Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes
Published by Harper Collins on March 24, 2015
Genres: Family, Love & Romance, Mysteries & Detective Stories, Orphans & Foster Homes, Young Adult
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I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?
When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesnât think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile upâterrifying clues that lead the cops to Prestonâs body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.
Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didnât commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.
An outstanding suspense thriller/mystery that actually did have me guessing until the very end (as promised in the book summary above). Yup, in this case they actually speak the truth in the blurb, even though the book is about a bunch of big, fat liars. Me so punny.
I am SO GLAD that not everything in this book is a lie, although… heh… almost ALL of it is. There are red herrings all over the place. But, thankfully, none of them are overtly obvious (which is the sign of a good mystery, if you ask me). Liars, Inc. is a mix between Gretchen McNeil meets I Hunt Killers meets Double Jeopardy. What starts out as a seemingly typical high school drama quickly progresses into a trilling sprint across multiple landscapes. The book had me guessing with every turn of the page – and when I thought I’d figured out the truth, the plot would go ahead and flip me for a loop. Then came the second (or third or fourth) moment when I thought I’d put all the pieces together and had the outcome all figured out – and I actually got it right! – that moment was AWESOME. And I’m so glad it came as late in the novel as it did.
The characters are the sort that you love to hate to love. Many of the red herrings in Liars, Inc. stem from how you feel about the characters at any given moment. Initially, as a reader, you won’t know what to think about Max. He seems like a typical teenage guy, albeit with a questionable taste in friends. Parvarti and Preston both come across as stuck up, self-obsessed and T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Instant distrust, yes? These initial reactions to the characters sets the stage for a very twisty mystery and some surprising character development. I cannot say how my personal feelings about the characters evolved as I read, nor where they each stood in the end, but just know that Paula can juggle both a suspenseful plot AND character growth with ease and impressive skill.
Be sure to carve out some time to read this book, too. The plot is so twisty and bendy and addicting that, once the lies start building up (and up and up), you’ll have an extremely hard time putting the book down until you find out what the bejeebus is going on!
I never knew I could like a suspense novel as much as I did Liars, Inc. – because honestly? Typically I don’t… Most books in the “suspense” genre just bore me to DEATH, and I tend to guess the outcome fairly early-on. (Even though I am much more naive than the average being with a human-sized brain.) …But not with Liars, Inc. This book is a winner, through and through.
I can officially say that I now LOVE being thrown for a loop! If you do, too, I encourage you to keep Liars, Inc. on your radar – in fact, order it today!
Five hold onto your socks emojis!
About Paula Stokes
Paula Stokes writes stories about flawed characters with good hearts. Sheâs the author of several novels, most recently Vicarious and Girl Against the Universe. Her writing has been translated into eleven foreign languages. Paula loves kayaking, hiking, reading, and seeking out new adventures in faraway lands She also loves interacting with readers.
Enter to win a signed copy of LIARS, INC (US only)
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Open internationally to those aged 13 and older only. Void where prohibited.
Let’s talk in the comments below!
I love hearing that the plot threw you for a loop. It makes me want to read it even more.
Thanks for the opportunity.
I don’t read too many mysteries, but this one caught my eye for some reason. Your review pretty much confirmed that I need to read it!
Yay ð Gorgeous review Jenna. <3 I'm so glad you enjoyed this book so much. I have heard mixed things about it, which makes me think it won't be for me :\ Sigh. But I'm so glad you liked it to much and that the mystery is awesome ð Thank you for sharing sweetie. <3 And eek! Gorgeous giveaway too ð Thank you. <3
I loved The Art of Lainey, it was such a fun book. I’m excited for this one too!
YEP!! This one kept me guessing, threw me for a loop a pair of times, and I just stopped reading once to go get dinner and visit the loo and then continued till I finished the book!! I couldn’t stop turning the pages!
Great review!
Thank you, Pili! I love hearing about when people don’t let their every day life interrupt a good book! That is a sign of a real page-turner and one of the most exciting thing about reading!
Thank you so much for this giveaway! I’m so so excited for this book ð
I picked up the Art of Lainey not too long ago, so I’m excited to read that one. Liars, INC sounds like a very interesting book! Thank you for the giveaway! ð
I’ve heard great things about this. I love the mystery concept which kind of reminds me of Get Even by Gretchen McNeil. While I’m not fond of red herrings or a lot of them, I like that the mystery kept you guessing and goes beyond a typical high school drama.
I’m so happy to see you liked this, because it’s been on my TBR list! Thanks for the awesome giveaway! ð
so awesome, love the review! thank you for the chance! <3
I’m literally stalking Paula’s social media to win this book, lol. There’s something about these characters that I must have. Thank you for the giveaway, and I’m so glad I found this blog:)
FYI Stephanie and anyone, there’s a “Win a Copy” tab at liarsincbook.com where I’m listing all the contests that are running for more than a day or two ð
I LOVE her!! What an awesome author and her new book shows she can tackle any and all genres. And I love how she focuses on character even in an action book!
Lovely review ð
thank you so very much ð
I’ve just recently finished and loved The Art of Lainey, so I’m really excited for this one. Heard great things about it.
Thanks for the chance to win it! ð
This book looks so good! I need to read it…