Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the ARC of this book.
Have read lots of books featuring Sarah Linton and Will Trent individually but this is the first book with them both together and it absolutely blew me away. They work so well together and the storyline was fantastic. The way you thought you knew who did it only for it to twist again and it was now someone else.
Obviously cannot wait for the next book they never disappoint.

This is book 12 in a series and although it could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the series.
I’m a great fan of this author, but, I’m afraid I didn’t enjoy this book as much as previous ones.

Firstly, what worked for me?
Finally, Will and Sara are wed! The ‘will they, won’t they?’ was getting tiresome. They’ve a great relationship and although it’s a tad sickly at times during this read, it’s a strong connection that holds the threads together.
The solid story is a good one, albeit a difficult read at times.
A different setting for the couple and Will’s past continues to haunt him.

What I struggled with:
It is long and there were times I was tempted to flip pages, but, knowing this author I realised that would be a mistake as I’d likely miss a key piece of the puzzle.
The setting means it feels very claustrophobic and there is little opportunity for relief from the small group of characters.

Overall, I’d have to say this is a solid 3* good read, just, felt more disconnected than previous and less tight.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to preview.

was over the moon to be approved for my favourite crime writers new book, released this August. I’ve read Karin Slaughter books since the beginning and I think she is amazing. She is graphically dark, super gruesome and just an absolutely fantastic writer who manages to keep you guessing the entire way through.

My main love is how much research goes into her books. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Slaughter was a doctor. Her knowledge in the medical field, to support her characters back stories, is just phenomenal. The detail is perfection. Everything about her books shows depth and the deep knowledge she holds for each of her characters is amazing for me.

This is another instalment of the Will Trent series and quite different to her normal style. This book is being described as a “locked room” novel with a decent “whodunnit” theme. I did guess the who but I never could of guessed the why. Not that I wanted too, as I knew Slaughter would be dark, meaning my theory would not be able to take me to where it needed to go to but the reveal was quite grim. 💀

So thankful to have had the chance to read this before release date. I’mup to date with all her books now and will have to wait until next year for her next instalment

Karin Slaughter's latest thriller, "This is Why We Lied," is another brilliant addition to the Will Trent and Sara Linton series. Set in the luxurious but deceptive McAlpine Lodge, the story unravels as everyone’s lies start to surface. The plot thickens when Mercy McAlpine, once seen as the good daughter, threatens to expose everyone’s secrets and is later found dead.
As a long-time fan of the series, I found myself captivated by how the author delves into Will Trent’s thoughts and past, especially with the parallels to this new case. The twist of having Will and Sara’s honeymoon turn into a high-stakes investigation was unexpected and thrilling. The suspense and the final twists kept me on the edge of my seat.
What stood out most was the depth of Will's character, especially his love for Sara, which is portrayed with such vulnerability and grace. Another hit from a favorite author and series!

Very grateful to the publisher for this copy , opinions are my own

Book 12 in the Will Trent series.
I didn't realise this was part of a series until I'd requested and been accepted for this one. I do actually have physical copies of the first ten books sitting on my shelf, and I'd been putting off reading them after not enjoying the one Karin Slaughter book I'd read previously. However, having read and loved this one, I am definitely going to need to go back and start from the beginning. I do feel like this can be read as a standalone, I didn't find myself feeling confused, and there were only brief mentions of previous events.
There were some pretty dark themes running through this book, dealing with childhood abuse, trauma, rape, drug abuse, incest etc. As Faith says, this is a locked door mystery with a VC Andrews twist. What more could you want?

