Listen for the Lie is a highly entertaining novel of suspense about a cold case murder, the people who were involved, and the true crime podcast that tries to solve it. It’s surprisingly funny and engaging, making Listen for the Lie a novel I would easily recommend.

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I read Listen for the Lie as part of the 2024 Thoughtful Reading Challenge. June’s challenge is to read a beach read since Summer is upon us in full force (dang, it’s hot!). You might think a murder mystery is an odd choice for a beach read, but it has all the elements: humor, lightness, a romance, and it doesn’t make you think too much. I could easily see myself sitting poolside, drinking a margarita, and reading or listening to Listen for the Lie.

Let’s begin with a short Listen for the Lie summary.

Five years ago, Lucy lived in a small Texas town, was married to a seemingly dream guy, lived in a nice house, and had a best friend named Savvy (short for Savanah). Things fall apart for Lucy when Savvy is brutally murdered, and Lucy is found wandering around covered in Savvy’s blood. Lucy becomes the prime suspect, but there isn’t enough evidence to arrest her. However, the town’s residents have already tried and convicted her in their minds.

As for Lucy, a case of amnesia has prevented her from remembering anything about Savvy’s murder, even five years after the fact.

Five years later, she’s divorced and living in Los Angeles. Her life is pretty bland, but she seems OK with that. But then a true crime podcast decides to feature Savvy’s murder in its upcoming season, and things begin to unravel for Lucy all over again.

While this is happening, Lucy’s grandmother decides to throw herself an 80th birthday party and requests Lucy to come home for a couple of weeks to help plan it. This happens to coincide with when the podcaster, Ben, will be in town doing his research. Crafty grandma!

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The facts of the past are slowly revealed as Ben uncovers new information and Lucy begins to regain her memories of that night. Ultimately, the unexpected truth is revealed.

There are many things to like about this book, starting with the characters. Lucy is likeable, primarily because she is straightforward, down-to-earth, and speaks her mind. She has a voice in her head that fantasizes about killing people with everyday objects. While this could have been morbid, it’s actually hilarious, especially as performed in the audio book version. Other standout characters include Lucy’s grandmother and Ben, the cocky podcaster.

I also enjoyed the well-executed format. A true crime podcast is right in step with today’s trends and an effective vehicle for revealing new facts. I can imagine that people will reveal more when they’re sitting in front of a microphone than they will when they’re sitting in front of a police officer, which is what happens in this story. Plus, the podcaster provides a fresh perspective on the crime. These factors, plus well-timed “reveals”,  created a very satisfying plot structure.

Finally, the resolution to the mystery came as a surprise as the murderer really wasn’t on my radar. I like that in a mystery!

If you’ve read Listen for the Lie, what did you think? And if you read a beach read this month, tell us all about it!

**Reminder – July’s challenge is to read a book involving sports, because it’s time for the Olympics!!!