Mackintosh,Clare- Let Me Lie-Relaxed Buddy Read starts April 1, 2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

This thread is open to discuss Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh.



Synopsis
The police say it was suicide.
Anna says it was murder.
They're both wrong.

One year ago, Caroline Johnson chose to end her life brutally: a shocking suicide planned to match that of her husband just months before. Their daughter, Anna, has struggled to come to terms with their loss ever since.

Now with a young baby of her own, Anna misses her mother more than ever and starts to question her parents’ deaths. But by digging up their past, she’ll put her future in danger. Sometimes it’s safer to let things lie…

The stunning, twisty new psychological thriller from number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh, author of I Let You Go and I See You.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

reserved

[Geri]

There’s plenty of buzz for this book. Read about this and Sometimes I Lie in Entertainment Weekly. Really looking forward to this one!

[Molly]

Hi! I would like to participate in this Buddy Read if that's alright? I have never joined a Buddy Read before so I'm sorry if I"m intruding.

[Brooke]

The more the merrier! I should have a copy by the end of the week, so I am up for starting anytime next week.

[Laura]

Hey Molly, we are happy to have you join us!

@ Geri.. I saw you were reading that book. I had it on m OverDrive and returned it as I have too many books to try and get through. How is it?

Can't wait to get my copy of Let Me Lie

[Geri]

Molly wrote: "Hi! I would like to participate in this Buddy Read if that's alright? I have never joined a Buddy Read before so I'm sorry if I"m intruding."

Welcome!

[Geri]

Laura wrote: "@ Geri.. I saw you were reading that book. I had it on m OverDrive and returned it as I have too many books to try and get through. How is it? ."

Sometimes I Lie was recommended by a goodreads friend months ago. Had to wait until this week for it to release in the U.S.. I’m about 20% done. It is good. I don’t know the twist yet. Will let you all know more later!

[Laura]

Geri wrote: "Laura wrote: "@ Geri.. I saw you were reading that book. I had it on m OverDrive and returned it as I have too many books to try and get through. How is it? ."

Sometimes I Lie was ..."

Hmm, maybe I should try again to get it from my OverDrive!

[Kristie]

My library just made this one available to me and I'll be picking it up in a few days. It seems all of my holds have come through at the same time. I may try to jump on if my brain doesn't melt from all the rapid reading!

[Molly]

Are we still on track to start reading April 1?

[Laura]

Hoping too, no copy yet for me and since I'm next in queue I'm not going to purchase this one.

[Geri]

Kristie wrote: "I may try to jump on if my brain doesn't melt from all the rapid reading! "

LOL It does get easier with practice.

[Geri]

Molly wrote: "Are we still on track to start reading April 1?"

I will probably start a few days early. The first week of April I’ll be busy moving. But I will check in that week to chat about the book.

[Molly]

Geri wrote: "Molly wrote: "Are we still on track to start reading April 1?"

I will probably start a few days early. The first week of April I’ll be busy moving. But I will check in that week to chat about the ..."

Thank you! I will start once I see your posts so I don't get too far ahead.

[Kristie]

I'm going to pass on this one for now. I have too many to read all at once and there aren't too many holds at the library that I can't get it back pretty quickly later. Hope you all enjoy it!

[Laura]

Kristie wrote: "I'm going to pass on this one for now. I have too many to read all at once and there aren't too many holds at the library that I can't get it back pretty quickly later. Hope you all enjoy it!"

Totally understandable! I'm still waiting for my copy to come in.

[Geri]

I have read the book. But bad me, never posted anything! I enjoyed this a lot! The author did a great job at making me care about the characters. I figured out one of the twists early on so rated it only 4 stars. Good writing, though! I will look for everyone’s posts and discuss the book with you all then!

[Laura]

I'm so tempted to buy it rather than wait but I'm being practical and waiting since I 'm working on the BOM!

yeah, glad you liked it Geri!

[Molly]

I started to read a little today.

Chapters 1 & 2

(view spoiler)[ Does anyone have any ideas yet who might have killed her parents? Do you think someone actually pushed her parents off the cliff or murdered them beforehand and then dropped their bodies over the cliff? Or do you think someone led them to commit suicide? I always tend to first suspect the husband or boyfriend. Do you think Mark could have anything to do with her parents' death? (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

I was in a bookstore yesterday and came soooo close to buying this, but I resisted. If I don’t get a library copy soon, though, I might cave.

[Laura]

Ugh I might cave too! A Happy Easter gift to us Brooke? lol
My library is closed Monday. I may not even get it on Thursday. Yikes caving could be a definite possibility here!

[Geri]

Molly, I don’t want to spoil anything for you! But I do remember being drawn in right away into the mystery. (view spoiler)[ I remember being suspicious of Mark too. Things happened quickly there. (hide spoiler)] You are just beginning. Can’t wait to see what you think in the next few chapters!

