her. She made bad decision, after bad decision, as both a child and an adult, and it was very frustrating! She was also a little odd.. other children didn't like her when she was young, and I think that's very telling.
Parts of the book were quite slow, and it wasn't really that shocking or twisty for a psychological thriller, but it did build up tension well, and I felt fearful, as I could sense it wasn't going to end well! I could see where the plot was going, and it made me feel quite stressed out!
To sum up, this book dealt with an uncomfortable topic, and I cant really say that I enjoyed reading it! But it was thought provoking, and the end was quite chilling.
Charlotte is fresh out of prison, trying to start a new life, but despite having a job, a place to live and an electronic tag, she soon finds herself making bad decisions, which could end up with her back in prison. Sean has been out a while, but isn't living his best life. What happened when Charlotte was 10? Will she remember? Which one of them is the bad guy?
This was an uncomfortable read for me, as it dealt with two characters who were convicted of murder when they were young children. It gave me flashbacks from the Jamie Bulger case, and made me feel anxious. I was only a little older than they were, and my sister the same age when that happened, and it has haunted me ever since. I have often asked myself, are children who kill other children born evil, or does their life experience shape them? Should children convicted of murder be given a second chance?
The story is told from both Sean and Charlotte's POV, and flashes back and forth in time. Both characters were both extremely unlikeable, but they definitely both left an impression on me! Sean had a sad upbringing, and people expected him to end up in prison. Since he's been released, he has not been living a life free from crime. Charlotte, who tells more of the story than Sean seemed frozen in time from when she was arrested. Childlike, lonely and anxious, she had a huge lack of social skills, and had also blocked out any memory of the crime. Even though Charlotte had a very sad childhood, I found it hard to empathise with her. She made bad decision, after bad decision, as both a child and an adult, and it was very frustrating! She was also a little odd.. other children didn't like her when she was young, and I think that's very telling.
Parts of the book were quite slow, and it wasn't really that shocking or twisty for a psychological thriller, but it did build up tension well, and I felt fearful, as I could sense it wasn't going to end well! I could see where the plot was going, and it made me feel quite stressed out!
To sum up, this book dealt with an uncomfortable topic, and I cant really say that I enjoyed reading it! But it was thought provoking, and the end was quite chilling.
May 9, 2019
A psychological thriller that examines the mind of an unreliable character who is struggling with anxiety, grief, and fear.
Charlotte and Sean at the age of 10 were convicted of murdering their classmate. Charlotte spends time in jail for the crime but doesn't remember doing so and has blocked the event out. Recently on parole, Charlotte is trying to put her life together and moves into a halfway house while keeping a job. Everything seems fine for Charlotte until she continues to think about Sean and her pull towards him. Who exactly is Sean and what power/hold does he have over Charlotte?
There were flashbacks that were present at the beginning of the story and felt that they were a tad bit all over the place.. and found myself getting confused with what was happening. Flashbacks of her childhood, murder, memories of Sean, and her present life.
At the final reveal, I wasn't really that impressed with the story. There wasn't really any major twists/turns and just was lacking the depth for me.
I did enjoy this book a little more than her first. I've been seeing many 4-5 star reviews and am clearly in the minority on this one once again.
Overall, 3.25 stars rounded down for me on this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin/Mira for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 5/28/19
Published to Goodreads: 5/8/19
Charlotte and Sean at the age of 10 were convicted of murdering their classmate. Charlotte spends time in jail for the crime but doesn't remember doing so and has blocked the event out. Recently on parole, Charlotte is trying to put her life together and moves into a halfway house while keeping a job. Everything seems fine for Charlotte until she continues to think about Sean and her pull towards him. Who exactly is Sean and what power/hold does he have over Charlotte?
There were flashbacks that were present at the beginning of the story and felt that they were a tad bit all over the place.. and found myself getting confused with what was happening. Flashbacks of her childhood, murder, memories of Sean, and her present life.
At the final reveal, I wasn't really that impressed with the story. There wasn't really any major twists/turns and just was lacking the depth for me.
I did enjoy this book a little more than her first. I've been seeing many 4-5 star reviews and am clearly in the minority on this one once again.
Overall, 3.25 stars rounded down for me on this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin/Mira for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 5/28/19
Published to Goodreads: 5/8/19
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May 17, 20204 Stars
This 4 Star thriller kept me fascinated much in the same way that human nature makes it difficult to turn your eyes away from a horrible car accident. Although I cannot say I actually enjoyed reading it AT ALL, I couldn't put it down!!!
