“What begins as a game of Three Truths and a Lie quickly devolves into a web of suspicions, secrets, and sinister intents. In a taut story whose atmosphere is reminiscent of Stephen King, Hartinger presents readers with a psychological thriller and suspenseful mystery. Misdirection and twists continue from the first page to the last … For readers who want more books to have them on the edge of their seats as they read.” – VOYA [Starred Review]
“Placing a couple of gay boys at the center of a psychological thriller is a refreshing spin on a very old trope. The story is suspenseful, with excellent pacing, self-aware humor, and a twist that Hartinger pulls off as well as the best slasher films.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Amazing … I was left in a daze from how perfectly complex and unpredictable the story truly was. You literally won’t see any of it coming. And, even better, there are no loose ends or plot holes; everything made sense in the end! 5/5 [or] 6/5, [which is] mathematically impossible.” – TeenReads.com
“Hartinger’s novel is a gripping mystery written in a straightforward way that will appeal to reluctant readers. The unadorned language propels the plot swiftly forward and keeps readers engaged. The descriptive sex scenes make this book suitable for a mature high school audience. VERDICT An intense mystery perfect for reluctant readers..” – School Library Journal
“Rife with sexual tension … Hartinger’s depiction of the complexities of teen relationships, particularly gay ones, is on point.” – Publishers Weekly
“The year’s best mystery.” – Sensible Reason Magazine
“Excellent … leaves you guessing to the very end … You’ll never see the ending coming. It’ll blow your mind.” – Forever Young Adult
“Readers will not be able to put this suspenseful book down until they find out who is tormenting the teens.” – School Library Connection
“Fun and suspenseful … an ideal beach read.” – He Said Magazine
A weekend retreat in the woods and an innocent game of three truths and a lie go horribly wrong in this high-octane psychological thriller filled with romantic suspense by a Lambda Award–winning author Brent Hartinger.
Deep in the forest, four friends gather for a weekend of fun.
Truth #1: Rob is thrilled about the weekend trip. It’s the perfect time for him to break out of his shell…to be the person he really, really wants to be.
Truth #2: Liam, Rob’s boyfriend, is nothing short of perfect. He’s everything Rob could have wanted. They’re perfect together. Perfect.
Truth #3: Mia has been Liam’s best friend for years…long before Rob came along. They get each other in a way Rob could never, will never, understand.
Truth #4: Galen, Mia’s boyfriend, is sweet, handsome, and incredibly charming. He’s the definition of a Golden Boy…even with the secrets up his sleeve.
One of these truths is a lie…and not everyone will live to find out which one it is.