[Molly]

Geri wrote: "Molly, I don’t want to spoil anything for you! But I do remember being drawn in right away into the mystery. [spoilers removed] You are just beginning. Can’t wait to see what you think in the next ..."

Thanks, Geri! I'm glad I'm not the only one who was suspicious of Mark! I'm excited to keep reading. I'll let you know how my thoughts change as I continue.

[Molly]

Chapsters 3&4

(view spoiler)[ Oh so the woman's point of view in Chapters 1 and 3 is Anna's mother talking. Very interesting. I'm curious why Billy doesn't want Anna looking into her parents' deaths. But I feel like the possibility of him being a suspect is a red herring. My eyes are still on Mark. (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

Laura wrote: "Ugh I might cave too! A Happy Easter gift to us Brooke? lol
My library is closed Monday. I may not even get it on Thursday. Yikes caving could be a definite possibility here!"

I think I will give it until the end of the week....I have 4 different books in progress that I need to finish, but if I can't decide on what to read after that then I will end up caving on this one.

[Molly]

Chapters 5&6

(view spoiler)[ Who sends death threats to a car salesman? And who sends notes to a deceased car salesman's family saying they are happy he's dead? That seems really suspicious. (hide spoiler)]

[Molly]

Chapters 7 through 15

(view spoiler)[ So Anna has a lot of money now that her parents have died. I wonder if the money is why her parents were targeted. Still makes me suspicious of Mark. That's why he left a flyer specifically in her mailbox. It wasn't fate. Just my thought. I also really hope that Murray doesn't get in trouble for not telling Detective Kennedy about the suspicious note. I like Murray. (hide spoiler)]

[Geri]

Molly (view spoiler)[ I liked Murray a lot too! He’s a smart cookie! Yes, I thought the author gave us some good suspects like Billy and Mark. I think you still have a few more chapters before things really get crazy! (hide spoiler)]

[Molly]

Chapters 16 through 29

(view spoiler)[ Wow. So I feel silly thinking that Anna's mother was walking around as a ghost. I do not blame Anna for slamming the door in her face. Her parents put their own daughter through so much grief making her think they were dead. I don't know what their reason could possibly be, but it better be a good one. (hide spoiler)]

[Molly]

Chapters 30 & 31

(view spoiler)[ Should we believe the story Anna’s mother is telling her about her father being abusive? I’m not sure I’m buying it. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

If my book doesn't come in tomorrow I am caving and buying this one! Molly's spoilers are killing me ; I 'm being good so far and not peeking!

[Molly]

Laura wrote: "If my book doesn't come in tomorrow I am caving and buying this one! Molly's spoilers are killing me ; I 'm being good so far and not peeking!"

Haha I’m sorry for all the temptation! It’s just hard to put down, and I don’t want to forget my thoughts as I read. I’m excited to hear your thoughts when you get your copy.

[Laura]

Molly wrote: "Laura wrote: "If my book doesn't come in tomorrow I am caving and buying this one! Molly's spoilers are killing me ; I 'm being good so far and not peeking!"

Haha I’m sorry for all the temptation!..."

No worries, it feels weird being on the other end and waiting to get a book rather than writing the spoilers and waiting for everyone else to get a copy! I can't wait to discuss with you. I like to do the same; read and write it down before I forget!

[Brooke]

Laura wrote: "If my book doesn't come in tomorrow I am caving and buying this one! Molly's spoilers are killing me ; I 'm being good so far and not peeking!"

Me too, Laura. I still have 2 in progress, but I should be able to finish both of them by tomorrow night. I'm going to buy and start this one Saturday if I don't have a library copy by then.

[Laura]

Brooke wrote: "Laura wrote: "If my book doesn't come in tomorrow I am caving and buying this one! Molly's spoilers are killing me ; I 'm being good so far and not peeking!"

Me too, Laura. I still have 2 in progr..."

Woot, woot! My copy came in; I 'll pick it up tonight.

[Molly]

Laura wrote: "Brooke wrote: "Laura wrote: "If my book doesn't come in tomorrow I am caving and buying this one! Molly's spoilers are killing me ; I 'm being good so far and not peeking!"

Me too, Laura. I still ..."

Yayyy! I'm excited to read what you think! I have a little less than 100 pages left.

[Brooke]

Laura wrote: "If my book doesn't come in tomorrow I am caving and buying this one! Molly's spoilers are killing me ; I 'm being good so far and not peeking!"

I am so happy I waited! I just got a notification from the library that my copy is available. I'm going to pick it up tonight also! I'll start either tomorrow night or Saturday.

[Laura]

Brooke and I will be reading your spoilers soon, Molly!