SUMMARY
In short, when they were ten years old, BFF'S Charlotte and Sean committed a pretty horrible crime, abducting a special needs boy from his backyard. After their very public trials, both placed into "care" (which I think is Brit-Speak for a secure juvenile mental health facility) for the remainder of their childhood and then some. Due to their young age at the time of the crime and the amount of hate they received from the public, they were given new identities upon their release in hopes that they would have a second chance in life.
The book opens as a newly released Charlotte is experiencing life on the outside for the first time in many years. She really wants to make a life for herself but finds everything difficult.
Sean has been out for a while, but he doesn't exactly seem to be living an exemplary life. Charlotte both hopes Sean doesn't find her and call her, yet at the same time, she hopes he does...
The story is told in both present and past tense; from both Charlotte and Sean's point of of view. It takes the reader through the events leading up to the abduction, the immediate aftermath and Charlotte's attempts to re-assimilate into life after her years in "care."
Going straight from being a totally dependant ten year old, to an inmate in a mental health facility and then after her release, being expected not only function as an adult in society, but being completely alone and unable to share anything about her past, is almost more than Charlotte can bear. She knows that being in contact with Sean is both prohibited by her probation and not a good idea for her personally, BUT... no one else understands her complicated past. The story goes from there, leading the reader down a very rocky path. I, for one, was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out whether or not Sean and /or Charlotte are inherently "bad" or whether it was all some kind of misunderstanding. When I wasn't searching the text for any indication of the "bad / good thing," I was speeding through the book, dying to figure out if Charlotte was going to make it or mess up and end up back in "care."
WHAT I LOVED
I know I said I didn't enjoy reading this book, and I am sticking with that statement, but I was totally and completely fascinated by it. Getting inside the head of someone who committed a crime like the one Charlotte and Sean did, particularly someone so young, was beyond interesting.
I didn't notice this until I started to write my review, but author, Amy Lloyd, never told us what Charlotte's name was before she was given her new identity. I realized that before her name changed, when anyone addresses Charlotte, they referred to her as "love" or "sweetheart" or something like that. Very clever literally trick. It definitely helped keep the whole "mystery identity" thing going.
Of course I LOVE my Brit-Lit! It's ridiculous how much I love it.
WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE
My stomach hurt the whole time I was reading the book. I knew that Charlotte, a lonely, motherless ten year old girl, with whom it would have been difficult not to sympathize, was somehow going to be involved in the kidnapping of this special needs child. I knew that as the book progressed, I would be getting closer to finding out how she was involved, it stressed me out! I really didn't want it to happen. Also, when she was trying to start her new life, I saw her making some mistakes that I desperately wanted to fix for her but obviously, that is impossible since I'm a real person and she is a character in a book. It was like watching someone riding down a huge hill on a bike with no brakes and the more speed they pick up, the faster they pedal. I know that none of this is bad, in fact, it is all a sign of a well written book but reading it made me super uncomfortable.
OVERALL
Be warned, it's uncomfortable reading but a very well told, suspense filled story.
This 4 Star thriller kept me fascinated much in the same way that human nature makes it difficult to turn your eyes away from a horrible car accident. Although I cannot say I actually enjoyed reading it AT ALL, I couldn't put it down!!!
SUMMARY
In short, when they were ten years old, BFF'S Charlotte and Sean committed a pretty horrible crime, abducting a special needs boy from his backyard. After their very public trials, both placed into "care" (which I think is Brit-Speak for a secure juvenile mental health facility) for the remainder of their childhood and then some. Due to their young age at the time of the crime and the amount of hate they received from the public, they were given new identities upon their release in hopes that they would have a second chance in life.
The book opens as a newly released Charlotte is experiencing life on the outside for the first time in many years. She really wants to make a life for herself but finds everything difficult.
Sean has been out for a while, but he doesn't exactly seem to be living an exemplary life. Charlotte both hopes Sean doesn't find her and call her, yet at the same time, she hopes he does...
The story is told in both present and past tense; from both Charlotte and Sean's point of of view. It takes the reader through the events leading up to the abduction, the immediate aftermath and Charlotte's attempts to re-assimilate into life after her years in "care."
