Reviews

Nine Liars by Maureen Johnson

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tjeoconnor's review against another edition

5.0

I could hardly put this book down, I was so eager to see if I could solve the mystery. And like a good onion, there were so many layers of deceptions, betrayals, and secrets. Despite the title there are far more than nine liars. Everyone is so caught up in their own anxieties in this book, and everyone lies to their friends in an attempt to pretend everything is normal and fine and good. There are tiny little mysteries everywhere, from what Nate is up to on his computer all the time to the nature of David and Izzy's friendship to how college will change Janelle and Vi's relationship.

I felt so many things in this book. The characters were all real, and I felt their anxieties, I was disappointed by their poor choices, I was angry and horrified and touched by various moments. Most of them acted exactly how you might expect them to; not as flawless characters who never make mistakes, but as humans who make many.

Throughout the story there are enough breadcrumbs scattered that you might be able to start to piece together the answer before it's given. I was able to put a few pieces together, even if some were in the wrong places. It all led up to a very satisfying ending, one that had just enough surprise to it without coming out of nowhere. I guessed at what had happened, but it ended up being so much more than I ever imagined.

And still, while the mystery at the heart of it all is solved, there are so many little threads stretching towards the next book. I only hope it comes soon.

spunglass's review against another edition

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4.0

A huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for 'Nine Liars' by Maureen Johnson.

My students this year LOVE mystery novels. I brought my copy of 'Truly Devious' at the beginning of the school year for them to read, and everyone that read it love it, as well as the following books in the series. When I told them there was another book coming out in December, I had so many questions of "what is it about?!"

My only real complaint (in my opinion) was how much focus was on Stevie's struggles and insecurities in her relationship with David, and their lack of communication.

But I can finally tell my students that they won't be disappointed with the mystery that Johnson has unfolded for us. It did develop very slowly, and I had a love/hate relationship with over it not being obvious - it was a little frustrating that some clues were only given with the final reveal.. but, overall a lovely mystery.

4/5