If you only read one thriller this year…“A great modern gothic. Ellison outdid herself— what an ending!” —Catherine Coulter, #1 NYT bestselling author of VORTEX.Fast-paced and brilliantly unpredictable, J.T. Ellison’s breathtaking new novel invites you to a wedding none will forget—and some won’t survive.Jutting from sparkling turquoise waters off the Italian coast, Isle Isola is an idyllic … survive.
Jutting from sparkling turquoise waters off the Italian coast, Isle Isola is an idyllic setting for a wedding. In the majestic cliff-top villa owned by the wealthy Compton family, up-and-coming artist Claire Hunter will marry handsome, charming Jack Compton, surrounded by close family, intimate friends…and a host of dark secrets.
From the moment Claire sets foot on the island, something seems amiss. Skeletal remains have just been found. There are other, newer disturbances, too. Menacing texts. A ruined wedding dress. And one troubling shadow hanging over Claire’s otherwise blissful relationship—the strange mystery surrounding Jack’s first wife.
Then a raging storm descends, the power goes out—and the real terror begins…
You won’t be able to guess what happens in the end!
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I tore through J.T.’s latest in two nights, which is unusual for me. (I’m a slow reader.) This gloriously twisted psychological thriller in unputdownable.
All the narrators are unreliable, and the beautiful, yet creepy, private Italian island with a centuries-old crypt keeps it secrets close. Nothing is quite as it seems on Isle Isola as guests gather for the wedding of the year, hosted by one of the richest families in the world. A family with many interests to protect, including the truth about the death of the groom’s first wife.
The bride-to-be has her own secrets and personal demons; so does her sister.
As a storm descends, and the power goes out, the generators fail. Then the bodies start piling up…
I think it’s her best yet!
This book was deliciously twisted. I knew I was in for an intriguing ride after reading the description but I truly had no clue how fr down the rabbit hole I was going.
A story set in a villa on a beautiful island. I raging storm. A killer among them in disguise. It was like something out of the movies only better because I got to delve into the story without distraction.
From the moment I open and read the first page the author grabbed my attention and never let me go. I was a willing captive of her storytelling. She went to places most authors would not dream of and I followed willingly.
This story was dark, twisted, full of secrets, and oh so good. I could totally see it playing out on the big screen for all to watch. I must-read for anyone who wants a really good dark thriller.
I chose this as a credit due to narrator. For me the story was good and did keep me intrigued, however the ending was a bit of a letdown and fairly predictable. The characters were enjoyable. If you’re wanting to read about a wedding in Italy with Italian food and landscape, this isn’t that book, but a good murder mystery taking place around a castle like villa on a cliff. Narration is excellent.
This almost creepy, twisty tale of wedding and murder will keep you on the edge of your seat.
4.5 Stars
Claire is a struggling artist till she meets Jack Compton. Jack is from an extremely wealthy family and he pours his heart and soul into Claire. When they decide to get married they do so in a big way. They are headed to Jack’s family villa on the coast of Italy for a wedding weekend blow out! But, it becomes a nightmare and a moment of truth.
J.T Ellison always creates the best, flawed characters. And this novel has two of the bests! Claire has secrets from her past. And Jack has not told her the truth about many things. So, their relationship is not on even ground by any means. When all the strange things start to occur before the wedding, the cracks in their relationship starts to show.
This story kept me up late reading! I was so caught up in what could possibly happen next. And the setting of the ancient villa on a remote island during a massive storm…I mean…what could go wrong there! This book had me…hook, line and sinker!
Need a quick, fast paced thriller….oh boy! This is it! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
J.T. Ellison has become one of my all time favorite thriller writers, and HER DARK LIES is a classic example of why: stunning sense of place, page-turning suspense, intriguing story, and an engrossing cast of characters. (Anna Compton – Wow.) Ellison’s story and Brittany Pressley’s narration swept me away!
Wow! Her Dark Lies grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go! I loved this twisty thriller and had to “shake” myself out of Italy when I finished it. The writing is so descriptive you feel totally immersed in the sounds and smells of the island.
Her Dark Lies by J. T. Ellison is a highly recommended atmospheric novel of suspense with Gothic overtones.
