The families were close and did almost everything together until they were not anymore. The girls, then best friends, now felt obligated to do things together, until they are kidnapped and submitted to an ordeal no one should. The parents are tied by a secret that will be their demise, they are petty, show an ugly behavior, and are no role model. Skye and Lexie are the stars in the story, they discover they are and will continue to be best friends, they'll defend one another, and will fight for their lives till the end. The sad part is that who was supposed to keep them from harm is the one who is harming them. Secrets and lies will only do harm in the short ir long run.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This was such a good book! One of the best I have read in a while. The book started off right away and didn’t let up. I loved that there were so many POVs, it made me get through this book so quickly. I also thought it was fun to see all of the point of views as the reader. I can’t say I’ve read many books that have done that. This is my first book from this author, but I will be checking out more of her books.

Good story. Kept me interested throughout the book and I finished it in a day and a half. My mind was blown reading how a certain character (no spoilers!) discovered info regarding the dead body, the abandoned car, and how they planned and carried out their scheme. Had to read through that part twice!
Good book - would definitely recommend

This story gripped me from the very beginning, I literally couldn't put it down.

Explores the relationships of two families once close, but something happens which destroys it. Then a tragic crime of their missing daughters forces them together once again.

Really enjoyable read,

Best book I have read in a long while. I love everything about this book-written with several pov's, lots of tension and best of all I didn't figure out the ending. The author did a great job at keeping the reader guessing about everything the whole way through. The characters were really well drawn, if not to smart, their decisions weren't always the best but there was accountability in the end. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes this genre. I will look forward to reading more from this author in th future.
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The twists kept me guessing the whole way through. The tension between the families and the buried secrets made it impossible to put down. If you love small-town drama mixed with mystery and suspense, this one’s definitely for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, HARP House Publishing, and author Robin Mahle for the advance read copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Full of twists, this one keeps you guessing. I would think I had it figured out then I started questioning everything and every character. The multiple points of view made for intrigue.

This thriller keeps you guessing with every chapter. The pacing is relentless, the emotions raw, and the ending is mind blowing.

Robin Mahle has done it again! Another amazing book.
Robin Mahle is definitely one of my favourite authors. All her books are gripping and thrilling and this one is no different.

I managed to read this one in 2 days. The storyline is gripping and I was unable to put it down.

The story is told through multiple character POVs which makes it easy to follow. You read about Skye & Lexy being kidnapped and all that they go through and also the hell their parents go through. There's secrets and lies that are revealed which make it more interesting to see where the story will go.

There are so many twists and turns it had me guessing throughout. There are plenty of shock moments in this book.

If you love psychological thrillers then this is definitely the book for you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book sent me spiraling through all the feels. Manipulation, suspense, psychological thrilling...the list could go on and on. This author did a wonderful job with the transition between past and present and the different characters perspective of the event that happened. Dark, dark, dark thriller. Highly recommend. Quick read and I promise yo will not be able to turn the pages fast enough.

Thank you Harp House Publishing and NetGalley for the eArc.

This was a great thriller. I couldn't have guessed who the kidnapper was! The book was full of twists and turns. Alternating between the perspectives of the parents and the two missing girls made this a very suspenseful and emotional read. I will definitely read more books by this author.

“A taut, chilling, pulse-pounding thriller. The suspense builds with every page—with more than one twist you DO NOT SEE COMING!”

Robin Mahle (a favorite) bestselling author and screenwriter acclaimed for her compelling cop procedural series starring Detective Rebecca Ellis, FBI Kate Reid, and Trooper Remy Fontaine, along with a remarkable oeuvre of over 40 gripping crime novels and psychological thrillers, is set to captivate readers once again with her latest standalone domestic thriller, ALL THE LIES THEY TOLD.

This powerful narrative draws inspiration from the heart-wrenching case of the two young girls who tragically vanished in Delphia, Indiana, in 2017.

Delving deeply into the complex emotions of trauma, the suffocating weight of secrecy, and the haunting pangs of guilt. With a thoughtful approach, the author offers trigger warnings, ensuring her writing is infused with both compassion and sensitivity, inviting readers to engage with a story that resonates on multiple emotional levels.

About...

In a quiet Idaho town, we meet two families whose lives are intertwined by friendship and marred by a haunting past.

Ashley and Nate Brewer are the loving parents of a spirited daughter named Lexi, while next door, Mara and Garrett Metcalf nurture their creative daughter, Skye, along with their inquisitive son, Milo.

Once the best of friends, the two families now find their relationships strained and frayed. The laughter that once echoed through backyard barbecues has faded, replaced by awkward encounters and stilted conversations.

The parents used to share everything—their hopes, dreams, and even their fears—until a tragic mistake cast a shadow over their lives and pulled them apart. The vibrant playdates that filled their afternoons are now distant memories, leaving a palpable tension hanging in the air.

A chilling secret looms over both families. Deep down, the parents grapple with the weight of their actions. Their teen daughters have no clue what happened THAT NIGHT.

