Cover Image: Seven Lies

Seven Lies

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Seven Lies Netgaller.
I know I am late with this review. However due to unforseen circumstances I apologise. This is a extremely gripping book one I struggled to put this book down. Such a powerful read of friendship love between to women who became best friends at the age of 11' I honestly believe in any relationship one is always loved offers more the the other. Has I do in a marriage ones Whitmore love to give than the other ever will do. So one tells their friend a little white lie, lots of people do as NOT to hurt the other ones feelings, now the lid inevitably lead to another. However the first one advantaged a catalyst of events that will come along and change the entire dimension of people friends around them. It comes from that first lie. This book tells the story of two best friends growing up even in their marriage relationships. As we all grown up things change between them but they are still so close it does not affect the bond of their friendship until the first lie that leads to having to tell another blow to cover up the first and so that's how it goes a third lie to cover the second I was diverted to this book wondering what the next lie that will be told having started this somehow it's got to end. I am thinking of every scenario how this will end. Twists and turn coming from everywhere just desperate to know if she does get found out it not but most of all of she does how. The reporter who's convinced there's more to one story than meets the eye OMG I was totally shocked when the kids do actually catch her up, no way had I even given that's single thought. It's mind blowing. Absolutely mind blowing. Then I turn a page to 4 years later having already thought basically the books all ready over. I really am trying do hard not to put any spoilers into this book its almost killing me not too. As I say the books over anyway so I reads about four years later as just a quick update to my amazement another ending not expected but another mind blowing and a creepy ending. Oh yes a real creepy ending to the entire book. It the first book I have read by this author on and trust me it's definitely not going to be the last. This is not my normal gender but not on boy what one kitchen lead too. It's not something we really think about truthfully, because let's be honest who as not told a white lie in their lives. Sometimes to keep the piece. Others not to hurt. Someone's feelings. All I am going to say is this book as definitely got to be a must be read book. You will not be disappointed.

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This book immediately grabs you, and you immediately are in this with Jane and Marnie for the long haul. The characters are perfectly written and the plot flows so well, with twists and surprises being perfectly placed along the way,.

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This was really exquisitely written, dark and compulsive. It kept me guessing the whole way through, and by the time I got to the end, I felt like my heart was in my throat.

I really enjoyed it - and I think it would make a brilliant TV series!

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Jane and Marnie have always been best friends. Not just best friends, but inseparable ever since school. Through uni and boyfriends and different cities and different jobs, there has been nothing to keep them apart. Until Jane gets married, and Marnie's boyfriend, Charles, is a dick and their friendship is tested.

Why is platonic love not see as important as romantic love?

Jane will do anything to get her and Marnie back to where they were. And it starts with one little lie. But that rolls into another and another until Jane's gone too far to come back and Charles is dead... and surely this means they can go back to normal? Right?



Wow. Just... wow.

As the narrator of this book, I found Jane's voice so incredibly compelling. While the topics she was talking about - feeling left out, growing apart from a friend, why aren't friendships important - could have come across as whiney from some authors, this most certainly wasn't. I related so hard to everything she said, and I felt sympathy and like she was talking to me.

(Side note: I currently happen to be like practically the only single one out of my main group of friends, and that's fine, but sometimes it is a bit like... can't you do anything without your boyfriend now? Why don't we hang out as much? Can't you make time to see me? Which is why I related so much.)

And the way Kay delivers this friendship is so intense and true and it's so compelling to read about. What starts as a normal friendship leads to dependency and jealousy and at first, it hit so close to home. It's that rescheduled event, that unanswered text, but Kay delves into the reliance on another person, and how do you react when you're told - by society, your friends, this other person - that this relationship that is so important to you and has played such an important part of your life is actually not that important?

I just absolutely loved Jane's voice and despite knowing how ridiculous some of her actions were... I got them, you know? I got where she was coming from, and I sympathised with her so much. I was hooked from the very beginning, not just due to Jane's voice and the story content, but the pacing was so good, and the flashbacks were woven seamlessly into the present day story. 

Throughout the novel, it's clear Jane is talking to someone, addressing someone personally as she tells them this story. But who? I never guessed it and even though it's not a massive twist, it's still something that kept me going back to this book and want to keep on reading.

I will also say: trigger warning for anorexia/eating disorders content. Not massively in depth or detailed, but it's definitely brought up and is an important theme which I thought was handled well and delicately. 

As well as that, I think Kay did a really good job of addressing abuse and grief and a myriad of hard to stomach issues that felt true but not overly indulgent or just for kicks.

I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this book. I loved it and I'm really excited to see what Elizabeth Kay writes next!

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I was instantly caught up in this story.
Jane and Marnie have been inseparable since their friendship started back in school, Jane is recounting her version of events through time and the seven lies that have been told along the way that lead to the chilling event of murder. The characters are beautifully written. The plot unravels shocking and surprising you as you read. A chilling read that grips you early on an ending open to a sequel.

