Review: Listen for the Lie
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping tale that explores the murky waters of memory, guilt, and the quest for truth engulfed me in Listen for the Lie, by Amy Tintera.
The narrative centres on Lucy Chase, whose apparently flawless life collapses the evening her best friend, Savvy, is murdered— a night Lucy can't recall. Lucy, who is found wandering the streets covered in Savvy's blood, goes from being a golden girl to a potential suspect in this little Texas town where everyone knows everyone.
Years later, Lucy has rebuilt a shaky life in Los Angeles, only to have her past brought back into focus when a phenomenally popular true-crime podcast, Listen for the Lie, revisits Savvy's unsolved murder.
Tintera writes with sharpness, dramatic intensity, and exactly the correct dosage of dark humour. Lucy's dry wit and stinging sarcasm, particularly in her conversations with her sharp-tongued grandmother, inject comedy into an otherwise heavy narrative. These humorous moments not only provide a pleasant counterpoint but also help Lucy feel more like someone who is trapped between trauma and resiliency.
Each member of the supporting cast has unique secrets and motives that entwine with Lucy's quest for the truth. The author examines issues of perception, dishonesty, and the hazy boundaries between truth and lies as the layers of the mystery reveal themselves.
When compared to other psychological thrillers, such as Lisa Jewell's None of This Is True, Listen for the Lie stands out. Even though both works skilfully use podcasts to uncover their stories, Tintera's protagonist shines due to her combination of vulnerability and humour, providing a refreshing alternative to the standard brooding thriller heroine.
Ultimately, Listen for the Lie is an interesting and well written thriller that kept me curious until the end and offers little flashes of humour and compassion. It's ideal for fans of psychological thrillers with a contemporary touch. If you're searching for a page-turner that delves into the murky waters of memory and truth, this is a must-read.
Content Warnings
Graphic - Domestic abuse, Murder, Violence
Moderate - Alcoholism, Infidelity, Sexual content
Minor - Sexual assault, Vomit, Sexual violence
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