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The Lies I Told
For a woman obsessed and a killer in her shadow, remembering the past becomes a mind game in a novel of psychological suspense by New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton.
Twin sisters Marisa and Clare Stockton were sixteen when Clare’s body was found in Virginia’s James River. No arrests were made. Fourteen years later, Marisa’s friends and dedicated career as a photographer help her to cope with the open wound of the past. But Marisa still feels the hurt—and the unsolved murder isn’t the only thing haunting her.
A recent car crash has erased ten days of Marisa’s memories—a black hole leading up to the accident that’s left her disoriented. Every text and phone call from that crucial missing time has vanished, along with her phone. A photograph she took of the river has disappeared. A new neighbor Marisa believes she knows introduces himself as if he were a stranger. And there’s the growing fear that her near-fatal accident was no accident at all. As dreams of Clare and nightmares of the crash begin to converge, so do two disturbing puzzles fourteen years apart.
Putting the pieces together could be fatal. As she struggles to remember everything, Marisa closes in on a killer—without realizing that he’s already closed in on her.
Twin sisters Marisa and Clare Stockton were sixteen when Clare’s body was found in Virginia’s James River. No arrests were made. Fourteen years later, Marisa’s friends and dedicated career as a photographer help her to cope with the open wound of the past. But Marisa still feels the hurt—and the unsolved murder isn’t the only thing haunting her.
A recent car crash has erased ten days of Marisa’s memories—a black hole leading up to the accident that’s left her disoriented. Every text and phone call from that crucial missing time has vanished, along with her phone. A photograph she took of the river has disappeared. A new neighbor Marisa believes she knows introduces himself as if he were a stranger. And there’s the growing fear that her near-fatal accident was no accident at all. As dreams of Clare and nightmares of the crash begin to converge, so do two disturbing puzzles fourteen years apart.
Putting the pieces together could be fatal. As she struggles to remember everything, Marisa closes in on a killer—without realizing that he’s already closed in on her.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2022
3286 people are currently reading
12565 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burton
68 books4,062 followersMary Burton, whose latest novel is THE LIES I TOLD, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.
A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters and/or place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 610 reviews
August 5, 2022
In a Nutshell: This could have been outstanding, but the slow pace, random and over-convenient twists, and needless character perspectives made this an average experience for me.
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
👌 The story was interesting enough, though it didn’t keep me on tenterhooks.
👌 A few of the characters were well-sketched. I liked Marisa’s portrayal the best, though it too had minor flaws. I was initially worried that she would be yet another unreliable narrator with an alcohol addiction but her character was handled fairly well by the author. Detective Richards was also quite impactful in his limited role.
I am actually struggling to think of more points I loved, but nothing else comes to mind. That said, I never once thought of DNFing the book, nor did I find it boring despite being dragged. I suppose that is a minor positive as well.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
⚠ The story is written in the first person perspectives of Marisa (more than half of the chapters were from her perspective), her elder sister Brit, best friend Jo-Jo, Jack (Jo-Jo’s husband and friend to the Stockton sisters), Detective Richards (the investigating officer), and a mysterious “Him” who seems obsessed with the twin. It was too many first person povs. Though the chapter headings indicated the character clearly, there wasn’t enough individuality in the voices to distinguish across them. Maybe a limited third person narration would have worked better.
⚠ There are too many characters at the start and it is a bit tricky at the start to remember all the names and relationships. A couple of the male characters are present only to create confusion over their intentions but they are dropped by the wayside soon enough with their arcs going nowhere.
⚠ The first half is terribly slow. I felt like I was reading and reading and nothing was happening except conjectures and character backstories. The percentage indicator wasn’t moving up fast enough.
⚠ It wasn’t difficult to guess the responsible party after some chapters. I feel that most avid thriller readers will be able to figure it out fairly easily.
⚠ The deadly logical+pessimist combo in me refuses to accept that nothing came to light for fourteen years and suddenly everything is out in the open within a few weeks. And as usual, it is the amateur family member who discovers stuff that the official investigators didn’t.
All in all, an average experience. I don’t regret reading it but I wouldn’t have regretted missing out on it too. Many other reviewers seem to have enjoyed it far more, so please go through their reviews so that you can make an informed choice about the title.
I have heard a lot about this author but maybe I just began with the wrong title from her vast suspense repertoire. I might check out a couple of her other titles before I decide if her writing style is meant for me or not.
2.5 stars from me.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Lies I Told”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
When identical twins Marisa and Clare Stockton were sixteen, Clare’s body was found on a riverbank. Fourteen years later and no arrests or suspects, Marisa is still struggling to put the grief behind, though she has a successful career as a photographer. She has been indulging in substance and alcohol abuse but has been on the road to recovery since the last year. After she meets with an almost fatal road accident in Jan 2022, she suffers partial amnesia that leaves her disoriented and with a constant feeling of someone watching her. There are too many disturbing things happening, and Marisa is at the centre of it all. Is someone out to get her, or is it just her imagination?
Where the book worked for me:
👌 The story was interesting enough, though it didn’t keep me on tenterhooks.
👌 A few of the characters were well-sketched. I liked Marisa’s portrayal the best, though it too had minor flaws. I was initially worried that she would be yet another unreliable narrator with an alcohol addiction but her character was handled fairly well by the author. Detective Richards was also quite impactful in his limited role.
I am actually struggling to think of more points I loved, but nothing else comes to mind. That said, I never once thought of DNFing the book, nor did I find it boring despite being dragged. I suppose that is a minor positive as well.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
⚠ The story is written in the first person perspectives of Marisa (more than half of the chapters were from her perspective), her elder sister Brit, best friend Jo-Jo, Jack (Jo-Jo’s husband and friend to the Stockton sisters), Detective Richards (the investigating officer), and a mysterious “Him” who seems obsessed with the twin. It was too many first person povs. Though the chapter headings indicated the character clearly, there wasn’t enough individuality in the voices to distinguish across them. Maybe a limited third person narration would have worked better.
⚠ There are too many characters at the start and it is a bit tricky at the start to remember all the names and relationships. A couple of the male characters are present only to create confusion over their intentions but they are dropped by the wayside soon enough with their arcs going nowhere.
⚠ The first half is terribly slow. I felt like I was reading and reading and nothing was happening except conjectures and character backstories. The percentage indicator wasn’t moving up fast enough.
⚠ It wasn’t difficult to guess the responsible party after some chapters. I feel that most avid thriller readers will be able to figure it out fairly easily.
⚠ The deadly logical+pessimist combo in me refuses to accept that nothing came to light for fourteen years and suddenly everything is out in the open within a few weeks. And as usual, it is the amateur family member who discovers stuff that the official investigators didn’t.
All in all, an average experience. I don’t regret reading it but I wouldn’t have regretted missing out on it too. Many other reviewers seem to have enjoyed it far more, so please go through their reviews so that you can make an informed choice about the title.
I have heard a lot about this author but maybe I just began with the wrong title from her vast suspense repertoire. I might check out a couple of her other titles before I decide if her writing style is meant for me or not.
2.5 stars from me.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Lies I Told”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
April 4, 2022
When Marisa is 16 her twin sister Clare is murdered, her body found by the James River in Virginia. The murder has haunted her and her older sister Brit ever since and worsened by the fact that Clare's killer is never caught. Now it's Marisa's 30th birthday and the hurt is felt even more keenly, her nightmare intensified by a near fatal car accident two months earlier which erased several days of her memories. Has the accident been exactly that or a deliberate act? Is it connected to Clare's death or a random act? Marisa tries to put the pieces together. The story is told from several perspectives.
Isn't it truly amazing that the truth doesn't come out at the time but does so fourteen years later? Pardon the cynicism but this element along with the ending strikes an unbelievable chord with me. In addition, the start feels clunky until the author gets into her stride.
There are however, a number of areas that are done well. Clare feels ever present and I like how the author achieves this and you do see her clearly. Although she makes mistakes, after all she's human, Marisa is likeable and her characterisation is good. Several narratives SEEM revealing but you constantly question their veracity as after all, they have a vested interest in lying. It is easy to read and it flows well.
However, I can't get past the believability element and in places it feels very one dimensional. Some of the dialogue is not exactly riveting either. So, in essence, an ok read for me and nothing more but do check out other reviews as I seem to be the outlier on this one.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Montlake for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Isn't it truly amazing that the truth doesn't come out at the time but does so fourteen years later? Pardon the cynicism but this element along with the ending strikes an unbelievable chord with me. In addition, the start feels clunky until the author gets into her stride.
There are however, a number of areas that are done well. Clare feels ever present and I like how the author achieves this and you do see her clearly. Although she makes mistakes, after all she's human, Marisa is likeable and her characterisation is good. Several narratives SEEM revealing but you constantly question their veracity as after all, they have a vested interest in lying. It is easy to read and it flows well.
