The Lying Game by Ruth Ware book cover
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The Lying Game

384 pages 2017 Thriller, Mystery 🌶️ Clean Standalone
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The Vibe

Four women who were friends at boarding school share a secret: a game of lies that went too far. Seventeen years later, the body buried under those lies surfaces — literally. Ware writes about female friendship, complicity, and what happens when the truth you buried won't stay dead.

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Is This Book for You?

Skip if you dislike:

Ending: Twisty
Pacing: Medium

What This Book Feels Like

Moods: Atmospheric Friendship Dark Past Coastal

Tropes: Four Friends Buried Secret Boarding School Coastal Setting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a standalone?

Yes, complete standalone.

Is the friendship dynamic good?

Excellent — the power dynamics between the four women drive the tension.

Is it slow?

Atmospheric rather than slow — the coastal setting does heavy lifting.

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