TELL ME NO LIES

Estranged sisters uncover the mystery behind a star football player’s disappearance.

Analytical Nora and social butterfly Sophie alternate narrating chapters—with Nora giving a “confession” regarding the events leading to the disappearance of Sophie’s boyfriend, Garrett, a rich, popular football player; and Sophie investigating what happened after he was gone. It all started when Garrett cheated by copying one of Nora’s essays—and his word was given equal credibility to Nora’s due to his social status (the narrator sisters are fully cognizant of the various privileges they have). Nora is at first determined to protect her Ivy League ambitions by finding definitive proof of his cheating, but instead she finds a mystery that is much bigger and more dangerous. The manipulated timeline—alternating the discoveries made before and after Garrett’s disappearance to paint a cohesive picture—is expertly paced and managed, balancing plot tensions with each sister’s emotional arc. Though the romantic relationships are rife with attraction and suspicion, female friendships are presented positively as a source of strength: The most important relationship is that of the sisters despite their mostly having separate scenes. Aside from the complexity of the sisters’ relationship, their distinct personalities make them entertaining foils. Refreshingly, each sibling’s strengths are presented as equally important. The exciting climax is satisfying, answering readers’ questions. Main characters are White; diversity is plentiful among secondary characters.

A twisty, impeccable mystery with dynamite heroes.