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exceptional book

poor mercy.... she didnt deserve the life she had.... nobody liked her. she was an ex druggie a wild child that got pregnant at 15r.... but she didnt deserve the hatred that everyone felt towards her.... even from her own family

and then she was murdered....violently

will and sara are on their honeymoon ... up in a secluded mountain retreat...run by mercy and her family

its will that finds mercy after her cry for help but he is already to late and her whispered final words are for his ears only

what a ride this book gave me.... and i never saw that ending coming in a million years....

karin slaughter can certainly weave a spell that keeps you on the edge of your seat till you have finished her book... looking forward to the next book already

A thrilling read. When Will and Sarah arrive at the Mcalpine Lodge set in an idyllic location it was a surprise honeymoon booked by Will but even before they could begin to enjoy it things took a sinister turn when they discover Mercey Mcalpine dying after a gruesome attack. The whole family are suspects and there are so many twists as they all have secrets and problems its not going to be easy to find the culprit.A real page Turner a bit gruesome at times but plenty of drama that will have you gripped from the beginning and a really heartbreaking ending.A 5 ⭐read

I really enjoyed this book - the characters were interesting and complex and I really didn’t know where it was going at times, who did it etc

It is a very descriptive book that makes you feel like you’re getting all the information as the detectives do - it is very wordy and technical but I don’t mind that.

It’s quite a slow book but one you can really sink your teeth into, it does pick up in the last 20% but I don’t think that’s uncommon with these kinds of books.

Another great book in the Will Trent series, This is why we lied has all the ingredients to be the perfect locked-room murder mystery. This series just keeps getting better. I was so glad to meet Will and Sarsa again and to catch up with what was happening in their lives. I love the couple and I was so glad to read of the developments...

And, most importantly, the thriller part of the book was absolutely stunning. A very shady family, unlikeable characters everywhere, and a victim nobody seems to care about. The story not only drew me in intellectually but also emotionally, I really could not understand why everyone was so cruel to Mercy! The investigation, the relationships, and the secrets were all masterfully plotted and they all came together in a crescendo of tension until the explosive ending.

Definitely a book (and a series) I will be recommending.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollin for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This is a hard hitting storylinewith so many layers, so many secrets. I love Sara and Will and they add a dimension of love and light in sharp contrast to everything else that is going on. The story is so cleverly constructed that everytime you think you're on top of things evrything changes. A compelling dark drama that keeps you guessing to the bitter, heartbreaking end.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my early copy of This is Why We Lied.

I’d like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘This Is Why We Lied’ written by Karin Slaughter in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Special Agent Will Trent and Medical Examiner Sara Linton have finally married and are spending their honeymoon at the remote McAlpine Family Lodge. As they’re taking a walk late at night they hear a scream, then a woman calling out for help. Despite being on their honeymoon, Will takes over the investigation and calls for help from his partner Special Agent Faith Mitchell.

‘This Is Why We Lied’ is another brilliant thriller in the Will Trent and Sara Linton series and is just as intriguing as those previously. It’s one of the longest novels I’ve read by this author but I’ve been so gripped that it’s taken over my life for the last few days with its tense and dramatic plot, with so much going on and so many suspects that it’s been difficult to work out who’s responsible. This is an excellent thriller with a plethora of twists and turns and a conclusion that’s answered all my questions whilst tying up the loose ends. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

When GBI Investigator Will Trent and his new wife Medical Examiner Sara Linton arrive at McAlpine Lodge for their honeymoon they are looking forward to some time alone. The secluded lodge is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Until Mercy McAlpine, the manager of the lodge, is killed.
A torrential storm has effectively cut off the lodge, so Will and Sara immediately move into work mode. But Mercy had many people who wanted her dead and the problem will be finding the killer before they strike again.
This tense story is full of suspense with more twists and turns than the trails around the lodge but the final reveal shocked me to the core.

Karin slaughter books never disappoint. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down!!! The twists were amazing and I was constantly guessing until the end.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!!

Sara and Will ( who we have met previously)have just got married and go on Honeymoon to a mountain retreat.They lie about their occupations to avoid questioning from other guests.Wishing to remain off grid they go down to the lake on the property and shortly after hear screams and cries for help. Will finds a girl Mercy dying of stab wounds and tries to revive her but it is too late. Her last words to Will are for her son Jon.to say she forgave him and to get away from the Hotel.
It turns out she had been controlled by her parents after being in a fatal crash in which her best friend Gabbie died , and then married an abusive husband (Dave) who she kept returning to too many times. Jon was being looked after by Bitty , Mercy's mother who was also abusive to Mercy. Suspicion is on Dave but other guests and family members come under suspicion after Dave is found to have an alibi.
It turns out Will and Dave were brought up in a children's home together and he had always been a bully to the other kids.
after many twists in the plot the perpetrator is discovered. Can Will and Sara's relationship continue as he seems to be married to his police job?
A well written story.