The marriage of Nashville artist Claire Hunter to Jack Compton, the son of a wealthy computer company magnate is imminent. Before they leave for their destination wedding being held at the family cliff-top villa on the Isle Isola off the Italian coast, they are having a reception in Nashville. After the reception, Claire and Jack confront what seems to be a burglary, leaving questions and a police investigation when they continue on to the villa. When they arrive there, skeletal remains have just been found, adding to the dark atmosphere that seems to be targeting their wedding. Ominous, events continue to happen as the family and the selected few guests are at the villa and a series of storms are approaching the island.
Both Claire and Jack are complicated and enigmatic individuals, as is all of Jack’s family, so there are many more secrets surrounding the characters than there are immediate answers. The novel is told through Claire’s first person point-of-view, as well as short sections by a person not named until the end, although the identity is evident. Most of the characters are not clearly good or bad, which propels you to keep reading to see what exactly is happening and who can be trusted. Admittedly you have to set skepticism and disbelief aside over the wealth and success of both Claire and Jack.
After a slow start spent describing the settings and characters while introducing a few threatening events, the novel begins to take off after the characters are all on the island, basically trapped with each other and a killer. The threats and suspicious events and deaths keep adding up ratcheting up the suspense to the dramatic denouement. Ellison spends time creating the menacing atmosphere, which helps keep the suspense high. There are no huge surprises or twists in the plot, but this is a compelling novel of suspense that will grab your attention to the end.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of MIRA Books/HarperCollins in exchange for my honest opinion.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3889512910
I was looking forward to reading this book after all the hype, but this book just didn’t do it for me.
Claire Hunter is set to mary Jack Compton, the wealthy son and heir to the Compton fortune, when a series of awful things happen to thwart the wedding plans.
Jack’s first wife, Morgan, died shortly after their marriage, 10 years earlier. Claire has never been concerned about the circumstances of Morgan’s death. She should have been!!
Claire is an artist, Jack is a philanthropist, his family is in computers. They have a motive for bringing Claire in the family.
On the island in Italy, where the wedding is to take place, bodies start piling up.
The scenery is beautiful, the wedding is a great story, but the mystery of this fell apart for me with the unlikely explanation and the plot line.
This is a wonderful psychological thriller. I did not like most of the characters. They were all a bit privileged. This made me not want to put it down because I needed to know who was causing all the problems. I loved the descriptions of the island and the home. This book was like a roller coaster ride. I received a copy of this book from Harlequin for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
As usual, J.T. Ellison has spun an incredibly well-woven web of deception. With intricately precise details and truly captivating writing, Her Dark Lies is an instant addiction. This is an absolute must-read.
Who has more secrets – Jack or Claire?
We meet the wealthy, powerful Jack Compton and the artist with a past Claire Hunter a few days before their wedding festivities that are to take place in a beautiful island off the coast of Italy.
The day before had put a damper on their plans…well it did for Claire…because someone broke into her apartment, and the intruder was shot.
Jack was not even bothered by it. He remained his cool, calm self.
When Jack and Claire get to the island, the police are waiting for them. What can be happening now?
What is happening is that they found the body of Jack’s first wife who was believed to have drowned.
This news as well as the family’s huge guard dogs and a person she saw but no one else saw spooked Claire.
Just what is going on at this island and with this family?
Should Claire have listened to her friend when she told her a few things she found out about the Comptons?
And….just who is Claire?
HER DARK LIES is filled with so many really good twists and turns, secrets, and characters we need to figure out, you won’t be able to put the book down.
Ms. Ellison skillfully made the tension and interest non-stop in this dark thriller.
Don’t miss this one. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book had me all over the place. I couldn’t decide who were the good guys and who had an evil agenda in the works. It kept me guessing to the end. I love when that happens.
There shouldn’t have been so much evil and darkness on that beautiful island but every time someone turned around, there was more mayhem or death. And lies. What is the dreadful secret the family is trying to keep?
Her Dark Lies is a captivating page-turner, with all of its intrigue and drama. I couldn’t put it down and definitely recommend it to anyone who loves on-the-edge-of-your-seat thrillers. This is one you do not want to miss!
A pulse pounding mystery! HER DARK LIES by J.T. Ellison takes the reader on a journey of mystery and intrigue as danger mounts and secrets are uncovered. The premise is exciting and there are some good characters in the mix so even though the overall book fell a bit flat and disjointed in carry through, the suspense held my attention throughout.
Claire was a strong character from the start. She is embarking on the wedding trip of a lifetime to begin her life with Jack, but secrets she didn’t even know existed are throwing a wrench in her joy every time she turns around.