However, I can't get past the believability element and in places it feels very one dimensional. Some of the dialogue is not exactly riveting either. So, in essence, an ok read for me and nothing more but do check out other reviews as I seem to be the outlier on this one.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Montlake for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 28, 2022
Surprisingly I had not come across this author before despite the fact that she has written over forty books in one of my favourite genres.
The title of this book is appropriate since just about everyone in it is lying either straight out or by omission. Marisa's twin sister Clare was murdered at the age of sixteen and fourteen years later Marisa is still trying to find out who did it. Added to this she is recovering from a serious car crash, some loss of memory and alcoholism.
The book is written in six points of view which does slow down its progress and tension. One of the POVs is labelled 'Him' which gives the reader lots of fun trying to identify who he is. There are heaps of male characters floating around which means lots of red herrings.
I did not dislike the book but I found it long drawn out and occasionally irritating. A couple of the characters are really reprehensible and the ending was nowhere near as conclusive as I wanted it to be. However from reviews I see many people liked it a lot more than I did.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The title of this book is appropriate since just about everyone in it is lying either straight out or by omission. Marisa's twin sister Clare was murdered at the age of sixteen and fourteen years later Marisa is still trying to find out who did it. Added to this she is recovering from a serious car crash, some loss of memory and alcoholism.
The book is written in six points of view which does slow down its progress and tension. One of the POVs is labelled 'Him' which gives the reader lots of fun trying to identify who he is. There are heaps of male characters floating around which means lots of red herrings.
I did not dislike the book but I found it long drawn out and occasionally irritating. A couple of the characters are really reprehensible and the ending was nowhere near as conclusive as I wanted it to be. However from reviews I see many people liked it a lot more than I did.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 18, 2022
The Lies I Told by Mary Burton
Mystery / thriller. Multi viewpoint both past and present.
Two sisters, twins, yet very different even if they look alike. One is dead. The other doesn’t remember the days surrounding the incident. It’s a cold case, but nearing retirement has the case reopened.
Suspenseful and twisty. Social issues and views from “him” make this thrilling to read. Pay attention. You don’t want to miss anything.
Mystery / thriller. Multi viewpoint both past and present.
Two sisters, twins, yet very different even if they look alike. One is dead. The other doesn’t remember the days surrounding the incident. It’s a cold case, but nearing retirement has the case reopened.
Suspenseful and twisty. Social issues and views from “him” make this thrilling to read. Pay attention. You don’t want to miss anything.
September 5, 2023
Check out my fun AUTHOR INTERVIEW: #AuthorElevatorSeries Interview with Mary where we go behind the book and the author.
The accomplished multi-talented NYT bestselling author of a whopping 38 published novels (and 5 novellas) as Mary Burton and 9 works of contemporary fiction as Mary Ellen Taylor —is back with her latest in-depth psychological mystery thriller.
THE LIES I TOLD, a thriller about the dark secrets that emerge 14 years after a woman's identical twin sister is murdered— with Burton's signature style: intense, gripping, taut, disturbing, moving, and brilliant prose.
LIES AND SECRETS ABOUND!
This is one 'messed up' family, group of friends, and killer. Often the ones we fear most are the ones right in front of us all along.
Dual timelines:
THEN 2007-2008 death of Clare Stockton (twin) age 16.
NOW 2022 Marisa (twin) age 30 determined to find answers.
Two months earlier: Marisa was involved in a car accident after her art show.
Marisa has no idea how she got in her car from the show, and why there were drugs. Her memory was wiped. Was she drugged? She had been sober and drug-free, and now everyone thinks she slipped back into her own ways and waiting for her to screw up again.
How are the timelines and events connected?
Written from the following POVs:
Him (psycho, stalker, creepy, mysterious evil man)
Marisa (twin) protagonist
Brit (older sister) manipulative
John Richards (detective)
Jo-Jo (former BFF of Clare)
Jack (bad boy, drug dealer, bar owner, family friend)
PS Many of these characters are/were friends of Clare, Brit, and Marisa. Small town, each connected to one another more intimately (sexually and apparently, they all dated the same people). Jo Jo is currently married to Jack. Brit is now dating David (from college). Kurt was dating Clare when she died. He was not charged after the investigation. These close-knit characters make the novel even more INTENSE because you cannot TRUST anyone!
Set in Virginia, twin sisters Marisa and Clare Stockton were sixteen when Clare's body was found in Virginia's James River. No arrests were made.
2020: It is Marisa's 30th birthday (ready to inherit her trust fund, and Clare's portion will go to her). Her older sister, Brit is still playing mind games (very manipulative). Marisa is a talented professional photographer and every day fights to maintain her sobriety (around people and family who do not support her).
They are reopening her sister's cold case (same Detective Richards) and Marisa begins making photos at the river where Clare's body was found and trying to put together the missing pieces of the murder and her recent accident. There are many unanswered questions. Are they related?
The three Stockton sisters had a tragic, troubled childhood and were part of a highly dysfunctional family, starting with their sickness as children, their mom's mental illness, their dad's betrayal, and mom's death.
On the night of Clare's death, she discovered something (this key point ties all together-no spoilers here) about their family's betrayal and a dark secret. Upset, Clare goes to a New Year's Eve party at JoJo's house, dressed like Marisa. She was to meet up with Marissa later to tell her what she had uncovered. But she never got the chance.
What happened to Clare when she left the party and the five blocks home? Was it someone she knew? She wound up murdered and thrown in the river. Marisa was to go to the party too, but something happened to her, and she did not make it. How is the sister's murder connected? Did the killer think Clare was Marisa?
Is the killer after her now? The closer she and the detective get to uncovering the truth, the more she is in harm's way. Everyone has too many dangerous dark hidden secrets.
Due to their childhood traumas the twin developed addictions: Marisa turned to alcohol and drugs. Clare turned to act out badly—dressing like her sister, and having casual sex. Brit is the wild card (she is no angel, a control freak, and everyone thinks she is the mother hen) after their mom died, putting herself in charge. But did/does she have their best interest at heart?
Richards was also the detective on the case when Marisa's mom died. He investigated Frank, the dad, the twins, and Brit. Now, and when Clare was murdered.
Everyone is lying and keeping secrets. The town seems to want to let sleeping dogs lie, and Marisa is the only one who wants to solve the murder except for Detective Richards, who was on the case fourteen years ago and now. He is close to retirement (two weeks) and under much pressure to solve the case. Marisa knows they must find the murderer before he moves to Florida.
So many suspects and so many bad guys. Who is the real killer?
Burton dazzles in her latest —equal parts murder mystery and psychological thriller, a deftly plotted page-turner that explores the power of family secrets, sibling rivalry, toxic friendships, and broken ties.
MIND-BENDING! Multi-layered with heart-pounding twists and turns. The author dives deep into the mind of a serial killer and many others which are disturbingly connected in many ways. I loved Detective Richards, Marisa, and Alan, but all the others, NOT so much. I could not wait for her to get away from these evil toxic people.
THE LIES I TOLD is a little different than Burton's past books. Her earlier books from way back (I have been a fan for many years) were more romantic suspense (like Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown) to cop procedurals and later heavier on the forensics, FBI, and crime thrillers (like Lisa Gardner-a favorite).
In my opinion, this one is less cop procedural, forensics, and more of a deeper dive into the mind of a killer, his friends, family, and all those connected. Character-driven with highly flawed and dysfunctional family members with mental health, addictions, etc.
True psychological mystery suspense (whodunit) murder thriller. A cross between gritty and dark (Karin Slaughter/Lisa Unger) and domestic suspense/family dramas with highly-charged topics (D. J, Palmer/Jodi Picoult/Mary Kubica) and the Burton signature style.
Dark, gritty, intense! You will root for Marisa until the satisfying conclusion.
Highly charged topics: Munchausen's syndrome, child abuse, addiction, alcoholism, mental health, drugs, family dysfunction, sexual assault, drugging, toxic friendships, murder, lust, revenge, greed, lies, deceit, manipulation, secrets, betrayal, pregnancy, voyeurism, and suicide.
A long-time fan of the author both Mary Burton and Mary Ellen Taylor and highly recommend all her books.
Also out now THE BRIGHTER THE LIGHT by Mary Ellen Taylor (she writes under two names). It is also a five-star winner. Check it out.
A special thank you to #Montake the author and #Netgalley for a digital ARC to read, review, and enjoy.
Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: Aug 2, 2022
July 2022 Must-Read-Books
Top Books of 2022
#AuthorElevatorSeries Interview
The accomplished multi-talented NYT bestselling author of a whopping 38 published novels (and 5 novellas) as Mary Burton and 9 works of contemporary fiction as Mary Ellen Taylor —is back with her latest in-depth psychological mystery thriller.
THE LIES I TOLD, a thriller about the dark secrets that emerge 14 years after a woman's identical twin sister is murdered— with Burton's signature style: intense, gripping, taut, disturbing, moving, and brilliant prose.
LIES AND SECRETS ABOUND!
This is one 'messed up' family, group of friends, and killer. Often the ones we fear most are the ones right in front of us all along.
Dual timelines:
THEN 2007-2008 death of Clare Stockton (twin) age 16.
NOW 2022 Marisa (twin) age 30 determined to find answers.
Two months earlier: Marisa was involved in a car accident after her art show.
Marisa has no idea how she got in her car from the show, and why there were drugs. Her memory was wiped. Was she drugged? She had been sober and drug-free, and now everyone thinks she slipped back into her own ways and waiting for her to screw up again.
How are the timelines and events connected?
Written from the following POVs:
Him (psycho, stalker, creepy, mysterious evil man)
Marisa (twin) protagonist
Brit (older sister) manipulative
John Richards (detective)
Jo-Jo (former BFF of Clare)
Jack (bad boy, drug dealer, bar owner, family friend)
PS Many of these characters are/were friends of Clare, Brit, and Marisa. Small town, each connected to one another more intimately (sexually and apparently, they all dated the same people). Jo Jo is currently married to Jack. Brit is now dating David (from college). Kurt was dating Clare when she died. He was not charged after the investigation. These close-knit characters make the novel even more INTENSE because you cannot TRUST anyone!
Set in Virginia, twin sisters Marisa and Clare Stockton were sixteen when Clare's body was found in Virginia's James River. No arrests were made.
2020: It is Marisa's 30th birthday (ready to inherit her trust fund, and Clare's portion will go to her). Her older sister, Brit is still playing mind games (very manipulative). Marisa is a talented professional photographer and every day fights to maintain her sobriety (around people and family who do not support her).
They are reopening her sister's cold case (same Detective Richards) and Marisa begins making photos at the river where Clare's body was found and trying to put together the missing pieces of the murder and her recent accident. There are many unanswered questions. Are they related?
The three Stockton sisters had a tragic, troubled childhood and were part of a highly dysfunctional family, starting with their sickness as children, their mom's mental illness, their dad's betrayal, and mom's death.
On the night of Clare's death, she discovered something (this key point ties all together-no spoilers here) about their family's betrayal and a dark secret. Upset, Clare goes to a New Year's Eve party at JoJo's house, dressed like Marisa. She was to meet up with Marissa later to tell her what she had uncovered. But she never got the chance.
What happened to Clare when she left the party and the five blocks home? Was it someone she knew? She wound up murdered and thrown in the river. Marisa was to go to the party too, but something happened to her, and she did not make it. How is the sister's murder connected? Did the killer think Clare was Marisa?
Is the killer after her now? The closer she and the detective get to uncovering the truth, the more she is in harm's way. Everyone has too many dangerous dark hidden secrets.
Due to their childhood traumas the twin developed addictions: Marisa turned to alcohol and drugs. Clare turned to act out badly—dressing like her sister, and having casual sex. Brit is the wild card (she is no angel, a control freak, and everyone thinks she is the mother hen) after their mom died, putting herself in charge. But did/does she have their best interest at heart?
Richards was also the detective on the case when Marisa's mom died. He investigated Frank, the dad, the twins, and Brit. Now, and when Clare was murdered.
Everyone is lying and keeping secrets. The town seems to want to let sleeping dogs lie, and Marisa is the only one who wants to solve the murder except for Detective Richards, who was on the case fourteen years ago and now. He is close to retirement (two weeks) and under much pressure to solve the case. Marisa knows they must find the murderer before he moves to Florida.
So many suspects and so many bad guys. Who is the real killer?
Burton dazzles in her latest —equal parts murder mystery and psychological thriller, a deftly plotted page-turner that explores the power of family secrets, sibling rivalry, toxic friendships, and broken ties.
MIND-BENDING! Multi-layered with heart-pounding twists and turns. The author dives deep into the mind of a serial killer and many others which are disturbingly connected in many ways. I loved Detective Richards, Marisa, and Alan, but all the others, NOT so much. I could not wait for her to get away from these evil toxic people.
THE LIES I TOLD is a little different than Burton's past books. Her earlier books from way back (I have been a fan for many years) were more romantic suspense (like Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown) to cop procedurals and later heavier on the forensics, FBI, and crime thrillers (like Lisa Gardner-a favorite).
In my opinion, this one is less cop procedural, forensics, and more of a deeper dive into the mind of a killer, his friends, family, and all those connected. Character-driven with highly flawed and dysfunctional family members with mental health, addictions, etc.
True psychological mystery suspense (whodunit) murder thriller. A cross between gritty and dark (Karin Slaughter/Lisa Unger) and domestic suspense/family dramas with highly-charged topics (D. J, Palmer/Jodi Picoult/Mary Kubica) and the Burton signature style.
Dark, gritty, intense! You will root for Marisa until the satisfying conclusion.
Highly charged topics: Munchausen's syndrome, child abuse, addiction, alcoholism, mental health, drugs, family dysfunction, sexual assault, drugging, toxic friendships, murder, lust, revenge, greed, lies, deceit, manipulation, secrets, betrayal, pregnancy, voyeurism, and suicide.
A long-time fan of the author both Mary Burton and Mary Ellen Taylor and highly recommend all her books.
Also out now THE BRIGHTER THE LIGHT by Mary Ellen Taylor (she writes under two names). It is also a five-star winner. Check it out.
A special thank you to #Montake the author and #Netgalley for a digital ARC to read, review, and enjoy.
Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: Aug 2, 2022
July 2022 Must-Read-Books
Top Books of 2022
#AuthorElevatorSeries Interview
May 20, 2025
3⭐️
Wow...just wow. While I didn't entirely love this book, it was a good, solid thriller. I had a pretty good time reading this!
A big thing that sets this book apart from other thrillers are the characters. I have genuinely never read a thriller with such detailed and deep, dark characters. Everyone had their own personality and they felt so real. I really liked the fact that the FMC, Marisa, wasn't one of those gullible and naive main characters (thank god for that). I truly hate lead characters that are so stupid you can't help but just sit there and think...why. 😭 Everyone in this had so much detail and backstory to their lives and that was just so refreshing to see in a book like this.
The whole substance of this book is extremely character driven. While yes we do have the main plot of the disappearance of Marisa's twin sister Clare, all the little details that accentuate and add to the plot do not go unnoticed. The only thing I'd really complain about it that several times throughout reading this it felt like we were going in circles. I felt like the same thing was going on over and over and over again. Not to mention, while the characters were very deep and hold a lot of weight, the plot itself kinda lacked. I wanted more suspense, more action, more mystery. I think it kinda fell flat in that department.
Overall, I am very happy I decided to pick this up from the library. I have to say, it was a pretty solid read! While it wasn't perfect, I genuinely enjoyed reading this and I would recommend it to people who like very slow thrillers and like tension that builds up before anything crazy happens. The end of this book wrapped up nicely and it was pretty action packed.
Something else I'd like to mention that kinda disappointed me was that this was very predictable. I'm not one to come up with theories (I kinda just like to go with the flow) but you could see where this was going and who ends up being the bad guy from a mile away. Like I said, great characters, just very poor execution of the plot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
↠𝒫𝓇𝑒-ℛ𝑒𝒶𝒹:
Picked this up from the library yesterday and I know nothing about it other than it's a psychological thriller that sounds good 😭
I can't remember the last time I actually read a thriller so I think this'll be good for me 🙂↕️
Wow...just wow. While I didn't entirely love this book, it was a good, solid thriller. I had a pretty good time reading this!
A big thing that sets this book apart from other thrillers are the characters. I have genuinely never read a thriller with such detailed and deep, dark characters. Everyone had their own personality and they felt so real. I really liked the fact that the FMC, Marisa, wasn't one of those gullible and naive main characters (thank god for that). I truly hate lead characters that are so stupid you can't help but just sit there and think...why. 😭 Everyone in this had so much detail and backstory to their lives and that was just so refreshing to see in a book like this.
The whole substance of this book is extremely character driven. While yes we do have the main plot of the disappearance of Marisa's twin sister Clare, all the little details that accentuate and add to the plot do not go unnoticed. The only thing I'd really complain about it that several times throughout reading this it felt like we were going in circles. I felt like the same thing was going on over and over and over again. Not to mention, while the characters were very deep and hold a lot of weight, the plot itself kinda lacked. I wanted more suspense, more action, more mystery. I think it kinda fell flat in that department.
