Hiding Lies

A Novel

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Pub Date 29 Oct 2024 | Archive Date 30 Sep 2024

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Description

I still remember standing outside the blazing house. I wasn't sorry.

Lydia Walker is a forensic photographer, trudging through life in the shadow of her traumatic past, when she is assigned a case centered around the gruesome murder of a camping couple. Her personal life begins to improve after a chance encounter that makes her feel like she's finally connected with someone, a fellow tortured soul named Adam.

As more victims are unearthed she discovers she has a personal connection to the case, her commitment to the case grows deeper, but her motives remain opaque to her colleagues. Will she sacrifice her reputation and her morality to explore her darker urges? Or will she uphold the justice system that failed her, and never held space for her.

I still remember standing outside the blazing house. I wasn't sorry.

Lydia Walker is a forensic photographer, trudging through life in the shadow of her traumatic past, when she is assigned a case...


Advance Praise

"No surprise that horror maven Stephanie Rose had such a killer novel up her sleeve! HIDING LIES is brutal, unrelenting, and pitch-black from start to finish. I read the whole thing eyes covered and jaw dropped. Rose exposes every dark aspect of humanity swiftly and unapologetically and gives us the scariest duo I've seen in fiction yet! " -- CJ Leede, author of Maeve Fly and American Rapture

"There is a darkness at the core of HIDING LIES that seeps out from its pages, thicker than blood, as pitch black as the Portland woods at midnight. One can't help but feel as though it stains their fingers, their eyes, their very soul. Tread carefully through this brutal book. It marks you." -- Clay McLeod Chapman, author of What Kind of Mother and Ghost Eaters

"Stephanie Rose has come out of hiding with this undeniably thrilling debut. A disturbing cat and mouse tale with the ferocity of your favorite Hannibal episode, Hiding Lies will set up camp in the shadows of your psyche long after the final breathtaking page is turned."
-Brian McAuley, author of Candy Cain Kills and Curse of the Reaper

"No surprise that horror maven Stephanie Rose had such a killer novel up her sleeve! HIDING LIES is brutal, unrelenting, and pitch-black from start to finish. I read the whole thing eyes covered and...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9798989173020
PRICE US$18.99 (USD)
PAGES 240

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Average rating from 62 members


Featured Reviews

Hiding Lies is a dual narrated psychological thriller horror novel from a debut author that I fell in love with immediately. I love the POV from the serial killer and that the author did research on real life serial killers to create character Adam. Page turning, dark, and I gasped out loud. I'd recommend this for any book club and fans of thrillers and horror!

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4/5⭐️
Spice Rating : 0.5/5🌶️
Tropes : Thriller, Suspense, Serial Killer

What a book! I’m speechless. I just got done with the book and it was a wild ride.

First up, check the Trigger Warnings before picking up the book. It has some sensitive topics discussed in detail, gore and mentions of abuse and trauma.

That being said, Book starts with a bang, it sucked me right in. It was very engaging and fast paced right off the bat. I love the writing style as well. Didn’t strike me as a debut. The book gets particularly interesting after the 60% mark, it turns into a proper cat and mouse chase where the readers are kept guessing about what could possibly happen next.

I was surprised that we get the serial killer's motive and MO very early on itself in the book. I kept wondering if it was a premature reveal but as the story progressed everything started making sense. There was a fair bit of romance, unexpected but pleasantly surprised.
When you say “morally grey”, the characters in this book describe morally grey to a tee. You hate them, but cannot hate them. They are all victim to circumstances and trying to best work with what they are dealt. What surprised me the most was how the author drew the character sketches. Each character was so grey; the victims, the perpetrator, the investigator and the innocents, no one was spared. Good exploration of human psyche. A lot of parts of this book were very emotional and hard to read simply because of the detailing that went into it. That being said, crime is crime and that is where we separate fiction from reality.

