mel_chan91's review
4.0
OMG, SARA, WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!!?
Best book in the series so far, now I have to wait until July for more answers...I am so overwhelmed right now.
Best book in the series so far, now I have to wait until July for more answers...I am so overwhelmed right now.
albon's review
3.0
(Review from 2013)
READING PROGRESS
READING PROGRESS
October 6, 2013 – Started Reading
October 6, 2013 – Shelved
October 6, 2013 – 0.0% "I can't help myself, I need to read more."
October 6, 2013 – 86.0% "I'm slightly confused by the sudden paranormal touch, but hey, I can roll with it."
October 6, 2013 – 100.0% "Holy shiiiiit"
October 6, 2013 – Finished Reading
geofroggatt's review
3.0
When Sutton died two months ago, her killer told her twin sister to become Sutton, or else. Now Emma has it down near perfectly. She tosses her hair with the signature Sutton Mercer flip and can lead a Lying Game prank with the best of them. She's even repairing Sutton’s relationship with her adoptive family. The only thing she hasn't done is solve Sutton’s murder. Then their birth mother, the woman who abandoned them, showed up in Tucson. Emma hasn't seen Becky in twelve years, but Becky recognizes Emma immediately, as Emma. Is it mother's intuition, or does Becky know Sutton is already gone? This is the second to last book in the series, and probably my favorite book in the series (so far). I love the premise and the return of Emma and Sutton’s birth mother, Becky Mercer. I loved the revelation of the twins’ true family tree and how that shakes up all the character dynamics going into this book. While I understand the characters’ less than knowledgeable understanding of mental illness, I do still think that Sara Shepard has a bad habit of depicting mental illness poorly. Even if the author likes to explore the idea of dangerous neurodivergent people, it often never feels nuanced or complex enough to be justified and ultimately boils down to “they’re just crazy!” as a cheap plot point. I did like how Nisha tries to explain to Emma that people have all kinds of problems that land them in the psych ward and that calling them crazy isn’t something she would say, but the moment is briefer than it should be. There are more quasi-supernatural elements in this book in the form of a tarot card reading from Celeste (a new age girl with a strong intuition), but Celeste’s scenes feel half-baked, much like many other quasi-supernatural elements in Sara Shepard’s books. I understand wanting to make this series have the tiniest pinch of pseudo supernatural flavor to have some spooky ambiguous moments, but it just never feels like it’s done right. This also applies to Sutton’s perspective as a narrative tool. I expected this series to have many unique moments through Sutton’s ghost’s perspective, but by the fifth book in a six book series, there aren’t as many as I’d like. It makes the choice to see things through Sutton’s eyes feel like a cheap gimmick. There were many moments that I wanted Sutton’s thoughts and feelings on what Emma was feeling or doing but it is never explored further or if it is, it’s very briefly. I was also confused at how the reader knows Emma’s inner thoughts if Sutton’s ghost POV hasn’t shown that Sutton could hear Emma’s thoughts. I feel like if Sara Shepard wanted to include Sutton’s ghost, she should have leaned into it just a little bit more while trying not to go too far with it. I may feel differently by the end of the series though, if it’s used effectively at the end and the story is wrapped up well. I loved Becky’s inclusion in this book, but I would have loved if it had explored her a bit more. The death at the end of this book felt random but it definitely raised the stakes going into the final book in the series.
siobhanl_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
belle18244's review
3.0
While this books was as interesting as the rest of the books in this series, it is the same formula as the other books, Really I ready for this series to end so we can find out the who the killer is.
Spoiler
Emma suspects someone and by the end finds out the had a great alibi.caiken4's review
3.0
**3.5 Stars**
I wasn't blow away with this instalment. It definitely gave some new information... But I feel like this story line has really dragged out. I am glad there is only 6 books and hope it stays that way! The ending left me wondering if my guess as to who done it is right... or maybe that was the obvious guess all along?
I wasn't blow away with this instalment. It definitely gave some new information... But I feel like this story line has really dragged out. I am glad there is only 6 books and hope it stays that way! The ending left me wondering if my guess as to who done it is right... or maybe that was the obvious guess all along?
meggm1202's review
5.0
In the fifth book of the Lying Game series, Emma Paxton continues her investigation to figure out who killed her twin sister, Sutton Mercer. She learns lots of new tnings when her genetic mother comes to town, acting very suspicious, that aid her in her journey. I loved this book and all the huge plot twists and surprises. I never imagine what happens when I turn the page, but it is always extremely exciting and intriguing. I would rate this book 5/5 stars and recommend to all mystery lovers who enjoy a bit of romance as well.
svantuyl's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0