Title: Liars, Inc.
Author: Paula Stokes
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: March 2015
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Synopsis can be found here.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review:
Max, his girlfriend Pavarti and best friend Preston start Liars, Inc. – a school business where they are paid by the student body to make up alibis, sign permission slips, etc. for a little extra cash. It all seems to be going swimmingly until Preston disappears and Max is the last person to see him alive. Max is Preston’s alibi and as time goes on, more and more evidence is pointing towards Max. Where is Preston? And how many lies make up the truth?
I had really high hopes for this book. The synopsis sounds intrigung and I love stories that have layers and layers of realities, truths, lies and hidden agendas. That said, Liars Inc. fell a little flat for me.
The good stuff: the pace and the plot twists. I liked how fast the book kept moving, weaving the reader through scene after scene of discovery. I like how genuine Max’s voice is. He’s had some issues and was adopted later on by a family that loves him very much, but he can’t seem to fully trust or love them back. He’s got a sharp vulnerable edge to him which is why he relies so heavily on Preston and Pavarti. I also like Pavarti. She’s hiding things as well, complicated and seems like a good balance of teenage rebellion, smart chick and hussler.
That said, the plot is the main focus of the book. While Max, Preston and Pavarti have some personality, the story moves so fast that there is only a little bit of character devlopment. I felt like the story is mostly about the action, which is totally fine. But I would have liked to really have delved deeper into the motivation behind Preston’s kidnapping and the subsequent reactions by his family. The justification felt a little weak for me. That said, I wasn’t sure what was going on until it was revealed so that was fun!
Overall, Liars Inc. is a pretty good action book with kidnapping, love and lies. Lots and lots of lies.
Rating 6 Okay
Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.
I have heard so many raves about his book so I very much appreciate your honest review. i am still on the fence about this one.
~ Britt
I’ve seen this book lately everywhere in different social media. They’re all saying great things about this book. I want to read this one, too.