"We're monsters. We're liars. We're everything we taught our children not to be. Would they ever forgive us if they knew what we had done?" Their thoughts echo with regret and fear, threatening to unravel the fragile fabric of their lives.

As the story unfolds, Lexi and Skye decide to venture home through the enchanting, yet foreboding, woods after practice, their backpacks bouncing as they are different now, not the close friends they were as children. The sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees, and a sense of adventure fills the air, but quickly turns into a nightmare.

When the girls do not return that evening, an icy grip of panic spreads throughout the town. The once-peaceful community transforms into a hive of frantic energy as search parties gather, combing through the darkening woods. The focus soon turns to those who should know the girls best—their parents—who are thrust into the spotlight of suspicion.

As searchlights flicker in the night and whispers of dread circulate, the parents’ secret begins to unravel, bringing old resentments to the surface. Who has taken their beloved daughters? What sinister events from the past have come to haunt them?

In this harrowing moment, everyone realizes they have something to lose, and deeper still, something to conceal. The past does not remain buried; sometimes, it resurfaces with a vengeance, threatening not just their peace but the safety of their children.

My thoughts...

Dark and unsettling, an engrossing thriller that will grip you from page one to the shocking conclusion!

Mahle is a remarkable author whose writing captivates from the very first page. Every story is a masterfully crafted experience, brimming with intelligent prose, impeccable pacing, and rich characterization that draws you in completely.

ALL THE LIES THEY TOLD is a heart-pounding thriller with small-town secrets that keep you on the edge of your seat. Mahle expertly builds suspense, creating an electrifying tension that compels readers to stay up late, devouring each chapter. This gripping tale—a thrilling blend of survival and psychological terror—is an absolute must-read.

The author skillfully weaves together six alternating points of view: Lexi, Mara, Ashley, Nate, Skye, and Garrett, effortlessly navigating between past and present timelines as well as intertwining storylines.

Highlights...

~Points of View (POV): Each character's perspective is clearly marked, making it easy to follow their journeys. This thoughtful structure offers deep insights into their motivations, adding layers of complexity and richness to the narrative.

~Pacing: Mahle masterfully orchestrates a rising tension that keeps readers spellbound, skillfully weaving together past revelations and present dangers. Both storylines are equally captivating, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

~Past: Parents' Mystery: The shadows of the parents' past sins and buried secrets lurk ominously throughout the story, enriching the plot with emotional depth and intrigue.

~Present: Teen Characters: The resilience and tenacity of the kidnapped girls shine through, even as they endure harrowing circumstances. Meanwhile, the portrayal of the unpredictable parents—whose past actions reverberate into the present—adds a chilling complexity. Readers will be left astounded by the shocking twists that unfold, leaving them breathless.

~Setting: The evocative small-town ambiance of Idaho plays a crucial role in heightening the story's intensity and atmosphere. Having worked as the SE Regional VP of a company based in Boise and traveled there monthly (plus McCall), I found the vivid depiction of the landscape and culture deeply resonant.

~Timelines: The precise marking of events occurring five and ten years before the present heightens the intrigue, creating a layered narrative that keeps readers guessing.

~Plot Twists: Prepare for surprises that will leave you reeling. The twisty revelations are expertly crafted, and you won’t see the two major plot twists coming!

~Teasers: Intriguing elements such as Skye’s seemingly innocuous phone, a mysterious driver’s license, an enigmatic auto repair guy, and a telling license plate serve as key pieces of the puzzle, keeping readers enthralled and eager to connect the dots.

~Suspense: The outstanding suspense is palpable, propelling readers through the pages at breakneck speed. The unsettling creepiness of captivity, especially involving a haunting mask, evokes a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of Clémence Michallon’s "The Quiet Tenant."

~Epilogue: The epilogue wraps the story with warmth and resolution, skillfully avoiding a rushed conclusion, leaving readers with a satisfying sense of closure.

~Wink: I appreciated the nod to Stephen King’s "Mr. Mercedes," a delightful reference for fans of the genre, as I am among them.

If you haven't yet explored Mahle's work, you are truly missing out on an extraordinary talent! I wholeheartedly recommend her captivating novels and eagerly await her next creation—it’s always a literary delight.

Recs...

ALL THE LIES THEY TOLD is essential reading for devoted fans of Mahle and those who savor the gripping narratives of authors like Chevy Stevens, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Unger, J.T. Ellison, and Noelle Ihli.

Special thanks to the author, Harp House Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was honored to be an early beta reader.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
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Thank you NetGalley and HARP for the digital ARC.

Fast-paced. Twisty. Emotional. I couldn’t put this psychological thriller down—I read it straight through the night.

Two teenage girls, Lexi Brewer and Skye Metcalf suddenly disappear from a small Idaho town. The girls and their families were once close friends, until betrayal and silence tore them apart. Now, forced by tragedy to work together, both families must confront an investigation that will unearth dangerous secrets and change them forever.

