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She Lies Alone
News spreads fast. Gossip spreads faster. Deadly secrets spread fastest of all.
Jane Bryson obeys the rules. A long-standing science teacher at Ravenswood High School, she lives a simple life with her husband Craig and Moose the black Labrador. When free-spirited new English teacher Elena Mayfield joins Ravenswood, Jane’s excited to have a friend who is ready to challenge authority, and Elena’s soon shaking things up.
When Elena starts a controversial club, Jane is ready to support her. When Elena begins an illicit romance with a colleague, Jane is there to help her shield her secret. When people begin asking questions about Elena, Jane backs her all the way.
But the morning after the annual fundraiser, Elena’s body is found crumpled on the soccer field.
It soon becomes clear that not everyone found Elena charming and funny. A thousand people were at the fundraiser: there’s a town full of suspects and a long list of motives. Who was angry with Elena? What had her curiosity and rule-breaking uncovered? Who wanted to shut her up?
Who has told lies they would kill to hide?
A totally gripping psychological suspense novel that you won’t be able to put down, She Lies Alone is a compelling thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware and The Woman in the Window.
Jane Bryson obeys the rules. A long-standing science teacher at Ravenswood High School, she lives a simple life with her husband Craig and Moose the black Labrador. When free-spirited new English teacher Elena Mayfield joins Ravenswood, Jane’s excited to have a friend who is ready to challenge authority, and Elena’s soon shaking things up.
When Elena starts a controversial club, Jane is ready to support her. When Elena begins an illicit romance with a colleague, Jane is there to help her shield her secret. When people begin asking questions about Elena, Jane backs her all the way.
But the morning after the annual fundraiser, Elena’s body is found crumpled on the soccer field.
It soon becomes clear that not everyone found Elena charming and funny. A thousand people were at the fundraiser: there’s a town full of suspects and a long list of motives. Who was angry with Elena? What had her curiosity and rule-breaking uncovered? Who wanted to shut her up?
Who has told lies they would kill to hide?
A totally gripping psychological suspense novel that you won’t be able to put down, She Lies Alone is a compelling thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware and The Woman in the Window.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2020
890 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Laura Wolfe
12 books335 followersLaura Wolfe is a bestselling author of twisty, fast-paced psychological thrillers. Her books include a 2024 Silver Falchion Award Winner (PROM QUEEN) and a 2024 ITW Award Nominee (THE IN-LAWS). Laura loves animals and nature. When she's not working on her next book, you can find her hiking through the woods, doting on her rescue dog, or binge-watching true crime documentaries and calling it research. She enjoys living with her husband, son, and daughter in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 13, 2020
4+
A jogger finds the body of a woman on the soccer field of Ravenswood High School. It proves to be that of English teacher Elena Mayfield. The storyline tracks back to seven weeks before the murder and is narrated by fellow teacher and friend Jane Bryson and Amy, a part time worker in the school office and mother to Phoebe, a student at the school. This works really well.
I really enjoyed this well written novel that makes for a good autumnal/Halloween read which features in the book. The characters are excellent, all are easy to visualise especially Elena who is a breath of challenging fresh air in a tightly controlled, stifling school environment. Jane and Elena make for an excellent contrast as Elena pushes boundaries and disregards lines whereas Jane nearly colours within them. The students are well portrayed too, especially Goths Phoebe and Rowan and I like their individuality and growing friendship. This becomes a very absorbing read with the mounting fallout from Elena's actions. There are several themes in the novel which makes it doubly interesting. The small town eyes everywhere with judgement awarded is well depicted especially towards Amy following a messy divorce. It captures school politics extremely well and I can well imagine the pursed lips and frowns of the uptight office manager. Teenage rebellion and the meanness of cliques, whose an insider and whose outside looking on, whose conforming and whose not in the students and the adults adds another interesting element.
The pace is good, although there’s a bit of a dip in the middle then it picks up again with growing suspicions and some strange, slightly creepy events and occurrences. The outcome is no huge surprise but that does not detract from the enjoyment in any way.
Overall, this is a good, well written psychological drama.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc in return for an honest review.
A jogger finds the body of a woman on the soccer field of Ravenswood High School. It proves to be that of English teacher Elena Mayfield. The storyline tracks back to seven weeks before the murder and is narrated by fellow teacher and friend Jane Bryson and Amy, a part time worker in the school office and mother to Phoebe, a student at the school. This works really well.