Karin Slaughter has done it again!! What a thrilling read. Will and sara have gone on honeymoon but it doesn't go as planned. In a remote, luxurious camp run by the mcalpine family, mercy mcalpine is murdered. Both guests and the family have secrets, lies they've told, some much much worse than others. Will is determined to catch the killer, and when he finally does, it will shock you!!
Would absolutely recommend this book.
Thanks to netgalley for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This Is Why We Lied is a long read like all of this authors books are but kept me interested al, the way through.
This is book 12 in the Will Trent series. Will has finally married Sara. Will has decided to surprise Sara with the honeymoon, Sara’s sister has even packed her bag for her so she truly has no idea where she is going. Will has booked an outdoors type holiday, it’s set in secluded mountains and they have to hike to get there. McAlpine Lodge is supposed to get them both to relax with some outdoors activities but with luxury accommodation. Unfortunately it looks like they won’t be chilling just yet as the woman who runs the Lodge, Mercy is mirdered and both Will and Sara can’t leave it to the local police who don’t know what they are doing and are also going to be biased on who submit. So in they step with help from Amanda and Faith who we know from previous books to get to the bottom of who is the suspect.
This was a good read that I enjoyed, I love Will and Sara as characters, the book was very long and I did knock a point off or that as I could have been a little tighter but it doesn’t put me off reading the next instalment which no doubt there will be!
I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

One of the best thrillers I've read this year!

Set on a luxury campsite in the forest surrounded by trees, trails, and lakes, the setting was perfect for this story!
From the beginning, the reader finds out about the crime before the story comes full circle to reveal the events that lead up to it and the investigation that follows.

Now, I'm usually pretty good at sussing out how these books are going to go down, but not in this case. The author has a special ability to make every single character look guilty, and for suspicion to fall on everyone at certain parts of this book. I honestly didn't see the end coming (not all of it anyway!)

With twists and turns aplenty, this book has everything you could want from a 'locked room whodunit and I'm very grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Even though I've read other books by this author, until this one, I'd not read any of this series. However, this will certainly not stay the case!
This is the twelfth installment featuring Will Trent from the GBI (Georgia bureau of investigations) but can also be read as a stand alone.

This Is Why We Lied is a compelling story. That features a locked-room mystery and the honeymoon of GBI Agent Will Trent and Dr. Sara Linton.

Who have arrived at a secluded cabin retreat for a relaxing and quiet honeymoon.

But soon find out it's anything but.

As Mercy McAlpine has been murdered, and the list of those who want to put a knife in her back is endless.

Yet, Will, who found Mercy just minutes before she died, is determined to get answers and pass on a final message to her sixteen-year-old son Jon.

But the ability to get answers in a family where secrets are prevalent is easier said than done. As very few truly care about Mercy's brutal murder or that she was subjected to years of abuse by her ex-husband Dave. Who has an interesting history with Will.

And the story unfolds brilliantly. Revealing past memories and horrific secrets. That out some truly despicable characters and a killer I was not expecting and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Plus, with the added familiar faces, this story had everything I needed, and I would happily recommend it to all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read all of the Karin Slaughter books, I read them for the shock value and because they make me feel incredibly uncomfortable, but the good guys usually win in the end. They're a journey and one I love to hate.

That said, this for me was a 3.5-4 star read. It just didn't quite measure up to others in the series.

I felt that the character of Christopher was autistic coded and it played into several problematic stereotypes. It could just be my interpretation of course, but the emotionless, non eye contact, hyper organised to OCD levels as well as incel tendencies were all there. These are harmful and untrue.

Will I wait with baited breath for her next novel, yes! Will I remember this as the greatest story ever written, no!

This dark, complex story kept me hooked from beginning to end. Well developed characters, unpredictable twists and turns, and a remote mountain retreat that added to the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Karin Slaughter is such a talented crime writer. Brilliant!