Never Lie: A Thrilling Yet Lacked Novel Experience
From the moment I stumbled upon Never Lie by Freida McFadden, it piqued my curiosity. A newlywed couple, a mysterious mansion, and a backdrop of secrets—all the makings of a gripping thriller, right? As a dedicated book lover and blogger, I always hope for gems in the crowd. However, this particular read ended up becoming a hilarious topic of conversation during a recent buddy read on Instagram. Honestly, it was just as well, because if I didn’t have my fellow readers to keep the entertainment alive, I might have checked out completely!
Overview
The plot centers on Tricia and Ethan, who find themselves snowed in at a creepy mansion previously owned by the enigmatic Dr. Adrienne Hale, who vanished four years ago. Amidst seeking answers, Tricia discovers still, secret tapes of therapeutic sessions—creepy, intriguing, and oh-so-predictable. The beginnings seemed promising, loaded with potential tension and mystery. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat in multiple ways.
Writing Style & Themes
Let’s talk about the writing. The prose often felt juvenile; it was almost painful at times. There were cringeworthy moments like when Tricia enthusiastically waxed poetic about cashmere—yes, twice—while I found myself wishing for a more compelling narrative. This repetitive style detracted from the suspense and made me chuckle instead of gasp. Imagine expecting to be thrilled and instead getting the type of writing sixth graders might produce for a class assignment!
And don’t even get me started on the aggressive foreshadowing! The story kept handing me red flags on a platter, leaving me throttled by the sheer predictability of it all. When characters spend ample time deliberating over the glaring issues surrounding Ethan, it was like watching a slow-motion train wreck—I couldn’t look away, yet nothing unexpected ever happened.
Highlights and Memorable Moments
While there were certainly moments that left me rolling my eyes, McFadden did manage to throw in a few red herrings that added brief moments of intrigue. I had a few laughs with my buddy readers while dissecting Tricia’s questionable choices (like wearing a dead woman’s robe and slippers) and the bizarre lack of logic surrounding the potential murders. Seriously, how does one get away with murdering people so close and not raise a single eyebrow? Even Detective Pikachu would’ve solved it in seconds.
Conclusion
So, who might enjoy Never Lie? If you’re seeking a light, entertaining read that you can poke fun at during buddy reads, look no further! However, if you’re yearning for a challenge or cerebral thriller, you might want to check out my list of ten thrilling recommendations instead! Overall, my experience with Never Lie was a whirlwind of laughter and frustration. It’s a reminder that not every twist is a clever surprise—sometimes, it’s just a missed opportunity wrapped in cashmere.
In the end, as I reflect on this novel, I realize my reading journey isn’t just about exhilarating plots or deep characters; it’s also about the shared moments, the discussions, and even the rants with fellow readers. Somehow, that makes even the stankiest of books worth the read!