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"Seven lies" is a psychological thriller in which we follow Jane as she relates the story of her friendship with Marnie, her best friend since school, Jane is still grieving her husband, she longs to be close to Marnie again, their friendship tight and insular. But Marnie's marriage to Charles is threatening their relationship ,and Jane hates him.
Jane confesses to the reader her lies and their consequences, but the reader comes to realise that she is not a reliable narrator. We wonder who is she telling this story to and why?

I was very quickly drawn into this book due to a distinctive narrator voice and a very promising, chilling beginning. Jane is a great character and the author allows the reader into her head to listen to her explanations and to witness her raw emotions.

However it is not a perfect book - firstly I thought it was much too long and in certain elements and subplots were not necessarily adding much to the story. On the other hand, certain parts could be better concluded. But this is a very very promising debut novel and I am looking forward to reading more books by Elizabeth Kay.

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Thanks to Netgalley for the preview of this book. It was an excellent debut novel from Kay. This story is dark but intriguing & gripping. It is exceptionally well written & credible. I cannot wait for more from this amazing writer.

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Oh my goodness, what a story! I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and covers a lot of ground without feeling like things have been added to pad it out, it draws you in from the start and you get caught up in the lives of the characters. I didn’t like the main character for most of the book, and that’s okay. There were times when I felt for her and wanted her to be happy, but mostly I read on with curiosity, hoping that she would get her comeuppance. I definitely recommend this book and will be looking out for others by this author. Thank you #netgalley.

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100% one of my favourite thrillers of the year so far! Woah! I know, I know...and let’s not forget that this a debut. So here are my thoughts. 💭

Talk about creepy. 🤯 It’s a story of obsession, secrets, jealously, friendship, betrayal...seriously, I couldn’t get enough. I don’t know what that says about me. 😂

I think what really worked with this book for me was the structure and how it was all plotted. It’s told from Jane’s perspective and she really is a complex and dark character. As it’s from her perspective, you travel through the history of Marnie and Janes friendship and her difficult relationship with her mother. It all gives context to this narrator who you feel is talking to you directly and you are just not sure what to believe. It constantly keeps you guessing this book. 🧐. It all stems from seven lies that Jane reveals throughout the course of the book, so basically the lies she has told Marnie and her herself. The author covers a number of mental health issues but handles them with care. The writing is so clever and creative, and I love the way it gradually builds as each lie is exposed. Ahhh! So full of suspense, tension and sinister moments. But it was also really funny in parts which sounds strange, yet it worked. I mean it was crazy and I’m here for it!🙋🏼‍♀️

SEVEN LIES is gripping, twisted and thrilling read that I will recommend to everyone! If you are looking for a fast paced and entertaining thriller, look no further. That ending!! 😱 Just superb. I’m still thinking about this book.

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Seven Lies by Elizabeth Kay
Publisher: Sphere
Published: 16 April 2020

Great debut novel. Sinister and compelling, the story drew me in and lead me, through many twists and turns, to a satisfying conclusion. A story of friendship and obsession, with a lead character you may not like but still feel strangely sorry for.

4.5 stars out of 5. Highly recommended.

I’d like to thank the author, publisher and netgalley for providing me with this advance digital copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

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Jane and Marnie have been inseparable best friends since Year 7 at school. Jane has never liked Marnie's husband and maybe without the lies, he'd still be alive.
The description on the book cover intrigued me enough to want to know more.
Told from the point of view of Jane, the 7 lies are outlined in a well-written narrative. There were points of this book I actually gasped. Some books just capture you and you want to keep reading - this is one of them.

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Lots of positives from this book which sounded exactly the sort of story I love but unfortunately it didn’t quite fulfil my expectations. Jane and Marnie are the two main characters and I wasn’t really taken with either of them. The cleverest part of the book was how Jane told her story and did make it seem like she was just telling it to you. Plot was just ok with a few shocks along the way. Good for a first book and I’m sure the author’s next one will be even better.

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😊 Seven Lies is Elizabeth Kay's début psychological thriller and an awesome and exhilarating read. The novel features Jane and Marnie who have been best friends since they were eleven years old. They are totally inseparable... that is until Marnie falls in love with Charles. Jane hates Charles, finding him loud, priggish and obnoxious, and the tension begins to affect the two women's formerly close relationship. Then Jane's increasingly impetuous lies come to the fore...

Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and this one was a remarkably original, morally ambiguous and captivating read. Artfully narrated through Jane in concise chapters, it appeared as though Jane was telling her story for my benefit only, lending the novel an unusual feeling of intimacy not usually seen in a thriller.

The characters were adeptly constructed and believable in their roles, whether intended to be inherently good, bad or some shade of grey. The clarity of Elizabeth Kay's writing made it an easy story-line to follow, and the fast paced, tense, and twisty plot went down a treat as it snaked along. The author's writing is of a variety that any thriller fan can appreciate -first class - and she was able to create a tone of sinister foreboding that continues until the very last page. Seven Lies is a mesmerising story incorporating main themes of friendship, love, grief, secrets and lies. Add into the cooking pot some of the sub ingredients such as possessiveness, obsession, neediness, jealousy and remorse and the reader can appreciate how sophisticated and special this novel actually is.