I really enjoyed this well written novel that makes for a good autumnal/Halloween read which features in the book. The characters are excellent, all are easy to visualise especially Elena who is a breath of challenging fresh air in a tightly controlled, stifling school environment. Jane and Elena make for an excellent contrast as Elena pushes boundaries and disregards lines whereas Jane nearly colours within them. The students are well portrayed too, especially Goths Phoebe and Rowan and I like their individuality and growing friendship. This becomes a very absorbing read with the mounting fallout from Elena's actions. There are several themes in the novel which makes it doubly interesting. The small town eyes everywhere with judgement awarded is well depicted especially towards Amy following a messy divorce. It captures school politics extremely well and I can well imagine the pursed lips and frowns of the uptight office manager. Teenage rebellion and the meanness of cliques, whose an insider and whose outside looking on, whose conforming and whose not in the students and the adults adds another interesting element.
The pace is good, although there’s a bit of a dip in the middle then it picks up again with growing suspicions and some strange, slightly creepy events and occurrences. The outcome is no huge surprise but that does not detract from the enjoyment in any way.
Overall, this is a good, well written psychological drama.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc in return for an honest review.
November 11, 2020
She Lies Alone by Laura Wolfe is a great thriller with a high school setting.
She Lies Alone caught my attention from the first page. The book starts out with Elena’s body being discovered and then goes back seven weeks to explain leading up to the murder. She Lies Alone is told from the perspective of Elena and Amy. Elena is another teacher and Amy works in the school’s office and is a parent of Phoebe, a high schooler.
Elena has upset a lot of people including the principal, her boss, and students. Everyone always suspects the boyfriend or ex-boyfriend. Who killed Elena?
I loved the formatting of She Lies Alone. The reader finds out Elena was murdered and then gets to learn about her while trying to figure out what caused her to be murdered.
I recommend She Lies Alone to thriller fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for She Lies Alone.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
She Lies Alone caught my attention from the first page. The book starts out with Elena’s body being discovered and then goes back seven weeks to explain leading up to the murder. She Lies Alone is told from the perspective of Elena and Amy. Elena is another teacher and Amy works in the school’s office and is a parent of Phoebe, a high schooler.
Elena has upset a lot of people including the principal, her boss, and students. Everyone always suspects the boyfriend or ex-boyfriend. Who killed Elena?
I loved the formatting of She Lies Alone. The reader finds out Elena was murdered and then gets to learn about her while trying to figure out what caused her to be murdered.
I recommend She Lies Alone to thriller fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for She Lies Alone.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
February 13, 2021
I enjoyed this character driven suspenseful whodunnit. The High School setting was the perfecr backdrop for this well crafted mystery. The story is told from two perspectives. Jane, a chemistry teacher at Ravenswood High School, is a friend to the unsuspecting victim. Amy Granger, parent of a high school student who also works at the school, adds clarity and confusion to this puzzle where all the pieces lead to the satisfying conclusion. This was my first book to read by Laura Wolfe, but will definitely not be my last. I recommend this to anyone who loves a thrilling, well paced mystery, with characters you will both love and hate. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 11, 2020
Wow! That was one suspenseful and thrilling read. I’m still at a loss words because She Lies Alone is one of the best psychological thrillers that I’ve read so far.
The story takes place at Ravenswood high school where english teacher, Elena Mayfield is found brutally stabbed on the soccer field. Flashback a few weeks earlier and the story unfolds from two points of view. One point of view coming from Jane Bryson, AP chemistry teacher, and the other point of view from Amy Granger, the school’s accounting clerk. There are a number of suspects, including two of Elena’s students.
With excellent plot execution and in depth character development, She Lies Alone garners five stars from me. A sensational read.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
The story takes place at Ravenswood high school where english teacher, Elena Mayfield is found brutally stabbed on the soccer field. Flashback a few weeks earlier and the story unfolds from two points of view. One point of view coming from Jane Bryson, AP chemistry teacher, and the other point of view from Amy Granger, the school’s accounting clerk. There are a number of suspects, including two of Elena’s students.
With excellent plot execution and in depth character development, She Lies Alone garners five stars from me. A sensational read.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 7, 2020
When free-spirited new English teacher Elena Mayfield joins Ravenswood High School, she begins to challenge authority and starts shaking things up.
Jane Bryson, a long-standing science teacher, likes to live a simple and avoid any problems. But she is glad to have a new friend. Though she doesn’t necessarily agree with Elena’s techniques and methods, Jane backs Elena all the way.
When a jogger finds Elena’s crumpled body on the soccer field, the morning after the annual fundraiser. It soon becomes clear that not everyone was fond of Elena.
This was a suspense filled read. It was well written and the plot flows quite smoothly, making it an easy read. The list of suspects was so long because of all the gossip, secrets and lies.
There was constant drama going on. The issues of teenage rebellion and school politics are well covered. I felt that that the characters were all good and unique, especially Phoebe and Rowan, each of their stories added an extra bit of thrill to the plot.
I enjoyed the epilogue. I felt it was an excellent way to end the book.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Jane Bryson, a long-standing science teacher, likes to live a simple and avoid any problems. But she is glad to have a new friend. Though she doesn’t necessarily agree with Elena’s techniques and methods, Jane backs Elena all the way.
