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58 pages 1 hour read

The Lying Game

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Ruth Ware

The Lying Game

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Salten, England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Ruth Ware's psychological thriller, The Lying Game, four women—Isa, Fatima, Thea, and Kate—are summoned back to Salten by a text from Kate, leading them to confront a secret from 17 years ago when they hid the body of Kate's father, Ambrose. As their past deceit threatens to unravel, they must navigate a web of lies while dealing with personal challenges, strained friendships, and looming exposure. Sensitive topics include addiction and abuse.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.8

211,034 ratings

53%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game captivates with its suspenseful and atmospheric narrative, weaving a tale of deep friendships and buried secrets. Critics praise Ware's knack for setting and tension but note some sluggish pacing and less compelling character depth. Readers seeking a slow-burn thriller will find it engaging, though not groundbreaking.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lying Game?

Fans of psychological thrillers like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins will enjoy Ruth Ware's The Lying Game. This reader appreciates intricate, suspenseful plots centered on dark secrets, complex friendships, and unexpected twists. Ideal for those who thrive on tension and unraveling mysteries.

3.8

211,034 ratings

53%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Isa Wilde

A mother and civil service lawyer living with her partner Owen and their daughter Freya; she is a central figure whose life is intertwined with her boarding school friends despite her secretive past.

A solitary and calm character who lives with her dog at the Tide Mill, a place steeped in memories of her father, making her deeply connected to her past.

Characterized by her striking appearance and turbulent past, she navigates life with self-destructive behaviors while maintaining a strong loyalty to her friends.

A petite, caring doctor who has embraced her religious faith, offering stability and unity among her childhood friends through her steadfast values.

Kate's childhood acquaintance with troubled past experiences, known for his moody and volatile nature, yet still remembered fondly by some of the main characters.

The art master at Salten House, remembered for his influence and connection to the central group of friends from their school days, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

A community leader in Salten, known for her strong presence and involvement in local dynamics, often seen with critical motives in her interactions.

Isa's partner and father to Freya; he struggles with feelings of exclusion and suspicion due to unresolved tensions and secrets within his family.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Salten, England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2017

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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