A Rollercoaster of Frustration: My Thoughts on Freida McFadden’s Never Lie
When I first stumbled upon Never Lie by Freida McFadden, I was instantly intrigued. The premise of a newlywed couple snowed in at a creepy mansion once owned by a mysteriously vanished psychiatrist felt like the perfect setup for a thrilling weekend read—ideal for the buddy read I embarked on with my fellow book lovers on Instagram. Little did I know, I was in for a wild ride that felt less like a tension-filled thriller and more like an exercise in, well, patience.
What’s the Plot?
The story revolves around Tricia and Ethan, who find themselves trapped in a dusty mansion that could easily double as a character in its own right, thanks to its unsettling past. Tricia’s obsession with unraveling the mystery of Dr. Adrienne Hale’s disappearance soon leads her to discover the doctor’s secret tapes. In theory, this setup is gripping, filled with potential. Sadly, execution fell flat for me. The writing felt juvenile; I truly believe there are sixth graders who can craft more compelling narratives!
For example, Tricia’s overzealous affection for cashmere is repeated ad nauseam, leading me to wonder if the author was under the impression that fashion-related obsession could pad the story. The line, “I love cashmere,” might as well have been tattooed on the character’s forehead, it was mentioned so often. Honestly, I was wishing that the cashmere would somehow become a plot device to advance the story—anything to jolt me awake!
The Writing Style
Speaking of jolting awake, McFadden’s writing style leans heavily into the "show, don’t tell" territory but opts for the latter, spoon-feeding us the plot twists with the delicacy of a neon sign shouting "PLOT TWIST AHEAD!" The incessant reminders of red flags concerning Ethan had me rolling my eyes so hard I fear I could have seen my brain. Does every character in a thriller need to be a piñata of exposition? I felt trapped in the narrative, like a reader trapped in a house with little to no escape.
And if those elements weren’t enough to make me want to yeet this book into outer space, the characters themselves were no better. Tricia’s actions often defied logic; why would she listen to secret recordings instead of searching the house for clues? Her decisions felt contrived and left me baffled.
Final Thoughts
Given the myriad of problems with Never Lie, I found some solace in the camaraderie of my buddy readers. We ranted together, dissecting plot holes and highlighting the occasional good red herrings sprinkled throughout. Ultimately, though, this book was more “stanky” than satisfying. I’d say it’s suited for those who enjoy popcorn thrillers without any real depth or coherence—if that’s your jam, you might just find Never Lie amusing in a so-bad-it’s-good way.
As for me, I think I’ll be avoiding Freida McFadden’s next releases. While some managed to find humor and hints of intrigue in the story, I left feeling more exhausted than thrilled. So, if you’re seeking a genuine thriller experience, I recommend checking out my top ten thriller recommendations on YouTube instead! Happy reading, folks! 💖
