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BOOK INFO
Title: The Liar’s Room
Author: Simon Lelic
Publisher: Penguin
Publish Date: July 27, 2018
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Series: na
My Rating: 4/5
BOOK BLURB
A new spine-tingling thriller from the author of The New Neighbors that takes place over the course of a therapy session, in which neither patient nor therapist are who they claim to be.
Two liars. One room. No way out.
Susanna Fenton has a secret. Fourteen years ago she left her identity behind, reinventing herself as a therapist and starting a new life. It was the only way to keep her daughter safe.
But when a young man, Adam Geraghty, walks into her office, claiming he needs Susanna’s help but asking unsettling questions, she begins to fear that her secret has been discovered.
Who is Adam, really? What does he intend to do to Susanna?
And what has he done to her daughter?
MY REVIEW
Susanna’s new patient, Adam, starts to ask her questions during his therapy session. Questions that indicate he knows the secrets in her past and what she has been running from for years. As the questions continue, Susanna’s world starts to unravel.
This story unfolds during the course of a day. When Adam arrives to Susanna’s office, she begins the session as she normally would with a new patient, but things soon change. It is clear Adam has another reason for being in Susanna’s office, and his twisted game involves Susanna and her teen daughter Emily. Susanna is a little overprotective of Emily, but they have a close relationship. However, Susanna has been keeping secrets about her past from her daughter. Those secrets have now put Emily in danger.
Susanna’s past is slowly revealed in flashbacks during her time with Adam. He questions, provokes, and threatens her into revealing the truth that led her to run from her old life. I enjoyed that the bulk of the story takes place in one setting and in one day. That provided another layer of suspense and intensity, since everything is happening over the course of hours rather than days or weeks. There are some other things going on too, but the focus is on Susanna and Adam.
I enjoyed The Liar’s Room, but the ending fell flat for me. It didn’t have the impact that I was hoping for in such an intense story. Maybe I’m being overly picky though. Overall, it’s a gripping read. Great for readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers with slow reveals.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via First to Read in exchange for an honest review.
Books by Simon Lelic:
- A Thousand Cuts
- The Facility
- The Child Who
- The House
- The Liar’s Room
- The Haven
- The Search Party
- The Hiding Place
I think, because I’ve read so much, that I need a solid exciting ending.
Exciting endings are always good. This one wraps everything up, which is nice, but isn’t exciting.
I liked this book too in most places. Great review
Thanks, Shalini! Glad you enjoyed this one too. ?
Wonderful review, Darinda! I will keep that in mind about the ending.
Thanks, Jennifer! Hope you enjoy it. ?
Lovely review! I have this one coming up!
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it!
Oh gosh, I can’t wait to read this!!!! ???
Hope you enjoy it!