Never Lie by Freida McFadden
ATTWB Book Review: Never Lie by Freida McFadden
ATTWB Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Introduction: My first dive into Freida McFadden's world came with "Never Lie," a novel that's garnered much hype. As an enthusiast of psychological thrillers, I was eager to explore this book. However, I found myself struggling to connect with the story, despite its promising premise.
Writing Style: The writing style left me wanting more. While McFadden's background as a doctor who treats brain disorders intrigued me, her writing felt unexpectedly young and didn't align with the experience I anticipated from her professional background. This made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the narrative.
Premise and Setting: On a brighter note, the book's premise is captivating—a massive, spooky house buried under snow, secret passages, and a mysterious disappearance. The atmospheric setting drew me in and held my interest, making me wish the rest of the book could match this allure.
Unique Elements: One of the highlights for me was "listening" to the transcripts scattered throughout the story. These segments were engaging and added a unique layer to the narrative. They kept me curious and guessing, showcasing McFadden's strength in building suspense.
Plot Twist: The plot twist, while unexpected, was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it succeeded in surprising me. On the other, it felt implausible, almost as if it was crafted solely to shock, regardless of its credibility. This left me feeling disconnected from the story's resolution.
Final Thoughts: Despite my challenges with "Never Lie," I'm not entirely closing the book on Freida McFadden. The positive reviews of "The Housemaid," especially from my sister, have encouraged me to give her another chance. So, stay tuned for my next review—I’m hopeful for a better experience with her next work.
From epic love tales, spine-tingling mysteries and enchanting realms of magic, may your bookshelf be overflowing and your heart ever curious.
XOXO,
Candace💋
Book Details
Author: Freida McFadden
Publisher: Independently Published, September 15, 2022
Kindle
ISBN: 979-8352831533
Back Cover Summary:
Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan are searching for the house of their dreams.
But when they visit the remote manor that once belonged to Dr. Adrienne Hale, a renowned psychiatrist who vanished without a trace four years earlier, a violent winter storm traps them at the estate… with no chance of escape until the blizzard comes to an end.
In search of a book to keep her entertained until the snow abates, Tricia happens upon a secret room. One that contains audio transcripts from every single patient Dr. Hale has ever interviewed. As Tricia listens to the cassette tapes, she learns about the terrifying chain of events leading up to Dr. Hale’s mysterious disappearance.
Tricia plays the tapes one by one, late into the night. With each one, another shocking piece of the puzzle falls into place, and Dr. Adrienne Hale’s web of lies slowly unravels.
And then Tricia reaches the final cassette.
The one that reveals the entire horrifying truth.