Review of Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger

Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger


To be published by Simon Pulse
on August 2, 2016

Source: eARC from publisher for review

Synopsis from Goodreads: Deep in the forest, four friends gather for a weekend of fun. 

Truth #1: Rob is thrilled about the weekend trip. It’s the perfect time for him to break out of his shell…to be the person he really, really wants to be.  

Truth #2: Liam, Rob’s boyfriend, is nothing short of perfect. He’s everything Rob could have wanted. They’re perfect together. Perfect. 

Truth #3: Mia has been Liam’s best friend for years…long before Rob came along. They get each other in a way Rob could never, will never, understand. 

Truth #4: Galen, Mia’s boyfriend, is sweet, handsome, and incredibly charming. He’s the definition of a Golden Boy…even with the secrets up his sleeve. One of these truths is a lie…and not everyone will live to find out which one it is. 

Review of Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger

Sometimes in the summer I just want a quick, page-turning piece of brain candy. So I'll give Three Truths and a Lie credit for keeping me reading -- I polished this off in a matter of a couple hours. 

The story starts off on an intriguing note, with four friends getting tattoos. Except that they're interrupted by some sinister/threatening people who seem to be after one of the kids. 

The foursome gets spooked and runs off to hide a deserted cabin where even weirder things start to happen.

The twists in this story are well-executed and the setting -- a deserted cabin in the Pacific Northwest -- was nicely portrayed. 

I think what kept me from completely enjoying the book was that while I found the characters nicely diverse for YA  (the narrator is a guy with a brand new boyfriend) I also found them a little flat, and, as a result, didn't really connect with them on more than a superficial level. Me: "you're dead? Okay. Whatever..."

Finally, and I'll try to say this without spoilers, I could pretty much predict what was going to happen.  I have further thoughts under spoiler protection on my Goodreads review if you're interested.

Try this if you're in the mood for a quick page-turner.

Comments

  1. This sounds intersting but odd at the same time. They get spooked so they run and hide in a deserted cabin? Cuz that's not any spookier? lol I think I'll pass on this one personally. But I love the book title!

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    1. Ha ha ha - yes, I thought the same thing. But I guess they figure the people after them won't find them there??

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  2. I have been in the mystery mood for the past couple months and this one has been on my radar. Too bad you didn't connect with the characters--- and now that I've read your take on it, it sounds like a very typical YA Mystery that follows the very typical formula (the kind that I'm NOT a fan of). Maybe I'll skip this one :(

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    1. Let's just say that it follows a very typical YA formula from the past couple years and that if you like that formula, I think it (mostly) works here.

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  3. I have SUCH trouble with thrillers these days! I'm just never thrilled. #mybad 🙈🙊 I think the premise does sound a little intriguing, but flat characters that are hard to care about whether they live or die? Eh. Probably won't capture me.
    Loved the review, Jen!! :D

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    1. Yes, flat characters are never a plus. But the plot does move along, and I did want to see what happened!

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  4. It's funny how our literary appetites change in the summer, isn't it? I find myself craving - and picking up - stuff I wouldn't touch during the rest of the year :) Not sure about this one though... I mean, if I don't care either way, what's the point? :)

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  5. It's good that this one kept the plot alive in a way that you continued turning page after page. It's just a shame that it managed to be predictable as well. The cover is a bit disappointing though...

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