When a jogger finds Elena’s crumpled body on the soccer field, the morning after the annual fundraiser. It soon becomes clear that not everyone was fond of Elena.
This was a suspense filled read. It was well written and the plot flows quite smoothly, making it an easy read. The list of suspects was so long because of all the gossip, secrets and lies.
There was constant drama going on. The issues of teenage rebellion and school politics are well covered. I felt that that the characters were all good and unique, especially Phoebe and Rowan, each of their stories added an extra bit of thrill to the plot.
I enjoyed the epilogue. I felt it was an excellent way to end the book.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
April 11, 2021
Review coming soon.
November 6, 2020
She Lies Alone is a fast-paced and twisty psychological thriller with a hefty dollop of mystery, set at prestigious Ravenswood High School under the strict care of a battleaxe Principal. It begins with a bang when the deceased body of recently employed English teacher Elena Mayfield, a teacher popular with students, is discovered by a passing jogger on the soccer field; she has been stabbed to death in a frenzied and brutal manner leaving the whole school rocked to their core. We are then taken back almost two months to the events leading up to that day via flashbacks. Narrated by chemistry teacher Jane Bryson and Amy Granger, the school accounting clerk, the story unravels and there are several suspects. Jane and Elena had become firm friends since Elena joined the school’s teaching team but the two women didn't agree on how you should behave. Jane is a stickler for rules and regulations and is quite the sycophant, whereas Elena was a free spirit and nonconforming. Despite Jane warning Elena to follow the rules it seemed to go in one ear and out the other and she has already been in trouble with the school administration on multiple occasions.
She is frequently being reprimanded by the Principal and Head of the Department for creating clubs and counselling students without asking permission. But who hated her enough to want her dead? This is an addictive, intense and compulsive read and right from the prologue I was pulled into, and engaged by, the drama going on at the school. It's a story full of gossip, secrets, lies, betrayal and drama and if you think that students get up to no good then wait until you see the adults who are supposed to be setting a good example. The dual perspective worked extremely well creating a fully rounded story and the atmosphere is quite sinister with a lot of shady things going on beneath the surface and with hidden, bubbling resentments and jealousy seemingly everywhere between both students and staff. The writing flows superbly making it easy to fly through the pages and the entertaining and exciting plot is complex but well thought out. It's unpredictable in places and pacy with a cast of nicely developed characters who are not to be trusted. Fans of women's fiction and thrillers light in gruesome slayings will thoroughly enjoy this. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
She is frequently being reprimanded by the Principal and Head of the Department for creating clubs and counselling students without asking permission. But who hated her enough to want her dead? This is an addictive, intense and compulsive read and right from the prologue I was pulled into, and engaged by, the drama going on at the school. It's a story full of gossip, secrets, lies, betrayal and drama and if you think that students get up to no good then wait until you see the adults who are supposed to be setting a good example. The dual perspective worked extremely well creating a fully rounded story and the atmosphere is quite sinister with a lot of shady things going on beneath the surface and with hidden, bubbling resentments and jealousy seemingly everywhere between both students and staff. The writing flows superbly making it easy to fly through the pages and the entertaining and exciting plot is complex but well thought out. It's unpredictable in places and pacy with a cast of nicely developed characters who are not to be trusted. Fans of women's fiction and thrillers light in gruesome slayings will thoroughly enjoy this. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
October 20, 2020
She Lies Alone by Laura Wolfe is a compelling mystery that kept me turning the pages. This is the second novel that I have read from Ms Wolfe, and I can certainly confirm that she is one to watch.
Jane is a high school teacher who is desperate to adopt a baby with her husband, Craig. Life is good, if a little bit routine. All will change, however, when a new teacher arrives to shake things up at the school. Elena Mayfield is not one to follow the rules, and quickly becomes popular with both students and staff, including both Jane and a very smitten gym teacher. But when Elena's lifeless body is found following a school fundraising evening, it becomes clear that not everyone was as enamoured with the vivacious young teacher as it appeared. Who among the community may have had sinister intentions towards the popular Ms Mayfield?
This is a well-spun whodunit that kept me guessing until the very end.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Jane is a high school teacher who is desperate to adopt a baby with her husband, Craig. Life is good, if a little bit routine. All will change, however, when a new teacher arrives to shake things up at the school. Elena Mayfield is not one to follow the rules, and quickly becomes popular with both students and staff, including both Jane and a very smitten gym teacher. But when Elena's lifeless body is found following a school fundraising evening, it becomes clear that not everyone was as enamoured with the vivacious young teacher as it appeared. Who among the community may have had sinister intentions towards the popular Ms Mayfield?
