Author: Anna Bailey
Publisher: Atria Books
Released: August 3^rd, 2021
Received: NetGalley

Where the Truth Lies is Anna Bailey’s debut novel, and it is perfect for thriller fans, especially those that like the idea of being creeped out by a tiny town.

Emma can’t seem to forgive herself for a mistake she made. To be fair – the rest of the town doesn’t seem willing to forgive her either. You see, Emma made the mistake of leaving her friend behind at a party.

It was the last time she saw her friend. Now, Abigail is missing, and Emma will do whatever it takes to get to the Truth of her disappearance, even if that means digging up all of the skeletons hidden deep within her town.

“Abigail Blake turns at the edge of the trees and smiles at Emma. This will be the memory of Abigail that stays with Emma long after the rest has been drunk away.”

Where the Truth Lies is every bit the dark mystery, I had been hoping for. It just happened to hit a lot harder than I expected! Which is always a good thing when it comes to a thriller. At least, in my book, it is.

Anna’s story feels so painfully believable. Who hasn’t wanted to ditch a party early? Or been willing to leave their friends (while said friends were still having fun, of course). Maybe it’s the introvert in me, but the beginning of this book felt all too real.

It was a solid foundation for what was to come. Following that introduction, the story quickly begins hopping perspectives, showing all characters all over the town – and their opinion on the matter. While this helped to provide a better idea of what was happening, I’ll admit that I would have preferred that we stuck with Anna’s perspective.

I honestly don’t think we’re meant to like most of the townspeople. I didn’t, at least. And I don’t even feel bad about it! Assuming that was intentional (and again, I think it is), then Anna Bailey did a fantastic job of developing all of her characters here, the good and the bad.

Thanks to Atria Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.