Moms Who Lie

Moms Who Lie #1

by Brett Monk, McKenna Langford

Lyla Bailey's summer was devastating. But her junior year of high school is going to be murder.

The beautiful teen is physically and emotionally damaged from the car crash that killed her best friend and almost killed her. She's no longer interested in cheerleading, boys, or hanging out with her twin sister and their friends.

A creepy new girl at school won't leave her alone. That is, until she goes missing during a school camping trip, and later turns up dead.

Lyla and her friends investigate their classmate's death, but a mysterious stalker sends them cryptic messages which lure them into dangerous situations, each more terrifying than the next.

To make things worse, Lyla's mom is acting really suspicious… like she's hiding something.

Can Lyla and her friends stop the killer, or will they be the next victims?

Moms Who Lie is the first gripping novel in the totally addictive 5-book domestic psychological thriller series by Brett Monk and McKenna Langford.

If you like addictive, unputdownable psychological thrillers and teen suspense fiction with cliffhangers at the end of each book, then you'll love the Moms Who Lie series!

Grab your copy of Moms Who Lie today!

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2022

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moms Who Lie: Domestic Psychological Thriller Book 1 by Brett Monk and McKenna Langford is book 1 of a 5-part series and I thought it was nice this was mentioned at the beginning of the book, so I wasn't blindsided by the cliffhanger ending. It is a really easy read that is in no way perfect in grammar or characterization, but I thought the flow was excellent and I didn't want to put it down. I think this would be a great read for teens as well since the target audience didn't necessarily feel like adults. The writing is pretty basic and even though there are a couple of adult viewpoints, they feel like they are being written from a teen's perspective. The majority of the viewpoints are the kids in high school, and this book totally took me back to the drama of that time of life.

I loved the mix of family drama and mystery, as well as the thriller vibes throughout the book, and there was one part that felt like something out of one of the Scream movies. I’m not sure that Moms Who Lie is the right choice for a seasoned thriller reader, but if you want something fun and fast this is perfect. It is also a Kindle Unlimited title which made me happy since I am for sure dying to find out what is going to happen next. I really enjoyed all of the different viewpoints as well as the short chapters, and Monk and Langford did a great job of creating a book that makes you want to keep reading until the very end. I don’t want to say too much about it so I don’t give anything away, but if you don’t mind cliffhanger endings and want something easy, I would definitely recommend Moms Who Lie.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lynette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, if I knew this was the first in a series of books, I would have never started it. If it would have simply ended normally with a sequel, I would give it a better rating. Instead, it just leaves you hanging as though you will continue to buy the rest of the books. Nah. Unless you want to buy the other books, don’t bother starting the series.

[Bridget Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geriatric millennials this is the book you've been searching for

This book reminds me of many things I love all rolled into one and presented in a brand new story custom designed. The format is reminiscent of the Babysitters Club Mysteries with the chapters being narrated by different characters. It also reminds me a lot of Desperate Housewives with the dual teen and parent dramas occurring simultaneously. The plot is new, fresh, and original with elements of grief and friendship reigning across a murder mystery small-town setting.
I would recommend this book to Christopher Pike fans. Geriatric millennials - this is the summer read you are searching for - you will identify with the moms but stay for the teen drama. This is the first book in a planned 5 book series and I am dying to find out what happens next after the cliffhanger this book left me hanging in. Bring this on your summer trip, but don’t take it camping…just in case….

[Tammy Langdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love it, but there were just so many characters. And some had pet names, which made it difficult to follow. Amelia = Mia and sometimes characters called by their last name instead of first name. I had to go back several pages (and I read this in one continuous day) and try to figure out the references. There is also one scene that is just a bit over the top - talking “Scream” over the top ridiculous, and it just dissolves with no explanation…..

[Nicole Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Don’t think “love” is the right word, but I liked it enough to read the second one. Why didn’t I love it? I feel that when I finished the first book, like none of my questions were answered. The characters are really likable and there’s so many lies and so much drama! It’s a great drama/suspense

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

I enjoyed the book, BUT I like standalone books that are resolved by the end of the book. I don't like books that force you to purchase the next installment.

[Jamie Park · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like maybe this book just didn't work for me personally because I didn't really have a high school experience. I was in one state and came back mid year and then that prefoster care facility and then I was living on my own and attending the alternative high. So I have/had no high school drama to linger over as an adult, and I had no senior trips or sports events.
So I may already be biased. High school drama is pretty universal, it just doesn't apply to me. I also have no drama with other moms or anything like that.
Aside from that I felt no strong feelings for any of the other protagonists or characters. And I need strong feelings to invest, but again, that is just me.
There were a few typos here and there but good writing has nothing to do with being a skilled typist. My own books are full of typos. I rarely even notice it. It might bother others though.
I didn't know this was a series or I may not have read it as an ARC. I try not to invest in ARCS like that.
It was an okay story. I bet other people will connect and relate and love it.