This is a well-spun whodunit that kept me guessing until the very end.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
November 15, 2020
3.5 Stars
This one was a bit of a mixed bag. Overall, I enjoyed it. The character development was top notch. It had an easy flow to the writing. The prologue throws you right into the action (the discovery of the body). After that it takes quite a good chunk of the book (I want to say 60-70%?) to get back to that point. And I felt myself growing a little bored and wanting the author to just get on with the murder and aftermath. However, as a mentioned, the characters themselves were quite interesting, and that was ultimately what kept me going.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This one was a bit of a mixed bag. Overall, I enjoyed it. The character development was top notch. It had an easy flow to the writing. The prologue throws you right into the action (the discovery of the body). After that it takes quite a good chunk of the book (I want to say 60-70%?) to get back to that point. And I felt myself growing a little bored and wanting the author to just get on with the murder and aftermath. However, as a mentioned, the characters themselves were quite interesting, and that was ultimately what kept me going.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
December 31, 2020
As I stood waiting for the year to turn, my eyes drifted along the titles that I had yet to read. And one of them caught my interest – She Lies Alone – a murder mystery.
A new English teacher, Elena, who pushed boundaries and rules, an old Chemistry teacher, Jane, who followed rules, became friends until Elena was found dead. A didn’t like her as appearances were contrary. But who hated her the most?
My first book by author Laura Wolfe, the first chapter was compelling. I was soon caught into the web that the author had laid out for me, completely embroiled in the inter-personal relationships of the teachers and students.
Set in a small town, with gossip and suspects aplenty, the writing had me twisted in knots, wondering who could have done the whack job. The pace was zip zap zoom. I could finish the book in a couple of hours. The best way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
A new English teacher, Elena, who pushed boundaries and rules, an old Chemistry teacher, Jane, who followed rules, became friends until Elena was found dead. A didn’t like her as appearances were contrary. But who hated her the most?
My first book by author Laura Wolfe, the first chapter was compelling. I was soon caught into the web that the author had laid out for me, completely embroiled in the inter-personal relationships of the teachers and students.
Set in a small town, with gossip and suspects aplenty, the writing had me twisted in knots, wondering who could have done the whack job. The pace was zip zap zoom. I could finish the book in a couple of hours. The best way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
November 8, 2020
This is a great murder mystery told from two perspectives - Jane, the science teacher and Amy, who works in the school office.
The book begins with Elena’s body being found by a jogger and then we go back to discover the events leading up to the murder.
Elena is a new teacher at the school and soon becomes friends with Jane. She also starts a relationship with fellow teacher, Nick.
They all get roped in to helping at the Halloween party along with Amy.
Phoebe, Amy’s daughter is also quite integral to the overall story as she’s not having a great time with friends at the moment.
This is a different murder mystery set in a school and it really showed the entangled relationships between all the characters.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The book begins with Elena’s body being found by a jogger and then we go back to discover the events leading up to the murder.
Elena is a new teacher at the school and soon becomes friends with Jane. She also starts a relationship with fellow teacher, Nick.
They all get roped in to helping at the Halloween party along with Amy.
Phoebe, Amy’s daughter is also quite integral to the overall story as she’s not having a great time with friends at the moment.
This is a different murder mystery set in a school and it really showed the entangled relationships between all the characters.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 29, 2020
This book is just an okay read for me. The beginning (prologue) was done well but the story keeps dragging until the murder happened. It was too long and it makes me feel a little bored until the murder occurred—my pace of reading increase after that until the end.
I liked Jane. For me, she’s the reasonable person in this book. I want to know more about Rowan’s history but didn’t get it. The ending just nice.
Overall, this one is not the best thriller I have read. More drama than a thriller. If the fast-paced storyline right after the epilogue, it would be nicer.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 9 Nov 2020
I liked Jane. For me, she’s the reasonable person in this book. I want to know more about Rowan’s history but didn’t get it. The ending just nice.
Overall, this one is not the best thriller I have read. More drama than a thriller. If the fast-paced storyline right after the epilogue, it would be nicer.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 9 Nov 2020
November 2, 2020
This is a well-crafted and captivating murder mystery. It is a slow burner but it kept me interested and entertained.
Jane is a teacher at a high school. She plays by the rules and is a quite normal teacher. Elena is young and pretty and does not care so much about rules. She is the new English teacher and the pupils love her way of teaching. But she is in conflict with the schools authorities and she is involved with another teacher who is quite a womanizer. Then one day she turns up dead. What happened to lovely Elena?
This story is well told and quite complex. There are quite a few characters and they are all very well crafted with all their flaws. The writing style has a flow to it that just keeps you entertained. I enjoyed this book very much. Just go into it blind and you won’t regret it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley inexchange for an honest review
Jane is a teacher at a high school. She plays by the rules and is a quite normal teacher. Elena is young and pretty and does not care so much about rules. She is the new English teacher and the pupils love her way of teaching. But she is in conflict with the schools authorities and she is involved with another teacher who is quite a womanizer. Then one day she turns up dead. What happened to lovely Elena?
