Book club questions for Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera explore the themes of memory, guilt, trust, friendship, redemption, and the pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.
As someone who usually reads romance novels, I came across this novel thanks to Reese Witherspoon’s book club, and it was a pleasant surprise! This exciting thriller grabbed my attention right from the start and kept me hooked until the end.
The characters in this novel are well-developed, and the story kept me guessing until the very end. This novel reminded me why I love reading so much and showed me that trying new genres can lead to amazing discoveries. I would suggest this book if you want a thriller with a true crime vibe that’s not too intense.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Readers might examine the impact of small-town gossip and rumors on the characters’ lives, considering how these factors contribute to misunderstandings and false perceptions, as well as the ethical dilemmas surrounding justice and forgiveness.
About the Author | Book Club Questions | Additional Recommendations | Book Club Kit
About the Story
Listen for the Lie follows the story of Lucy, who is accused of murdering her best friend, Savvy, after being found covered in her blood. Despite having no memory of the night in question, Lucy is labeled a murderer by everyone in their small Texas town.
Years later, a popular true crime podcast, “Listen for the Lie,” decides to investigate Savvy’s murder, forcing Lucy to confront her past and uncover the truth, even if it implicates her.
With twists, turns, and dark humor, the novel explores themes of memory, guilt, and the search for truth in the face of suspicion.
Release date: March 5, 2024
Genre: Murder Thriller
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Celadon Books
About the Author
Amy Tintera’s journey as a storyteller began in her middle school science classes, where she found solace in crafting novels instead of mastering scientific formulas. Despite her struggles with science, she discovered her talent for crafting compelling narratives.
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Amy draws inspiration from her Texan roots, often setting her stories in the Lone Star state. She holds degrees in journalism from Texas A&M University and film from Emerson College. Initially drawn to the allure of Hollywood, Amy worked as a talent agency assistant before realizing her heart belonged to the written word.
Amy’s literary career skyrocketed with the release of her debut novel, Reboot, which garnered acclaim as a Kids Indie Next pick and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. She continued to captivate readers with the Ruined series, The Q, and All These Monsters, the latter earning recognition as a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection.
While now based in Los Angeles, Amy’s heart remains tethered to her Texan roots. Through her evocative storytelling, she invites readers into immersive worlds filled with vivid landscapes and dynamic characters. Her debut in adult fiction, Listen for the Lie, published by Celadon/Macmillan in 2024, has become an New York Times Bestseller.
Book Club Questions for Listen for the Lie
- How did the author, Amy Tintera, create suspense in the novel? Did you find the pacing effective in keeping you engaged throughout the story?
- Throughout the novel, Lucy experiences vivid dreams and hallucinations involving her deceased friend, Savvy. How do these hallucinations contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story? Do you think they serve as reliable indicators of Lucy’s mental state, or are they open to interpretation?
- The novel touches on themes of memory, guilt, and the search for truth. How did these themes resonate with you as you read the book? Did they provoke any discussions or reflections?
- How did the alternating perspectives between Lucy and Ben’s podcast interviews shape your reading experience? Did you find it easy to follow the different points of view, and how did it impact your understanding of the story? Additionally, to what extent did you trust the characters in Plumpton throughout the narrative?
- Lucy’s narration is characterized by her bold and sarcastic sense of humor. How do you think this affected her credibility within the community of Plumpton and among the listeners of Ben’s podcast? Did her humor help or hinder her ability to convey the truth?
- In this novel we encounter several characters with questionable alibis for the night of Savvy’s murder. How did gender bias influence the immediate assumption of Lucy’s guilt, while the male characters remained unquestioned? Can you provide examples of how this bias manifested in the story?
- Lucy forms a romantic relationship with Ben over the course of the book. How does this relationship compare to her other interactions and connections throughout the narrative? What role does romance play in Lucy’s journey?
- The podcast “Listen for the Lie” becomes a central focus of the narrative, providing insight into the investigation of Savvy’s murder. How does the podcast format enhance or detract from the storytelling? Were there any moments in the podcast episodes that stood out to you as particularly impactful?
- Lucy grapples with the town’s perception of her as a murderer. How does she navigate this stigma, and how does it affect her relationships and actions?
- The book features strong female characters, including Lucy and her grandmother, who challenge traditional gender roles. How did you perceive the portrayal of these characters? Did their feminist overtones add depth to the story?
- Considering Lucy’s initial lack of memory regarding Savvy’s murder, discuss how your reading experience was influenced by discovering the truth alongside Lucy. How did this narrative technique affect your perception of the story’s unfolding events?