Going straight from being a totally dependant ten year old, to an inmate in a mental health facility and then after her release, being expected not only function as an adult in society, but being completely alone and unable to share anything about her past, is almost more than Charlotte can bear. She knows that being in contact with Sean is both prohibited by her probation and not a good idea for her personally, BUT... no one else understands her complicated past. The story goes from there, leading the reader down a very rocky path. I, for one, was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out whether or not Sean and /or Charlotte are inherently "bad" or whether it was all some kind of misunderstanding. When I wasn't searching the text for any indication of the "bad / good thing," I was speeding through the book, dying to figure out if Charlotte was going to make it or mess up and end up back in "care."
WHAT I LOVED
I know I said I didn't enjoy reading this book, and I am sticking with that statement, but I was totally and completely fascinated by it. Getting inside the head of someone who committed a crime like the one Charlotte and Sean did, particularly someone so young, was beyond interesting.
I didn't notice this until I started to write my review, but author, Amy Lloyd, never told us what Charlotte's name was before she was given her new identity. I realized that before her name changed, when anyone addresses Charlotte, they referred to her as "love" or "sweetheart" or something like that. Very clever literally trick. It definitely helped keep the whole "mystery identity" thing going.
Of course I LOVE my Brit-Lit! It's ridiculous how much I love it.
WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE
My stomach hurt the whole time I was reading the book. I knew that Charlotte, a lonely, motherless ten year old girl, with whom it would have been difficult not to sympathize, was somehow going to be involved in the kidnapping of this special needs child. I knew that as the book progressed, I would be getting closer to finding out how she was involved, it stressed me out! I really didn't want it to happen. Also, when she was trying to start her new life, I saw her making some mistakes that I desperately wanted to fix for her but obviously, that is impossible since I'm a real person and she is a character in a book. It was like watching someone riding down a huge hill on a bike with no brakes and the more speed they pick up, the faster they pedal. I know that none of this is bad, in fact, it is all a sign of a well written book but reading it made me super uncomfortable.
OVERALL
Be warned, it's uncomfortable reading but a very well told, suspense filled story.
April 13, 2019
I loved Amy Lloyd’s The Innocent Wife so much I couldn’t wait to dive into this next book, although with caution, not wanting to be disappointed like I’ve been so many times before (I’m referring to you Caroline Kepnes!). And to be honest, I was pleasantly surprised Amy managed to capture my interest with this story just as strongly as she did it with the plot of her first book. As disturbing or shocking as it was, it let me wonder from the beginning to end, and that alone deserves all my stars!
March 20, 2019
One More Lie by Amy Lloyd had me staying up way past my bedtime reading. I was sucked into the story from the very beginning and curious to see how it was going to play out. I read and really enjoyed Amy's first book so I was keen to get hold of this one too. The subject isn't an easy one to read about but it was handled really well by the author. With a main character who is suffering memory loss it is hard to know what the truth is.
Charlotte is finally free from prison. As a child she was convicted of murder along with her best friend Sean. Now she has a new name and a fresh start to life. Complete with ankle monitor she really doesn't know what to do with herself apart from go to therapy and her therapist is her only friend. But this time Sean is also out, and he has found her. Will she be able to stay focused and on the right path or will he drag her back down with him.
Charlotte has no memory of the night in question. She lost her parents at a very young age and had a tough start to life. This is her chance to start again but she doesn't know how to. She is very childlike for an adult and does not know if she is guilty or not. Makes for a very interesting read.
Thanks to Random House UK Cornerstone Century and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Charlotte is finally free from prison. As a child she was convicted of murder along with her best friend Sean. Now she has a new name and a fresh start to life. Complete with ankle monitor she really doesn't know what to do with herself apart from go to therapy and her therapist is her only friend. But this time Sean is also out, and he has found her. Will she be able to stay focused and on the right path or will he drag her back down with him.
Charlotte has no memory of the night in question. She lost her parents at a very young age and had a tough start to life. This is her chance to start again but she doesn't know how to. She is very childlike for an adult and does not know if she is guilty or not. Makes for a very interesting read.
Thanks to Random House UK Cornerstone Century and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
August 27, 2019
I really liked this book. I liked how it went from the present to the past which included both Charlotte and Sean’s story. It was really interesting as I’ve never read a book about two kids charged with murder. All the characters were great and the book was well written. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.
July 16, 2019
I received a free e-copy of One More Lie by Amy Lloyd from NetGalley for my honest review.
When Charlotte was a little girl she and her best friend, Shaun were convicted of the kidnapping and murder of a young boy. There were people who blamed Shaun and people that blamed Charlotte but more than anything everyone felt sympathy for the mother of the son.
