The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager is a psychological thriller that incorporates the elements of a locked-room mystery to create a gripping and suspenseful story. The novel follows the story of Emma Davis, a young artist who returns to the summer camp where she spent her teenage years, hoping to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of her three cabin mates, who vanished without a trace.
As Emma delves deeper into the mystery, she begins to uncover disturbing secrets about the camp, including a dark history of tragedy and betrayal. The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks and present-day scenes, with each chapter building on the tension and suspense of the previous one. The pacing is strong, with the tension and suspense building steadily as Emma uncovers new clues and secrets, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.
One of the standout features of The Last Time I Lied is the atmospheric setting of the summer camp, which adds to the feeling of claustrophobia and isolation that characterizes the locked-room mystery genre. The characters, including Emma and her fellow campers, are well-drawn and complex, with each one harboring their own secrets and motivations.
The use of multiple points of view adds to the complexity of the mystery, as the reader is forced to question the reliability of each character’s perspective. The novel also explores themes of trauma, guilt, and obsession, as Emma grapples with the memories of her past and the need for closure.
The Last Time I Lied is a well-crafted and suspenseful locked-room mystery that combines the elements of psychological thriller and whodunit to create a gripping story. The strong characterization, atmospheric setting, and complex plot make for a compelling read that will keep readers guessing until the very end. This novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and locked-room mysteries.