The two main characters, ingeniously created by the author, are complex and intriguing. Bubbly and effervescent Marnie contrasts well with the darker, temperamental Jane, providing a different aspect for the reader. I loved the way the lies were slowly and timely imparted as the story built to its breathtaking conclusion. The added bonuses of little black humour, along with the sinister moments and buckets of tension helped to make Seven Lies a true masterpiece.

Would I read more from Elizabeth Kay? Yes, of course... the author is obviously a very good writer. My thanks must go to Elizabeth Kay for writing such an awesome book! 😊

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Little, Brown Book Group UK via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

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A very cleverly written story of friendship and obsession, it tells the story of Jane and Marnie, who have been friends since childhood, and how one relatively small lie told by Jane to Marnie led to others - seven in total - and ultimately the destruction of their friendship. Narrated by Jane, Kay skilfully paints her, initially as an unreliable narrator and apparently thoroughly unlikeable, though as the story progresses and you learn more about her life, it is hard not to feel sympathy for her.

Kay's writing style had me hooked from the beginning - her skill as a wordsmith meant the tension built throughout and whilst it was definitely a slow burn rather than a more fast-paced thriller that you might expect, the sense of darkness that pervades the whole book and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat right up to the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I am simply astonished that Seven Lies is a debut novel. Kay's writing is brilliant, and in places, beautiful. I particularly liked the way she writes about abstract concepts such as grief and love and describes them in a way which the reader can relate to more easily.

There are so many questions that can be asked when a narrator is unreliable, and our protagonist, Jane, is certainly that! From the beginning, I was never sure if she was telling the truth, and the questions this posed made me want to keep reading! Jane is not always a likeable character, but she is perfectly observed and Kay definitely knew how to get her under the reader's skin so we would maintain our interest in her!

As Seven Lies reaches its ending, there are some incredibly tense moments which left me holding my breath and kept me reading until the very last page.

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This is the story of Jane and Marnie who have been friends since they were 11. Jane is one of those characters who you instinctively dislike but the author cleverly shows a more sympathetic side to her character so you occasionally feel sorry for her. I thoroughly enjoyed the original plot which kept me guessing almost to the end. Some beautifully descriptive writing makes this one to watch.

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If she hadn’t told the first lie maybe there would have been no need to tell the others. That is certainly true for a number of reasons. Jane lies to her best friend when asked her opinion of the man she plans to marry and that is the start of it all.
Can’t say I “liked” the narrator but she was fascinating in a disconcerting way.
Would love to read more by this author

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Jane and Marnie are very close best friends from when they met at school. As they grow up they naturally, also develop separate lives. However, when Jane is all alone and hating Marnie's husband Charles, she suddenly finds herself with an opportunity to make it just her and Marnie again.

Jane is an absolute psycho who longs for the schoolgirl days of Marnie's life and her own being so intricately and tightly bound together through the love of friendship. Jane is obsessed with Marnie and will do absolutely anything to ensure that they are each others' one and only.

We follow Jane as she deals with the consequences of what she did to Charles and trying to keep herself centre of Marnie's world.

I really struggled to get through the first 25 % f the book. I was about to give up when I checked some of the other reviews which were largely positive so I persevered. The book got good enough that I figured I might as well finish since I'd already dragged myself so far.

I like the concept of the book. Jane tells her story through her relationship with Marnie and the seven lies she has told her throughout their entire lives.

The ending is a little chilling because of its nature. but hardly surprising.

A lot of the content of this book could have been removed and would have served to make the book better. I don't need to know that Janes mother is in a residential dementia home or that her sister has a severe eating disorder, These are things that the author should definitely know as part of building a character profile - but they don't need to be included in the book as they don't drive the actual storyline forward.

I spent the vast majority of the time reading this book, waiting for the part where it becomes gripping. Perhaps it is the dispassionate way in which Jane describes her actions that just leaves things flat. Reading this book was like listening to a monotone lecture and for me, the whole book was very meh!

Finally, I did receive a pre-release copy of #SevenLies by Elizabeth Kay from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. There were some typing and grammatical errors in my copy but as this was a pre-release I have assumed that they were corrected for the book's release and this has not been reflected in my score.

Published by #LittleBrownBookGroupUK Seven Lies is available now.

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This was a compelling read that would have been an absolute page turner for me if I hadn't have been reading it with pigeonhole!
The writing in some parts of this book was breathtaking and it has one of the most confusing characters that I have personally ever read about! Mainly due to the fact that some of her actions are truly awful, but you can't help but feel for her on occasion too. All in all, a very good read and highly recommended.
With this as a debut, I am really looking forward to more from this author.

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"She is light and I am dark"

This is a story about friendship and obsession; about how far we will go to protect a friend and to keep a friendship going. It is about how a small little lie can lead to a chain reaction that can never be undone. It is about 7 lies.

A brilliant and different story that is very well written and that keeps you engaged from the first page.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Books Group UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

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