Overall, I am very happy I decided to pick this up from the library. I have to say, it was a pretty solid read! While it wasn't perfect, I genuinely enjoyed reading this and I would recommend it to people who like very slow thrillers and like tension that builds up before anything crazy happens. The end of this book wrapped up nicely and it was pretty action packed.
Something else I'd like to mention that kinda disappointed me was that this was very predictable. I'm not one to come up with theories (I kinda just like to go with the flow) but you could see where this was going and who ends up being the bad guy from a mile away. Like I said, great characters, just very poor execution of the plot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
↠𝒫𝓇𝑒-ℛ𝑒𝒶𝒹:
Picked this up from the library yesterday and I know nothing about it other than it's a psychological thriller that sounds good 😭
I can't remember the last time I actually read a thriller so I think this'll be good for me 🙂↕️
August 1, 2022
It took me forever to get through and I almost DNF it a few times. It dragged at parts and I’m honestly surprised I finished it. The main character was irritating and by the end I didn’t care if she solved the mystery or not.
Claire and Marissa are identical twins. Unfortunately, fourteen years ago Claire was murdered. They never found who did it. Marissa did not know how to cope so she turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain.
Fast forward a few years and Marissa, with the help of her sister Brit and her bf, is trying to turn over a new leaf. She is clean and sober. There’s only one more thing on her mind, to solve her sister’s murder, especially before the detective on the case retires. Of course she ultimately put herself in danger by playing detective.
The Lies I Told is available August 2,2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Claire and Marissa are identical twins. Unfortunately, fourteen years ago Claire was murdered. They never found who did it. Marissa did not know how to cope so she turned to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain.
Fast forward a few years and Marissa, with the help of her sister Brit and her bf, is trying to turn over a new leaf. She is clean and sober. There’s only one more thing on her mind, to solve her sister’s murder, especially before the detective on the case retires. Of course she ultimately put herself in danger by playing detective.
The Lies I Told is available August 2,2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2022
Mary Burton is one of my go-to authors especially when I'm looking for a well-written, complex suspense story with a large cast. Her characters are generally toting heavy baggage from troubled pasts and often working toward overcoming a loss or weakness while trying to stay ahead of a villain. Knowing these things, I dove into The Lies I Told with high anticipation and no doubts I'd be highly entertained and find it impossible to put the book down until I finished. Chalk another win up for Author Mary Burton!
Marissa Stockton is a recovering addict who lost the past ten days of her memory in a recent horrible car crash. Her recollection of the days leading up to the accident appear to have been wiped clean, leaving her disoriented and confused. As someone who's been sober for months, she's certain she didn't drink or take drugs before driving that fateful night, and yet irrefutable tests indicate otherwise. Why can't she recall what happened? Detective John Richards is called in and by coincidence, he's also the detective who worked Marissa's twin sister's unsolved murder case fourteen years ago. Clare was sixteen the night her broken body was found on the banks of a river. The devastating loss of her twin paired with her mother's suicide were catalysts that drove Marissa to seek refuge from her pain in alcohol and drugs. The fact that she also believes she was the intended target, not Clare, haunts her and she's unwavering in her belief that the killer mistook Clare for Marissa. If she can uncover the truth about what happened all those years ago, then maybe she can finally lay her sister to rest. Marissa also vows to figure out what happened in the hours before her own accident. Could one have anything to do with the other? Do her lost memories hold the key to solving her sister's murder? Would someone kill to keep her memories buried? Marissa won't give up and with the help of Det. Richards, she sets out in pursuit of a killer.
The Lies I Told unfolds via past/present chapters granting readers the opportunity to travel back in time and observe events unfolding as they occurred. Added to that, multiple points of view in alternating chapters, including one titled "Him", enables readers to follow the case through the eyes of various players including the unidentified villain. Burton implores one of my favorite techniques as it ignites the story in a way nothing else can, and charges readers with deciding who to believe. This story encircles a large group of friends and acquaintances many who were present in the past, and thus the pool of red herrings is large and convoluted with the potential to keep readers on their toes. Lies and secrets proliferate until it's nearly impossible to recognize the truth when it's told.
While Burton's signature writing style is present, The Lies I Told appears to step away from her procedural style thrillers while concentrating more on the large cast of characters and the mind games being played. As in all of Burton's books, there are multiple plot line threads being manipulated with clues sprinkled throughout. While this book may feel a bit slow early on as the stage is set, the pace increases over time as does the tension and ominous vibes. At this point, it's impossible to stop reading.
Mary Burton strikes a heartfelt chord on several social issues in The Lies I Told among which are the dire consequences of dysfunctional families, unbearable loss, alcohol and drug addiction, abuse - both sexual and mental, and especially prominent in this one . . . toxic relationships between both family and friends. And she does so with all the finesse and grace she's known for. The Lies I Told is a meticulous, highly emotional, dark, convoluted and highly entertaining suspense thriller. Readers should set aside some quiet time before starting this one and plan on reading late. Mary Burton steps outside her norm and slays it with this one. Highly recommended to fans of suspense thrillers!
Many thank to Montlake for an arc of this title. Review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and my blog Cross My Heart Reviews
Marissa Stockton is a recovering addict who lost the past ten days of her memory in a recent horrible car crash. Her recollection of the days leading up to the accident appear to have been wiped clean, leaving her disoriented and confused. As someone who's been sober for months, she's certain she didn't drink or take drugs before driving that fateful night, and yet irrefutable tests indicate otherwise. Why can't she recall what happened? Detective John Richards is called in and by coincidence, he's also the detective who worked Marissa's twin sister's unsolved murder case fourteen years ago. Clare was sixteen the night her broken body was found on the banks of a river. The devastating loss of her twin paired with her mother's suicide were catalysts that drove Marissa to seek refuge from her pain in alcohol and drugs. The fact that she also believes she was the intended target, not Clare, haunts her and she's unwavering in her belief that the killer mistook Clare for Marissa. If she can uncover the truth about what happened all those years ago, then maybe she can finally lay her sister to rest. Marissa also vows to figure out what happened in the hours before her own accident. Could one have anything to do with the other? Do her lost memories hold the key to solving her sister's murder? Would someone kill to keep her memories buried? Marissa won't give up and with the help of Det. Richards, she sets out in pursuit of a killer.
The Lies I Told unfolds via past/present chapters granting readers the opportunity to travel back in time and observe events unfolding as they occurred. Added to that, multiple points of view in alternating chapters, including one titled "Him", enables readers to follow the case through the eyes of various players including the unidentified villain. Burton implores one of my favorite techniques as it ignites the story in a way nothing else can, and charges readers with deciding who to believe. This story encircles a large group of friends and acquaintances many who were present in the past, and thus the pool of red herrings is large and convoluted with the potential to keep readers on their toes. Lies and secrets proliferate until it's nearly impossible to recognize the truth when it's told.
While Burton's signature writing style is present, The Lies I Told appears to step away from her procedural style thrillers while concentrating more on the large cast of characters and the mind games being played. As in all of Burton's books, there are multiple plot line threads being manipulated with clues sprinkled throughout. While this book may feel a bit slow early on as the stage is set, the pace increases over time as does the tension and ominous vibes. At this point, it's impossible to stop reading.
Mary Burton strikes a heartfelt chord on several social issues in The Lies I Told among which are the dire consequences of dysfunctional families, unbearable loss, alcohol and drug addiction, abuse - both sexual and mental, and especially prominent in this one . . . toxic relationships between both family and friends. And she does so with all the finesse and grace she's known for. The Lies I Told is a meticulous, highly emotional, dark, convoluted and highly entertaining suspense thriller. Readers should set aside some quiet time before starting this one and plan on reading late. Mary Burton steps outside her norm and slays it with this one. Highly recommended to fans of suspense thrillers!
Many thank to Montlake for an arc of this title. Review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and my blog Cross My Heart Reviews
July 5, 2022
Good, solid story with some interesting twists.
Several years ago, the twin sister of the main character, Marisa, was murdered. The crime was never solved, and Marisa, who had problems with alcohol and drugs as a teenager, became addicted for many years. But she never stopped wanting to find her sister's murderer. Now that Marisa is finally sober, this is even more real, especially when new facts begin to emerge and people who have been silent for years begin to speak.
We know from the start that a man might have been involved in Clare's death. But what we do not lack are male suspects. It seems every man in Clare and Marisa's lives has something on their conscience or is hiding a secret. Plus, many of them were interested in both twins, and sometimes even their older sister, Brit. Untangling this snare of old lies and crimes will not be easy. And with all this, Marisa struggles to truly recover from her addiction.
