A Book A Week

I've always believed that a good author can write any story and make it worth reading. In recent years, numerous YA authors have proved that point by successfully transitioning into writing adult thrillers. The likes of Rachel Hawkins, Kate Alice Marshall, Kiersten White, and Ashley Elston have achieved notable success in this shift. Having appreciated the works of these authors, I eagerly accepted the publisher-provided audio version of Amy Tinera's latest book. With Listen for the Lie, she endeavors to join the ranks of fellow YA authors who have made a mark in the thriller genre for adults.

Lucy and Savvy were inseparable in the close-knit Texas town they called home. The epitome of "it girls," they were admired for their beauty and intelligence, the envy of their peers. After high school, Lucy entered a seemingly perfect life, marrying her dream man and residing in a grand house with a sizable engagement ring to match. On the other hand, Savvy embraced a more carefree existence, befriending everyone in town, including, according to rumors, many of the men. Their unbreakable friendship took a tragic turn when Savvy was brutally murdered, and Lucy was discovered wandering the streets, drenched in her best friend's blood. Without any recollection of the night's events, Lucy grappled with the haunting question of whether she was genuinely responsible for Savvy's death. With the entire town convinced of her guilt, the truth didn't even matter. 

Years have passed since that tragic night, and Lucy remains haunted by the blank spaces in her memory. All she knows is that she lost her best friend, and the town she once called home turned against her. Her seemingly perfect life has crumbled, and her husband is no longer in the picture. These days, she resides in Los Angeles, finding success as a romance novelist under a pseudonym. Given the shadow of being an accused murderer, writing under her real name is simply out of the question. Lucy's past comes rushing back when Ben Owens, the creator of a popular true crime podcast, dedicates his second season to solving Savvy's murder. Despite the risks, Lucy agrees to return to the small Texas town to participate in Ben's investigation. Driven by a desperate need to uncover the truth about Savvy's death, even if it means facing her own potential guilt, Lucy takes on the challenge.

Using a podcast format to unravel the threads of a murder mystery has become a prevalent device in modern crime fiction. When executed successfully, it leaves a lasting impact, and Amy Tintera employs this technique to its fullest potential in this instance. She skillfully shifts between flashbacks, present-day interactions, and podcast episodes, intricately weaving a narrative of suspenseful intrigue. The audiobook version of Listen for the Lie, narrated by January LaVoy and Will Darmon, vividly brings the main characters, Lucy and Ben, to life. Grappling with the allegations against her, Lucy emerges as an unreliable narrator, easy to sympathize with yet prompting constant questioning. The standout character, however, is Lucy's grandmother—a scene-stealing, unfiltered Southern belle who adds authentic charm and levity to the murder investigation. The book unfolds as a classic whodunit, enriched by a diverse cast of characters that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With Listen for the Lie, Amy Tintera again demonstrates that a skilled author can adeptly navigate various genres. I, for one, am eager to see what she comes up with next.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 20)