Cover image of The Last Time I Lied
The Last Time I Lied
Riley Sager
Quick Take
Fifteen years ago, summer camper Emma Davis watched sleepily as her three cabin mates snuck out of their cabin in the dead of night. The last she--and anyone--saw of them was Vivian closing the cabin door behind her, hushing Emma with a finger pressed to her lips.Now a rising star in the NYC art scene, Emma turns her past into paintings.. They catch the attention of Francesca Harris-White, the socialite and wealthy owner of the very same Camp Nightingale--and when Francesca implores Emma to return to the camp as a painting counselor, Emma sees an opportunity to find closure and move on.Yet, it is immediately clear that all is not right at Camp Nightingale. Already haunted by surfacing memories, Emma is suddenly plagued by a security camera pointed directly at her cabin, mounting mistrust from Francesca, and, most disturbing of all, cryptic clues Vivian apparently left behind about the camp's twisted origins. And as history begins to repeat itself and three girls go missing again, Emma must face threats from both man and nature in order to uncover all the buried secrets--including what really happened all those years ago.
Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Last Time I Lied

Introduction

"The Last Time I Lied" by Riley Sager is a gripping psychological thriller that takes readers on a journey through the dark and mysterious world of summer camp. With its engaging plot, atmospheric setting, and unexpected twists, this book has captured the hearts of many readers. In this article, we will explore the author's background, analyze the common opinions of readers, and summarize the reasons why this book is highly recommended.

About Riley Sager

Riley Sager is a New York Times bestselling author known for his thrilling novels. With a background in journalism, Sager brings a unique perspective to his writing, creating stories that are both suspenseful and thought-provoking. His previous works, such as "Final Girls" and "Survive the Night," have garnered critical acclaim, solidifying his position as a master of the psychological thriller genre.

Analysis of Views

  1. Engaging Plot: Readers praise the book for its captivating plot that keeps them guessing until the very end. The alternating timelines between the past and present add depth to the story, creating a sense of intrigue and mystery.
  2. Atmospheric Setting: The setting of the summer camp adds an element of eeriness to the story, making it all the more immersive. Readers appreciate the vivid descriptions of the camp and its surroundings, which transport them into the world of the novel.
  3. Multi-layered Characters: The cast of characters in "The Last Time I Lied" is well-developed and complex. Readers find themselves invested in the characters' relationships and their individual motivations, making them feel like real people rather than mere plot devices.
  4. Twists and Turns: The book is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Readers appreciate the author's ability to weave clues throughout the story, creating a sense of satisfaction when everything comes together in the end.
  5. Vivid Writing Style: Riley Sager's writing style is highly praised for its vividness and immersive quality. Readers find themselves easily absorbed in the story, feeling like they are watching a movie play out in their minds. The author's ability to create a sense of atmosphere is particularly commendable.

Reasons for Recommendation

  1. Engaging Plot: The book's captivating plot is one of the primary reasons readers recommend it. The alternating timelines and multiple mysteries keep readers engaged from beginning to end, making it difficult to put down.
  2. Atmospheric Setting: The summer camp setting adds an element of eeriness and suspense to the story, making it an immersive reading experience. Readers appreciate the vivid descriptions that transport them into the world of the novel.
  3. Multi-layered Characters: The well-developed characters add depth to the story and make it more relatable. Readers find themselves invested in the characters' relationships and motivations, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the book.
  4. Twists and Turns: The unexpected twists and turns keep readers on their toes, making it a thrilling read. The author's ability to weave clues throughout the story adds a sense of satisfaction when everything comes together in the end.
  5. Vivid Writing Style: Riley Sager's writing style is highly praised for its vividness and immersive quality. Readers find themselves easily absorbed in the story, feeling like they are watching a movie play out in their minds. This quality adds to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

  1. Believability Factor: Some readers find that the believability factor weighs down the book. They feel that certain aspects of the plot are unbelievable or contrived, which detracts from their overall enjoyment of the story.
  2. YA Quality: A few readers mention that there is a YA quality to the writing that they did not enjoy. They feel that certain aspects of the writing style or character development are reminiscent of young adult literature, which may not appeal to all readers.

Conclusion

"The Last Time I Lied" by Riley Sager is a highly recommended psychological thriller that combines an engaging plot, atmospheric setting, multi-layered characters, twists and turns, and vivid writing style. With its captivating storytelling and unexpected twists, this book has captured the hearts of many readers. While some readers have expressed concerns about believability and YA quality, overall, "The Last Time I Lied" is a thrilling read that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.