- When Lucy begins to embrace Savvy as her inner monologue, what do you interpret this as revealing about her character and her approach to the investigation? Do you see it as a form of empowerment or a surrender to the circumstances?
- How many potential suspects did you consider responsible for Savvy’s murder throughout the book? What clues or hints led you to form these conclusions, and were your suspicions validated by the story’s resolution?
- The setting of Plumpton, Texas plays a significant role in the story. How does the small-town atmosphere influence the characters’ actions and motivations? Are there any specific details about Plumpton that stand out to you as particularly effective in building the story’s atmosphere?
- Lucy’s relationships with other characters, such as her ex-husband, mother, and father, are complex and fraught with tension. How do these relationships evolve throughout the novel, and what do they reveal about Lucy’s character?
- Amy Tintera incorporates elements of dark humor throughout the narrative, providing moments of levity amidst the tension and suspense. Can you identify any specific instances of humor in the story, and how do they contribute to your overall enjoyment of the book?
- At any point in the narrative, did you believe that Lucy might be guilty of Savvy’s death? If so, what factors contributed to this belief, and were there specific moments that challenged or reinforced your suspicions?
- Reflect on the impact of Lucy’s familial dynamics on her life trajectory. How might her journey have been different if she had received more support and less dysfunction from her family members?
- For readers who engage with true-crime podcasts, did reading “Listen for the Lie” alter your perspective on how facts and investigations are presented in such shows? If so, in what ways did the novel influence your approach to consuming true-crime media?
- Without revealing spoilers, discuss your interpretation of the novel’s ending and the resolution of the mystery. Did the conclusion satisfy your expectations, or were there any loose ends that left you wanting more closure?
- How would you compare this book other thrillers, such as “The Girl on the Train.” Did you find these comparisons valid? What sets “Listen for the Lie” apart from other mysteries in the genre?
- Overall, how would you rate your reading experience with “Listen for the Lie”? Would you recommend it to others, and why?
Additional Recommendations
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist.
The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job.
Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes–especially after what happened last time.
Because the one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to—her real identity—just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn’t be higher–but then, Evie has always liked a challenge…
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
From the New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden comes a story of twisting secrets and long-awaited revenge.
Lesson #1: trust no one
Eve has a good life. She gets up each day, gets a kiss from her husband Nate, and heads off to teach math at the local high school. All is as it should be. Except…
Last year, Caseham High was rocked by a scandal involving a student-teacher affair, with one student, Addie, at its center. But Eve knows there is far more to these ugly rumors than meets the eye.
Addie can’t be trusted. She lies. She hurts people. She destroys lives. At least, that’s what everyone says.
But nobody knows the real Addie. Nobody knows the secrets that could destroy her. And Addie will do anything to keep it quiet.
Still See You Everywhere by Lisa Gardner
My name is Frankie Elkin, and finding missing people is what I do.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner comes a harrowing locked-room style thriller set on a remote island. Frankie Elkin is an expert at finding missing people, but not even she could have anticipated this latest request—to locate the long-lost sister of a female serial killer facing execution in three weeks’ time.
Frankie Elkin is an expert at finding the missing persons that the rest of the world has forgotten, but even she couldn’t have anticipated this latest request—to locate the long-lost sister of a female serial killer facing execution in three weeks’ time.
She has called herself “death,” but people called her the devil.
The case was sensational. Kaylee Pierson had confessed from the very beginning, waived all appeals. Despite the media’s chronicling of her tragic circumstances—the childhood spent with a violent father—no one could find sympathy for “the Beautiful Butcher” who had led eighteen men home from bars before viciously slitting their throats.
Now, with only twenty-one days left to live, Pierson has finally received a lead on the whereabouts of the sister who was kidnapped over a decade ago, and she needs Frankie’s help to find her. The Beautiful Butcher’s offer:
When was the last time your search ended with finding the living?
Unable to resist the chance for a rescue, Frankie takes on Pierson’s request. Twelve years ago, five-year-old Leilani went missing in Hawaii. The main suspect? Pierson’s tech mogul ex-boyfriend, Sanders MacManus. Now, on a remote island in the middle of the Pacific—the site of MacManus’s latest vanity project—fresh evidence has appeared. In order to learn the truth and possibly save a young woman’s life, Frankie must go undercover at the isolated base camp. Her challenge: A dozen strangers. Countless dangerous secrets. Zero means of calling for help. And then the storm rolls in…
Discussion Guide for Listen for the Lie
Happy reading! ❤️
I love to read and I enjoy exploring a range of genres including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you would like me to review your book, feel free to reach out to me!