This story is well told and quite complex. There are quite a few characters and they are all very well crafted with all their flaws. The writing style has a flow to it that just keeps you entertained. I enjoyed this book very much. Just go into it blind and you won’t regret it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley inexchange for an honest review
October 23, 2020
A compelling thriller told through multiple points of view. This book delves into the drama at a prestigious school amongst teachers, administrations, parents and students. Drama that eventually leads to a murder where everyone is a suspect. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I wasn't sure where it was leading and didn't guess who the killer was, which is a rarity for me. Will definitely be reading this author again!
November 10, 2020
Unputdownable. Addictive. A triumph. Wow this book was something else! One of my favourite books of the year! I loved it, loved it, loved it. So very glad I discovered this author. Just amazing. Please read this book.
October 5, 2020
This is a story about teachers in a high school. It tells about the teacher's lives outside of school. It's also about the students, they're lives in and out of school. It's about friendships, love, betrayal and schoo and office politics. Mainly it's about what type of people we encounter and live by each and every day.
Great read!
Great read!
November 12, 2020
With a gripping start of a jogger coming across English teacher Elena’s body on the soccer field, we are then taken back seven weeks previously.
Dual narrated by fellow teacher Jane and Amy who works in the office of the school, which her daughter Phoebe attends.
Jane was Elena’s most supportive friend, even keeping her secrets. Although she quickly became popular not everyone liked Elena’s free spirited nature and the trouble she has stirred up.
This book played out like a movie as I read and I’ve not had that happen in a while. The characters are brought to life and full of personality, especially Phoebe and Rowan. Phoebe I pictured as Fairuza Balk from The Craft.
A great whodunnit murder mystery within the setting of a school and small town community. This would also make a really good book club choice as there are plenty of themes to evoke discussion.
This book shows the cliques and politics of both teachers and students, how gossip is deadly and judgement is easy to pass.
Dual narrated by fellow teacher Jane and Amy who works in the office of the school, which her daughter Phoebe attends.
Jane was Elena’s most supportive friend, even keeping her secrets. Although she quickly became popular not everyone liked Elena’s free spirited nature and the trouble she has stirred up.
This book played out like a movie as I read and I’ve not had that happen in a while. The characters are brought to life and full of personality, especially Phoebe and Rowan. Phoebe I pictured as Fairuza Balk from The Craft.
A great whodunnit murder mystery within the setting of a school and small town community. This would also make a really good book club choice as there are plenty of themes to evoke discussion.
This book shows the cliques and politics of both teachers and students, how gossip is deadly and judgement is easy to pass.
November 13, 2020
Laura Wolfe
has written a cracking psychological thriller heavily dosed with mystery, set at a prestigious High School - Ravenswood. A jogger discovers the deceased body of newly employed and very popular English teacher Elena Mayfield on the soccer field. Jane Bryson, a long-serving science teacher at the same school was delighted when Elena joined Ravenswood High as she had a friend who had been ready to challenge authority. Jane had always given Elena her support and kept Elena's affair with another colleague a secret from the gossips and blabbermouths, however, someone had disliked Elena enough to kill her.
Told from the perspectives of Jane and Amy Granger, the school accounts clerk, the story unravelled at a speedy pace and there were several suspects. With troubles developing, and personality clashes emerging, the stifling school environment was a great backdrop for the growing tension and undercurrents amongst the staff and students. The characters were well portrayed by Laura Wolfe once I had them all straight in my mind, and most were likeable. Jane and Elena's contrasting personalities provided added dimension and I enjoyed the Halloween theme and autumnal touches. Twisting and suspenseful, She Lies Alone was a thoroughly entertaining and mesmerising mystery that I'm certain most psychological thriller aficionados will enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Told from the perspectives of Jane and Amy Granger, the school accounts clerk, the story unravelled at a speedy pace and there were several suspects. With troubles developing, and personality clashes emerging, the stifling school environment was a great backdrop for the growing tension and undercurrents amongst the staff and students. The characters were well portrayed by Laura Wolfe once I had them all straight in my mind, and most were likeable. Jane and Elena's contrasting personalities provided added dimension and I enjoyed the Halloween theme and autumnal touches. Twisting and suspenseful, She Lies Alone was a thoroughly entertaining and mesmerising mystery that I'm certain most psychological thriller aficionados will enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 5, 2020
Wow. She Lies Alone is captivating.
I quite honestly felt like I was hooked from the first few lines. It did take me significantly longer to finish reading this novel than I would have hoped, given how interested I was in the story line. Alas, personal issues arose and my mind couldn't keep up with everything.
This novel, right off the bat, gave me the impression of something sinister and tragic was occurring... but as the story line built around all of these well-written and developed characters, I somehow forgot it was supposed to be a psychological thriller... and I was thinking to myself, what a wholesome novel, full of characters navigating life.
