This Lie Will Kill You

A year after a tragic party incident, five teens receive mysterious invitations to compete for a $50,000 scholarship at a murder mystery dinner event. They arrive at a secluded mansion to find themselves trapped in what becomes a dangerous game of truth and consequences. Each participant harbors dark secrets about what really happened that fateful night, when a classmate died under suspicious circumstances. As the evening progresses, it becomes clear this is no ordinary competition - someone knows what they did and wants revenge. The story shifts between past and present timelines, gradually revealing the complex web of relationships, lies, and betrayals that led to tragedy. The isolated mansion setting and psychological manipulation create mounting tension as the teens realize they must confront their guilt to survive the night. This young adult thriller explores themes of accountability, group dynamics, and the destructive power of secrets. Through its ensemble cast, the novel examines how a single devastating choice can irrevocably alter multiple lives.

Readers describe this YA thriller as predictable and derivative of other teen murder mystery books and movies. Many note similarities to "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and "One of Us is Lying." Positives: - Fast-paced plot keeps pages turning - LGBTQ+ representation - Atmospheric setting and party scenes - Multiple character perspectives add intrigue Common criticisms: - Characters lack depth and development - Plot twists feel obvious - Writing style described as "choppy" and "amateur" - Unrealistic dialogue and character decisions Many readers report figuring out the killer's identity early on. Several reviews mention the romance subplot feels forced and detracts from the main mystery. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (240+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 3.4/5 (50+ ratings) "The concept had potential but the execution fell flat," notes one top Goodreads review. Another states: "Character motivations made no sense and the ending was rushed."

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus Five high school students enter detention, and when one dies under mysterious circumstances, the survivors become suspects in a murder investigation.

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus A girl moves to a small town where her aunt went missing as a teen and becomes entangled in uncovering the truth behind a series of murders tied to the town's sinister homecoming tradition.

The Truth About Keeping Secrets by Savannah Brown The daughter of a therapist investigates her father's suspicious car accident while receiving anonymous threatening messages suggesting his death wasn't accidental.

All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban Six students win a scholarship dinner but find themselves locked in a room with a syringe, a bomb, and an ultimatum to choose someone to die within the hour.

They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman A student at an elite prep school investigates the murder of her best friend after receiving evidence that the wrong person was convicted of the crime.

★ Though marketed as a standalone thriller, the book shares similar themes with classic "locked room" mysteries like Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," where characters are trapped together as danger unfolds. ★ Author Chelsea Pitcher drew inspiration from popular murder mystery party games, giving the novel's central event—a scholarship competition disguised as a murder mystery dinner—an authentic feel. ★ The book's title underwent several changes during development, with "This Lie Will Kill You" being chosen to reflect both the deadly consequences of deception and the murder mystery game format. ★ Each character's perspective in the novel is written in third person present tense, creating an immediate, cinematic quality that heightens the tension as events unfold in real-time. ★ The story takes place over just one night, similar to other YA thrillers like "One of Us Is Lying" and "Ten," creating a pressure-cooker atmosphere where secrets and revelations emerge at a rapid pace.