As someone with Forensic background myself, the detailing and writings were well researched, well done and interesting. The case files given to read are a nice touch. I love mixed formats within the books, keeps it compelling.
Knowing that this book is part of a newly emerging niche of thrillers, I’m sure it will get the hype it deserves.
I will definitely read more by the author, the book is quality entertainment.

If you enjoyed the You series, The Mindfuck series or The Butcher and the Wren, this book will be right up your alley!

I received an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Ooooooh boy, what a twisty little book. This was incredibly unnerving from the start. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of Lydia, I found myself hooked by her character. The graphic descriptions of murder were a little much for my taste, but this whole book read like a Criminal Minds episode and had me thinking and trying to predict the ending. I also loved the setting, anything set in Oregon is a win for me. A truly gruesome story.

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What a wild book! Read in less than 12 hours because I needed to know what happened. A story of a serial killer and a foresenic crime scene photographer that fall in love. Loved the alternating view points and short chapters. Keep me very interested, and makes it more interesting to read.

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Book review
Hiding Lies, A Novel by Stephanie Rose @
Rating: 5/5
Summary:
“I still remember standing outside the blazing house. I wasn't sorry.”

Lydia Walker is a forensic photographer, trudging through life in the shadow of her traumatic past, when she is assigned a case centered around the gruesome murder of a camping couple. Her personal life begins to improve after a chance encounter that makes her feel like she's finally connected with someone, a fellow tortured soul named Adam.
As more victims are unearthed she discovers she has a personal connection to the case, her commitment to the case grows deeper, but her motives remain opaque to her colleagues. Will she sacrifice her reputation and her morality to explore her darker urges? Or will she uphold the justice system that failed her, and never held space for her.

Review: This book gets you in a chokehold right from the first paragraph and doesn’t let up the whole way through! I couldn’t put it down and devoured it in one sitting.

Its dark and gritty undertones flow throughout the unwinding story and touches on the dark nature of seemingly uncomplex but deep main characters. The writing style allowed effortless reading and I was instantly pulled into a twisted, perverse world, eagerly if even dragged into it somewhat unwilling. I found myself feeling the characters and loved the exploration into their minds and the monster that can be created by actions caused by society’s darkest taboos. I loved the telling from both main characters perspectives, which enabled a deeper understanding of their mind frame and motives.

I was pleasantly surprised to read the authors acknowledgments of inspiration from some of my favourite stories including those by Thomas Harris as these stories came into my head through reading the book and gave me the same gritty, dark, macabre feel.
In conclusion if you loved The Red Dragon and Hannibal or the series You, then you will LOVE this book!

I’m looking forward to future books and can see Stephanie Rose becoming one of my favourite horror/thriller authors.

Available 29 October 2024
Thankyou to @stephanierosewriter @netgalley @ madaxemedia for the early copy of the eArc

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4.25/5 stars! I picked this book up specifically for its dark, edgy cover. There was a lot of internal conflict for Lydia throughout the book. The storyline was built up well and I didn't see the final twist coming, which I appreciate. I love the perspective inside such a dark mind and it kept me engaged in the story. Will be looking for more books by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Hooked from the get! What a Rollercoaster. I wanted to hate the characters but just couldn't. Getting the serial killer's POV made this such a fun read, and it didn't give debut author to me.

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This book was a 5/5 for me and Stephanie has become one of my favourite authors!
The cover is what drew me in at first and the description sold it for me.
I'm a huge fan of criminal minds and it reminded me a lot of it, I really hope Stephanie writes more books like this.
With this type of book it's hard to have a good exciting twist since most have the same plot twists but this one I didn't see coming at all!
It's refreshing to have a book that isn't like a lot of the mainstream popular books and still give me a burning need to know what happens next.

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When the system is broken, the broken create a new system - in the aftermath of horror, horror becomes the comfort, and what happens when you meet someone just like you who took a slightly different path? Who will catch who?

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This was a fun, gory, traumatizing ride. If you don’t like graphic scenes, don’t read this. The author provides an in depth trigger warning at the beginning, and even with that my stomach was like, “hello, it’s me” at some points.