And then BAM!, we are confronted with the murder that was outlined at the beginning of the novel that we have just been working through the back story to get to. I had no idea who the killer could have been, because there were quite honestly, many suspects.
I feel like the mystery of who did it was drawn out perfectly and the story tied itself off efficiently. I liked how the beginning of the novel tied in cleanly to the end of the novel and gave the impression of closure for many of the characters.
I think that this has been a very satisfying and gripping read and I would definitely be open to reading more of this author's work in the future!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review!
I quite honestly felt like I was hooked from the first few lines. It did take me significantly longer to finish reading this novel than I would have hoped, given how interested I was in the story line. Alas, personal issues arose and my mind couldn't keep up with everything.
This novel, right off the bat, gave me the impression of something sinister and tragic was occurring... but as the story line built around all of these well-written and developed characters, I somehow forgot it was supposed to be a psychological thriller... and I was thinking to myself, what a wholesome novel, full of characters navigating life.
And then BAM!, we are confronted with the murder that was outlined at the beginning of the novel that we have just been working through the back story to get to. I had no idea who the killer could have been, because there were quite honestly, many suspects.
I feel like the mystery of who did it was drawn out perfectly and the story tied itself off efficiently. I liked how the beginning of the novel tied in cleanly to the end of the novel and gave the impression of closure for many of the characters.
I think that this has been a very satisfying and gripping read and I would definitely be open to reading more of this author's work in the future!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review!
November 2, 2020
‘She Lies Alone’ is a fantastic murder mystery told from the perspectives of Jane, the science teacher and Amy, the school accountant and I loved it. Not only was it an intriguing and a well constructed mystery, it had me guessing until the end. The two POV’s were brilliantly written. I’ll confess to even trying to work it out while doing mundane tasks like cleaning the house. It had my brain ticking away.
I loved Jane’s character and in fact, I found her really refreshing. She’s the one who obeys the rules and is passionate about chemistry but her life is missing something. She was so well rounded and intelligent. Then there’s Amy, a woman in her forties who’s coming out of the other end of a painful divorce while trying to raise a rebellious teenager. Again, her character was so relatable. Her daughter Phoebe also plays an integral part in everything and then there’s the sinister happenings - which I won’t talk about here. No spoilers - haha.
The setting was the icing on the cake. A lot of the scenes are based in the high school classroom, staff room and the the ‘Geeks and Goblins’ event. Loved the school setting and the entangled relationships between all the characters. It made for an exciting and unpredictable read and a fast moving one at that.
I’d recommend this book to psychological thriller lovers and those that enjoy a good helping of drama. This promises both and delivers too. A fantastic read with a big whopping reveal that will have you saying - OMG!
I loved Jane’s character and in fact, I found her really refreshing. She’s the one who obeys the rules and is passionate about chemistry but her life is missing something. She was so well rounded and intelligent. Then there’s Amy, a woman in her forties who’s coming out of the other end of a painful divorce while trying to raise a rebellious teenager. Again, her character was so relatable. Her daughter Phoebe also plays an integral part in everything and then there’s the sinister happenings - which I won’t talk about here. No spoilers - haha.
The setting was the icing on the cake. A lot of the scenes are based in the high school classroom, staff room and the the ‘Geeks and Goblins’ event. Loved the school setting and the entangled relationships between all the characters. It made for an exciting and unpredictable read and a fast moving one at that.
I’d recommend this book to psychological thriller lovers and those that enjoy a good helping of drama. This promises both and delivers too. A fantastic read with a big whopping reveal that will have you saying - OMG!
November 22, 2020
This is a slow build thriller.
Jane is a chemistry teacher at a local high school. She follows the rigid rules, careful to not overstep.
Elena is a new hire - English Language Arts, fails to adhere to the strict guidelines.
Before school starts, a confidential email goes out naming Rowan as a student to add to the school's watch list. Disregarding Jane's warnings and concerns, Elena starts a poetry club after school as a way to reach out to Rowan.
Amy is also a recent hire - newly divorced, she takes a part time job at her daughter's school. Phoebe struggles with her identity, the loss of her social circle. Amy wants to control Phoebe and ban her rebellion.
The plot was well developed - though it was lengthy, well worth it. Great twist if a little transparent.
Jane is a chemistry teacher at a local high school. She follows the rigid rules, careful to not overstep.
Elena is a new hire - English Language Arts, fails to adhere to the strict guidelines.
Before school starts, a confidential email goes out naming Rowan as a student to add to the school's watch list. Disregarding Jane's warnings and concerns, Elena starts a poetry club after school as a way to reach out to Rowan.
Amy is also a recent hire - newly divorced, she takes a part time job at her daughter's school. Phoebe struggles with her identity, the loss of her social circle. Amy wants to control Phoebe and ban her rebellion.