Charlotte is now on parole and ready to move forward and put the past behind her. She has a new identity and is living in a halfway house but has to wear an ankle monitor and go to weekly therapy sessions. She will be safe if she keeps to herself and forgets her past and moves forward and not associate with anyone in her past.
Will memories of her past and her best friend push her back in the past or can she forget and move forward and make a new life for herself?
A brilliant and emotionally gripping read!
When Charlotte was a little girl she and her best friend, Shaun were convicted of the kidnapping and murder of a young boy. There were people who blamed Shaun and people that blamed Charlotte but more than anything everyone felt sympathy for the mother of the son.
Charlotte is now on parole and ready to move forward and put the past behind her. She has a new identity and is living in a halfway house but has to wear an ankle monitor and go to weekly therapy sessions. She will be safe if she keeps to herself and forgets her past and moves forward and not associate with anyone in her past.
Will memories of her past and her best friend push her back in the past or can she forget and move forward and make a new life for herself?
A brilliant and emotionally gripping read!
March 5, 2019
One More Lie is a pacy and addictive psychological thriller, with themes of memory and responsibility, following Charlotte and Sean as they attempt to put the past behind them.
There’s a childlike quality to Charlotte and a confrontational layer to Sean and the author keeps you wondering about where the responsibility lies for the horrific events of years ago.
This is a novel of layered personality, nature and nurture and is cleverly plotted to keep things edgy until the truth is revealed.
Great writing and great storytelling- like The Innocent Wife this is a read in one sitting addictive page turner.
Recommended.
There’s a childlike quality to Charlotte and a confrontational layer to Sean and the author keeps you wondering about where the responsibility lies for the horrific events of years ago.
This is a novel of layered personality, nature and nurture and is cleverly plotted to keep things edgy until the truth is revealed.
Great writing and great storytelling- like The Innocent Wife this is a read in one sitting addictive page turner.
Recommended.
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June 25, 2019A fascinating look at how your upbringing can both determine your life and shape it in ways you least expect.
Lloyd's psychological thriller, One More Lie was both interesting and horrific at times. With an unreliable narrator both from, not one, but two point of views, it keeps you on edge guessing who the bad guys are or if the bad guy even exists.
With memory loss, denial, and an upbringing that was less than stellar, both MCs keep you wondering which one is evil and which one was an angel and constantly flipping back and forth between the two.
Slightly slow paced as the story unfolds, it was still a page turner and had me wanting to know all the details and how it would all end. Definitely one that fans of both the author and the genre will flock to and devour.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Lloyd's psychological thriller, One More Lie was both interesting and horrific at times. With an unreliable narrator both from, not one, but two point of views, it keeps you on edge guessing who the bad guys are or if the bad guy even exists.
With memory loss, denial, and an upbringing that was less than stellar, both MCs keep you wondering which one is evil and which one was an angel and constantly flipping back and forth between the two.
Slightly slow paced as the story unfolds, it was still a page turner and had me wanting to know all the details and how it would all end. Definitely one that fans of both the author and the genre will flock to and devour.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
March 3, 2019
Book some time out and read One More Lie, I promise you won't regret it. I'm just like some other readers, it's left an imprint on me, I'm still thinking about this book. No one knows Charlotte's real identity, she's just been released from prison along with Sean. The headlines in the paper read evil duo realeased from prison. Charlotte has to wear an electronic tag. She is extremely lucky to have been given a job, therefore Charlotte has the opportunity to put the past behind her, but will she keep out of trouble and go straight?
March 24, 2019
(3.5) I was taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed this. I admit I picked it up because a) I needed something easy to read and b) the ebook was 99p; I assumed it'd be at least mildly enjoyable because I liked Lloyd's debut, The Innocent Wife. At first glance, the premise here seems rather less original. There's recently been a boom in UK thrillers about people who committed terrible crimes when they were kids – the inevitable result of a generation of emerging crime writers who grew up with the Bulger case. But Lloyd's protagonist, Charlotte (her new identity, not her original name) is a great creation. Her lack of understanding of the world is believable and moving, but vague enough to avoid raising hundreds of questions or highlighting contradictions. The subject matter is sensitively handled for a 'thriller', without sacrificing tension. I was hooked. If you're in the mood for a snappy and readable crime novel, I would definitely recommend One More Lie.