[L's of Kauai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is most likely geared to younger readers. It's about
high school age kids and their moms. I probably
won't read any more in the series.

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially, Moms Who Lie, the first book in a series by Brett Monk and McKenna Langford had me puzzled. Was this YA Fiction, a Thriller, a Family Drama?
Little did I know that as it unwrapped itself, it would check all those boxes.

Written from what I originally perceived as too many viewpoints; this is a book that requires you to pay close attention. Not simply because each chapter is written by a different character, but because each character is slightly nuanced, not all are likable, and all are holding onto their own secrets and biases.

Whether by the intentional design of the dual authors or by fault, some of the chapters seemed unnecessary or over-the-top in their delivery but setting my prejudices aside I read on. Be patient as this book starts slowly. The authors set up numerous characters and not all come into play immediately which was slightly frustrating but necessary to this being an ongoing series. This first book ends in a cliff-hanger which as a reader, I enjoy if the characters are interesting enough to bring me back and these, thankfully, are. I’m looking forward to the next installment and having answers to the questions this first book leaves dangling.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzy Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I knew that the series had 5 books….

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are 14-17 you might like this book. Kept reading so I could see when it turned to a thriller, maybe 90% in. Horrible way to end book, not even sure next book is worth finding out what happened

[Lyndsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhanger ending…ughhhhh

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just wasn't really what I was expecting or hoping for. When I read the overview, it made it seem like a really interesting thriller when, in reality, it was 90% just reading about high-school kids daily lives as well as two of the mother's day to day lives as well. The thriller part of the book didn't kick in until basically the end of the book, and it ended on a cliff hanger with no real answers. Throughout the book it's mentioned and heavily hinted that the two moms have some sort of history as they used to be best friends in high school and now seemingl hate each other except at the end they're suddenly friends again with no explanation as to what the heck has happened. It's also mentioned a couple of times that back when the moms were in high school , a kid mysteriously dissappeared but none of the adults want to talk about it so it's just another thing that we hear about, but learn nothing of other than nobody knows what happened to him. Maybe some of the questions and confusion I have about the story will get answered and cleared up in one of the other books, but I don't have any desire to buy the next book because this one was so slow, frustrating, and left me slightly confused about stuff. I nearly stopped reading it a few times but wanted to push through.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison and Amelia were the best friends in high school, now they have high school students there self. When they both chaperoned the upperclassman trip to the lake they steer clear of each other Ever since the night the popular guy in the class went missing they have kept a secret in their distance, but when it starts happening again they think their children may be at risk. This book was really good I could not figure out who did it to me that is a sign of a good mystery. I don’t know why this is considered book one though because there was no cliffhanger that I could tell. I highly enjoyed this book and if you love a good mystery you will love it too. They have a lot going on with the parents and the children and it makes for an awesome read. I received this book from Book Sirens and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moms Who Lie is Book 1 in the Moms Who Lie Series by Brett Monk and McKenna Langford. I felt that this book was an excellent mystery but I thought it was also complex. There are a lot of characters and it took me awhile to get get the characters straight . Lyla was in a car accident that killed her friend, Trinity. This was important throughout the story. I liked how each chapter was from the point of view of different characters . But, for me, there were so many different perspectives that it was harder for me to keep up with the story. I enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect. I thought that the authors ended the book well and led perfectly into Book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Symone · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a stand-alone book - I hated it! There was no satisfactory ending, I had so many questions still left! As the first book in a series - I loved it! I can’t wait to read the rest of the books - there are so many questions that will be answered, I look forward to see how all the characters’ stories intertwine even further, and I’m hoping to delve deeper into the past.

The book was written with a different character for each chapter, intermingling grown ups and teenagers, which was very interesting viewpoint wise.

Every chapter left me wanting to read more so I could find out what was going on (hence my disappointment when it ended).