The second half of the book seemed to me much faster than the first. But maybe it's because I was already heavily involved in the story. There are a few POVs here aside from Marisa's main narrative. In general, I don't like too many POVs, and I don't think all of them were necessary in this case either. Especially since we only heard from some people once or twice. But it was not a big problem.
I recommend this book to everyone who likes stories about unresolved crimes from years ago and complicated, and sometimes murderous, family relationships. Even though the victim is a young girl, there are no drastic descriptions of violence against her. However, there are quite detailed descriptions of how Marisa, not always successful, struggles with alcohol addiction - be warned in case you are sensitive to such issues.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Several years ago, the twin sister of the main character, Marisa, was murdered. The crime was never solved, and Marisa, who had problems with alcohol and drugs as a teenager, became addicted for many years. But she never stopped wanting to find her sister's murderer. Now that Marisa is finally sober, this is even more real, especially when new facts begin to emerge and people who have been silent for years begin to speak.
We know from the start that a man might have been involved in Clare's death. But what we do not lack are male suspects. It seems every man in Clare and Marisa's lives has something on their conscience or is hiding a secret. Plus, many of them were interested in both twins, and sometimes even their older sister, Brit. Untangling this snare of old lies and crimes will not be easy. And with all this, Marisa struggles to truly recover from her addiction.
The second half of the book seemed to me much faster than the first. But maybe it's because I was already heavily involved in the story. There are a few POVs here aside from Marisa's main narrative. In general, I don't like too many POVs, and I don't think all of them were necessary in this case either. Especially since we only heard from some people once or twice. But it was not a big problem.
I recommend this book to everyone who likes stories about unresolved crimes from years ago and complicated, and sometimes murderous, family relationships. Even though the victim is a young girl, there are no drastic descriptions of violence against her. However, there are quite detailed descriptions of how Marisa, not always successful, struggles with alcohol addiction - be warned in case you are sensitive to such issues.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
Publication Date: 02nd Aug 2022
3 Stars
One Liner: Mixed bag
Marisa and Clare Stockton are twins with Brit as their elder sister. Clare’s body is found in Virginia’s James River when she was sixteen. The case went nowhere as none of the leads helped.
Fourteen years later, Marisa survives a car accident with some memory loss about the incident. She swears she hasn’t consumed alcohol or drugs, but no one seems to believe her (not with her track record of spending most of her time zoned out due to substance abuse).
But Marisa has been clean for a year. Her wedding photography business is flourishing. Brit is taking good care of her (even if it’s a little too much). She should be happy, but Marisa cannot rest until Clare’s case is solved. She has too many questions and no answers. Her smudgy memory doesn’t help either.
Can Marisa get to the truth of the matter and get the closure she needs? Will she end up being an alcoholic because the pressure is too much to handle? Who is following Marisa, and what will they do to stop her progress?
My Observations:
The first half is clunky and slow. We seem to be going round in circles under 55%. Things start to happen afterward, and everything goes a fast track around 80-85%. I was almost bored on the first two days (as I barely touched 30%).
The story comes in the first person POV of-
• Marisa
• The unknown Him
• Brit
• Jo-Jo
• Jack
• Richards
Yeah! Marisa has a bigger share, but with so many POVs (not all of them are distinct), it feels more of a chore to track everything. The chapter titles mention the POVs (wondering how it would work for a single-narrator audiobook).
None of the characters are likable. Marisa is the only one who comes close. She is highly flawed yet has the grit to see things through.
The climax is rushed, and the ending takes its own sweet time. I appreciate the process of tying up the loose ends one at a time, but it got boring. Not to mention, a character’s actions seem strange and contradictory.
This book feels like it has potential but needs tightening and may be cut down a couple of first-person POVs and use third-person omnipresent instead.
To sum up, The Lies I Told is a mixed bag with a couple of hits and misses. Not something I will want to read in a single sitting.
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheLiesITold
3 Stars
One Liner: Mixed bag
Marisa and Clare Stockton are twins with Brit as their elder sister. Clare’s body is found in Virginia’s James River when she was sixteen. The case went nowhere as none of the leads helped.
Fourteen years later, Marisa survives a car accident with some memory loss about the incident. She swears she hasn’t consumed alcohol or drugs, but no one seems to believe her (not with her track record of spending most of her time zoned out due to substance abuse).
But Marisa has been clean for a year. Her wedding photography business is flourishing. Brit is taking good care of her (even if it’s a little too much). She should be happy, but Marisa cannot rest until Clare’s case is solved. She has too many questions and no answers. Her smudgy memory doesn’t help either.
Can Marisa get to the truth of the matter and get the closure she needs? Will she end up being an alcoholic because the pressure is too much to handle? Who is following Marisa, and what will they do to stop her progress?
My Observations:
The first half is clunky and slow. We seem to be going round in circles under 55%. Things start to happen afterward, and everything goes a fast track around 80-85%. I was almost bored on the first two days (as I barely touched 30%).
The story comes in the first person POV of-
• Marisa
• The unknown Him
• Brit
• Jo-Jo
• Jack
• Richards
Yeah! Marisa has a bigger share, but with so many POVs (not all of them are distinct), it feels more of a chore to track everything. The chapter titles mention the POVs (wondering how it would work for a single-narrator audiobook).
None of the characters are likable. Marisa is the only one who comes close. She is highly flawed yet has the grit to see things through.
The climax is rushed, and the ending takes its own sweet time. I appreciate the process of tying up the loose ends one at a time, but it got boring. Not to mention, a character’s actions seem strange and contradictory.
This book feels like it has potential but needs tightening and may be cut down a couple of first-person POVs and use third-person omnipresent instead.
To sum up, The Lies I Told is a mixed bag with a couple of hits and misses. Not something I will want to read in a single sitting.
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheLiesITold
September 28, 2022
I have been collecting Mary Burton's Criminal Profiler series for a bit now, but somehow The Lies I Told ended up being the first of her books that I actually read - go figure! This was a slow burn whodunnit featuring an amateur sleuth (thank you Marisa for needing to find out what happened to your sister) as well as family drama and twins, all things that are right in my wheelhouse. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, so it was a relief that the audiobook featured a full cast. Emily Ellet, Josh Bloomberg, Sarah Beth Pfeifer, Arnell Powell, Amanda Stribling & Andrew Eiden all managed to do justice to their characters, and I could feel the emotion coming across in every single one of them. This was a stellar cast, and I would highly recommend listening to the audio, which at the time that I wrote this, was available on Kindle Unlimited.
There is a touch of sex and a couple of disturbing topics in The Lies I Told, but nothing that the average reader shouldn't be able to handle. There was also a 'Him' chapter that gave me serious Joe from You vibes which I loved, although you don't know who this stalker is until later in the story. I really only had a couple of gripes with the book, and one was that even though it isn't a long book (under 350 pages) it still FELT on the long side to me. I'm unsure if this was because of the pacing, story, or if it was just a me thing, but I felt like it could have been a little shorter. I also wasn't fully satisfied with the ending and there wasn't anything too terribly surprising for me. However, this was still a great and engrossing read, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of mysteries that involve families, obsession, and women on the search for justice.
There is a touch of sex and a couple of disturbing topics in The Lies I Told, but nothing that the average reader shouldn't be able to handle. There was also a 'Him' chapter that gave me serious Joe from You vibes which I loved, although you don't know who this stalker is until later in the story. I really only had a couple of gripes with the book, and one was that even though it isn't a long book (under 350 pages) it still FELT on the long side to me. I'm unsure if this was because of the pacing, story, or if it was just a me thing, but I felt like it could have been a little shorter. I also wasn't fully satisfied with the ending and there wasn't anything too terribly surprising for me. However, this was still a great and engrossing read, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of mysteries that involve families, obsession, and women on the search for justice.
September 19, 2022
The story is filled with mystery and suspense. dangerous secrets, lies, and manipulations with a fair amount of mystery and suspense. There are a lot of people that could be guilty, and there’s no way to tell who’s telling the truth. The author made her main characters extremely unlikeable and entirely unsympathetic. Actually, all of the main characters came with their own load of bone-crushing baggage. A therapist could have spent their entire career sorting through. Despite there being a lot going on, the plot kind of meandered throughout the story. Some scenes were fast paced and interesting while others dragged on and on and were just boring. The ending left me a bit on edge. There was a conclusion to the case, but there were so many other things going on that were left unresolved and unanswered. It wasn't an entirely bad book, and I'm sure there are many people that will have no problem with any of it. I have just read better by this author.
August 2, 2022
This is one very interesting Suspense tale. The heroine is one really messed up woman who is functional but has soooo many issues. The hero, if you could say this plot has a hero, likes what he sees but delving deeper may not be in his best interest. Actually, as much as I wanted a hero, there really wasn't one. This story was all about one woman's road to getting justice for her murdered twin and overcoming her awful family.