[Geri]

Molly wrote: "Chapters 30 & 31

[spoilers removed]"

Molly (view spoiler)[ There were hints that something was not quite right with Anna’s parents. This part was a bit far fetched for me. How could Anna not know about any abuse? A kid knows these things whether the parents try to hide it or not.

I agree that Anna had a right to be angry at her mother.

What do you think about Murray and his wife? (hide spoiler)]

[Geri]

Molly wrote: "I have a little less than 100 pages left"
I found this book hard to put down too. Interested in what you have to say, Laura and Brooke!

[Brooke]

I finally started!

Chapters 1-13
(view spoiler)[Since I've read both of Mackintosh's other novels, I'm suspicious of everyone! Definitely there is something fishy about Mark. I don't believe for one second that it was fate that they met. He targeted Anna, although that doesn't necessarily mean he was involved in the deaths of her parents. He might just be after money.

I'm also a bit suspicious about Uncle Billy. Mostly because part of Mackintosh's style is to write gray-area characters, but also because of a few of his comments to Anna.

I also love Murray! I hope nothing happens to him. (hide spoiler)]

[Molly]

Geri wrote: "Molly wrote: "Chapters 30 & 31

[spoilers removed]"



Geri (view spoiler)[ I totally agree. Kids can always tell when their parents are not getting along. Kids are more intuitive than adults most of the time. I thought it was unrealistic that Anna never heard fighting and never noticed alcohol was being abused in the house.

I like how Murray and Sarah counter Anna’s parents. Murray and Sarah have a difficult relationship because of a personality disorder that plagues Sarah. And Anna’s parents had a difficult relationship because of an alcoholism issue. But Murray and Sarah have a better relationship with one another. They care about each other. They don’t want to harm each other. Anna’s parents were destructive and did not even try to address the alcoholism issue in the right way. And their relationship ended in tragedy. Even though Sarah’s personality disorder won in the end, they both still tried and Murray was left with happy memories he had with his wife. (hide spoiler)]

[Molly]

The end

(view spoiler)[ I did not like the car chase scene. It was a bit over the top in my opinion. I was also very surprised that Laura concocted the whole suicide plan. I didn’t think she felt like enacting revenge on Anna’s mother. I just thought Laura’s issues were a bit far fetched. I’m happy that Anna’s father wasn’t the abuser in the story because that made for a satisfying twist. I felt so sad that Anna left Mark, but her parents were placed in the same dilemma when Anna came along unexpectedly and look what happened to them. I’m not sure if I liked the very end when she received another threatening note and we find out Anna pushed her mother when the police came in to arrest Laura and the mother. (hide spoiler)]

I’m excited to hear what everyone thinks of the end when they get to it!

[Laura]

I 've fallen asleep on the couch two nights in a row! Reading has been slack. I just finished an awful book; I 'll start this one tomorrow. Looking forward to reading all your spoilers.

Anyone want to read this one next? (It's not going to win in the BOM nominations)

[Geri]

Molly (view spoiler)[ Great comparison between the two couples, Anna’s parents and Murray and Sarah.

I really got invested in Murray and Sarah. I was heartbroken when Sarah died.

I did guess early on that Anna’s Dad was dead. I figured this out since we never heard from him, just Anna’s mother. There were also some hints that Anna’s mother was the drinker.

Yes, the ending was a bit crazy. I didn’t quite understand how Anna’s mother did not jump when Anna saw her jump?! (hide spoiler)]

[Geri]

Brooke wrote: "I finally started!

Chapters 1-13
"

Brooke (view spoiler)[ I agree Billy was an interesting character from the beginning. He was a bit “gray”. Murray and Sarah kept me interested too! (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

I didn't get as far yesterday as I planned. I kept getting distracted by life stuff.

Chapters 14-27
(view spoiler)[I knew it! Mackintosh was so careful in her wording, dropping tiny crumbs along the way, that I knew at least Anna's mother was alive, but most likely both of her parents. I don't blame Anna for slamming the door in her face as an initial reaction!

Now I'm really curious as to what scared them so much they had to fake their deaths. I'm sure it has to do with money in some way. (hide spoiler)]

I'd love to finish this today, but it depends on how distracted I get. It is tough to put down, though!

[Laura]

Molly wrote: "I started to read a little today.

Chapters 1 & 2

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
Mark may be too obvious? The goddaughter Laura?
This one is hitting a little too close to home with the topic of suicide. My sister in law's sister just recently committed suicide. They are devasted. (hide spoiler)]

[Geri]

Laura wrote: "I 've fallen asleep on the couch two nights in a row! Reading has been slack. I just finished an awful book; I 'll start this one tomorrow. Looking forward to reading all your spoilers.

Anyone wan..."

Sounds like you have been overworking yourself! It’s been crazy busy here too. My reading schedule is going very slowly. What book was awful? Just curious.

So sorry about your sister in law’s sister!