We follow two povs:

Lydia: A crime scene photographer in Oregon. She has a terrible, sad, past and is dealing with it by putting all of her effort into her work. Her demons literally coat every inch of her apartment, and there is a darkness bubbling from deep within.

Adam: Equally horrific past/childhood. Scary. Very scary.

There is a serial killer on the loose in Oregon, and he is targeting -at first- campers in secluded areas. Investigators (and Lydia) are starting to piece together his motives and patterns, yet they can’t seem to precisely figure it out. The bodies are piling up, and so are the photographs.
During an outing, Lydia bumps into Adam at his place of work. They are both smitten instantly, and so begins a whirlwind romance seeped with trauma bonding, pictures, and pocket knives.
I think this should have been longer. I wanted to be in their heads more. I wanted them to connect even more deeply and follow them on this… adventure(lol) together. I wanted more Frank, wanted more insight on the impending investigations, etc. This lil popcorn thriller was like a drug to me, okay? Release a sequel, I beg! I refuse to be satisfied with that ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A quick and dark read with a very intriguing main characters. I read it in one sitting but there was just something amiss that kept me from fully being engaged with the story and the characters.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me an arc.

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This fast paced dark thriller follows the paths of a forensic photographer and a serial killer, whose lives colide in more ways than one.

As someone who loves camping and recently enjoyed some boondocking through the PNW, this book was an especially enjoyable read for me.

While initially unsure about the main character, Lydia, and encountering a few moments that didn't quite hit the mark, I found it easy to immerse myself and become captivated by its storyline.

I highly recommend reading his book but be sure to read the trigger warnings beforehand.

Thank you Mad Axe Media & Stephanie for the opportunity to read this book and give an honest review. Looking forward to seeing what Stephanie writes in the future!

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Man oh man this book!

It’s a Dexter-esque thriller that follows Lydia a forensic photographer. Lydia has a dark past and many secrets that haunt her, but she finds a bit relief when being immersed in her first serial killer case.

It’s best to go into this one blind but know that the writing is great, there are twists and turns and you might just find yourself sympathising with the murder.

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Thank you to Net Galley and Mad Axe Media for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Stephanie Rose's 'Hiding Lies'.

A PNW set, dual POV thriller that gives a strong mix of Caroline Kepnes' 'You' and your favorite crime TV series. Thriller meets dark romance meets horror! I appreciated the insight into the minds of both detective and killer. Lydia and Adam were each scarily charming and had me hooked by the very first few chapters. We really get to know Adam's brain during his chapters, but Lydia left me wishing I knew a bit more of hers! The trigger warning could definitely be appreciated by some due to a handful of scenes which were quite descriptive, without being excessive. I do kindaaaa wish that there would have been a little more to the ending.. not like a happily ever after for anyone or anything, but maybe not such a big dot dot dot. I just want to know what happens next!! Ahhh.

All in all, the story had an exhilarating pace, without missing pieces and was truly a read I anticipated getting back to! A multi-genre as a debut novel?? Incredible! I will definitely be on the lookout for any more books written by Stephanie Rose!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC**

A terrifying horror thriller that is written great. I definitely want to read more from the author. A dual POV between detective and killer. Lydia is a forensic photographer on her first case. Adam is the killer and we really get a look into his mind and backstory. There are descriptive crime scenes with gore. Its a quick read that leaves you wanting more.

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hiding lies✨ | ARC review | @stephanierosewriter

i lost sleep over this book.

it was a dark and spooky read, dual pov, and right away i was noticing a lot of parallels between the two main characters. the storyline kept me hooked, and i was equal parts horrified and intrigued.

unputdownable.

i rate it five stars!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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WOW!!! Went in completely blind with this book and I am shocked. If Dexter and CSI had a love child, it would be this book!!
So interesting to be inside the mind of a morally grey serial killer and wondering if you’re actually mentally okay because you’re agreeing with them!!!??? Insane and equally beautiful. Going to checking out more of Rose’s books after this one!!
Thank you Stephanie Rose for sending me this ARC. This review is voluntary and my own personal opinion.