Marisa Stockton is finally getting her life together. She has been clean and sober for a year, the photography business is booming, and she feels that now is the time to find out who killed her twin sister, Clare, 14 years ago. "Everyone lies." Detective Richards has told Marisa and he is right. For 14 years everyone connected with Clare has lied about something and that that is why her murder is still unsolved. No one wants Marisa to pursue the case, they all fear she will lose her tenuous hold on sobriety. She may already have done that when she was in a single car accident that left her with a 10-day hole in her memory. They all just knew she had been drinking.
So many things were so wrong in Marisa and Clare's lives 14 years ago. As Marisa begins to pick apart the events surrounding that time, she draws the attention of a killer. She also doesn't know who to trust and, oh yeah, Everyone Lies. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to Montlake, Publisher, and Mary Burton, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Marisa Stockton is finally getting her life together. She has been clean and sober for a year, the photography business is booming, and she feels that now is the time to find out who killed her twin sister, Clare, 14 years ago. "Everyone lies." Detective Richards has told Marisa and he is right. For 14 years everyone connected with Clare has lied about something and that that is why her murder is still unsolved. No one wants Marisa to pursue the case, they all fear she will lose her tenuous hold on sobriety. She may already have done that when she was in a single car accident that left her with a 10-day hole in her memory. They all just knew she had been drinking.
So many things were so wrong in Marisa and Clare's lives 14 years ago. As Marisa begins to pick apart the events surrounding that time, she draws the attention of a killer. She also doesn't know who to trust and, oh yeah, Everyone Lies. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to Montlake, Publisher, and Mary Burton, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
February 9, 2023
The Lies I Told was a fantastic read with an intriguing plot following a woman who begins looking into her twin sister's unsolved murder.
Thirteen years ago, Marisa Stockton's twin sister Clare was found murdered on the shores of the James River. Marisa has never gotten over the fact Clare's killer was never found and she throws herself into her work as a photographer to cope with the loss. After a car accident that has erased ten days of Marisa's memories, Marisa begins to believe the crash was no accident. As she digs into Clare's death, she struggles to piece together those missing days, feeling like she's lost a vital clue. But as Marisa closes in on a killer, she doesn't realize they've been watching her every move.
The plot in The Lies I Told pulled me in right away and I found myself caught up in Marisa's search for answers, both about her sister's death and the car crash that nearly killed her. Marisa remembers next to nothing about the days leading up to the crash but what she does remember is feeling afraid. She turns to the detective that investigated her sister's death to get information about the case as well as to get the report on her accident. I liked that Marisa had no formal training as an investigator and that she was just someone searching for the truth. A lot of her investigation is going over old ground in the hopes someone will change their story and I enjoyed this aspect as it filled us in on what happened when Clare died. Marisa's investigation went in several directions I wasn't expecting and I thought the ending was very well done with just the right amount of suspense to keep you guessing on how everything would turn out.
Marisa was an interesting character to follow and I found myself really enjoying her perspective. Marisa is a recovering addict and alcoholic, having been sober for one year. Her struggles with wanting to drink were hard to read about and it's clear she hasn't had an easy life. Her need to find Clare's killer was understandable and I actually found it to be a bit strange that she was seemingly the only one who cared about finding the killer. There is a romance subplot in the book between Marisa and her neighbor but it's incredibly minor and not at all the focus of the book. In addition to following Marisa's character, we get chapters from the points of view of several other characters including the killer. The killer's chapters were disturbing as it's clear the person has an unhealthy obsession with Marisa/Clare.
Overall The Lies I Told was a great read and I would highly recommend it if you're looking for an intriguing mystery to read.
Thirteen years ago, Marisa Stockton's twin sister Clare was found murdered on the shores of the James River. Marisa has never gotten over the fact Clare's killer was never found and she throws herself into her work as a photographer to cope with the loss. After a car accident that has erased ten days of Marisa's memories, Marisa begins to believe the crash was no accident. As she digs into Clare's death, she struggles to piece together those missing days, feeling like she's lost a vital clue. But as Marisa closes in on a killer, she doesn't realize they've been watching her every move.
The plot in The Lies I Told pulled me in right away and I found myself caught up in Marisa's search for answers, both about her sister's death and the car crash that nearly killed her. Marisa remembers next to nothing about the days leading up to the crash but what she does remember is feeling afraid. She turns to the detective that investigated her sister's death to get information about the case as well as to get the report on her accident. I liked that Marisa had no formal training as an investigator and that she was just someone searching for the truth. A lot of her investigation is going over old ground in the hopes someone will change their story and I enjoyed this aspect as it filled us in on what happened when Clare died. Marisa's investigation went in several directions I wasn't expecting and I thought the ending was very well done with just the right amount of suspense to keep you guessing on how everything would turn out.
Marisa was an interesting character to follow and I found myself really enjoying her perspective. Marisa is a recovering addict and alcoholic, having been sober for one year. Her struggles with wanting to drink were hard to read about and it's clear she hasn't had an easy life. Her need to find Clare's killer was understandable and I actually found it to be a bit strange that she was seemingly the only one who cared about finding the killer. There is a romance subplot in the book between Marisa and her neighbor but it's incredibly minor and not at all the focus of the book. In addition to following Marisa's character, we get chapters from the points of view of several other characters including the killer. The killer's chapters were disturbing as it's clear the person has an unhealthy obsession with Marisa/Clare.
Overall The Lies I Told was a great read and I would highly recommend it if you're looking for an intriguing mystery to read.
March 6, 2023
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Marisa's twin Clare was murdered at the age of sixteen. Fourteen years have passed and no killer has been found. Marisa has turned thirty and is recovering after a car accident that left her with a blank hole in her memories about a few days prior and after. Marisa has been sober for a year, but her sister insists that she was intoxicated when the accident happened. The detective that has been in charge of her sister's case is also set to retire, which means Marisa is slowly running out of time to uncover the truth behind her sister's death as she also tries to paste together what happened the night of her accident.
I like this book. I forgot how much I enjoy Mary Burton's writing.
The mystery was engaging and had me gripped, flipping through the pages. Marisa was an interesting character, and although not entirely likable, I did like following her as she unraveled the mystery of the night.
The twist didn't really come as a surprise, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
What I did not like, and this is the part that confused me... It's been fourteen years, and Marisa has been checking with the detective about possible breakthroughs for years. The detective knew that they all have been lying about that night of Clare's murder and there were secrets that kept him from finding her murderer. It seemed absurd that even Marisa wouldn't share her secret of that night. Yeah, I get not sharing it back then because she was a teen and did not know better. But it's been years and she kept in touch with him, so It felt odd that fourteen years later she decides to finally spill her secrets, and not just her, but all of her friends and other sister included. That timeline in general felt unrealistic and off.
Other than that.. I enjoyed it. It was a good and interesting mystery and I had a blast.
Marisa's twin Clare was murdered at the age of sixteen. Fourteen years have passed and no killer has been found. Marisa has turned thirty and is recovering after a car accident that left her with a blank hole in her memories about a few days prior and after. Marisa has been sober for a year, but her sister insists that she was intoxicated when the accident happened. The detective that has been in charge of her sister's case is also set to retire, which means Marisa is slowly running out of time to uncover the truth behind her sister's death as she also tries to paste together what happened the night of her accident.
I like this book. I forgot how much I enjoy Mary Burton's writing.
The mystery was engaging and had me gripped, flipping through the pages. Marisa was an interesting character, and although not entirely likable, I did like following her as she unraveled the mystery of the night.
The twist didn't really come as a surprise, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
What I did not like, and this is the part that confused me... It's been fourteen years, and Marisa has been checking with the detective about possible breakthroughs for years. The detective knew that they all have been lying about that night of Clare's murder and there were secrets that kept him from finding her murderer. It seemed absurd that even Marisa wouldn't share her secret of that night. Yeah, I get not sharing it back then because she was a teen and did not know better. But it's been years and she kept in touch with him, so It felt odd that fourteen years later she decides to finally spill her secrets, and not just her, but all of her friends and other sister included. That timeline in general felt unrealistic and off.
Other than that.. I enjoyed it. It was a good and interesting mystery and I had a blast.
August 7, 2022
I read almost all the stories published by the author in the past and always looking forward to seeing where she will take us next with her novels.
Right from the start, I got hooked on the story, as I literally did not know what's happening and where this story goes. It took me a while to get into it, to be honest.
The author has crafted a story that will make you wonder what's real and what's actually happening time and time again.
