The Lie by Hilary Boyd is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark side of marriage and betrayal.
The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the very end.
The Lie by Hilary Boyd is a highly recommended read for fans of domestic noir and psychological suspense.

I could not put down this book. A powerful family saga which explores and questions relationships which are very different behind closed doors to the outside. Recommend.

A great family drama story that keeps your interest with twists along the way. There are good characters, whether you liked them or not, and the pace of the story is just right as I expect from this author who is a favourite of mine

This is a beautifully written book about families.
The author does an amazing job at getting you to like unlikeable characters
The pacing of this book is excellent.
It kept my attention throughout the book.
A great read

I haven't read much by Hilary Boyd', but I do love her tendency to deal with subjects that might other people feel uncomfortable. This was a great read, and can't wait for the next one. Recommended.

I have now read 2 books by this author recently and I have not liked either so I think it's fair to say that this is not the author for me.

This was written well enough but I found myself frustrated at some of the decisions that were made by so many of the characters.

'The Lie' is a family drama in a book. It has it all: family hurt, loss, anger, frustration, hope, reparation and unexpected twists to keep you guessing and captivated throughout.

Romy and Michael have 30 years of successful marriage behind them; with two grown-up sons and a very comfortable lifestyle they have everything they could possibly want or need in life. Then Romy received an anonymous letter which made her view her husband in a completely different light. The more she thinks about it, the more she realises that he may not be the man she’s always thought he was . . .

This is a multi-layered story strongly demonstrating that life – and love – is never easy. As it unfolded, I found myself immersed in Romy’s life and wondered what I would have done in her place – but I have to say she handled it well and the story is cleverly planned and really well written. I consider the characters and situations to be realistic, and the outcome completely believable. This author has an understanding of human nature and possesses the skill to write an excellent tale which kept my focus from beginning to end. A wonderful book, most definitely worth a full house of stars.

An incident from the past comes back to haunt them
When his wife receives a message referring to it she isn’t sure who to believe

Interesting to find out how it all resolves itself .... or does it?

As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot (plenty of other reviews like that out there!).

This is more of a family drama - with elements of romance, gritty reality, and intrigue - rather than a thriller.

The plot hinges on truth and trust, and how everything can be destroyed by a lie, particularly one perpetuated for years... be sure the truth will find you out (as they say!). There's also a huge coincidence in here - which is fine if you go along with it (but a tiny voice in my head kept saying "how likely is this"?) - so that's why only 3 stars from me.

All in all though I enjoyed this book, and would happily try another by this author.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

The book had suspenseful elements, but it read more like a family drama. This was my first experience with the author's work, and I was quite entranced by her writing. Smooth as whisky, it had me rooting for the main character.

Romy and Michael had a good marriage with 2 grown-up boys until a letter destroyed Romy's peace of mind. She had to move away from the situation to understand the truth. But a tragedy befell the family, and she was pulled in. But something was still wrong somewhere.

For me, it was the writing which which kept me going. Expecting a thriller from the blurb, I went in quite excited. But the story didn't disappoint me. It moved in a slightly different direction while coming back to the main plot line at times.

This was more of a family drama at the core, though it dealt with a pretty strong topic. There were many moments of indecision where I didn't know if I could trust what was being told to me. It was a question of he said/she said until the truth was revealed.

Human psyche explored was intriguing. I wouldnt say I liked all the characters, but Romy was interesting. I kept hoping that she would find her purpose in life. The book kept a steady pace in unveiling her dilemma, and I could read it in a couple of hours.

An interesting afternoon.

Thirty years of marriage are shattered when Romy receives a letter telling her that her husband sexually assaulted her 15 years ago she won't go to the police because who would believe her after all this time she just want Romy to know who she is married too. After she receives the letter things are not going great in the marriage they are getting further apart.So Romy decides to move out and go and live in their holiday home. Things are going good for Romy she's started seeing someone . Then she gets a phone call of her son that Micheal her husband has had a stroke. So Romy goes back to London to care for Michael when he gets out of hospital .Romy helps Michael to get nurses in to look after him. Will she stay and help Michael get better or will she go back and carry on her new life .Thanks NetGalley

Romy and Michael have been married for over 30 years and have two sons together. However, when a letter arrives accusing Michael of a crime, Romy decamps to the countryside to take stock of her marriage.

Hilary Boyd has written a novel relevant to our times. I thought Romy was a complex character. Firstly, she comes across as a really lovely woman, but deeply in need of love. However, her fatal flaw was her husband, no matter how guilty she thought he might be she still ran to do his bidding, so annoying.

As for Michael, due to the author’s wonderful descriptive prose, I actively disliked him and, in all honesty, he comes across as creepy!

This is an intense family drama. It explores the fragility of relationships and the damage caused by lies and dark secrets. Romy and Michael are a successful couple although she's undoubtedly put her husband's career as a barrister above her career aspirations she's happy until she receives a letter. It makes her question her belief in her husband, her life to date. What should she do?

The ensuing moral dilemma damages her marriage and forces her to leave. Second chances avail themselves, but a life-changing event forces Romy to return to her former life and face the consequences.

Driven by vivid characters, this is an absorbing story full of darkness and mystery. Romy's role as a mother defines her and almost forces her into a prison-like existence. Clever twists and contemporary issues make this story relevant.

The pacing is slow, but this fortifies the suspense, and the powerful ending is worth the angst.

I received a copy of this book from Penguin Book UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Rather too much of a romance slant for me. Well certainly for half of the book. I wasn’t taken by the idea of the idillic country life with splendid salt of the earth characters all around. Then I couldn’t understand why Romy reacted to Michaels change of circumstance like she did either.
Not a bad book but not one I loved either

Hillary Boyd writes marriage dramas with a mystery in it so well. I read her other books too and always enjoyed myself.
This was no different. Her writing is gripping and characters feel very real. If you like this sub-genre, this is a very good choice.

Thanks a lot to NG and the publisher for this copy.

A beautifully written novel which shows you how life can throw a curved ball ending in unexpected love.

This was a gentle read. Contemporary Fiction at its most placid I think! The book takes a while to get started but when it picks up pace and becomes more involved then the story really starts. Hilary Boyd paints likable characters, Romy & Finch, even Michael at times. She skips between idyllic settings – country life and city life – whilst painting a ‘not so’ idyllic marriage.

I kind of kept waiting for something more exciting to happen but it never did, think the story was slightly too drawn out for what it was-enjoyable read though...

Secrets and lies are never a good combination for a successful marriage as in this case. A well-written family drama/mystery with a great setting and characters, Recommended.