Book Review: Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

The Gist: Listen for the Lie is a gripping thriller that defies true crime podcast stereotypes through its complex female lead, exploration of small-town justice, and buried secrets.

Series: Standalone

Release Date: March 5, 2024

Format: Hardcover

Rating: 4.5-stars

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One of my favourite BookTubers, Olivia Reads a Latte, influenced me to pick up Listen for the Lie! While Olivia is a big thriller reader, I’m not. But what sold this book for me was her reaction to the audiobook and how well-plotted and fleshed-out the podcast aspect of this thriller was.

Listen for the Lie follows Lucy when she returns to her hometown for her grandmother‘s 80th birthday. But, just her (bad) luck, there’s a new true crime podcast that has reignited interest in the cold case of her best friend’s murder, where Lucy was the prime suspect! Lucy was found not far from the crime scene, stumbling down the road drenched in her best friend‘s blood. But Lucy has no memory of the night in question. She has been grappling for the past five years with whether everyone is right about their suspicions that she murdered her best friend.

Another reason I purchased this book was that Amy Tintera is the author of one of my favourite dystopian young adult novels, the Reboot series. I knew from experience that Tintera does a really good job writing strong female main characters who defy sexist archetypes—Lucy isn’t the perfect victim, but she also isn’t a two-dimensional villain.

The Allure of Podcasts and True Crime Narratives

Another compelling element of Listen for the Lie is integrating the true-crime podcast. This narrative device adds a modern twist to the whodunnit story, enhancing its appeal and providing a fresh take on the thriller genre. The podcast serves as a catalyst for reopening the cold case. It adds layers of intrigue as new evidence and theories emerge. This element not only drives the plot forward but also offers commentary on the true crime phenomenon, challenging stereotypes and exploring the impact of such media on real-life cases. The podcast aspect and the well-plotted mystery kept me engaged throughout the book.

Subverting True Crime Stereotypes

In Listen for the Lie, Amy Tintera masterfully challenges several true crime stereotypes through her intricate narrative and character development. Lucy defies the typical portrayal of victims and suspects by being a deeply flawed yet relatable character. Many true crime narratives often depict women as passive victims. However, the most often used word to describe Lucy is “asshole” because she doesn’t flinch away from everyone’s suspicions, and she isn’t afraid of conflict or confrontation.

Furthermore, Tintera’s use of the true-crime podcast within the story serves as a plot device and a critique of the ethical implications of sensationalist media, exposing how the truth has become subjective in popular consciousness. Tintera further challenges small-town justice by highlighting biases in the investigation of Lucy’s best friend’s murder, revealing how small-town prejudice and gossip can lead to wrongful suspicions and overlooked evidence. By presenting a nuanced view of victims, perpetrators, and the media, Listen for the Lie offers a refreshing and thought-provoking take on the true crime genre.

Complex Female Main Characters

One of the standout aspects of Listen for the Lie is Amy Tintera’s talent for creating strong, multi-dimensional female characters. Lucy is neither a perfect victim nor a simplistic villain; instead, she is a deeply flawed and human character who grapples with her past and the suspicions of those around her. Tintera’s nuanced portrayal of Lucy connects readers with her struggles and uncertainties, making her journey compelling and relatable. This complexity in character development is something I appreciated in Tintera’s Reboot series and was pleased to see continued in this thriller. Additionally, the unreliable narrator trope is skillfully employed through Lucy’s amnesia, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Her inability to remember the night of the murder makes her an unreliable source of information, heightening the suspense and making the narrative even more engaging as readers piece together the truth alongside her.

Why Not 5 Stars?

I didn’t feel I could give Listen for the Lie more than 4.5 stars for two reasons. First, the true crime podcaster (and Lucy’s eventual love interest), Ben, rubbed me the wrong way. It’s like he didn’t see Lucy as a person; he only realized when she reacted as the deeply traumatized person she was that she wasn’t “just” a story. Second, the ending was predictable. I wrote a note to myself around 50% into the book hypothesizing who I thought did it––and I was right. Still, even wilder, my exposition on why they did it was also correct!

Conclusion

Overall, Listen for the Lie is a gripping thriller that combines a well-plotted mystery with the modern appeal of true crime podcasts. Amy Tintera’s knack for creating complex female characters is evident in Lucy, a strong yet flawed protagonist. The book challenges typical true crime stereotypes and explores media influence and the consequences of small-town secrets. Although the ending was predictable, the twists and suspense kept me engaged. If you’re into thrillers with ethical depth and strong heroines, Listen for the Lie is a must-read.

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