Lisa Jewell has done it again. With her latest psychological thriller “None of This Is True,” she proves once more why she’s a master of the genre, weaving an intricate web of lies, manipulation, and deadly consequences that will keep readers guessing until the very last page.
As I settled in to read this book, cup of tea in hand and rain pattering against the windows (how fitting for a thriller), I had high expectations. Jewell’s previous novels like “The Family Upstairs” and “Then She Was Gone” set a high bar. But within the first few chapters, I knew this one was going to be something special. The premise alone had me hooked—a true crime podcaster unwittingly becomes the subject of her own sinister story. It’s meta, it’s fresh, and in Jewell’s capable hands, it’s utterly riveting.
Synopsis: When Birthdays Go Bad
Alix Summers is living her best life as a popular podcaster, celebrating her 45th birthday at the local pub. Enter Josie Fair – an unassuming woman who happens to share Alix’s exact birthdate. Their paths cross again outside Alix’s children’s school, and Josie suggests she might make an interesting podcast subject. Intrigued by Josie’s hints of big life changes ahead, Alix agrees.
But as Alix delves deeper into Josie’s world, she realizes she’s opened a Pandora’s box of dark secrets. Josie insinuates herself into Alix’s life and home before vanishing without a trace. Only then does Alix discover the terrifying legacy Josie has left behind—and that she herself has become the subject of a true crime podcast, with her family’s lives hanging in the balance.
Unraveling the Threads: Storytelling at Its Finest
Jewell’s storytelling prowess shines throughout this novel. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives and formats, including podcast transcripts, news reports, and traditional chapters. This approach could easily become gimmicky or confusing in less skilled hands. But Jewell masterfully weaves these elements together, creating a rich tapestry that keeps the reader fully engaged.
The pacing is impeccable. Jewell doles out revelations and twists with surgical precision, always leaving you hungry for more. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what’s happening, she pulls the rug out from under you. I lost track of how many times I gasped aloud or muttered “No way!” to my empty living room.
Characters That Leap Off the Page
One of Jewell’s greatest strengths has always been her ability to craft complex, believable characters. In “None of This Is True,” she outdoes herself.
Alix Summers initially comes across as a relatable, likable protagonist. She’s successful but still struggles with self-doubt and the challenges of balancing career and family. As the story progresses, however, we see her flaws and blind spots exposed. Her journey from confident professional to a woman questioning everything she thought she knew is masterfully portrayed.
But it’s Josie Fair who steals the show. Jewell has created one of the most fascinating, terrifying antagonists I’ve encountered in recent memory. Josie is a chameleon, constantly shifting and adapting to manipulate those around her. Her motivations remain murky throughout much of the book, keeping the reader constantly off-balance. Is she a victim? A predator? Both? The layers of Josie’s character are peeled back slowly, revealing a deeply damaged individual whose actions are no less horrifying for being somewhat understandable.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. From Alix’s family to the various people caught in Josie’s web, each character feels fully realized and essential to the story.
Themes That Resonate
While “None of This Is True” is undeniably a gripping thriller, Jewell doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes. The nature of truth and perception is a central focus. How well can we ever really know someone? How much of our own stories do we curate and edit, even for ourselves?
The book also delves into the dark side of true crime entertainment. Alix’s initial excitement about Josie’s story gradually gives way to horror as she realizes the real-world consequences of treating people’s tragedies as content. It’s a timely examination of our society’s obsession with true crime and the ethical quandaries it can present.
Motherhood, in all its complicated glory, is another recurring theme. Both Alix and Josie grapple with what it means to be a “good” mother, and how far one might go to protect (or control) their children.
The Devil’s in the Details: Craft and Style
Jewell’s prose is, as always, a joy to read. Her writing style is crisp and efficient, never getting bogged down in unnecessary description. Yet she has a knack for vivid imagery that brings scenes to life with just a few well-chosen words.
The dialogue crackles with authenticity. Each character has a distinct voice, from Alix’s polished podcast persona to Josie’s unsettling, off-kilter cadences. The banter between characters feels natural and often provides moments of levity to balance the darker elements of the story.
A Master Class in Suspense
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up way past your bedtime, “None of This Is True” delivers in spades. Jewell ratchets up the tension with each chapter, creating a palpable sense of dread that had me literally holding my breath at times.
The final act is a roller coaster of revelations and confrontations. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say I was on the edge of my seat (okay, lying in bed clutching my Kindle for dear life) until the very last page.
Not Without Flaws
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it’s not without its imperfections. A few plot points stretched credibility a bit, even for a thriller. There were moments where I found myself thinking, “Would someone really do that?” or “Wouldn’t the police have figured this out sooner?”
Additionally, the sheer number of characters and interconnected storylines occasionally became overwhelming. I found myself flipping back a few times to remind myself of certain details or relationships.
These minor quibbles, however, did little to detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel.
The Verdict: A Must-Read Thriller
“None of This Is True” is Lisa Jewell at the top of her game. It’s a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing, gasping, and furiously turning pages until the very end.
The intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and exploration of timely themes elevate this book above your average beach read (though it would certainly make for some very exciting beach reading). It’s a story that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished the last page, leaving you questioning the nature of truth, the stories we tell ourselves, and just how well we can ever really know the people in our lives.
If you’re a fan of Jewell’s previous work, this is an absolute must-read. For those new to her writing, “None of This Is True” serves as an excellent introduction to her style and skill.
Who Should Read This Book
– Fans of psychological thrillers with intricate plots
– True crime enthusiasts (especially those interested in the ethics of the genre)
– Readers who enjoy unreliable narrators and morally ambiguous characters
– Anyone looking for a book that will keep them up all night (in the best way)
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
If you enjoyed “None of This Is True,” you might also like:
1. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
2. “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
3. “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
4. “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. Finn
5. “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave
Final Thoughts
As I closed the book (well, swiped to the last page on my e-reader), I found myself both thoroughly satisfied and slightly unsettled. That’s the mark of a truly great thriller, in my opinion. “None of This Is True” is a rollercoaster ride of a novel that will appeal to both die-hard thriller fans and casual readers alike.
Lisa Jewell has outdone herself with this one. It’s clever, it’s timely, and it’s absolutely impossible to put down. Just make sure you clear your schedule before you start reading – you won’t want any interruptions once you dive into this twisted tale.
A near-perfect thriller that cements Lisa Jewell’s status as one of the best in the business. Highly recommended!