I had the pleasure of buddy reading 🎧︎The Good Lie with Brandee ((un)Conventional Bookworms). We both had a great time with this book, which kept us both on the edge of our seats. Sit back, relax and read what we both thought of this suspenseful story.Â
N.B: I listened to it on audio while Brandee read the ebook.
Six teens murdered. A suspect behind bars. A desperate father. In a case this shadowy, the truth is easy to hide. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: The Good Lie
Author(s): A.R. Torre
Narrator(s): Susan Dalian
Published by Brilliance Audio on July 20, 2021
Pages: 257
Length: 8 hours 6 mins
Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
Source: Kindle Unlimited, Netgalley
Format: Audiobook, eBook 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating: 
Psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Moore is an expert on killers. She’s spent a decade treating California’s most depraved predators and unlocking their motives—predators much like the notorious Bloody Heart serial killer, whose latest teenage victim escaped and then identified local high school teacher Randall Thompson as his captor. The case against Thompson as the Bloody Heart Killer is damning—and closed, as far as Gwen and the media are concerned. If not for one new development…
Defense attorney Robert Kavin is a still-traumatized father whose own son fell prey to the BH Killer. Convinced of Thompson’s innocence, he steps in to represent him. Now Robert wants Gwen to interview the accused, create a psych profile of the killer and his victims, and help clear his client’s name.
As Gwen and Robert grow closer and she dives deeper into the investigation, grave questions arise. So does Gwen’s suspicion that Robert is hiding something—and that he might not be the only one with a secret.
Brandee: I’m so happy we buddy read this! I love suspense and don’t read near enough of it. The Good Lie had me on the edge of my seat, not wanting to put it down. I’ll definitely read more from AR Torre.
Yes! Me too. I read a book written by the author before (Every Last Secret) and loved so I was looking forward to reading The Good Lie. I went into expecting an exciting story and it did not disappoint. A definite page turner.
Brandee: There were so many loose threads dangling for most of the story. Torre did a great job of leaving clues here and there so that I had no idea how things were going to weave together, but I was DYING to know! What were your thoughts about the story as a whole?
I figured there was a connection with the loose threads and I was curious to see how they would all come together. I must say, Torre did a superb job of tying these loose threads together. She did it so seamlessly, twists and all.
Brandee: I liked how Torre pitted Gwen and Robert against one another, despite the romantic attraction between them. A chance meeting, chemistry, commonalities in their careers, misapprehensions, working together… it all combined so well and kept me guessing. How did you feel about Gwen and Robert?
Interesting how a chance meeting played out perfectly for Robert’s plans. When he learned Gwen’s true identity, he saw the perfect opportunity to put his plan into motion. He never expected to develop an intense attraction towards her. I liked Gwen. For a psychiatrist, she was down to earth. I liked how she didn’t shy away from admitting her mistakes. It took me sometime to warm up to Robert. That had mostly to do with the fact I didn’t trust his motives at first. However, the more I interacted with him, the more relatable he became.
Brandee: Without spoiling anything, the clues about the serial killer, the behaviour of the last victim, and the person arrested for the murders were all laid out deftly. I was truly shocked at the reveal! I felt so badly for Scott (the victim) for all he’d experienced and continued to experience. And the suspect arrested was absolutely creepy. I felt that justice was meted out appropriately even if I was on the fence over how some things were done. Were you as shocked as I was at the reveal? How did you feel about poor Scott? And were you happy with the ending?
I was flabbergasted by it all. From the identity of the villain to Gwen’s unwitting role and Robert’s actions. I too felt badly for Scott, poor guy. Thank goodness for his mom. Don’t get me started on the suspect. He creeped me out too. It was interesting to see how his actions set everything into motion. It pleased me to see the villain receiving their just desserts, but like you I am on the fence regarding how aftermath was handled.
Overall, I had a good time with 🎧︎The Good Lie. A cleverly written tale that is guaranteed to keep reading into the wee hours.
Narration
Susan Dalian narrated 🎧︎The Good Lie and she did a good job in bringing the characters to life. She provided clear distinctions between all the characters. Her voice and tone made for a pleasant listen. This was my first time listening to Dalian and I wouldn’t hesitate to listen to her again.
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About A.R. Torre
A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written twenty-three novels, including multiple New York Times bestsellers. Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, was a breakout hit, rising to the top of the ebook charts on Amazon where it attracted the interest of major publishing houses and garnered Torre her first print deal with Harlequin HQN. Less than twelve months later, Torre signed a second six-figure print deal, this time with Redhook (Hachette) for the Deanna Madden series, an erotic suspense trilogy. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, as well as guest-blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com. In 2017, her New York Times bestseller HOLLYWOOD DIRT, was released as a full-length film by PassionFlix. Torre’s novels have been translated in eighteen languages and are distributed in over thirty countries. Torre is the creator of Alessandra Torre Ink – an authors community and online school with over 20,000 members. She is also the founder of INKERS CON, an annual authors conference. A self-publishing advocate, Alessandra speaks frequently to universities, conventions and author groups. In 2019, Alessandra co-founded Authors A.I. – a company that uses artificial intelligence to help authors with their development and editing process. In November of 2020, Authors A.I. launched BingeBooks, an online community that helps readers discover their next great novel. From her home in Key West, Florida, she devotes several hours each day to various writing projects and interacting with her fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. When not battling her husband at Scrabble, she chases her pet chickens, three dogs, and shoos away iguanas.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Fantastic review ladies. This sounds like something I would enjoy. I love when it keeps you guessing and the threads come together seamlessly.
Thanks Kim. I know you would enjoy this one for sure.
Excellent review! Another book I’d like to read.
Thanks. I am sure you would enjoy it.
I love your interview style review! So glad you both enjoyed this. I’ll have to check it out.
It was a good one. Hope you get the chance to read it.
I recently buddy read for the first time with my blogger pal Joselyn and it was fun. Good job!
Oh loved the buddy read thoughts Well done! And I love suspense too
I’m glad to hear you liked it, it does sound like a good book.
Looks like you have a great buddy read.
Sounds like an exciting story and fun that you two got to enjoy it together!
Yes it was exciting.
Same as Kimberly, I just love when a book keeps you guessing!
I’m truly glad you and Brandee had such a great time with this buddy read 🙂
A story that keeps you guessing is one of the best.
Ha! I didn’t realize you listened to it, Nadene! I’m glad it was a good listen. 🙂 I hope we get to buddy read again soon.
Brandee, I am l forward to it.
This is an author that I have wanted to read for a while. It sounds like you both enjoyed this one quite a bit.
Yes we did. I would be looking to read more of her books.