Prakhar Alok

Verdict – 3.5 / 5

A couple’s search for a new house, snow coming down like its the end of the world, an old mansion of a famous psychotherapist, an untrustworthy narrator and a solid twist, maybe a bit forced, but satisfying, nevertheless, this is what Freida McFadden, the famous author of The Housemaid series, brings to avid thriller readers this time in Never Lie.

I have not read Freida McFadden’s previous works so I was going in Never Lie unaware of her style of writing. It is exactly the way I like it, short chapters, cliffhangers, each chapter hints towards some secret or sinister intentions, and this makes the thriller un-put-downable. 

The plot revolves around this young couple (Tricia and Ethan) who are house hunting and they end up in an old, creepy, haunting mansion of a famous psychotherapist Dr. Hale who disappeared 3 years ago. Her mansion has a secret room full of her therapy session tapes, which Tricia goes through to find out the reason behind Dr. Hale’s disappearance. This sets up the story for an insight into the cases, what happened with the patients, their motives, the haunting feeling of this mansion, the husband Ethan also having his own motives, and the final reveal which to my liking looked like a forced one. But I enjoyed it nevertheless. 

Never Lie is a quick read, page turner, a strong premise and not so strong twist. Thriller book lovers will love it.