The plot was well developed - though it was lengthy, well worth it. Great twist if a little transparent.
October 25, 2020
She Lies Alone was just an average thriller for me. The very beginning was done well but then it began to drag until the murder happened. The second half of the book was faster paced and while the ending was just okay, I thought the epilogue was well done. There were some twists and red herrings but overall this story did not wow me. I have read some amazing thrillers this year and perhaps it is based on those, that I found this one was not as clever or engaging.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2020
She Lies Alone was just an average thriller for me. The very beginning was done well but then it began to drag until the murder happened. The second half of the book was faster paced and while the ending was just okay, I thought the epilogue was well done. There were some twists and red herrings but overall this story did not wow me.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2020
‘She Lies Alone’ by Laura Wolfe is a twisty psychological thriller that ramps up the mystery as well.
A body is found in the grounds of Ravenswood High School it is the body of the new English teacher, Elena Mayfield. Then the story takes us back seven weeks and is told from the point of views of Jane Bryson, another teacher and Elena’s friend and Amy who is a parent to one of the pupils and is the school accountant. I enjoyed the way it was written, creating an intriguing and tense storyline, one that had me taking wild guesses throughout.
We see Elena being a new member of the teaching staff and she becomes friends with Jane, who is the one who keeps to the rules and does as it is meant to be. Elena is the opposite, she is always pushing the boundaries. This makes her quite a refreshing change in their school setting, although she may have been popular not everyone was as keen on her wild child side and the trouble it caused. Elena begins to have a relationship with another teacher, and Jane, the ever-faithful keeps her secrets. They all end up helping at the Halloween party at school along with Amy’s daughter, Phoebe who is quite a big piece in the puzzle overall, as she is struggling with friends at that moment too.
This is an absorbing read in which we discover all the consequences of Elena’s behaviour. The characters are all colourful and brilliantly flawed in their own ways, but this makes the story so real. The setting of the school creates plenty of threads that are woven together to make one complex murder mystery in a small town. Then we have the sinister things going on too! All of these factors make a brilliant twisty and engrossing book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book for my review today.
A body is found in the grounds of Ravenswood High School it is the body of the new English teacher, Elena Mayfield. Then the story takes us back seven weeks and is told from the point of views of Jane Bryson, another teacher and Elena’s friend and Amy who is a parent to one of the pupils and is the school accountant. I enjoyed the way it was written, creating an intriguing and tense storyline, one that had me taking wild guesses throughout.
We see Elena being a new member of the teaching staff and she becomes friends with Jane, who is the one who keeps to the rules and does as it is meant to be. Elena is the opposite, she is always pushing the boundaries. This makes her quite a refreshing change in their school setting, although she may have been popular not everyone was as keen on her wild child side and the trouble it caused. Elena begins to have a relationship with another teacher, and Jane, the ever-faithful keeps her secrets. They all end up helping at the Halloween party at school along with Amy’s daughter, Phoebe who is quite a big piece in the puzzle overall, as she is struggling with friends at that moment too.
This is an absorbing read in which we discover all the consequences of Elena’s behaviour. The characters are all colourful and brilliantly flawed in their own ways, but this makes the story so real. The setting of the school creates plenty of threads that are woven together to make one complex murder mystery in a small town. Then we have the sinister things going on too! All of these factors make a brilliant twisty and engrossing book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy of the book for my review today.
November 12, 2020
Elena Mayfield is the kind of teacher all students want to have. She’s enthusiastic, innovative, creative and gorgeous. She’s also dead, as we learn in the prologue.
She Lies Alone is a well written, clever mystery set in a small town high school. Narrated by Jane Bryson, Ravenswood High chemistry teacher, and Amy Granger, a single parent who works in the school office, the story begins seven weeks before the murder. Elena is new to the school and her rule-breaking style delights her students and frustrates the administration. Although their styles are very different, she and Jane become friends. And Elena quickly begins a relationship with social studies teacher Nick Bell.
Amy Granger is still bitter after her divorce. Her husband left her for another woman and she and her children are still adjusting. Her teenage daughter Phoebe has been rocked by changes. She’s had a falling out with her friends, quit sports and, after Jane pairs her with a troubled boy during a science experiment, changes her appearance. Amy is dismayed when Phoebe and Rowan become inseparable.
This fast paced plot moves quickly to the annual Geeks and Goblins fundraiser. Elena will be found dead the next morning. The evening brims over with suspicious behavior leading to a shocking conclusion. She Lies Alone is a compelling thriller. The school setting, with its office politics and student drama, is almost a character itself. The personal lives of all the characters, especially Jane, give them dimension. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Laura Wolfe for this ARC.