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This was a quick dark read following Lydia Walker, a forensic photographer who uses her craft to 'deal' with her traumatizing childhood spent in foster care until she crosses paths with a serial killer whom she finds she agrees with more than she should.

This story really sucked me in, I read it in a day! I've always been fascinated with the macabre so getting to follow Lydia around at her job and experience how she investigates the crime scenes was a great time.

I was hoping for a little more character development from Lydia and felt like some of her thoughts were conflicting. Adam was an exciting character, I enjoyed how ruthless he was without making him seem crazy.

This book wasn't similar at all but had me thinking a lot about None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney, so maybe if you liked that one, you'd enjoy this story!

Thanks to NetGalley and Stephanie Rose for the eARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

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One of the best horror books I've ever read!! I don't usually read horror so the fact I read one at all is a feat in itself! Stephanie has a fantastic voice and I imagine her having many successful books in the future! A great debut.

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This was phenomenal — mind-blowing, unique, and enthralling from start to finish. Usually when a story is fast paced, character building takes a hit. That was definitely not the case with this one. We got very unique and deeply flawed and human characters while also keeping the story moving forward at a nice speed that had me binging this book in one sitting. The love story element was a pleasant surprise as well, and it was reminiscent of YOU by Caroline Kepnes in a more entrancing way. Would love to see a sequel or at least more of these characters in the future and I'll be highly recommending this to my following.

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Stephanie Rose hits hard with her debut novel, "Hiding Lies." This psychological thriller takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the twisted mind of a serial killer. From the get-go, it's clear that this book isn't for the faint-hearted. Trigger warnings abound, with graphic scenes that delve into dark territories like child and animal abuse. But while the subject matter might be disturbing, Rose's writing is undeniably clever.

One of the standout features of the book is its use of multiple points of view. We get glimpses into the minds of various characters, including the chilling perspective of the serial killer. It's a bold move that adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to truly understand the motivations behind the heinous acts depicted.

However, it's worth noting that the ending might leave some readers feeling a bit unsatisfied. Personally, I found myself wishing for a different conclusion, though I can't quite put my finger on what that would entail. Despite this minor gripe, "Hiding Lies" kept me hooked from start to finish. It's a testament to Rose's talent that she can grip readers with her first novel.

Overall, "Hiding Lies" is a promising debut from Stephanie Rose. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea due to its dark themes, those who enjoy a gritty, unflinching thriller will find plenty to love here. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating Rose's next book.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you, Stephanie Rose and NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

This was a phenomenal read. I couldn't stop once I started. I absolutely loved the two points of view that we get to explore during the entire book. The details and the passion in this book were very much felt. You can't help but feel a strange connection to the main character and hope for the best. You hope she gets to be with this guy she meets, and just so much happens, it makes me want to scream.

A serial killer that kills those that lie on the outside. He thinks that by doing that, he's making the world a better place for the people he's saving and the world in general. The main character is documenting the kills and learning all she can about him. She feels something for him. What's to happen? Will they meet? Will she eventually show her true colors? Read and find out.

This book is fast-paced and a book well worth the read. It deserved every star I'm giving it. If I could give it more, I certainly would.

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Lydia Walker is a forensic photographer working boring cases over and over again. Then one day she's called to the scene of a grizzly murder in the woods. All around the bodies are photos marked with the word "lies". Lydia is immediately drawn into the case, her love of true crime and the dark side of death shining through her normally quiet personality. When things take a turn in her personal life she becomes deeper involved in this case. Who is Lydia really? Will she face the music of reality or trudge into her dark side.

I loved this book. Not only are there some gruesome scenes, there are also some plays at humanity. We as people all have some dislike for another person. Lydia is no different. I flew through this book. This is a debut novel you'll want to read. I only wish there was more! Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

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Let me start by thanking NetGalley and everyone else for the advanced copy of this book.

