The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 4/15/23 - 4/16/23

    In the picturesque village of Salten, a shocking discovery in the Reach sets off a chain of events that reunites four former boarding school friends—Fatima, Thea, Isabel, and Kate. The once-inseparable clique used to play the Lying Game, weaving elaborate lies that had serious consequences. Now, years later, Kate sends a desperate text to her old friends, drawing them back together. As the secrets of their past at Salten, and the mysterious death of their art teacher, Ambrose, resurface, the women must confront the truth and face the repercussions of their past actions. The Lying Game, once a thrilling and dangerous game, now threatens to unravel their lives.

    "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware is an enthralling and captivating tale that had me hooked from start to finish. The dual timeline, with flashbacks to the boarding school days, added an intriguing layer to the story, keeping me engaged and curious to uncover the secrets of these four friends. The sense of camaraderie among the characters was so palpable that it made their anxieties and lies feel almost tangible.

    Ware's storytelling skills are commendable, as she weaves unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The setting of Salten, with its melancholy air and true English culture, played a crucial role in shaping the characters and their actions. The exploration of various themes, such as cultural sensitivity, family bonds, and small-town scandals, added depth and substance to the narrative.

    The characters felt real and relatable, and their personal growth throughout the novel was beautifully portrayed. The absence of a tidy, perfect ending was refreshing and added to the authenticity of the story. I found myself fully immersed in the lives of these women, cherishing every moment of their journey. Ruth Ware has crafted a phenomenal roller coaster of emotions, delivering a story that is as delightful as it is thought-provoking. I really enjoyed this novel, and can't wait for more from this author.