Jack and his family are full of secrets, lies and more surprises than expected.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mysterious read filled with danger and intrigue. Even though it wasn’t my favorite by this author, it holds your attention throughout and keeps you wanting to know more.
Everything in Claire Hunter’s world is falling apart, on the eve before leaving for her destination wedding a home invasion occurs and leaves her disturbed. Then as they arrive on the island a body turns up that could be the remains of her fiancés first wife, her wedding dress is destroyed, and she keeps seeing things that don’t add up. This should be the happiest time in her life, but she feels as though it is turning into a nightmare…
Her Dark Lies is one of those tales that will grab ahold of you from the first page and not let go until the last. The words are captivating and will take you on a journey that is riddled with lies, suspense, murder, deception, and twists and turns you will never see coming. The author’s descriptions are so vivid that it had me feeling like I was right there watching it all unfold with my own eyes. I found it impossible to put this book down, it’s cleverly penned words had me fully engaged and on the edge of my seat the whole way through! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Wow!J.T. Ellison the author of “Her Dark Lies” has written a dark, suspenseful, captivating, and compelling novel. The genres for this story are Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, and Fiction. There are betrayals, lies, threats, and murders. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her dramatic characters as flawed, quirky, moody, complex, and complicated. Any of the characters could be suspect of anything at all. The setting is off the Italian coast. It all begins with a wedding celebration if that comes to pass. As J.T. Ellison states,” At the wedding of the year, a killer needs no invitation.”
I love the way the author visually describes the characters, scenery, plot, and sounds. I can actually hear thunder and lightning and can also see it.
Claire Hunter is engaged to marry wealthy Jack Compton. Both are deeply in love and have deep secrets from each other. There is someone or something that seems to be sending messages and threats, Several things have happened that are really very strange, and dangerous. Claire feels protected by Jack. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop the ruined wedding dress, sightings of a ghost, and interfering forces. As a matter of fact, there is a dark foreboding feeling.
It does feel like something will happen, but will it be Claire and Jack’s wedding? I would highly recommend this edgy and thought-provoking novel!
Set on a secluded private island in sun-kissed Italy, Claire Hunter is about to marry the man of her dreams, Jack Compton. Just before they leave NYC for their wedding though, something horrific happens that Jack and his family cover up. When Jack and Claire finally get to the island, we find out that a body has just been unearthed, and it’s reported to be Jack’s first wife, which is odd since her hand had been reportedly found in California 10 years ago, on their honeymoon. As a storm rages outside, and the estate loses power, bodies start stacking up, and what people thought were long dead secrets are brought to light.
The book does start off slowly. Once you get through the beginning, the book picks up pace and you’ll fall headfirst into figuring out who all is involved. It’s not your normal whodunit. You do learn who the mastermind is pretty early on, the one controlling everything, but you don’t know who the minions are.
This book is well written, very descriptive, with fleshed out characters, and a storyline that pulls you along until the very last page.
**I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This book was fantastic. I loved it so much! It was perfectly paced and the characters wonderfully drawn out for the reader. I loved the mystery, suspense and thrills in this novel. I was burning through the pages and was fully entertained and engaged. I love these types of books that grab you and allow to to escape your world and hop into the pages of the book! A MUST read for thriller and mystery lovers!
This book was written in a different style than what we’re typically used to reading. For one it’s written in first person, which I like. It really allows you to get inside the characters mind.
The character development is edgy and I really enjoyed that these are not perfect people. Every character has a dark side that we are introduced to as the story develops. The plot is completely out of the ordinary, but reminiscent of old gothic murder mysteries. Ellison brings highly detailed descriptions of the locations which ties into the rising tension.
One thing that that would’ve been great was a little bit more detail in the epilogue. The ending seemed a bit rushed and cryptic which did leave me wanting more. Plus, it also brought out the dark side of our characters and their hidden dark edges buried deep in their psyche of which we get a few more glimpses of as the story wraps up.
Unique, addicting, and so captivating along with some twists you don’t expect. Her Dark Lies is one story you’re not sure who is good and who is evil, if there are even sides to choose. Definitely will read this author again. Well done!
This was a twisted book! It takes place on an island in a huge house. It’s stormy, the lights are out and people are turning up dead. It was certainly a page turner! Definitely recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy