Tell Them You Lied

The premise is fascinating. What if on 911 someone used the disaster in NYC to disappear or play a prank? I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but I was riveted to this book.The descriptions and inner thoughts the characters had, made me recall those times. The uncertainty and angst of those in the city must have been debilitatingly crushing. Far from that city I was shocked and in awe. LAura brought the smells, the air, the chaos surrounding those few days after into focus… so clear it was like a tape playing in my mind.I also loved the theme of the art world scene. As the author described a piece of art I could almost see it. There were so many names I was unfamiliar with. But I loved visiting MOMA and galleries in NYC when I visited. This gave a peek into the people behind the brushes or the cameras.

Dark, twisty, kept me guessing to the end! It’s an interesting study on toxic friendships dialed up to 10. I also found art academia really interesting world to learn about! Also want to mention in case there is anyone else like me out there - there is a lot that will shock you in this book but there is very little gore which is my preference in suspense books.

Such a great read! I loved this twisty thriller about art, ambition, and power. The characters felt so complex. I didn't want to put it down, and am still thinking about the story. Can't wait to read more of her books!

You know that expression, with friends like these, who needs enemies? These women are horrid! Talk about toxic. Guess what? I couldn’t get enough!Anna and Willow become friends in art school but what begins as bringing out the best in each other soon dissolves into a fierce competition. Willow has a penchant for pranks while Anna is more subdued. When Anna decides she’s had enough and pulls her own prank, it coincides with 9/11 and Willow disappears, leaving Anna to wonder exactly what happened.Laura Leffler excels at vivid imagery and atmosphere, while at the same time ever so slightly increasing pace, tension and foreboding. Switching between the past in art school, to the present of 9/11, each timeline felt immersive. I love, love, LOVED all the details about art, while the women were in school, and later in the New York art scene. I appreciated the specifics of different mediums, styles, and what each artist was trying to convey with their creations. 9/11 is handled with care and authenticity. It’s clear to me Leffler loves New York City, which is a character in itself.The antics these two women got involved in...frankly, I didn’t like either of them, but felt a bit more empathy towards Anna. The worst part, or maybe the BEST part, is that their incredibly TOXIC behavior and relationship is utterly realistic and believable.TELL THEM YOU LIED is both a juicy game of cat and mouse one-upmanship and crackling commentary on the treatment of women in the art world. If you enjoy escalating suspense, unhinged hijinks, and artistic expression, snatch this up NOW! If this is Leffler’s debut, I can’t WAIT to see what she comes up with next!

What a great read - two distinct perspectives and voices, consistently executed and rapidly addictive. Now have a few days worth of errands to catch up on because once I started reading this book, I wanted to do nothing else but get to the next twist in the multi-linear plot. And there's a message, for those who want substance and self-reflection in their page-turners.