Minnie's Fiction Addiction

Cover of Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, published by Penguin.

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera is a twisty, darkly humorous thriller about a woman named Lucy who returns to her Texas hometown years after being accused—but never charged—in the murder of her best friend, Savannah.

Although Lucy was the prime suspect, the police could never prove she was guilty. Now, a true-crime podcast decides to investigate Savannah’s murder, drawing Lucy back into the public eye and reopening old wounds. As Lucy reconnects with old acquaintances and faces the town’s suspicions, she’s forced to confront what really happened that night.

👀 First impressions:
I was immediately hooked by the premise, a woman returns to her hometown where everyone thinks she murdered her best friend, but she can’t remember what happened. The blend of mystery, podcast framing, and dark humor really drew me in.

✅ What I liked:
The pacing was sharp and addictive; I flew through this in just a couple of days. Amy Tintera’s writing has a witty, sardonic edge that makes the protagonist relatable despite her flaws. The integration of podcast transcripts added a fun, modern true-crime feel, and the small-town setting was vividly drawn, full of secrets, tension, and buried resentments. I also appreciated that the twists weren’t just there for shock value; they made sense and deepened the emotional weight of the story.
One standout element was Beverly, Lucy’s sharp-tongued, no-nonsense grandmother. She’s an absolute scene-stealer, fierce, funny, and unafraid to call things as she sees them. Beverly brings warmth, grit, and unexpected humour, grounding Lucy’s character and adding another rich layer to the story’s emotional core.

❎ What I didn’t like:
While the main mystery was gripping, I found myself wishing that some of the side storylines and relationships had been explored more deeply. There were interesting threads and secondary characters that felt a bit underdeveloped. Expanding on these could have made the story world feel even richer and more immersive.

💭 Overall thoughts:
Listen for the Lie is a smart, engaging thriller with bite, perfect for fans of true crime podcasts, unreliable narrators, and twisty small-town mysteries. It’s funny, sharp, and compulsively readable. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves a modern mystery with personality.

📚 Why you should read Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera:
If you love twisty, fast-paced thrillers with sharp humour and an unforgettable narrator, Listen for the Lie is a must-read. Amy Tintera brilliantly combines the addictive pull of a true crime podcast with a protagonist you can’t help but root for, even when you’re not sure if you should trust her. With plenty of sharp dialogue, layered characters, and gasp-worthy turns, this book will keep you guessing, and laughing, right up to the last page. It’s perfect for fans of Only Murders in the Building, unreliable narrators, or anyone who loves their mysteries with a side of dark wit. Plus, Beverly, Lucy’s grandmother — is one of the book’s standout characters, bringing sharp wit, strength, and unexpected warmth to every scene she’s in. She’s the kind of character you’ll wish had her own spin-off.

Final Rating: ★★★★☆½ almost perfect, with just a few small details holding it back, but absolutely a standout I’d recommend.

🛍️ Where to Buy

Looking to grab your own copy of Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera? Visit the Penguin website for links HERE