Release date: October 2024

I freaking loved this book. A forensic photographer with an interest in the macabre works on a case involving a serial killer and she’s not disturbed, she’s interested. She wants to know how his mind works and why it’s these particular victims. Almost like she doesn’t want to catch him, she wants to study him. This is a multiple pov story from hers and the killers povs. I just devoured it. I’m gonna buy the physical copy as soon as it comes out.

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This uses the horror element perfectly, it had everything that I wanted and enjoyed how everything worked with the story being told. It had that scary concept and thought it was interesting and well done. Stephanie Rose does a great job in writing this and I enjoyed how good the feel was for this book.

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If you are a fan of anything that has to do with TV shows like criminal minds, CSI, or law and order then this book is the book for you. I loved that this book was based off of a serial killer and a forensic photographer, and made it sort of into a romance, but with the thrill and excitement of an episode of what one would expect in a true crime TV show. Seeing how the main characters evolve and then meet and connect with one another, and all of the things that come from it is written so well and keeps you hooked throughout the entire read. Even the end of the book made me want to read more and left me wondering what was going to happen next, and on the edge of my seat like there is no way this can end here, but overall I loved every minute of it!

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WHAT I JUST READ!😱
This book was so twisty and disturbing that kept me on the edge of my seat!

A Forensic Photographer and a serial killer? Say no more.

The shared secrets and childhood traumas, combined with cat and mouse style, kept me hooked since the first chapter.

Is fast paced and I really enjoyed that I got to learn more about the characters, without adding any extra irrelevant events, just the important details to make more disturbing and interesting at the same time.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley, Stephanie Rose, and Mad Axe Media for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Coming out on 10/29/2024

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I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Huge thanks to the author and the publisher for the opportunity to dive into this exhilarating read!

Wow, this book is a rollercoaster! From the very beginning, it grabs you and doesn't let go..

What struck me most was the unconventional approach right from the start. The pacing is relentless, drawing you deeper into the narrative with every turn of the page. The writing style is so polished, it's hard to believe this is a debut novel. And just when you think you've got a handle on things, the story takes a sharp turn around the 60% mark, plunging you into a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase that'll keep you guessing until the very end.

One thing that surprised me was how early the author reveals the serial killer's motives and methods. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that every twist and revelation is meticulously planned. And amidst all the intrigue, there's an unexpected undercurrent of romance that adds yet another layer to the morally ambiguous characters. You'll find yourself simultaneously hating and empathizing with them, a testament to the author's skill in crafting complex personalities.

The character development is masterful. Each individual is painted in shades of gray, from the victims to the perpetrator to the investigators themselves. It's an exploration of the human psyche, making for some emotionally charged and at times difficult reading. But therein lies the brilliance – the line between fiction and reality blurs, forcing you to confront uncomfortable truths about crime and morality.

In a genre saturated with formulaic plots, this book stands out as a breath of fresh air. It's part of a new wave of thrillers that aren't afraid to push boundaries and defy expectations. And mark my words, it's destined to become a cult classic. I, for one, can't wait to see what the author has in store next.

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This book is definitely not one for someone with a weak stomach. Multiple trigger warnings exist for this title such as domestic violence, animal abuse, child abuse, etc. Lydia grows up as a tragic case forced to live through the traumas of the foster care system. After aging out of the system, she channels her “therapy” for her past into her love of photography. She is a forensic photographer who becomes involved in a case that connects all too closely with her dark feelings towards those that have wronged her. She finds herself looking at crimes in a different light than other investigators. As her relationship with a man she meets at a bookstore grows, she learns they have much more in common than one could ever imagine. The story spins itself to a close leaving the reader wishing for a bit more closure and detail. Overall, it was a well built story with believable characters.

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I had high hopes when I picked this book up. I liked the premise and the way it was carried out throughout the whole story. I just could not put it down for anything while reading. I really can't wait for the next one from this author.