Told through multiple POVs with short, breathless chapters, and an ending that will leave you stunned, this dark psychological thriller grips you from the first page to the last.

Trigger warnings apply — Lexi and Skye’s perspectives are especially raw and emotionally intense.

This was so bad, im sorry. The writing was so choppy and weird. The dialogue felt forced and not how you’d normally talk with another person, I can‘t pinpoint what exactly felt so off but something for sure did. The characters were insufferable, every single one. Also the things that happened were so incredibly disgusting, creepy and heartbreaking (may this one character rot in the deepest pits of hell for all of eternity), I had to put the book down a few times because some scenes were so hard to read. I‘ll give this two stars because it was fast paced and given everything I disliked I still wanted to know what happened and who the bad guy was.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this arc!

⛓️‍💥ARC REVIEW⛓️‍💥

“We’re monsters. We’re liars. We’re everything we taught our children not to be. Would they forgive us if they knew what we’d done?”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This author is new to me and WOW. This is now hands down one of my favourite thrillers. I will definitely be adding her backlist to my TBR. Dark, twisty, suspenseful. The POV of the kidnapped girls is so well done, you feel like you’re in that basement with them. The tension between the 2 sets of parents is palpable. It was giving ‘IKWYDLS x Prisoners’ vibes. HIGHLY recommend this one for my dark thriller girlies.

Thank you @netgalley @ibpalovesindies

#gifted #netgalley #alltheliestheytold #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #thrillerbookstagram #thrillerreads

“All the Lies They Told” by Robin Mahle is a gripping and intense psychological thriller filled with deception and hidden truths. This narrative is heavy and sorrowful, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in!

The story revolves around two families, each with a dark history, two daughters who have gone missing, and a ruthless hunter on the prowl. This book hits hard and makes you question how much you can trust those around you.

Told from various character perspectives, the novel masterfully builds tension and uncertainty. Just when I thought I had a grasp on the plot, it twisted yet again—and again. There’s a rich, secondary storyline intricately woven into the main narrative that adds even more intrigue and pace.

One late evening, Lexi and Skye are returning from school and decide to take a shortcut through the woods and vanish. Their parents take it upon themselves to search for their daughters and uncover the truth behind their disappearance. Parents who were once close friends can now barely tolerate each other, and we soon learn the reasons behind this rift. However, this is not the time for bitterness, as time is of the essence...

This was a page turning thriller with some tense moments throughout. However, you were led down one route which made it obvious that that wouldn’t be the ending, and the final twist wasn’t shocking for me. I usually love multiple POVs but in this case it felt too many.

Thank you to NetGalley and HARP House Publishing for the ARC.

4⭐️ for All The Lies They Told by Robin Mahle. Gritty story with good pacing 📚🔍

I had started three books but just couldn't get my head into them. I discovered Robin Mahle earlier this year on NetGalley and ended up devouring a five book series in days. So was chuffed to see another book on NetGalley and I ended up binging this in one sitting.

Once inseparable, teenage friends Lexi Brewer and Skye Metcalf are now estranged until one night, they both go missing. Their disappearance sends shockwaves through their small Idaho town and sparks a frantic search. As law enforcement investigates, attention turns to the girls’ families, who share a tangled history full of old grudges and unspoken secrets.

As the search intensifies, long-buried betrayals and emotional wounds resurface, threatening to destroy what’s left of the fragile relationships between the two families.

In a story driven by suspense, mystery, and emotional tension, the past refuses to stay buried and the truth may cost everything.

This is a four star as I didn't feel there were many legitimate suspects so I did guess the bad guy very early on - but I still enjoyed the twists and turns along the way.

Available from 19 August.

Thanks to Harp House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

a really gripping and fast paced book where you are slowly built with tension as you read. and slowly Robin reveals the secrets to us, any boy are there secrets to be revealed.
a sense of unease hits you behind this book and you feel alot al the way through which i think i where Robin succeeds so much in this book.
2 girls go missing. but there is more to this? more to come for sure as both sets of the girls families are hiding far more that they fear will come out.
this book makes you truly terrified for your children, for girls. for woman basically.
we are told the story in engaging chapters and multiple POV which means the layers around the plot and characters is built and built. it shows us that no matter what is going on or we think is going on, there can always be more and sometimes something much more.
this was a thriller but with so much more of the mind and emotional side of things woven through. it takes you deeper and make it more hard hitting.
i was trying to grasp who or what i thought was going on but as ever Robin was brilliantly one step ahead of me and only revealed what and when Robin wanted revealed which left me excited and waiting all the way through. it turns out tht the missing girls going missing was only the start and not even the only thing going on here. and we are here for it all.

I love Robin Mahle but I have to admit that I was a little disappointed at first. I thought that the affair was going to be all there was to the story. Boy was I wrong. This turned out to be a twisted story of revenge in which the only two innocents were the ones to suffer. It was an exciting, tense read of the type this author excels at. I definitely recommend it but be ready for a long read because you won't be able to put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book