Chelsea Ichaso’s latest psychological thriller, “So I Lied,” weaves an intricate tapestry of deception, friendship, and murder against the atmospheric backdrop of rural Wales. The novel masterfully explores how the weight of long-buried secrets can fracture even the strongest bonds, leading to devastating consequences. While Ichaso is known for her young adult thrillers like “Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets” and “They’re Watching You,” this adult debut demonstrates her growing sophistication as a writer while maintaining her trademark sharp plotting and psychological insight.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story follows three longtime friends—Jocelyn, Rowan, and Cadence—during what should be a celebratory bachelorette trip to Wales for Jocelyn’s upcoming wedding. However, the festive mood quickly sours as buried resentments and shocking revelations surface. Ichaso employs a clever narrative structure, alternating between the present (“NOW”) chapters that hint at a horrific discovery and the main timeline that shows how events spiral toward tragedy.
The author demonstrates particular skill in parceling out information, each revelation forcing readers to reevaluate their understanding of characters and events. The pacing is remarkably well-controlled, starting with subtle tensions that gradually escalate into full psychological warfare, culminating in a series of shocking twists that feel both surprising and inevitable.
Character Development and Dynamics
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its complex character work:
- Jocelyn: The bride-to-be whose perfectly curated life masks deep insecurities and a capacity for betrayal
- Rowan: A single mother haunted by the death of her child’s father and struggling with a destructive compulsion
- Cadence: The seemingly unremarkable friend harboring the darkest secrets of all
The relationships between these women are expertly drawn, with years of shared history, resentment, and codependency creating a volatile emotional powder keg. Ichaso excels at showing how their friendship, while genuine, is built on a foundation of lies and manipulation.
Setting and Atmosphere
The Welsh setting proves to be far more than mere backdrop. Ichaso transforms the misty forests, ancient stone circles, and isolated bed-and-breakfast into characters in their own right. The author skillfully weaves local folklore about the gwyllgi (the black dog of Welsh legend) into the narrative, creating an atmosphere of creeping dread that perfectly complements the psychological suspense.
Themes and Subtext
The novel explores several interconnected themes with impressive depth:
- The nature of truth and lies in relationships
- The destructive power of unprocessed grief
- The thin line between love and obsession
- The question of whether we can ever truly know those closest to us
Particularly compelling is the exploration of how people can justify increasingly terrible actions through a warped sense of loyalty or justice.
Writing Style and Technical Execution
Ichaso’s prose is lean and effective, with moments of lyrical beauty that never detract from the mounting tension. Her dialogue rings true, each character having a distinct voice that reveals their personality and background. The author shows particular skill in writing unreliable narration, keeping readers guessing about whose version of events to trust.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is generally well-executed, there are a few minor issues:
- The early chapters could be more tightly focused, as some initial scene-setting feels repetitive
- A few plot points rely perhaps too heavily on coincidence
- Some readers might find the level of interconnection between past and present events slightly implausible
Impact and Resonance
“So I Lied” by Chelsea Ichaso is more than just a thriller – it’s a penetrating examination of female friendship, betrayal, and the lies we tell ourselves. The story lingers in the mind long after reading, forcing us to question our own relationships and the secrets we keep.
Comparative Analysis
Fans of Ruth Ware’s atmospheric mysteries and Lucy Foley’s friend-group thrillers will find much to appreciate here. The novel also bears comparison to Tana French’s psychological depth and Gillian Flynn’s talent for revealing the darkness lurking beneath ordinary relationships.
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Complex psychological thrillers
- Stories exploring female friendship dynamics
- Atmospheric British settings
- Unreliable narrators
- Multiple timeline narratives
Final Verdict
“So I Lied” marks an impressive adult debut for Chelsea Ichaso. While not without minor flaws, the novel succeeds admirably in its ambitions, delivering a psychologically complex thriller that keeps readers guessing until the final page.
Strengths
- Masterful plotting and pacing
- Complex, well-developed characters
- Atmospheric setting
- Sophisticated exploration of themes
- Satisfying and surprising resolution
Reading Experience
The novel proves difficult to put down, with each chapter ending in a way that compels continued reading. The multiple viewpoints and timelines create an engaging puzzle that readers will enjoy piecing together, while the emotional depth ensures investment in the characters’ fates.
Recommendation
“So I Lied” by Chelsea Ichaso is highly recommended for thriller fans who appreciate psychological complexity and don’t mind dark subject matter. It’s best read in long sessions to fully appreciate the intricate plot development and maintain momentum through the various revelations.