She Lies Alone is a well written, clever mystery set in a small town high school. Narrated by Jane Bryson, Ravenswood High chemistry teacher, and Amy Granger, a single parent who works in the school office, the story begins seven weeks before the murder. Elena is new to the school and her rule-breaking style delights her students and frustrates the administration. Although their styles are very different, she and Jane become friends. And Elena quickly begins a relationship with social studies teacher Nick Bell.
Amy Granger is still bitter after her divorce. Her husband left her for another woman and she and her children are still adjusting. Her teenage daughter Phoebe has been rocked by changes. She’s had a falling out with her friends, quit sports and, after Jane pairs her with a troubled boy during a science experiment, changes her appearance. Amy is dismayed when Phoebe and Rowan become inseparable.
This fast paced plot moves quickly to the annual Geeks and Goblins fundraiser. Elena will be found dead the next morning. The evening brims over with suspicious behavior leading to a shocking conclusion. She Lies Alone is a compelling thriller. The school setting, with its office politics and student drama, is almost a character itself. The personal lives of all the characters, especially Jane, give them dimension. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Laura Wolfe for this ARC.
January 9, 2021
In a then and now fashion answers are being sought find out why high school teacher Elena Mayfield was murdered. For one thing Elena was having an affair and that alone raised a lot of eyebrows. Jane is another teacher at their high school and she had befriended Elena and stands by her despite the risque behavior of Elena's affair.
The school had arranged for a fundraiser, in part sponsored by a club started by Elena. The fundraiser went off without a hitch, but the very next morning, Elena's body was found. With the vast amount of people that were at the fundraiser, there certainly is no shortage of suspects. It soon becomes more than apparent that there are just as many motives as there are suspects.
Lies and secrets most certainly play into what has happened to Elena. So, as the story plays out in the weeks leading to the murder, readers get Jane's viewpoint with alternating chapters as well as the voice of Amy, an office worker at the school. What did Jane, Elena and Amy have in common and why does Amy have a voice in this intriguing story?
Whether the story was being told from the school's environment or in the private lives of those connected with the high school, issues prove that no one is without fault. The drama is real, the tension is high and the shock value kept me riveted from beginning to end. I enjoyed this psychological thriller by Laura Wolfe and cannot wait to read more from her in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The school had arranged for a fundraiser, in part sponsored by a club started by Elena. The fundraiser went off without a hitch, but the very next morning, Elena's body was found. With the vast amount of people that were at the fundraiser, there certainly is no shortage of suspects. It soon becomes more than apparent that there are just as many motives as there are suspects.
Lies and secrets most certainly play into what has happened to Elena. So, as the story plays out in the weeks leading to the murder, readers get Jane's viewpoint with alternating chapters as well as the voice of Amy, an office worker at the school. What did Jane, Elena and Amy have in common and why does Amy have a voice in this intriguing story?
Whether the story was being told from the school's environment or in the private lives of those connected with the high school, issues prove that no one is without fault. The drama is real, the tension is high and the shock value kept me riveted from beginning to end. I enjoyed this psychological thriller by Laura Wolfe and cannot wait to read more from her in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 9, 2020
This was a well-written and intriguing slow burn of a mystery that sucked me in from the beginning pages. The prologue reveals who is going to be murdered, leaving the reader to spend the rest of the book figuring out who did it and why. My favorite character was Jane, one of the two narrators and a high school chemistry teacher who teaches in the classroom next door to the murdered teacher. Jane views the world through the lense of chemistry. She is quirky, smart, funny and easy to root for--basically, a breath of fresh air. A rebellious teenager, a troubled loner, a pack of mean girls, a jealous art teacher, an overzealous parent, a serial killer on the loose, and a series of threatening notes left in a mailbox add to the central mystery of who killed Elena Mayfield? The epilogue was my favorite part. Five stars!
January 1, 2021
Read like more of a drama than thriller for me but still entertaining.
I enjoyed the writing and characters. The setting worked well. The start pulled me in right away. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a lag in the pacing after that. Once the story picks up there are some nice twists and red herrings. There are a number of possible “suspects” to choose from. Wrapped up well, satisfying. I would try more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for a copy in exchange for a review.
I enjoyed the writing and characters. The setting worked well. The start pulled me in right away. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a lag in the pacing after that. Once the story picks up there are some nice twists and red herrings. There are a number of possible “suspects” to choose from. Wrapped up well, satisfying. I would try more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for a copy in exchange for a review.
July 4, 2021
This is the fifth book I've read by this author, and I've got to say that Laura Wolfe is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors for a solid, entertaining read. Suspense is definitely her genre. I enjoyed this book very much and read most of it while on my summer vacation. I liked the format of starting with the discovery of the murder and then going backward to introduce all the possible perpetrators. Wolfe does a fantastic job of helping the reader get to know all the players of this story and creating a puzzle for the reader about who, why and how it will all come together. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of her work.
November 9, 2020
Superb character development will have you guessing until the final reveal....twists and turns abound!
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