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Everyone here has killed someone. There is no way off this island. You will all either kill or be killed here. One of these statements is a lie. But which one? Amira's less than thrilled to be spending the weekend with her husband's university friends. Two of them are hosting a joint fortieth on a private Scottish island, with vintage champagne, expensive gifts, and soaks in the wood-fired hot tub. Despite the luxury, Amira knows she's going to feel left out, not to mention freezing cold and cut off. When they decide to play 'two truths and a lie', anonymously posting three statements about themselves into a box, years of resentment start bubbling to the surface. And then an extra slip of paper emerges, scrawled with three chilling threats. Who wrote it? And are two of the statements really true--have they all been responsible for someone's death? With no phone reception and no way off the island, the group are trapped here until the end of the weekend. And as tension rises and secrets are spilled, they can't shake the feeling that they're not the only ones here. Is someone watching them? Someone who wants them dead? Or is it one of them who has murder in mind?
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I just finished Truth Truth Lie by Claire McGowen on audio - Narrator Clare Corbett and here are my thoughts.
When a group of friends get together for a birthday, they do it in style. Booking an expensive private island off the coast of Scotland, champagne, a famous chef to cook the birthday girl a meal... Luxury in spades.
When the night turns to games, they decide to play two truths and a lie... When one of the pieces of paper comes out with one heck of a statement, the whole group starts turning on each other. Who wrote it? Why are they threatening the group? How do they know they have all been responsible for someone's death?
When the radio disappears and people start turning up dead, they have to decide whether they can trust the people they are with or whether someone else is on the island with them.
The narrator was absolutely fantastic on the audio. It takes the right voice to bring the menacing undertones and just the right hint of despair to a thriller.
If you like books where no one is likable... This is the book for you. I usually have real problems with that, I need someone to root for and connect with but I was so invested in watching all these people fall apart that I didn't need to like anyone. I was happy to watch the insanity unfold.
The concept of friends turning on each other isn't a new one but oh man, the level of backstabbing in this book made me rub my hands together. It was so carefully crafted and each thread was weaved into the next with expert skill.
The ending was the only bit of a downer, I would have liked more carnage but I was very entertained so I can overlook that. I am a big thriller reader so I have pretty much seen it all but this book had just the right level of creepy and the pace was perfect.
4 stars
Thank you to @netgalley and @brillancepublishing for my gifted copy
“Truth Truth Lie” is a masterclass in suspense, a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last. With a finely tuned narrative and richly developed characters, McGowan delves into the dark and twisted corridors of human psychology, crafting a story that is both unsettling and utterly compelling.
The plot centers around a complex web of secrets and lies, expertly interwoven to keep readers guessing at every turn. McGowan's storytelling prowess shines as she deftly balances multiple perspectives, each one adding a new layer of intrigue and depth. The pacing is relentless, driving the narrative forward with an urgency that makes the book impossible to put down.
The protagonist is a standout, a deeply flawed yet relatable character whose journey into the heart of darkness is as fascinating as it is harrowing. McGowan's ability to create empathy for her characters, even as their actions become increasingly questionable, is a testament to her skill as a writer. The moral ambiguities and psychological complexities are handled with finesse, adding a layer of sophistication that elevates the book above typical genre fare.
“Truth Truth Lie” is more than just a thriller; it's a profound exploration of trust, betrayal, and the elusive nature of truth. McGowan's writing is sharp and evocative, her prose infused with a tension that lingers long after the final page is turned. This book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who appreciates a story that challenges perceptions and keeps you guessing until the very end.
In “Truth Truth Lie,” Claire McGowan has crafted a modern masterpiece, a five-star triumph that will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating her next work.