Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

This gem, Lisa Jewell’s suspense thriller None of This is True, was recommended to me by a good friend earlier this year. I had no idea it was a Booktok trending book until after I finished it, but in this case (for me, anyway) I’d say Booktok was right on the money. I enjoyed this one a lot.

Summary:
Podcaster Alix Summers is on the lookout for a new project when she meets the odd, timid Josie Fair at a pub where they are both celebrating their birthdays. After embarking on a journey to record a podcast about Josie’s life, Alix discovers that this woman has overcome so much and is determined to change her life. But there is something…unsettling about Josie. Too intrigued to stop recording the podcast, Alix will soon learn the truth about Josie’s past—because if there’s one talent Josie has, it’s for bending the truth.

***

None of This is True has the perfect blend of character building, drama and suspense. Character POVs flip back and forth between Josie and Alix, interspersed with interviews from the podcast with people who knew Josie before…The Incident. What was The Incident, you ask? Well, you have to engage with all the lead-up in this story to find out. Jewell gives nothing away for free.

The pace of this book drew me along like a pet chasing a treat, making it impossible for me to put down. It was also just the right length—long enough for the plot to simmer and play out in a satisfying manner, but not bloated with unnecessary details or side plots. I listened to the audiobook version of this, which was brilliantly acted and worked extremely well with the podcast/interview aspect of this novel.

I loved this book, and will definitely be a return customer for Lisa Jewell in the future.