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This book was amazing. I was hooked from the first page! Although I knew what was coming, it was still so wild when it happened! I wish the book kept going! I'd love a second book and to know how she photographs the crime scenes nowadays ;) I don't want to give any spoilers out!

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****Thank you to NetGalley and Stephanie Rose for a free ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion****

Is killing always wrong? I was pulled in by the main premise of this short, dark thriller/romance.
I'm giving the story 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). The writing was good and the characters were complex.
Lydia is a forensic photographer with a troubled past. She is brought into a case, and quickly realizes that it is the work of a budding serial killer.
I enjoy Lydia's perspective. I have empathy for her trauma and I love her drive. I also love the fact that she is a horror and true crime addict. Her relationship with detective Frank is very sweet, and I wanted more of that to be showcased.
Adam is the budding serial killer. His backstory was a little confusing to me; and I had trouble understanding his pain and motivation for killing. I guess it just wasn't enough for me to have sympathy for him and his actions (well, most of his actions).
Why did this not get a higher rating from me? I have some issues with the way the story develops. It doesn't completely work for me. I hesitate to say more, because I don't want to give anything away. However, I would say that this deserves to be read and decided on for yourself.
I look forward to reading more from Stephanie Rose.

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📚 Book Review 📚

This is a dark and twisted love story between Lydia, a forensic photographer and Adam, a charmingly sadistic serial killer.

The book is written from both perspectives of the main characters and it’s pacy, intriguing and deathly enthralling.

There are some pretty horrific descriptions and emotive scenes but as a horror, and a thriller with a hint of twisted romance, it is a great read. I really enjoyed it, it is well written and the author has definitely done her homework. I am very much looking forward to reading her next book, although I won’t be going camping any time soon!🏕️

I’d like to thank Mad Axe Media, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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A thrilling horror novel from a debut author, this book was fast-paced and exciting from cover to cover. This was an exploration of what unresolved trauma can do to a person, what it can cause them to do, who it can shape them into.

Lydia and Adam were the perfect cat and mouse duo as a forensic photographer and a serial killer, and the story has you both rooting for each of them and fearing that the worst might happen.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, I just with there had been MORE. Sometimes it felt rushed, like conclusions were drawn or decisions were made a bit more hastily than they should've been. I would have liked to have seen a bit more time taken with character development and the evolution of their relationship. That being said, I would highly recommend this book and if a sequel were to come, I would pick it up immediately, because the ending felt slightly abrupt and there just wasn't enough, it definitely left me wanting more!

I'll be keeping an eye on Stephanie Rose and crossing my fingers for more of her work!

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This was a great read. Very intense. Reminds me of a law and order episode. If you like that show this is a great read for you.

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This was a real page-turner. Very compelling thought and very dark in a good way. This kept me guessing and very engaged. Great read.

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My first pre release review, and I loved this book!
The first 30~ pages nearly had me put it down, but it's worth pushing through for the rest of the book, it was so entertaining and I really enjoyed it.
It's a bit slow going at first, then the rest of the book is fairly fast paced and exciting, the plot is well written and almost funny, and I liked the characters, they felt like actual people.

I will be recommending this book, it had me guessing what would happen next right up to the end.

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The book is a dual narrators psychological thriller horror. The author is a debut author and I was immediately charmed by her writing style. I loved the serial killer’s point of view and the fact that she did a lot of research on actual serial killers in order to create the character of Adam. The pages turned, the darkness deepened, and I literally had to hold my breath. Highly recommend this book for your book club and thrillers/horror fans!

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Lydia, a forensic photographer, is living life through her photographs. Until she is called to come to the most gruesome case of her career and then meets someone worth while, Adam. As the case starts to unfold, her personal life and work become intertwined. Lydia must decide if she will follow her heart or her morales.

Hiding lies is a book in its own league. It gave me the creepy vibes that I wanted from it. Really enjoyed the writing style and story, thought just slightly predictable. I’d recommend this to anyone who likes a dark crime mystery!

