Book Review: This Is Why We Lie by Gabriella Lepore

 



**Disclaimer: I received a free electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Genre:  YA, Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: September 21, 2021  
Description:
"Everyone in Gardiners Bay has a secret.

When Jenna Dallas and Adam Cole find Colleen O’Dell’s body floating off the shore of their coastal town, the community of Gardiners Bay is shaken. But even more shocking is the fact that her drowning was no accident.

Once Jenna’s best friend becomes a key suspect, Jenna starts to look for answers on her own. As she uncovers scandals inside Preston Prep School leading back to Rookwood reform school, she knows she needs Adam on her side.

As a student at Rookwood, Adam is used to getting judgmental looks, but now his friends are being investigated by the police. Adam will do whatever he can to keep them safe, even if that means trusting Jenna.

As lies unravel, the truth starts to blur. Only one thing is certain: somebody must take the fall."

While this is by no means a perfect book, it does carry an interesting premise. While not sounding overly original amongst the realm of YA mysteries/thrillers, it has a solid start. The book opens up with Adam and Jenna finding Colleen's body in the ocean, and right away you're wondering what the heck is happening. While the mystery isn't the most mind-boggling, you can pretty much figure it out when you find Jenna starting to put the pieces together. 

Character-wise, Jenna and Adam are solid leads. They offer interesting access into the main groups of the story that are the focal point (Jenna with her connection to the cheerleaders and Adam being part of the Rooks). While we know that Jenna has a pretty clear-cut perspective, Adam's life is a bit more guarded. Despite reading from his perspective you know there is something that he's hiding from the audience. As the reader, we are left hanging until it's revealed later on in the book. Other than these two, most of the supporting cast isn't really fleshed out. Some might have their own defining moments, but that's it. 

Overall, a solid YA mystery that's a quick and easy read. 

Overall rating:  3/5

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