Published: 2025 | Genre: Psychological Thriller | Pages: ~368 (estimated) | Rating: ★★★★☆
A Book That Had Me on Edge
I’m that friend who’s always chasing the next big thriller, and let me tell you, Bald-Faced Liar by Lisa Gardner, fresh off the press in 2025, had me losing sleep in the best way. Gardner’s been my go-to for years—Before She Disappeared was a total knockout—so I knew this one would be intense, but man, it still got me good. If you loved the mind games in Cold as Hell or can’t get enough of twisty crime stories, this book’s gonna hook you hard. Here’s why Bald-Faced Liar is such a wild ride and who’s gonna be obsessed—no spoilers, I got you!
What’s It About?
The story kicks off with Emma, a Boston journalist who’s digging into a cold case about a missing woman. When Emma starts getting anonymous tips—cryptic notes, creepy voicemails—she realizes someone’s watching her every move. The deeper she dives, the more her life unravels: her sources turn shady, her boyfriend acts weird, and she starts doubting her own instincts. Is the killer closer than she thinks, or is Emma’s paranoia getting the better of her? The plot zips through secrets, lies, and a gritty city vibe that keeps you glued.
Gardner’s Boston setting is so real I could hear the traffic and smell the coffee shops. I’ve visited the city a few times, and her knack for making every alley feel dangerous had me looking over my shoulder. It’s like your daily commute turned into a crime scene!
Why I Couldn’t Stop Reading
Gardner writes like she’s spilling tea with a friend—fast, juicy, and impossible to ignore. Emma’s the kind of heroine I love: scrappy, a little messy, but so driven you can’t help but cheer her on. The suspense is killer, with every chapter dropping a new bombshell that flips what you thought you knew. I was muttering, “No way, really?” to myself at least three times. The short, punchy chapters make it so easy to fall into the “one more page” trap.
The story’s themes of truth and betrayal hit me right in the feels. In 2025, when we’re all wading through fake news and sketchy vibes, Emma’s hunt for what’s real felt super relatable. Gardner’s way of weaving psychological drama with crime keeps you guessing—is it all in Emma’s head, or is someone pulling strings? The cast, from shady informants to quirky coworkers, adds spice and makes everyone a suspect. It’s a heart-racing mix of “What’s next?” and “Trust no one.”
Any Bumps in the Road?
Bald-Faced Liar is a banger, but it’s not quite perfect. The opening takes a minute to rev up, with a lot of setup about Emma’s job that felt a tad slow. I was itching for the creepy stuff to start sooner. A couple of side plots, like Emma’s work drama, didn’t grab me as much as the main mystery. One twist was so out there I had to squint a bit to buy it, but it didn’t wreck the fun. These are little things in a book that’s otherwise a total thrill.
Who’s It For?
If you’re into psychological thrillers with crime vibes, sneaky twists, and tough heroines, this is your kind of book. Fans of Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney or The Guest by B.A. Paris will be all over it. It’s perfect for readers who love urban settings and stories that keep you paranoid, great for ages 16+ due to some violence and intense suspense. If you’re more into epic fantasies like Onyx Storm, the real-world crime focus might feel less flashy.
Why It’s Making Waves
Bald-Faced Liar is blowing up on BookTok in 2025, with fans freaking out over Gardner’s twists and Emma’s grit. Her knack for blending crime and psychological chills is top-notch, and this book feels fresh in a genre where some plots can feel recycled. BookPage called it “a pulse-pounding puzzle,” and I’m totally on board. As a standalone, it’s a complete, satisfying read, but I’m already begging for more Gardner magic.
My Final Say
Bald-Faced Liar is a twisty, thrilling ride that’ll keep you up way past bedtime. Lisa Gardner spins a web of lies and danger, with a heroine you’ll root for through every shock. I’m giving it four out of five stars for its killer suspense and crazy twists, with a small dip for the slow start. If you’re ready to chase the truth with Emma, grab this book and buckle up.
Want to crack this case? Snag Bald-Faced Liar at your local bookstore or check Bookshop.org to support indie sellers. Read it yet? Spill your thoughts in the comments!
