Book Review: Never Lie by Freida McFadden
In the bustling world of thrillers, Freida McFadden’s Never Lie seemed to scream for attention. The premise of newlyweds snowed into a secluded McMansion—complete with a backdrop of mystery surrounding Dr. Adrienne Hale’s disappearance—caught my eye. What could go wrong? Little did I know, embarking on this buddy read through Instagram would lead me down a rabbit hole I never intended to traverse.
Plot and Characters
The story centers on Tricia and Ethan, who find themselves trapped in an eerily dusty mansion that once belonged to a mysteriously vanished psychiatrist. Curious about the doctor’s disappearance, Tricia begins to unearth hidden secrets through recorded therapy sessions. But while the setting and premise ignited my curiosity, the characters felt as flat as the mansion’s dusty décor. Tricia’s fixation on a cashmere sweater made me question whether I was reading a thriller or a poorly penned fashion advertisement. I mean, who loves cashmere that much? The repetitive mention felt less like character development and more like an author trapped in a creative loop.
Writing Style and Pacing
Now, let’s talk about the writing style—it was decidedly amateur. The dialogue often fell into what I can only describe as ‘click-baity’ territory, with foreshadowing so blatant that even Ray Charles could see the twists coming. I found myself rolling my eyes as Tricia repeatedly reassured readers that Ethan was a “good guy,” as if we needed a neon sign flashing “RED FLAG” to understand her poor choices. McFadden sometimes spoon-fed information to the point of humor, making the reading experience frustrating rather than thrilling.
Memorable Moments
The dustiness of the mansion became almost a character itself—until Tricia snuggly slipped into a dead woman’s fuzzy robe without batting an eye. My disbelief was suspended, not out of thrill, but in sheer amusement. The plot holes were so numerous that I half-expected a cheese grater to be employed in the narrative. Furthermore, the entire unreliable narrator trope felt forced; Tricia’s quirky misremembering stepped into eye-rolling territory rather than adding depth.
Final Thoughts
Despite my overwhelming disappointment, the experience was slightly redeeming when shared with my buddy readers. We shared laughs over the absurd plot twists and characters’ illogical behaviors, making it a fun discussion rather than a solo slog through a Torturous Thriller.
For anyone who enjoys satirical rants and a good laugh at the expense of poorly crafted narratives, Never Lie could still provide entertainment. However, if you’re searching for a profound, gripping thriller, I’d recommend checking out my recent YouTube video where I share 10 thrillers that are sure to keep your heart racing far more effectively than this one.
In summary, while I adored the communal experience of reading this book, the book itself ended up on my “avoid” list. Sometimes the most fun lies in the shared journeys we take with friends—even if they involve a questionable storyline. Happy reading, my friends!