Book Review: Never Lie by Freida McFadden
Never have I read a book that had me yelling, “L M F A O, you’re joking!” quite like Freida McFadden’s Never Lie. When I picked it up for a buddy read on Instagram, I was excited to dive into what promised to be a spine-chilling thriller. After all, who doesn’t love a story with a creepy mansion, a mysterious disappearance, and a snowstorm? Spoiler alert: my expectations were met with a rather different spectacle.
The plot revolves around newlyweds Tricia and Ethan, who find themselves snowed in at the unsettling, dust-coated McMansion once owned by Dr. Adrienne Hale—now missing for four years. As Tricia uncovers secret tapes of Dr. Hale’s therapy sessions, the layers of mystery begin to unfold—and, oh boy, do they unfold in the wildest ways.
Now, let’s discuss the writing. Oh, where to begin? I truly believe there are sixth graders who could craft more engaging prose. Take this gem for instance: “I love cashmere. I mean, everyone does. What sort of freak doesn’t like cashmere?” Yes, I was flabbergasted. Hearing Tricia wax poetic about her love for cashmere not once but twice in a matter of sentences was almost enough to give me an aneurysm. I found myself cringing at the repetitive sentiments and overly simplistic observations. And let’s not even get started on the neon-lit foreshadowing. It was like McFadden was waving a giant flag saying, “Look at all these red flags!”
The pacing felt like a rollercoaster with too many of the slow climbs and none of the thrilling drops. Take Tricia’s obsession with those tapes. Instead of actively investigating the mansion, she decides to sit and listen to sessions, hoping for a revelation that, frankly, could’ve been explored more dynamically. Her behavior often lacked logic, making it difficult to stay immersed in the plot.
Yet, amid the chaos, some parts sparkled—though perhaps unintentionally. It was a joy to buddy read this book, sharing rants and laughs with fellow readers. I would be lying if I said there were no amusing red herrings that kept the plot from going completely off the rails.
The characters felt as believable as clouds. Tricia, for instance, is supposed to be this intelligent woman but her decisions are baffling. At one point, she’s worried about dust but then snuggles into a dead woman’s robe? The dissonance was astounding.
Despite its shortcomings, I can appreciate why some might find joy in McFadden’s slightly chaotic writing style. For those looking for a popcorn thriller to distract from the real world, this could fit the bill—just temper your logic and prepare for a ride that feels more like a carnival funhouse than a haunted house.
In conclusion, if you’re into thrillers that often lean towards the absurd yet manage to spark laughter among friends, Never Lie might just be your cup of tea (or perhaps a strong dose of comic relief). My takeaway? I’m adding Freida McFadden to my avoid list—but at least I got some quality rants out of the experience!
Looking for other thrillers to explore? Check out my 10 thriller recommendations over on YouTube! 💖