Book Review: Never Lie by Freida McFadden
When I first heard about Never Lie by Freida McFadden, I couldn’t shake off that silent intrigue that comes with a tale wrapped in mystery and dark secrets—especially when it’s set against the backdrop of a snowstorm and a sinister mansion. So when my buddy read group on Instagram dove into this book, I felt both compelled and nervous; after all, McFadden has been a bit of a toss-up for me. Taking a step into this thriller, I was ready to find both humor and horror, and boy did I get a mixed bag!
The Premise
Never Lie follows newlyweds Tricia and Ethan, who find themselves snowed in at the eerie home of Dr. Adrienne Hale—a psychiatrist who mysteriously vanished. As Tricia discovers Dr. Hale’s secret tapes, she aims to uncover the truth behind the doctor’s disappearance but quickly spirals into her own web of lies and questionable characters. Right off the bat, I was eagerly curious about how McFadden would intertwine the threads of intrigue and dynamics between the characters.
Writing Style
Now, let’s talk about the writing. I have to be honest: the prose felt painfully amateurish at times. In one hilariously cringeworthy moment, Tricia rhapsodizes about a cashmere sweater—twice. I found myself thinking, "Is this really happening?" It was sprinkled with awkward repetition that had me rolling my eyes. The level of spoon-feeding here rivaled a sign flashing “foreshadowing ahead!”—to the extent that even Ray Charles could predict what was around the corner.
Throughout the narrative, I caught myself almost disappointed by how hard I had to suspend disbelief to buy into the story. Yes, I know this is popcorn thriller territory where logic takes a backseat, but the characters felt so underdeveloped that they often disappointed me. I simply could not buy Tricia’s inconsistencies, especially her strange attachment to a house she’s supposedly terrified of. The plot, riddled with more holes than a cheese grater, sent me spiraling into a world of "Wait, what?!" moments that made me almost laugh at the absurdity.
Memorable Highlights
Despite its many flaws, reading Never Lie with fellow book lovers turned into a raucous affair of rants and shared disbelief—sometimes, a good group critique can supercharge your reading experience! Not to mention, when McFadden dropped red herrings, they did manage to catch me off guard. The camaraderie I felt with my buddy readers as we dissected the characters’ ridiculous behaviors made the experience almost salvaging, and it offered those sweet moments of shared literary therapy.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, Never Lie is a chaotic cocktail of a thriller that blends cringe-worthy writing with a plot that sputters along like a clunky old car. I wouldn’t toss it into the abyss entirely; McFadden’s knack for drawing out drama can entertain those who enjoy a good “so bad it’s good” sort of read. However, if you’re looking for meaningful character development or sophisticated writing, this may not be for you.
So, who would enjoy this book? If you’re in for a light, hilarious, and outrageously silly read—or if you just want something to chungus-buddy-read with friends on a snowy day—this book might just find a cozy nook in your reading list. And who knows? You may even find yourself enjoying the absurdities! Happy reading! 💖