Never Lie by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller about newlyweds Tricia and Ethan, who get trapped in a remote mansion during a snowstorm. While stranded, Tricia discovers a secret room containing audio transcripts from the previous owner, a psychiatrist who vanished years ago. As she listens to the tapes, she uncovers the terrifying truth about the psychiatrist’s disappearance, while simultaneously uncovering disturbing secrets about her own husband, Ethan.
I read Never Lie a few months ago, and it was my first book by Freida McFadden, and oh boy! The plot twist at the end! I finished this book within a day. I believe it wasn’t even eight hours; it was that engaging. The setting was eerie and gave a horror vibe, and the whole story was so captivating.
What I liked about the book –
- The setting was eerie, and the plot was well built. The story was set in a remote mansion – the mansion that once belonged to Dr. Adrienne Hale. Stuck in a snowstorm, the couple’s goal is to get out of there alive. I liked how it kept me constantly hooked on each page. Kept me anticipating what was to come next.
- The secrets within secrets. Everyone has some secrets, either dark or twisted or some that didn’t make sense. (The psychiatrist). The whole story posed so many questions in my head, and even gave wtf moments.
- The characters. Freida wrote every character in a way that made me question their intentions, except for the main female lead, Tricia. (Good buildup for the plot twist no one saw coming)
- The plot twist – Pa(Tricia). When I say my jaw dropped and I was speechless for a while, I’m not kidding. I didn’t see that coming. I was sympathising with the character from the beginning, so good job, Freida.
What I didn’t like about the book –
- Well, I read many reviews and comments saying the plot twist doesn’t make sense, and I have to agree, considering it was from Tricia’s POV the whole time. It would have landed better if it were written from someone else’s POV. We were going through Tricia’s emotions and feelings, so the sudden coldness in the end doesn’t make sense.
- I hated how Luke was killed at the end for no reason. He was a nice guy who didn’t deserve that. Luke deserved better.
Overall, I liked the book, and since I haven’t read any other Freida McFadden book, I don’t know if it’s a common theme among her books or if this one really stands out. I personally liked it.
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