None of This Is True: A Thrilling Exploration of Secrets and Betrayal
When I first heard about Lisa Jewell’s latest psychological thriller, None of This Is True, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection. This story, revolving around two women turning forty-five, coincidentally mirrors my own milestone birthday this year. It felt almost serendipitous that this book would be my next read. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! In fact, I deeply enjoyed it—so much so that it will undoubtedly find a place on my Favorites of the Year list.
The narrative opens with a chance encounter between Alix Summers, a popular podcaster, and Josie Fair, an unassuming woman. Their fateful meeting in a pub bathroom instantly sets the tone for the thrilling yet unsettling journey ahead. The duo bonds over their shared birthday, marking them as “birthday twins,” yet Joise’s demeanor hints at a darker undertone that keeps you on high alert. I loved the juxtaposition of their lives; Alix is a well-known figure, while Josie is more of a mystery, drifting in and out of the shadows.
As their relationship develops, Josie pitches a podcast idea to Alix centered around her life. Despite Alix’s initial discomfort with Josie’s unsettling vibe, she succumbs to the intrigue. This pivotal decision leads to a series of events that entangle their lives in unexpected and horrifying ways. I found myself glued to the pages, constantly questioning Josie’s motives while trying to unravel the truth behind her seemingly mundane existence. Jewell has an extraordinary talent for building tension and suspense, making it a true page-turner.
What truly stood out to me was Jewell’s writing style—sharp, crisp, and, at times, eerily captivating. The pacing was relentless, escalating my heart rate as reader and narrator both became ensnared in a web of secrets. I felt as if I were living a dual life—investigating alongside Alix while wrestling with doubts about trust and betrayal. The narrative techniques, including the clever mix of podcast dialogue and true crime documentary elements, added depth and flair that made this reading experience even more immersive.
One particularly striking moment occurs when Alix realizes just how deeply Josie has embedded herself into her life. “I hardly know how any of this happened…” Alix thinks, and I found myself echoing her disbelief. It’s a perfect blend of suspense and psychological complexity—one of those quotations that sticks with you long after the book is closed.
I highly recommend None of This Is True to anyone who revels in fast-paced psychological thrillers or has enjoyed Jewell’s previous works. It’s especially great for buddy reads or book clubs, as there’s so much to discuss! Reading it with my beautiful niece, Lyss, was an added treat; we had countless moments where we couldn’t help but gasp at the twists.
In conclusion, this book not only kept me enthralled but sparked deeper reflections on the nature of trust and personal relationships. Thank you to Atria Books for this thrilling read—I can’t wait to explore more of Lisa Jewell’s captivating worlds! If you’re in search of a psychological thrill that pierces your very being, look no further than None of This Is True. You won’t regret diving into this intense rollercoaster of lives intertwined!