Overall, I’m glad to have read it and can’t wait for more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of teenagers and their chaperones go on a camping trip. All is fun and games until one of the teens disappears. Is one of the members of the group responsible? Is someone keeping secrets and why? This was the first book that I have read by Brett Monk and McKenna Langford. I enjoyed it very much. It was well written and moved at the perfect pace. The story has many twists and turns and will keep you guessing which makes for a great mystery. This is book one of a five book series and I will be reading all of them. Brett Monk and McKenna Langford are new to me authors. A friend told me about them and I could not be more excited about it. I highly recommend this book. Definitely a five star read.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moms Who Lie: Domestic Psychological Thriller Book 1, my first read from authors Brett Monk & McKenna Langford and the first of their Psychological Thriller series. An entertaining, enjoyable, and suspenseful read. It took a while to get used to most of the characters in furst person, but I adapted. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and in this series. Next up Sealed With A Lie: "Moms Who Lie" Domestic Psychological Thriller Book 2. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Sophie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was very disappointing, I wish I had listened to the other reviews and never started it but I thought the ending couldn't be that bad so I'd give it a go. I spent hours struggling through this mess, just to get a shitty cliffhanger that makes you buy the rest of the series and leaves you just as confused as the first page. None of the characters drew me in, the plot is confusing and basic at the same time, Sydney is dead the whole time so who the hell is the mystery stalker. It just sucks, it was very clearly one book the writer has broken into 5 parts and popped filler in to make them into a series so they can make more money.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you BookSirens. I received an advanced copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Moms Who Lie is the first book in a series by Brett Monk and McKenna Langford.

Lyla is in a car accident that killed her friend, Trinity.

This was a great mystery. You have to pay attention. It is written from several viewpoints. Each chapter is written by a different character. There are twists and turns throughout. The book ends on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for book 2.
It was a great setup and I will be interested in reading the upcoming series.

[Chrissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't know really what to expect from this book, but I read it regardless. It's about two families and several teenagers. I got about half way through and was really not feeling it, (maybe I'm just too old to be reading this type of stuff) I nearly gave up. I continued until the end of the book and was still confused. If you like books about high school 🏫 drama and camping, missing teenagers and murder ( sounds good now doesn't it) then this is the book for you. Thank you to book sirens for allowing me to read this arc for free. I leave this review voluntarily.

[Catherine Sewell]

This book will catch your interest immediately. I love how the story is told in the first person, and from each character's perspective. It becomes clear pretty quickly that there are a lot of secrets being kept by several of our characters. Not only do we have a who done it type scenerio, we also have secrets from the past that are starting to surface. And everyone seems to have something to hide.

This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I am pulling my hair out dying to know how it will end!

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom Who Lie

Interesting story - like Pretty Little Liars except with more parental involvement.There’s something really hinky about the parents in this town after a new girl in school goes missing. The new girl made a point of trying to be very friendly with three students and nothing good came of that despite the students trying to be nice to her. Now it seems she’s dead and this mirrors a disappearance from the parents past. The story in continued in the next book(s). I hope it doesn’t take until the last page in book 5 to get answers.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a rule, I don't enjoy a story done as a series. I was warned at the beginning of this book tnatvit would endbon a cliffhanger but didn't realise this meant having to read the next book in the series. As it happens I enjoyed the first book so am willing to readbon about this group of high school students and their parents each of who seem to be keeping secrets that relate to a student going missing many years earlier. In this episode a new student also disappears and the reader is taken on a journey of snippets about hiw each of the current students interacted with her. 4 stars

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great psychological thriller. I liked the way it was told from different people's perspectives. This book had me guessing all the way through! It ended as a cliff hanger which disappointed me a little. I like for books to resolve at the end. I guess I'll have to read the next one in the series! I highly recommend this book.

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this story I thought it was about Mothers who were willing to protect their children no matter what but after getting into the story I
find it's more about moms covering for their own sins of the past. If you don't mind a story about of teenage angst. Then this is a really good story though I misunderstood that it was the first part and it has a cliff hanger. Which kind of sucks. But oh well I just have to wait for the next one. I look forward to the next story.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books in a cliffhanger--something I am not a fan of. It is a story basically about two women from a small town who have known each other since high school. At one time they were friends but not anymore. Now their children are going to the same high school. On a school event outing, a new girl ends up missing. She was trying to be friends with the twin girls of Mia, and the sone of Maddy. Secrets are abundant in this story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok wow, I tore through this book. If was such an easy read, I love all the perspectives and the super short chapters. I'm so ready to devour the whole series.

I feel like we are getting some great character building in a short period of time. And I love that I have no idea where this is really going, hate when I figure it all out too soon.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Traci Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be clear - there is literally zero ending to this book. It’s not a cliffhanger, it’s more like watching half of a movie and the screen going blank at what feels like a random moment. A long movie with way too many storylines. I understand this is a series but I’ve never read a series where absolutely nothing gets resolved at the end of the first book. I liked the concept well enough but not sure I’m willing to read 4 more books to see where this ends up.