The Liar by Louise Jensen
Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller
Read: 25th April 2025
Published: 24th April 2025
★★★★ 4 stars
DESCRIPTION:
The Abbotts’ new lodger Luke hasn’t told them much about himself, but they can’t expect to know everything about a stranger who’s just moved in.
But Luke keeps asking about their family photos and looking through their things. Why does he want to know everything about them? And why does daughter Jen think someone is watching her?
Then, suddenly, Mum Mel texts the family to say she needs a break. But Mel has never gone away alone before. And now it’s been days, and no one has heard from her.
The Abbotts’ house is full of secrets.
They say people never tell the whole truth.
They’re right.
MY THOUGHTS:
I think this is the seventh or eighth book by Louise Jensen I've read and I just love her style. She begins with a slow burn - but not in sluggish way that makes you lose interest or wonder when you are going to get to the point. More of a build up of atmosphere as each of her thrillers have been. Though this one had more of a domestic suspense feel to it rather than the atmospheric chill of previous thrillers. A tale of secrets and lies and whole load of drama that leads to even more secrets and lies.
The Abbott family are just your average family - loving and caring. Mel is a single mother of two - Jen (26) and Amy (13). She's a social worker and fights for the underdog and the misunderstood. When Jen was about sixteen, she took in her best friend Camilla after the foster system spat her out and loved her as her own. In fact, she became like another daughter. Then when Camilla gave birth to Mason, Mel and her family doted on him. So when Camilla and Mason move into their own flat, Mel's house seems that little bit empty. And so they decide to take in a lodger.
Mel loves her family, she loves her life. But many years ago, she did something which she fears has come back to haunt them. But as she keeps those fears to herself, when she goes missing no one is aware of those fears or what she did for them to come back to haunt her.
As the hours turn into days, Jen receives word from her mum that she needs some time out but will be home soon. And the lodger didn't turn up when he was meant to, instead showing up the day after looking at her somewhat blankly. Despite this, Jen and Amy decide if their mother checked him out and was happy with him then they are too. Until they find him rifling through things which don't concern him. What exactly is he doing here? And what does he want with them? Does he know what's happened to Mel?
This is a deftly woven tale that to say much more would give too much away. Suffice to say things get a little complicated before being made clear but Jensen weaves her tale through the multiple timelines and narratives with expertise. I devoured this in a day. I'm sure you will too.
I did note in the final lines of the book, I welled up somewhat as I felt it rather poignant and somewhat fitting considering Jensen's mother passed away just before the book published. When you read those final lines, you will know what I mean.
I would like to thank #LouiseJensen, #Netgalley and #HQDigital for an ARC of #TheLiar in exchange for an honest review.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
The Sister was nominated for the Goodreads Debut of 2016 Award. The Date was nominated for The Guardian's 'Not The Booker' Prize 2018. The Surrogate was nominated for the best Polish thriller of 2018. The Gift has been optioned for a TV film. The Family was a Fern Britton Book Club pick. Louise was also listed for two CWA Dagger Awards.
When Louise isn’t writing thrillers, she turns her hand to penning love stories under the name Amelia Henley. Her debut as Amelia Henley, The Life We Almost Had, is out now.
Louise lives with her husband, children, madcap dog and a rather naughty cat in Northamptonshire. She loves to hear from readers and writers.
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