Book Review: The Last Time I Lied

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

If you are looking for a 4th of July thriller, then the latest novel from Riley Sager is a solid choice. It is set in a prestigious all-girl summer camp in the Northeast that may or may not be haunted.

This novel follows the story of Emma Davis, a woman who stayed at the camp fifteen years prior when each of her cabin mates (3 in total) disappeared without a trace on the 4th of July. They were never seen again and their bodies were never found. Thirteen-year-old Emma has been haunted ever since.

Now, as an adult, Emma is strangely invited back to the grand reopening of the camp by the original founder to teach the campers art. She agrees because she is determined to find out what happened to her friends. She ends up back in the same cabin with three teenage girls who seem to share the same fate as the girls in the same cabin fifteen years ago.

However, it is no easy task. On top of the general mystery, it becomes clear that someone (or something) does not want her there and will do whatever it must to keep her from finding the truth.

The novel moves quickly - not because your adrenaline is pumping, but simply because you want to know the answer. It is not an intense horror story. Some may label it a thriller, but it read more like a mystery to me.

Unfortunately for me, I ended up feeling a little let down by the end. I feel this is only because I enjoyed Sager's previous novel Final Girls so much. I was expecting the same kind of thrills and chills, but it didn't happen for me. Instead, when one of the biggest mysteries was solved, I ended up shaking my head in disappointment. It was not even the smallest bit believable for me and just did not add up.

With that being said, I do believe others will like it - especially if you have not read Sager's previous novel and do not have the same expectations as I did. But, if you want my honest opinion, I say go with Final Girls instead if you have to choose.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this copy to read and review!

My Favorite 9 Reads of 2018...So Far

Can you believe we are halfway through 2018? I can't. Even though the year has been busy and filled with fun, I have found time to read my way through 60 books! Since I am often asked for recommendations, I have gone through my Goodreads 2018 shelf and selected the books that have left the biggest impressions on me so far.

My Favorite 9 Reads of 2018

I narrowed the list from 60 to 9 in a very scientific manner - Instagram layout only allows for 9 photos, so there you go. With that being said, these are the books that I either read as quickly as possible because they were so entertaining or books that have stayed on my mind weeks/months after I closed the last page.

To make it easy on you, I am telling you why you should read it in one to two sentences only!

Biggest Surprise

The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan

I did not expect much from this book, but I ended up loving the way the story unfolded through letters and stories. It is the kind of book that makes you want to sit in a comfy chair with a cup of coffee/tea/glass of wine and savor each word.

Best Thrill

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

If you are looking for a thriller, check this one out! Full of Alfred Hitchcock and old movie talk, this book reads like a modern Hitchcock film with an ending I did not see coming.

Most Emotionally Satisfying 

The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce

Full of quirky characters and music lyrics, this book filled me up. It is the kind of book I will not soon forget and one that I will likely go back to when I am going through a hard time.

Best Audiobook

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

The book, itself, has received tons of praise - and it is well deserved! I listened to the audiobook version, and I found myself unable to stop listening even for a second because I had to know what decisions the characters would make.

Best Cry for Women

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

If you want a good book cry, you read Kristin Hannah. On top of the usual tearfest, this one set in the wilderness of Alaska made me think it should be advertised as Hatchet for women.

Faith for the Rest of Us Pick

The Very Worst Missionary by Jamie Wright

A former missionary, Jamie Wright tells her story from salvation to the mission field and back again. She is crass and crude (this is not your run-of-the-mill Christian memoir), but she will make you think about missions in a new way.

Best Romantic Comedy

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

This was a book I picked up and didn't put down until I finished. It reads just like a movie, and the male lead is the female lead's grumpy Scottish physical therapist.

Best Historical Fiction

The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams

Murder, family drama, scandals, secrets, and a love across the wrong side of the tracks plot line is always a good choice. Set it in an interesting time in history and you have a winner! *Releasing July 10, 2018

Best Fun Frothy Read

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

I am super late to the party on this one, but the movie preview made me finally check this one out. And, I totally get the hype, and so will you!


Which books have been your favorite reads so far this year? Let me know!