A review by rachrreads
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I could not stop reading this one and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!

Two women, one birthday. On Alix Summers’ 45th birthday, she crosses paths with Josie Fair who is also turning 45 that day. They exchange a few words and that’s it. A few days later Josie shows up outside of Alix’s kids school. Josie mentions she has heard Alix’s podcast and thinks she’d be a great subject for a new podcast as she’s on the brink of a great life change.

Alix is hesitant at first and gives Josie a brush off, but after some persuading she agrees. As Alix learns more about Josie, she feels unsettled, but she pushes forward nonetheless— certain there is a great story underneath.
Suddenly Josie has infiltrated Alix’s life, even giving advice about Alix’s husband. When Josie disappears and Alix finds herself in the center of what has become a true crime podcast— with her and her families lives at stake.

I went into this knowing nothing other than it was a top choice thriller in 2023 and was highly rated. I bought a copy for my cousin for Christmas and when it came damaged, I kept the damaged copy and got sent a new one.

Just as I thought the worse possible thing could be unveiled, BAM something new would be just around the corner. The ending leaves you reeling with questions— who can you believe?

Also I love how throughout the book there’s snippets of the story in a Netflix style true crime documentary. It made it feel all the more real.

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