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May 23, 2019
With the intro before the main plot began, I was expecting something more regarding the new identity, cosmetic surgery party but this was never addressed throughout the read, which was a bit of a let down. However, I quickly managed to forget about this once I became engaged in Charlotte's story.
The POV goes back and forth from past to present and also through Sean's eyes at various moments. Charlotte's main line has her a bit of an unreliable narrator as she cannot remember the past to reconcile the present. It's a lonely existence and the only person she's close to is acting strangely and not there as she once was. What gives? How can she continue and is this really better than prison?
There were a couple things I felt were left a bit hanging, but overall I thoroughly was engaged and needing to know where this was going to head. At a moderate page and with short chapters, this was easy to fly through and I recommend this to anyone who likes a bit of somber feel to a psychological suspense story.
Thank you Hanover Square Press for this copy.
The POV goes back and forth from past to present and also through Sean's eyes at various moments. Charlotte's main line has her a bit of an unreliable narrator as she cannot remember the past to reconcile the present. It's a lonely existence and the only person she's close to is acting strangely and not there as she once was. What gives? How can she continue and is this really better than prison?
There were a couple things I felt were left a bit hanging, but overall I thoroughly was engaged and needing to know where this was going to head. At a moderate page and with short chapters, this was easy to fly through and I recommend this to anyone who likes a bit of somber feel to a psychological suspense story.
Thank you Hanover Square Press for this copy.
May 27, 2019
Such a fast read, kept me totally interested throughout. It was more creepy and disturbing than a real mystery though.
The problems I had with it:
As with a bunch of books I've read recently, there's just NO way that kids this young could pull something off like this. I didn't find much that was happening to fit with their stated ages. Maybe I'm wrong, but it just wasn't believable to me.
I thought the punishment for the crime(s) didn't really match their ages and their actual involvement. You can't tell me that a 10 year old had the mental capacity to make sound judgments and deserved this many years of punishment.
Overall, it was a quick, watching-a-train-wreck kind of a read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The problems I had with it:
As with a bunch of books I've read recently, there's just NO way that kids this young could pull something off like this. I didn't find much that was happening to fit with their stated ages. Maybe I'm wrong, but it just wasn't believable to me.
I thought the punishment for the crime(s) didn't really match their ages and their actual involvement. You can't tell me that a 10 year old had the mental capacity to make sound judgments and deserved this many years of punishment.
Overall, it was a quick, watching-a-train-wreck kind of a read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 22, 2019
I’m really not sure about this book. After reading it, It did leave me a bit confused as to what just happened so I’m giving it 2 stars. Didn’t love it and I I didn’t hate it.
November 11, 2019
Just WOW!
April 28, 2019
FIVE STARS!
This book had me from the first page and didn't let go until the last word.
*Gripping
*Dark
*Intriguing
*Sinister
*Twisty
*Twisted
*May cause paranoia
The characters were so well built and the scenes were so incredibly and darkly set.
Thank you #Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review, which is I loved this book and could not put it down. Finished it in one day. Highly recommend!
This book had me from the first page and didn't let go until the last word.
*Gripping
*Dark
*Intriguing
*Sinister
*Twisty
*Twisted
*May cause paranoia
The characters were so well built and the scenes were so incredibly and darkly set.
Thank you #Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review, which is I loved this book and could not put it down. Finished it in one day. Highly recommend!
May 5, 2019
One More Lie is about a woman named Charlotte. She want s to forget the past and move on. Only she can’t. She sees a therapist and has an ankle bracelet living in a halfway house. She wants to forget Sean her friend from the past. But she can’t because somehow he contacted her. She finds herself remembering more and more of her past and finding out it’s not easy to escape what she has done
did-not-finish
June 23, 2019Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately I'm stopping at 25% as the story and characters just aren't clicking with me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'm struggling with this one. Maybe it's having a child as the supposed murderer? Just a bit too depressing for me at the moment, will pass for now.
June 6, 2023
A pacy mystery with a catchy hook and an intriguing premise, this is an easy read that I finished in one day.
July 12, 2021
Review to come.
March 1, 2019
5 Words: Family, friendship, lies, manipulation, justice.
Content Warning: suicidal thoughts, domestic abuse
Review to come but I couldn't put it down.
Content Warning: suicidal thoughts, domestic abuse
Review to come but I couldn't put it down.
May 23, 2019
This book switches between two narrators and also moves back and forth between then and now. This is a slow burn style of psychological suspense novel up until the big reveal very close to the end of the book. I found at some points, the book jumped around a bit too much for me and the plot was difficult to follow. I felt some parts of the novel could have been left out without greatly affecting the story overall.