Trying to solve a cold case on her own, while struggling to stay sober and overcoming a car accident that left her with lost memory for days, it proves difficult and it made me feel bad for Marisa.
But also there's the why in these 14 years that have passed, this murder wasn't solved?
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this title. There are sufficient parts that were done great and hold my attention and intrigued me to the point of wanting to know how this ends. But there are also many disjointed scenes where I felt lost and did not know what's happening or where is this going.
🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
Right from the start, I got hooked on the story, as I literally did not know what's happening and where this story goes. It took me a while to get into it, to be honest.
The author has crafted a story that will make you wonder what's real and what's actually happening time and time again.
Trying to solve a cold case on her own, while struggling to stay sober and overcoming a car accident that left her with lost memory for days, it proves difficult and it made me feel bad for Marisa.
But also there's the why in these 14 years that have passed, this murder wasn't solved?
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this title. There are sufficient parts that were done great and hold my attention and intrigued me to the point of wanting to know how this ends. But there are also many disjointed scenes where I felt lost and did not know what's happening or where is this going.
🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley
June 22, 2022
4.5 I enjoyed this book quite a bit. A story of a twin trying to solve the mystery of who killed her sister while trying to remain sober. Lots of twisted family dynamics and a fast moving easy to read plot. Would read others by this author
June 3, 2022
Twin sisters Marissa and Clare were only 16 years old when Clare’s body was found in a river. The case was never solved so Marissa tries to solve the case 14 years later. She stumbles across a lot of “issues” along the way. The suspense had me glued to the pages from the very beginning. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2022
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been a little backed up with my ARC’s for the year so I’m still playing catch up! I really enjoyed this story and plot! I really felt for Marissa as losing your twin sister at a young age completely messed with her head! Talk about a whole group of unreliable narrators! I thoroughly enjoyed how the whole tale wrapped up. There were certain parts I could see coming, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book. If you like psychological thrillers, definitely check this book out!
I’ve been a little backed up with my ARC’s for the year so I’m still playing catch up! I really enjoyed this story and plot! I really felt for Marissa as losing your twin sister at a young age completely messed with her head! Talk about a whole group of unreliable narrators! I thoroughly enjoyed how the whole tale wrapped up. There were certain parts I could see coming, but it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book. If you like psychological thrillers, definitely check this book out!
September 11, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley & Montlake for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
I think I'm an outlier on this one. I found The Lies I Told to be pretty average, but the reviews look sky-high across the board. So I may not be the person you want to listen to here.
The Lies I Told is definitely twisty and complicated with red herrings galore. It just feels a little misplaced - fourteen years is a long time for a mystery to remain unresolved, all for it to reveal itself suddenly. Unfortunately, most of the red herrings are that way because the characters are unlikeable, so you suspect them all. It makes you question why any of these people stick around - they can't honestly like or trust each other.
It felt like it took a long time for Burton to find her groove here, but eventually, the narrative started to flow a little smoother, and the pace picked up. As I said, I'm in the minority here, but I didn't find anything to be particularly unique or captivating here. I'm starting to feel like I've hit a bit of a slump, but it's hard to tell if The Lies I Told is a victim or a contributor to that feeling...
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
I think I'm an outlier on this one. I found The Lies I Told to be pretty average, but the reviews look sky-high across the board. So I may not be the person you want to listen to here.
The Lies I Told is definitely twisty and complicated with red herrings galore. It just feels a little misplaced - fourteen years is a long time for a mystery to remain unresolved, all for it to reveal itself suddenly. Unfortunately, most of the red herrings are that way because the characters are unlikeable, so you suspect them all. It makes you question why any of these people stick around - they can't honestly like or trust each other.
It felt like it took a long time for Burton to find her groove here, but eventually, the narrative started to flow a little smoother, and the pace picked up. As I said, I'm in the minority here, but I didn't find anything to be particularly unique or captivating here. I'm starting to feel like I've hit a bit of a slump, but it's hard to tell if The Lies I Told is a victim or a contributor to that feeling...
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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July 24, 2022
WOW! I don't know what else to say. But this story was completely gripping and unexpected in the best possible way.
As The Lies I Told is an intriguing tale that tells Marisa and her twin sister Clare's story from multiple points of view and in a way that is compelling and utterly engaging to read.
As Clare was murdered fourteen years ago and since then Marisa's life has fallen apart and she's spent every day trying to forget that the face in the mirror also belongs to a dead person and that those closest to her believe Clare was mistaken for her that night.
But was she really?
And as Marisa once again resolves to solve Clares case, she also has to deal with her sobriety, the aftermath of a car crash she can't remeber and a sister who thinks she should just move on.
Yet Marisa won't give up and soon learns truths that shock her to the core and make her realise everyone lies, even those closest to you.
And with great pacing, riveting characters and plenty of twists. This genuinely was a story I couldn't put down and its one I would definitely recommend to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
As The Lies I Told is an intriguing tale that tells Marisa and her twin sister Clare's story from multiple points of view and in a way that is compelling and utterly engaging to read.
As Clare was murdered fourteen years ago and since then Marisa's life has fallen apart and she's spent every day trying to forget that the face in the mirror also belongs to a dead person and that those closest to her believe Clare was mistaken for her that night.
But was she really?
And as Marisa once again resolves to solve Clares case, she also has to deal with her sobriety, the aftermath of a car crash she can't remeber and a sister who thinks she should just move on.
Yet Marisa won't give up and soon learns truths that shock her to the core and make her realise everyone lies, even those closest to you.
And with great pacing, riveting characters and plenty of twists. This genuinely was a story I couldn't put down and its one I would definitely recommend to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 19, 2022
What The Skittles?! 😳😯😳🤯😯
Mother Fluffer!! 😳 What a thrill-joy ride! I mean.. fluff sakes! I absolutely loved how Burton seemlessly and smoothly connected the different view points in this book that kept it from being confusing or overwhelming & made it far more intriguing. The connection of the lies & secrets all come together at the end; although I will say I still have some questions & felt a tad unsatisfied with the ending. But even that being said I was pleased & still enjoyed the entire journey.
Claire & Marisa were twins until one night after a party, Claire disappeared & was found four days later murdered when she was sixteen. The case turned cold and left Marisa and her older sister, Brit, left to pick up the pieces. Now, fourteen years later, Marisa has just turned thirty, turned an up & coming photography artist but still haunted by the past. A car accident from over a year ago has left some gaps in her memory around that time that leave her uneasy. As Marisa tries to get footing again and unearth what happened to her sister, someone is always lurking in the shadows watching her movements and ultimately wanting her.
This is my first book by this fantastic author & I assure you it will not be my last! She knows how to capture you, hold you down & refuses to let you go all along the way in the lead up. Suspense and thrill are endless in this novel & will keep you up until late into the night.
Thank you to NetGalley & Montlake for this DARC.
Release Date: August 2, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
Mother Fluffer!! 😳 What a thrill-joy ride! I mean.. fluff sakes! I absolutely loved how Burton seemlessly and smoothly connected the different view points in this book that kept it from being confusing or overwhelming & made it far more intriguing. The connection of the lies & secrets all come together at the end; although I will say I still have some questions & felt a tad unsatisfied with the ending. But even that being said I was pleased & still enjoyed the entire journey.
Claire & Marisa were twins until one night after a party, Claire disappeared & was found four days later murdered when she was sixteen. The case turned cold and left Marisa and her older sister, Brit, left to pick up the pieces. Now, fourteen years later, Marisa has just turned thirty, turned an up & coming photography artist but still haunted by the past. A car accident from over a year ago has left some gaps in her memory around that time that leave her uneasy. As Marisa tries to get footing again and unearth what happened to her sister, someone is always lurking in the shadows watching her movements and ultimately wanting her.
This is my first book by this fantastic author & I assure you it will not be my last! She knows how to capture you, hold you down & refuses to let you go all along the way in the lead up. Suspense and thrill are endless in this novel & will keep you up until late into the night.
Thank you to NetGalley & Montlake for this DARC.
Release Date: August 2, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
April 8, 2022
Clair was murdered 14 years ago and her killer was never caught. this left Marisa, her identical twin in an emotional mess. Now Marisa is 30 years old and after a nearly fatal car crash, her nightmares and fears are worse than before. which will lead to her to be finally sober. now that her head is clear after all those time, she decides to go over her sister's murder case. in doing so she finds out about a lot of secrets and lies that could change her entire world. but can she find the murderer? is it what she really wants?
the story was and easy read and did hook me right from the beginning. though my issue is the ending. it was not that satisfying and lots of my questions left unanswered, which was really disappointing. overall it was a good read but you have to keep your expectations low about the ending.
thanks to NetGallery for providing my copy.
the story was and easy read and did hook me right from the beginning. though my issue is the ending. it was not that satisfying and lots of my questions left unanswered, which was really disappointing. overall it was a good read but you have to keep your expectations low about the ending.
thanks to NetGallery for providing my copy.