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TW: Contains detailed descriptions of torture, murder, sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse, child death, and mentions of animal abuse.
Stephanie Rose's chilling new thriller, "Hiding Lies", offers a gripping narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As mentioned by other reviewers, it blends the suspense of Caroline Kepnes' "You" with the intensity of an episode of "Criminal Minds."
Dual perspectives provide depth to the characters of Lydia, a complex forensic photographer, and Adam, a terrifying yet strangely charismatic serial killer.
While it was a short read, the author did a good job of pacing the story and allowing the characters to develop naturally.
I really enjoyed this book and eagerly anticipate future works from this talented author.
This review is voluntary and my own personal opinion.
Thank you, NetGalley, Stephanie Rose, and Mad Axe Media for the eARC.

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Ok so I really really enjoyed this. There is a serial killer/love story-esque feel to it. The writing was very good and descriptive. If you are squeamish I would definitely refrain from this one, as there are several moments in the book that could be considered disturbing to some readers. I loved the forensic aspect of the book through Lydia, as well as the POV of the killer through Adam. I loved this book, it’s very fast paced and easy to dive into! Overall, a solid 4.5 for me! Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

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This book had me addicted from the start! It was so intense that I could not wait to see the twist. Authot knows how to deliver the breath taking, draw dropping twist that we all know and love and never expect the ending. I believe this book is her best one yet but I say that everytime I read one of her books. Thank you for allowing me to read your book in advance.

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I have a hard time with alternating POV stories, but this one worked really well.

I initially thought this was going to be a generic thriller but was much more psychological horror, with a sprinkle of slasher. Some scenes were particularly gruesome. Oh, and it’s also a romance but, creepily, it works.

While it was easy to see where the story was going, I stilled enjoyed the ride.

I think many people who are fans of true crime will love it for the psychological aspect, and the extreme horror freaks (me) will love it for the blood.

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Hiding Lies is a brilliant, beautifully crafted psychological thriller read, that you will be incapable of putting down. Told from the POV of two very dark and haunted minds, this book captured my attention from the very first line to the very last.

The author gives readers a detailed look into the background of our MCs, allowing readers to have a better understanding of the complexity of their minds and lives, along with the inner mental and emotional turmoil they face each day, being haunted by their past.
This book was fast paced and never held a dull moment. I really liked how the author always made sure that there was something happening on these pages. I am firm believer that books under 300 pages, should have suspense all throughout- this book delivered in that regard.

Another thing I really appreciated was how the author didn't make things overly gruesome or gory. As a reader I was able to read and digest everything without feeling overwhelmed. There was no reliance on shock value to carry the story and really made it even more enjoyable for me.
I really liked both these MCs in this book and thoroughly enjoyed both their POVs; even the romance was a welcome surprise and didn't distract from the plot.
Overall, this was a really enthralling read and I would probably re-read again in the future.

4.75 rounded up for Goodreads!

Thank you to Netgalley, Mad Axe Media and Stephanie Rose for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: October 29th, 2024.

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This was a great read! Full of unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put this one down. Highly recommend!

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This was a gripping read, I thought the characters were intriguing and I'm going to keep an eye out for more from this author.

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I don't really read horror but this was really creepy and gripping! I'm glad I read it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

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Are you looking for a thrilling novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than this upcoming release!

The story follows a forensic photographer who is pulled onto a massive case, which could be a huge win for her career. As more and more buzz surrounds the case, she realizes that she might be dealing with a serial criminal. Her unique point of view and participation become crucial to her team, as they work tirelessly to uncover the truth.

But this isn't just any crime novel. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with personal struggles and traumas that add depth to the story. The protagonist must balance her family's past, her trauma, her love interests, and her career, all while trying to solve the case.

As the plot unfolds, the tension and suspense build to a crescendo. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next, there's another unexpected twist. The ending will leave you breathless and wanting more.

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