4.5⭐️

As a big fan of Swanson's two previous books, I was really excited about All the Beautiful Lies. The premise sounded simple enough, but I trusted that Swanson would use his ability to create a twisty, clever tale out of a seemingly unoriginal idea. In a way, I was not disappointed, because it certainly was twisted. Unfortunately, I just wasn't my cup of tea. There was no character with any charisma, and even though it possessed the same compulsively readable quality as Swanson's other books, it didn't feel remarkably clever in any way. I was annoyed with Alice and Harry, who came across almost as caricatures and their actions were often quite predictable. I felt about this book a little like I felt about The Girl Before by JP Delaney. It didn't feel like the thriller I was expecting, rather a bit more sordid in the sense that I feel Swanson fell into the 'sex sells' trap. It was fast-paced, but ultimately not very satisfying or surprising. I will definitely read Swanson's next work, because I enjoyed his previous ones, but this one did not feel quite up to par, though I hate to give him a less than stellar review:-/

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Well written. Surprised by the ending. What more could you ask for in a murder mystery.

I could not get into this. I am quitting about 30% in and after reading some other reviews, I'm glad I am. The step-parent--step-child relationship is so creepy. Even the dad-stepmom relationship is gross. I just can't.

Keeps you interested. Final ending, didn’t see it coming.

Incredibly disappointing. No twists or suspense. There wasn’t really a mystery. This just felt like 300ish pages of the author working through his feelings about step parent and step child sexual relationships. It was weird. Do not recommend.

I did not enjoy this book. It was from the perspective of the killer, the deranged and manipulative mind of a sexual predator. This book outlines cycles of abuse that were very disturbing.