Lies He Told Me

Author: David Ellis and James Patterson
Genre: Psychological Thriller
384 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2024

Synopsis
An attorney and mother of two discovers her husband’s secret life—and it might cost them all their lives.

Everyone in Hemingway Grove, Illinois, knows David and Marcie Bowers.

David owns the local pub.

Marcie is a former big-city lawyer who practices family law.

When David jumps into Cotton River to save a drowning stranger, he’s celebrated as a hero. His muscled physique, shaved head, and piercing blue eyes are broadcast on every news outlet.

For most people, newfound fame is a lifeline.

For David Bowers, it’s a death sentence.

For Marcie Bowers, it’s a test.

A wife knows the difference between a loving husband and father and a cold-blooded assassin. Right?

My review
Lies He Told Me is a psychological thriller by David Ellis and James Patterson. I haven’t read many of Patterson’s books, but Ellis is on my list of must-read authors. I was excited to dive into this book over the weekend and it absolutely did not disappoint. Ellis and Patterson are expert storytellers, and though the storyline dipped into unbelievable territory at times, it was a fun, and highly entertaining read!

Lies He Told Me kicks off with a bang and maintains its momentum throughout. The opening scene set the tone for the gripping suspense that followed, and pulled me into a fast-paced, intricately woven narrative. Two thirds of the way in, the multiple plotlines began to cleverly converge delivering an unforgettable and exhilarating ride to the end.

What I love about Ellis’ writing is how seamlessly it serves the story. The prose is straightforward and accessible, with dialogue that feels natural and authentic. Marcie Bowers, the protagonist, stands out as smart, dedicated, and highly likable. I especially appreciate that she isn’t portrayed as helpless or unreliable—a trope that always bothers me. While the supporting characters weren’t as fleshed out, it didn’t diminish the sheer entertainment value of the novel. Riveting, addictive, and impossible to put down, the escalating tension and shocking twists kept me flipping pages straight to the perfectly executed conclusion.

Lies He Told may follow a familiar thriller formula, but Ellis’ masterful touch elevates it beyond the typical, delivering an engaging puzzle filled with twists, deception, and spine-tingling thrills. If you’re looking to curl up for an afternoon with a well-written and highly entertaining thriller you can’t go wrong with this novel.

My recommendation: read it!