[Review] — James Patterson's LIES HE TOLD ME is an Intriguing, Mindless Fluff

James Patterson novels are plentiful—trust me, my visits to thrift stores have confirmed this. You can easily find at least one new title every month, and for dedicated fans, it is often a challenge to keep up with the latest releases. His most recent thriller, LIES HE TOLD ME, was co-authored with David Ellis and published by Little, Brown and Company.

While I noticed a chorus of praise from other reviewers and readers for LIES HE TOLD ME, I do not share their enthusiasm. I trudged through the book from the first sentence to the clichéd conclusion. The novel is not entirely atrocious—I would rate it alongside James Patterson's more commendable works—but ultimately, it veers towards forgettable, offering little more than a catchy cover and title to pique interest.

The plot unfolds in the tight-knit community of Hemingway Grove, Illinois, where everyone seems to know the Bowers family. David runs the local pub, a beloved establishment in town, while Marcie is a former city attorney who has transitioned to practicing family law. The story begins with a dramatic incident: after David heroically saves a stranger from drowning, he is thrust into the spotlight and celebrated as a local hero. News networks feverishly showcase his well-built physique, shaved head, and striking blue eyes.

For many, such sudden fame would feel like a blessing or a fresh start. However—for David—this newfound notoriety unravels into a dangerous situation—while Marcie grapples with her own challenges. A wife should instinctively know the nuances between a devoted husband and a calculating killer, right? 

The synopsis might sound typical of the ever-growing domestic thriller genre—an arena I find particularly difficult to navigate. James Patterson, who laid down the framework for the novel, sticks to his familiar formula: quick chapter lengths, a protagonist who feels lifeless and one-dimensional, stilted dialogue that lacks authenticity, and a predictable plot twist that readers could see coming from a mile away. Strip the story of its occasional foul language and mild sexual themes, and the prose resembles something more suited for younger readers than for adults looking for a gripping narrative. Everything—plotline, character development, and writing style—seems alarmingly simplified. Why is that so? Perhaps the authors assume that readers lack the patience for nuanced storytelling and prefer fleeting bursts of action. But, I had the opposite experience: I finished the book in under an hour, yet craved something with a bit more depth and sophistication.

LIES HE TOLD ME does present a somewhat compelling premise but ultimately fails to deliver. The storyline lacks the vigor to carry it through to a satisfying conclusion. Instead, it feels stretched thin, as if the authors attempted to fill space and expand a tale that would have fared better condensed into a novella. LIES HE TOLD ME is a disappointing misstep, a forgettable foray into mindless fluff that could have offered more. ╌★★✰✰✰

Reminder: The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com. As an Amazon affiliate, I will receive a small commission if you buy the book through the link above. All earnings will help to support future reviews.