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bavinaya's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
the ending was a little rushed
womanon's review against another edition
4.0
This book had a slow start, and I struggled a little to get into it. But gradually, I started to enjoy it more and more until I couldn't stop reading, and just needed to know what happened next. I must admit I didn't see most of the twists and turns coming, which made for a really enjoyable read.
I really loved the characters in this book, especially how they developed and changed throughout the whole of the book. It made it that much stronger to me personally.
The ending was a little abrupt to me, but it was quite okay in the end.
I can highly recommend it!
I really loved the characters in this book, especially how they developed and changed throughout the whole of the book. It made it that much stronger to me personally.
The ending was a little abrupt to me, but it was quite okay in the end.
I can highly recommend it!
melreads11's review against another edition
3.0
Good and easy read, however the last chapter was very rushed. That could of been extended. It’s like the author had a deadline so just jumped.
natalier3's review against another edition
1.0
I couldn't get into this. I hated Isobel, even though I imagine she sounds like many stroppy teenagers!
I didn't feel engaged or that I cared about Anna or her plight. I wanted to be hooked in but just wasn't. Sorry!
I didn't feel engaged or that I cared about Anna or her plight. I wanted to be hooked in but just wasn't. Sorry!
sarahreadsinin's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic mystery! Anna is temporarily suspended from her job as a school nurse after being accused of hitting a child. As the investigation unfolds, secrets from several families are exposed. I loved the characters, the setting, and trying to figure out what really happened.
stephbookshine's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Hodder & Stoughton. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
A Lie For A Lie is a she said/she said psychological thriller, in which the word of a troubled teen goes up against that of a respected school nurse and family-woman. You’d think that would be an easy one to call, but when the accuser turns up dead under suspicious circumstances it stirs up secrets old and new, and one lie seems to lead inevitably to another until the truth seems impossible to find.
Anna is a tricky main character from the start. Her genuine shock and distress at Tori’s accusations seem to make the plot hook a non-starter, but then Tori’s death shifts the mystery from the abuse allegation to a murder investigation and everything is thrown into question. Is Anna’s home life and her professional career really as squeaky clean as she presents? If she’s such a wonderful, caring person, then why are the parents so quick to turn on her?
Because turn on her they do! One of the most terrifyingly plausible aspects of this thriller was the insight into how quickly the mob could form (online and at the school gates), isolate their prey, and begin circling with their gleeful speculation which rapidly morphs into death threats. We see this happen to celebrities online regularly, but Julie Corbin shows us how one accusation, one misstep, could cause the wolves to turn their wrath to a more ‘ordinary’ target.
There are other dark subjects here, obviously – it is a crime thriller! The story explores alcoholism, broken families, domestic abuse, bullying and self-harm, in addition to the main plot thread of alleged child assault and suspected murder. All of the issues raised are explored thoughtfully and sensitively, and with what feels like a real understanding of the effects on a child, a parent, a family, a community.
I found myself immersed in Anna’s nightmare as I read, completely gripped by the mysteries raised, but also by the speed with which her perfect world disintegrates around her, leaving her (and me) reeling. Seeded throughout Anna’s narrative are snippets and flashbacks of Tori’s viewpoint, giving the reader insight and information that the main character does not have access to, which helps ratchet the tension up a couple of notches higher.
After quite a slow, suspenseful story, I did find the big reveal a little bit abrupt and farfetched, but the action carried me through and when I diligently skimmed back to check for clues (everyone does this for mysteries, right?!) I was kicking myself at the hints I had missed as to what was really going on!
Anyone who likes a well-crafted, slow-burning psychological thriller – packed full of lies and secrets – will enjoy this exploration of how well we can ever really know anyone.
Owen sits back in his seat and gives an audible sigh. ‘Anna, there’s no easy way to say this.’ He clears his throat, clearly reluctant to voice the words. ‘Victoria has accused you of assault.’
– Julie Corbin, A Lie For A Lie
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/10/15/blog-tour-a-lie-for-a-lie-julie-corbin/
A Lie For A Lie is a she said/she said psychological thriller, in which the word of a troubled teen goes up against that of a respected school nurse and family-woman. You’d think that would be an easy one to call, but when the accuser turns up dead under suspicious circumstances it stirs up secrets old and new, and one lie seems to lead inevitably to another until the truth seems impossible to find.
Anna is a tricky main character from the start. Her genuine shock and distress at Tori’s accusations seem to make the plot hook a non-starter, but then Tori’s death shifts the mystery from the abuse allegation to a murder investigation and everything is thrown into question. Is Anna’s home life and her professional career really as squeaky clean as she presents? If she’s such a wonderful, caring person, then why are the parents so quick to turn on her?
Because turn on her they do! One of the most terrifyingly plausible aspects of this thriller was the insight into how quickly the mob could form (online and at the school gates), isolate their prey, and begin circling with their gleeful speculation which rapidly morphs into death threats. We see this happen to celebrities online regularly, but Julie Corbin shows us how one accusation, one misstep, could cause the wolves to turn their wrath to a more ‘ordinary’ target.
There are other dark subjects here, obviously – it is a crime thriller! The story explores alcoholism, broken families, domestic abuse, bullying and self-harm, in addition to the main plot thread of alleged child assault and suspected murder. All of the issues raised are explored thoughtfully and sensitively, and with what feels like a real understanding of the effects on a child, a parent, a family, a community.
I found myself immersed in Anna’s nightmare as I read, completely gripped by the mysteries raised, but also by the speed with which her perfect world disintegrates around her, leaving her (and me) reeling. Seeded throughout Anna’s narrative are snippets and flashbacks of Tori’s viewpoint, giving the reader insight and information that the main character does not have access to, which helps ratchet the tension up a couple of notches higher.
After quite a slow, suspenseful story, I did find the big reveal a little bit abrupt and farfetched, but the action carried me through and when I diligently skimmed back to check for clues (everyone does this for mysteries, right?!) I was kicking myself at the hints I had missed as to what was really going on!
Anyone who likes a well-crafted, slow-burning psychological thriller – packed full of lies and secrets – will enjoy this exploration of how well we can ever really know anyone.
Owen sits back in his seat and gives an audible sigh. ‘Anna, there’s no easy way to say this.’ He clears his throat, clearly reluctant to voice the words. ‘Victoria has accused you of assault.’
– Julie Corbin, A Lie For A Lie
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/10/15/blog-tour-a-lie-for-a-lie-julie-corbin/
ellieellieellieellie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
isabellaaking's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
liverpoolbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
The first book I've read by Julie Corbin, but it definitely won't be the last.
The characters were well written, the plot was engaging and the twists constantly surprised me.
Definitely recommended!
With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
The characters were well written, the plot was engaging and the twists constantly surprised me.
Definitely recommended!
With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
evebryony's review against another edition
4.0
The first book I've read by Julie Corbin, but it definitely won't be the last.
The characters were well written, the plot was engaging and the twists constantly surprised me.
Definitely recommended!
With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
The characters were well written, the plot was engaging and the twists constantly surprised me.
Definitely recommended!
With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.