I was a tad bit disappointed in the ending. The author handled some difficult subject matter that some may consider disturbing to read in a delicate manner. For me, this book lacked some depth in terms of the thriller genre and I didn’t really feel there were the plot twists I was expecting, though there was a big reveal at the end which does leave the reader surprised. I just didn’t react in the “didn’t see that coming” way that I have enjoyed with books of the same genre I have read this year.
For readers, who enjoy a slow burn suspense read with more focus on characters rather than plot twists, than I would recommend this book.
I was a tad bit disappointed in the ending. The author handled some difficult subject matter that some may consider disturbing to read in a delicate manner. For me, this book lacked some depth in terms of the thriller genre and I didn’t really feel there were the plot twists I was expecting, though there was a big reveal at the end which does leave the reader surprised. I just didn’t react in the “didn’t see that coming” way that I have enjoyed with books of the same genre I have read this year.
For readers, who enjoy a slow burn suspense read with more focus on characters rather than plot twists, than I would recommend this book.
May 5, 2019
Amy Lloyd does not write about easy topics and her books may not appeal to everyone. In fact, I’m not sure how I ended up with two of her books on my kindle but clearly the kindle fairy didn’t wave her magic wand and put them there! However, I thought this one was a lot more thought provoking than her previous book even though it deals with the unpalatable theme of child killers. The book is told principally from the perspective of ‘Charlotte’ and less so of Sean. It’s very hard to feel much empathy for Charlotte even though she had a very sad early childhood which leads the reader to have the nature versus nurture debate. Amy Lloyd describes Charlotte’s feelings extremely well; it’s like she is an empty vessel and the void is filled with concrete. It’s hard to have any sympathy for her as it’s clear right from being a child apart from Sean, other children do not like her, perhaps they instinctively sense something wrong about her. Sean himself describes their relationship as two elements that should never be mixed as it leads to something unpredictable. When they were arrested the media were less interested in him and made the story all about her. Was a nice girl led astray by Sean or was she the devil hiding behind the face of an angel? They claimed he came from a bad background so if you’re raised bad you get bad while she could be redeemed. Judge. Book. Cover.
Charlotte becomes very reliant on her psychiatrist Dr Isherwood and in some ways she has to accept some responsibility for the events that occur after Charlotte is released. Because Dr I feels affection for her she didn’t really push Charlotte to confront her past and move on towards some form of redemption, instead she is a mother substitute, which you could argue is something Charlotte desires but ultimately that isn’t her role.
Overall, I the book is thought provoking. I found it very hard to have any sympathy for Charlotte as she got so many things wrong to say the least. I found myself warming (even though that warmth was probably towards the tepid) to Sean though at the outset I felt that to be unlikely and I can’t really explain why without revealing the story! It is very well written and whilst it deals with a heinous topic it is never salacious or gratuitous.
Charlotte becomes very reliant on her psychiatrist Dr Isherwood and in some ways she has to accept some responsibility for the events that occur after Charlotte is released. Because Dr I feels affection for her she didn’t really push Charlotte to confront her past and move on towards some form of redemption, instead she is a mother substitute, which you could argue is something Charlotte desires but ultimately that isn’t her role.
Overall, I the book is thought provoking. I found it very hard to have any sympathy for Charlotte as she got so many things wrong to say the least. I found myself warming (even though that warmth was probably towards the tepid) to Sean though at the outset I felt that to be unlikely and I can’t really explain why without revealing the story! It is very well written and whilst it deals with a heinous topic it is never salacious or gratuitous.
May 3, 2020
What an excellent page turner! I read this in one day, which I'm quite proud about considering it has over 400 pages! I really like the clear, concise writing style, the characterisation, the plot and of course the pace.
The novel flicks between a central and a more minor character and also flicks between past and present. This makes for a very quick read as you want to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. The flicking between past and present is not confusing at all, but quickens the pace and heightens the tension.
I will definitely check out more from this author.
If you are looking for a book with a great pace, realistic characters, intriguing plot and easy writing style look no further!
The novel flicks between a central and a more minor character and also flicks between past and present. This makes for a very quick read as you want to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. The flicking between past and present is not confusing at all, but quickens the pace and heightens the tension.
I will definitely check out more from this author.
If you are looking for a book with a great pace, realistic characters, intriguing plot and easy writing style look no further!
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