February 26, 2025
3.5⭐️
The Lies I Told unfolds via past/present chapters, often traveling back in time to observe events unfolding as they occur. Multiple POV’s in alternating chapters enable us to follow the case through the eyes of several characters, including the unidentified villain. The story encompasses a large group of friends and acquaintances, many of whom were present in the past. This makes the pool of suspects vast and convoluted and certainly kept me guessing. Lies and secrets abound until it becomes hard to distinguish fact from fiction. Multiple plot lines intertwine with clues sprinkled throughout. An unremarkable but enjoyable and fast-paced domestic thriller.
The Lies I Told unfolds via past/present chapters, often traveling back in time to observe events unfolding as they occur. Multiple POV’s in alternating chapters enable us to follow the case through the eyes of several characters, including the unidentified villain. The story encompasses a large group of friends and acquaintances, many of whom were present in the past. This makes the pool of suspects vast and convoluted and certainly kept me guessing. Lies and secrets abound until it becomes hard to distinguish fact from fiction. Multiple plot lines intertwine with clues sprinkled throughout. An unremarkable but enjoyable and fast-paced domestic thriller.
August 7, 2022
I have read all of Mary Burton's books, so I was very excited when I started THE LIES I TOLD. There were plenty of her twists and turns, but overall there's so much I could pick apart. The storyline goes around and around without linking into details, you have a stubborn heroine who insists on protecting herself but seems to be incapable of doing so. The secondary characters are shallow and annoying. Suspense? Where? I never once felt that rush to turn the pages that suspense novels usually give me, mostly I was just bored. And there was no shock and awe ending. Very disappointing.
March 27, 2022
Marisa and Brit are the last two survivors in the Stockton family. Sisters who look after each other and take care of each other. When Brit was fifteen her mother died leaving her to take on the role of mother hen. Marisa’s the sister who invited trouble into their family since the day she was born. Drugs and alcohol have been her crutch since her mothers death and then again after Clare died. Brit’s been there every step of the way caring for Marisa. Marisa knew it was hard for Brit to take on adult responsibilities at fifteen, but she appreciated her.
Fourteen years ago Clare was killed. Her death has haunted Marisa. Now that she’s sober she has a clear head. Although, two months ago an accident has caused gaps in her memories. She’s never given up on finding out the truth about her sister Clare. Marisa works with the detective who kept Clare’s case semi open. As a photographer Marisa photographed photos of the scene where Clare’s body was found. Using junior detective skills Marisa pieces together the past with the present.
Mary Burton used multiple points of views to voice this character driven story where everyone lies. It takes Marisa digging into the past to unbury the truth. It’s a fast pace story with interesting characters. The secrets and lies seem inconsequential but when compounded with truths the unveiling is most rewarding. I found it to be a quick and easy read. Took me two days to complete. The chapters transition smoothly from one point of view to the next.
Fourteen years ago Clare was killed. Her death has haunted Marisa. Now that she’s sober she has a clear head. Although, two months ago an accident has caused gaps in her memories. She’s never given up on finding out the truth about her sister Clare. Marisa works with the detective who kept Clare’s case semi open. As a photographer Marisa photographed photos of the scene where Clare’s body was found. Using junior detective skills Marisa pieces together the past with the present.
Mary Burton used multiple points of views to voice this character driven story where everyone lies. It takes Marisa digging into the past to unbury the truth. It’s a fast pace story with interesting characters. The secrets and lies seem inconsequential but when compounded with truths the unveiling is most rewarding. I found it to be a quick and easy read. Took me two days to complete. The chapters transition smoothly from one point of view to the next.
August 3, 2022
Could you ever give up searching for answers if your sibling was murdered? I'm thinking most would say no.
That is the position Marissa Stockton finds herself in, fourteen years after the death of her twin, Clare.
I was sympathetic to Marissa from the beginning - a woman fighting internal demons due to her past alcohol addiction and guilt about her sister's death. Did her actions contribute to Clare's death? It wasn't clear. However, despite her own issues, she doesn't give up searching for answers, which was commendable since it seemed no one else was trying. I guessed someone she knew was the murderer, it was only a question as to whether she got the answers without putting herself at risk.
The author tells the story from multiple POVs, but the primary ones were Marissa and her sister, Brit. While it wasn't obvious who the murder was, some POVs began to provide more clarity about what happened fourteen years ago. The fact that drugs were involved, and Marissa and Clare often pretended to be the other, I assumed had to have been a factor. But it is one photograph that changes the course of the investigation.
Although some might consider Marissa to be an unreliable narrator due to her past addiction, I supported her throughout and loved how she was the difference maker. Overall, a well plotted mystery.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
That is the position Marissa Stockton finds herself in, fourteen years after the death of her twin, Clare.
I was sympathetic to Marissa from the beginning - a woman fighting internal demons due to her past alcohol addiction and guilt about her sister's death. Did her actions contribute to Clare's death? It wasn't clear. However, despite her own issues, she doesn't give up searching for answers, which was commendable since it seemed no one else was trying. I guessed someone she knew was the murderer, it was only a question as to whether she got the answers without putting herself at risk.
The author tells the story from multiple POVs, but the primary ones were Marissa and her sister, Brit. While it wasn't obvious who the murder was, some POVs began to provide more clarity about what happened fourteen years ago. The fact that drugs were involved, and Marissa and Clare often pretended to be the other, I assumed had to have been a factor. But it is one photograph that changes the course of the investigation.
Although some might consider Marissa to be an unreliable narrator due to her past addiction, I supported her throughout and loved how she was the difference maker. Overall, a well plotted mystery.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
December 23, 2025
Awesome psychological thriller!
March 29, 2022
This book definitely grabbed my attention, and kept it until just about an hour ago when I finished it. This read was difficult for me as I didn't like any of the people in the book (at all). The entire cast of characters was dysfunctional and if you look up the word, you may see their picture. It was a good story, had me guessing from the start,and it had me making many assumptions - most of which were correct but done so cleverly that I questioned my assumptions (and one assumption I had that was incorrect was a good thing). I felt sorry for Marissa, the bad girl of the family who of course wasn't as bad as she was described and had her bad traits because of her family. I know she was a mess but it just didn't make sense that she kept some awful people from her past surrounding her in an inner circle - again that would go back to her past history of (what I see as) abuse. Her sister was THE WORST of the tribe, and her so-called bestie, Jack, was the guy who she should have run from the fastest and farthest. That being said, I just could not put this book down. There were some sexually (graphic) scenes but they were brief so I read them although under quiet protest. After understanding why these scenes were necessary, I forgave the author for sneaking them into the story. It was difficult for me to only rate this a four star read but I just couldn't get over the fact that the entire time I read the book I cringed at the family and their dysfunction.** I had to edit this to say, that the more I think about this book, it really does deserve 5 stars due to the fact that the feelings I had about these people - and my feelings for Marissa did change for the better - did not keep me from reading the book but instead kept me up all night hoping that they would get their due justice. For the most part, they did.
November 9, 2022
meh & unnecessary disturbing sexual references
The premise of the book is interesting, but so many aspects of the writing made it hard to read.
The same exact phrases are used repetitively by each character (e.g. “blood runs thicker than water”) as if they all have the same limited vocabulary and don’t have their own voices. That feels like immature writing and made the characters unbelievable. It reminded me of the Twilight series’ use of the same 500 words over and over, as if the author couldn’t find a thesaurus.
Then there are entirely irrelevant and…gross? Creepy?… references throughout to characters’ breasts, made by nearly every male character at some point. In addition, there were poorly written sex scenes that, again, served no purpose, were cringe-worthy, and even bordered on disturbing.
Finally, while the plot was compelling, there were so many loose ends introduced but never tied up.
This was fine as a quick, cheap read but not a book I’d recommend.
The premise of the book is interesting, but so many aspects of the writing made it hard to read.
The same exact phrases are used repetitively by each character (e.g. “blood runs thicker than water”) as if they all have the same limited vocabulary and don’t have their own voices. That feels like immature writing and made the characters unbelievable. It reminded me of the Twilight series’ use of the same 500 words over and over, as if the author couldn’t find a thesaurus.
Then there are entirely irrelevant and…gross? Creepy?… references throughout to characters’ breasts, made by nearly every male character at some point. In addition, there were poorly written sex scenes that, again, served no purpose, were cringe-worthy, and even bordered on disturbing.
Finally, while the plot was compelling, there were so many loose ends introduced but never tied up.
This was fine as a quick, cheap read but not a book I’d recommend.
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