Book Review: The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

The Lying Game
Author: Sara Shepard
Goodreads| Amazon| Author Website

Emma Paxton hasn’t always had the best life. After her mom abandoned her when she was young, Emma has been shuffled from foster home to foster home, never getting too comfortable or finding a real family. When Emma’s latest foster brother shows her a video of a girl who looks exactly like her being strangled, Emma is shocked. Who is this girl who looks completely identical to her? Could Emma have a sister she never knew about?

Emma turns to Facebook and finds a profile of a girl named Sutton; Emma’s sister, and twin. Emma sends her a message and the girls make plans to meet. When Emma arrives at their meeting place in a park near Sutton’s home, Sutton is nowhere to be found.  But when Sutton’s friends see Emma and drag her to a party assuming she’s Sutton, Emma has no choice but to play along.  Emma tries to convince Sutton’s parents that she isn’t Sutton, but no one believes her. The next morning Emma receives a text telling her that Sutton is dead and that Emma should continue pretending to be Sutton…or she’s next. Emma is shocked, but vows to herself that she will solve the mystery of Sutton’s death, and convince everyone that she isn’t really Sutton.

But solving this mystery isn’t easy. Sutton has many frenemies; many possible suspects. She’s worshiped at school, but also is known for her bitchy demeanor.  Even her best friends and sister Laurel find it difficult to stay on Sutton’s good side. Emma is completely lost in Sutton’s world trying to fit in and understand the many rocky relationships in Sutton’s life all while  attempting o figure out who killed her sister.

Sara Shepard has done it again! I worked my way through this book in a day, completely engrossed in Sutton’s head (as the book is told from her perspective) and Emma’s new world. I love how the story was told. As I said, Sutton narrates the story. She knows she is dead, but has no idea what happened. In fact, she doesn’t remember much about her life at all.  As Emma takes over her identity Sutton slowly begins to remember things about her past, and about when she was strangled. I thought it was very clever for Shepard to write from Sutton’s perspective, because without it, all we know is a very mean g irl who I would probably have no sympathy for. Because Shepard allows us into her thoughts, I’m able to accept her a bit more, and root for Emma to find out who killed her sister.

I also quickly fell in love with Emma as a character. She’s had such a rough past, but she has an amazing attitude. She is so genuine, and only wants to find good friends and family. She has so much faith in other humans, exhibited by how she didn’t even think twice about meeting up with her sister, a complete stranger. She has such good intentions and such a big heart; you can’t help but adore her. It’s so much fun watching her try to fit into Sutton’s shoes- shoes she clearly doesn’t fit in. There are a few funny moments where Emma is nice to someone who Sutton wouldn’t normally be nice to, and Emma has to backtrack and say something bitchy to “get back into character.”

I really enjoy how Sara Shepard’s books always feature many characters. Of course, Emma is the main character, but we also meet Sutton’s family and friends who all play a big role in the book. I couldn’t relate to Sutton’s friends, but then again, I don’t think as readers we were really supposed to identify with them. Those friends represent the side of Sutton that Emma is yearning to learn more about; the mean girl Sutton.

Shepard’s writing style is so distinct. Even though this book and PRETTY LITTLE LIARS are completely different, Shepard’s clear  and fast-paced writing shines and is unmistakable. Her writing really allows the reader to paint a clear picture of a setting or a character. Every Shepard book I read, including this one, allows me to perfectly set up the scene in my head, as if I’m watching a movie.

And once again, I love a good mystery. I loved the on-edge feeling and chills I got while reading this book. This book truly got a reaction out of me. Shepard expertly sets up the mystery with just the right amount of suspense; everyone is a suspect, anyone could have killed Sutton. At one point in the story, you’ll think that just about everyone could be the killer.

Shepard writes another page turner. Once you get into this one, you’ll finish it quickly. I see big things in store for this series. There are so many different directions Shepard can take these characters and storylines in. Can’t wait until the sequel NEVER HAVE I EVER comes out!

5/5

Review copy provided by NetGalley.

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14 thoughts on “Book Review: The Lying Game by Sara Shepard”

  1. I am right in the middle of this right now. I am sooooo loving this book!!!!! I was a little confused at first, but it’s all coming together. Can’t wait to see what happens!

    1. I felt like that in the beginning but then I got it and I finished the book! This is the best book ever! 🙂

    2. i love the book the lying game because i can relate to the book in so many different ways. This book has two main characters but we have met one but not the other. Sutton Mercer is a wild child because she is awalys doing things unplained. Emma is a nice girl that is trying to make it through school in one foster home but that does not work at all. Emma gets a note saying Sutton is died you tell anyone and your next. ps your going to have to be Sutton. So emma is Sutton and she finds out everything that Sutton did. She drank alcohol, kissed a hot boy that was her boyfriend, pulling pranks, being in the police station. Sutton Mercer is a bad egg, i don’t know where her mother went wrong with her. I am so excited to read another book by this author. I would love to keep reading the series.

      1. The lying game is all about being ready for the unexpected at any point. This book has so many great lessons to be learned. Some lessons are about being you twin sister that you have never met before in your life. Other lessons are about being like your twin sister Sutton and doing everything she does. Kiss her boyfriend, drinking alcohol, pulling pranks on people, going to parties, going shopping, wearing her clothes, doing her sports. There is a lot more to this girl than you think.

  2. I completely flew through this book too! The author has such a knack for these types of stories and I’m excited to read the rest of the books in this series!

  3. wow this book sounds really good. i think i might get it, i think its appropriate, this book is perfect for middle school girls, because this book is about a high school girl, so we get to see what high school is like. i’m soooo going to ask my parents if i can get it.

  4. i love this book eventhough i kinda read it out of order bbut anyway it’s a misteriuouse daring and amazing book coodoes to you sahra

  5. When I read the first Lying Game book I was 13 and trying to figure out what kind of girl I was. Now I know I love mystery books and films full of suspense.Sara Shepard is my favourite author. I read Pretty little liars in a month ,whilst waiting for the fourth Lying Game book. Sara Shepard has shaped me as a human being with her amazing characters ,some of which instantly inspired me. I love Sara Shepard and all her lovable characters.

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I live by the saying “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” and help others do the same to reach their biggest, brightest goals. Read my story here.

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