Review of Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger
Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger
To be published by Simon Pulse
on August 2, 2016
Source: eARC from publisher for review
Synopsis from Goodreads: Deep in the forest, four friends gather for a weekend of fun. Truth #1: Rob is thrilled about the weekend trip. It’s the perfect time for him to break out of his shell…to be the person he really, really wants to be. Truth #2: Liam, Rob’s boyfriend, is nothing short of perfect. He’s everything Rob could have wanted. They’re perfect together. Perfect. Truth #3: Mia has been Liam’s best friend for years…long before Rob came along. They get each other in a way Rob could never, will never, understand. Truth #4: Galen, Mia’s boyfriend, is sweet, handsome, and incredibly charming. He’s the definition of a Golden Boy…even with the secrets up his sleeve. One of these truths is a lie…and not everyone will live to find out which one it is.
Review of Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger
Sometimes in the summer I just want a quick, page-turning piece of brain candy. So I’ll give Three Truths and a Lie credit for keeping me reading — I polished this off in a matter of a couple hours.
The twists in this story are well-executed and the setting — a deserted cabin in the Pacific Northwest — was nicely portrayed.
Finally, and I’ll try to say this without spoilers, I could pretty much predict what was going to happen. I have further thoughts under spoiler protection on my Goodreads review if you’re interested.
Try this if you’re in the mood for a quick page-turner.
This sounds intersting but odd at the same time. They get spooked so they run and hide in a deserted cabin? Cuz that's not any spookier? lol I think I'll pass on this one personally. But I love the book title!
Ha ha ha – yes, I thought the same thing. But I guess they figure the people after them won't find them there??
I have been in the mystery mood for the past couple months and this one has been on my radar. Too bad you didn't connect with the characters— and now that I've read your take on it, it sounds like a very typical YA Mystery that follows the very typical formula (the kind that I'm NOT a fan of). Maybe I'll skip this one 🙁
Let's just say that it follows a very typical YA formula from the past couple years and that if you like that formula, I think it (mostly) works here.
I have SUCH trouble with thrillers these days! I'm just never thrilled. #mybad 🙈🙊 I think the premise does sound a little intriguing, but flat characters that are hard to care about whether they live or die? Eh. Probably won't capture me.
Loved the review, Jen!! 😀
Yes, flat characters are never a plus. But the plot does move along, and I did want to see what happened!
It's funny how our literary appetites change in the summer, isn't it? I find myself craving – and picking up – stuff I wouldn't touch during the rest of the year 🙂 Not sure about this one though… I mean, if I don't care either way, what's the point? 🙂
It's good that this one kept the plot alive in a way that you continued turning page after page. It's just a shame that it managed to be predictable as well. The cover is a bit disappointing though…