Thriller

The Last Time I Lied | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Fifteen years after her friends vanished at Camp Nightingale, Emma, now an artist still haunted by their disappearance, is invited back to the camp as an instructor. Despite her fears, she returns to the camp, finding it eerily unchanged except for a new security camera outside her former cabin. As she uncovers clues about her friends’ disappearance, Emma risks everything for the truth, facing potentially deadly consequences.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SgRAVR

My Rating

‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager is a book that had me hooked right from the start. The plot instantly kicks off and grabs your attention. We follow our main character, Emma, who is haunted by an event that took place fifteen years ago at Camp Nightingale. Her three older cabin mates went missing, but Emma has some secrets of her own—things she still feels guilty about today.

The plot revolves not only around the mystery of what happened to Emma’s three cabin mates but also Emma’s mission to gain answers and closure when the owner of the camp invites her back to be the art teacher for the camp’s reopening. I wouldn’t say that Emma is an unreliable narrator, but she was a teenager when all of this took place, so her memory isn’t the best.

One of my biggest problems with the book—and probably the only issue I had with it—was Emma’s character. I felt as if she still acted like she was 13. She wasn’t a very savvy protagonist. Also, the fact that she still had somewhat of a crush on Theo, the camp owner’s son, years later was a little weird. But nothing like your first crush who you accused of murder, right?

“Everything is a game, Em. Whether you know it or not. Which means that sometimes a lie is more than just a lie. Sometimes it’s the only way to win.”

The summertime vibes were definitely on point in this book, and it really gave me that chilling summer mystery feel. For me, it was more of a mystery than a thriller. It definitely isn’t a book that’s going to keep you up at night, but I did enjoy the dual timeline where we get chapters of the past, seeing Emma’s relationships with her cabin mates, especially Vivian, who is the alpha female of the group.

The thing that I think Riley Sager does best is shocking twists. Most of the time, I feel like their books are going to be four stars, but by the end chapter, I am left completely shocked and have to add an extra half star. They write these mysteries where I have no clue where the story is going, and I don’t even try to guess.

Overall, this was such a fun summer mystery thriller that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. I can safely say that Riley Sager has not only become one of my favorite authors, but they are now an auto-buy author for me. I will absolutely read any book they release.

In the comments, let me know if you have read any books by Riley Sager. If you are a fan of mystery, thriller, or horror books, hit the follow button so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Six

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Hi Friends,
We are on day six of Summerween! I wasn’t able to get as much reading done as I wanted to today. I believe I only got to 15% of ‘How To Sell A Haunted House‘ by Grady Hendrix. However, I am still very intrigued by the plot.

I spent some of the day out and about. I had a lovely dinner at Panera. When I go there, which isn’t actually all that often, I usually get the Pick 2 deal. I had a yummy half salad and sandwich. It was really tasty, and I forgot how good the food is there.

Also, I had to stop by Barnes & Noble and Target. I didn’t get any books at Barnes & Noble—I know, shocker!—but I did get six books at Target since they were having a buy 2, get 1 free sale. I’m really excited to read all the books I picked up.

Let me know if you’ve bought any books lately. Please like and share this post with other book lovers. Before you leave, show my blog some love by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

 

Summerween 2024 | Day Five

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
Happy Summerween day five! I can’t believe the readathon is almost over. I’ve actually completed all the prompts today, so any more books I read are just extra and don’t have to fit the prompts. I finished ‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager, and it was amazing. It counted for a book that takes place during the summer and also worked for the five-word title prompt. I have a lot to say about this book, but you’ll have to wait for my review.

I also completed the graphic novel ‘Something Is Killing The Children’. It was another great read, and I’m definitely going to continue with this graphic novel series. I read the e-book via Everand, and you can get a free trial using my link (click here).

Even though I’ve finished all the prompts, I decided to try and read one more book before the readathon ends. So, I ended day five by starting ‘How To Sell A Haunted House’ by Grady Hendrix. I got about five chapters in, and I’m actually enjoying the story, which is interesting since this author isn’t a favorite of mine.

In the comments, let me know how you’re doing on your Summerween TBR or your reading goals in general. Please like and share this post with other readers and follow the blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Four

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Hi Friends,
Today is Summerween Day Four! Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling too well, so I didn’t get much reading done. However, I did manage to reach the 70% mark of Riley Sager’s ‘The Last Time I Lied‘. This book is getting so good that I can’t seem to put it down. I need to know how the story ends!

I also did a quick workout and took a nap, hoping it would make me feel better. Additionally, I uploaded a TikTok video! If you want to see my BookTok content, you can visit my page @BooksWithBunny. I post a lot of fun bookish content and book aesthetic videos, so if you’re looking for more book content from me, that’s another place to find it.

I finished the night with a donut for dessert and read some of my graphic novel ‘Something Is Killing The Children‘. I reached the 70% point in that book as well. While I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t finish any books, I know some days are like that. Still, I’m very happy with the amount of reading I did get done.

In the comments, let me know how many books you have read so far this month. If you are participating in Summerween, how is it going for you? Before you leave, show my blog some support by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Three

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Happy Summerween Day Three! I’ll be completely honest and let you know that I did practically nothing on Day 3 of Summerween. However, that is my typical Sunday routine. I slept in way too late and then had a yummy breakfast for lunch. Still, I did manage to read a bit, though I didn’t finish any books.

I started ‘Something Is Killing the Children‘, a horror graphic novel. It wasn’t originally on my TBR, but I thought it would be a quick read and fit the prompt to read a thriller or horror book. I got about 40% through it and I’m really liking it; the story is quite interesting.

I also started my next audiobook for the readathon, ‘The Last Time I Lied‘ by Riley Sager. I’m enjoying this book a lot; it’s very fast-paced, and I’m really invested in the story. I’ve read up to the 30% mark and I’m curious to see where it goes.

Besides my reading, I posted a photo for Day Two of the readathon’s photo challenges on Instagram. The challenge was to post a sunset book stack. If you want to see all my photos for the photo prompts, follow me on Instagram (@Books.With.Bunny). Before you go, like this post and leave me a comment telling me how your weekend went.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Two

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Hi Friends,
It’s Summerween day two! I started my morning with iced coffee and listened to my book, ‘The House Across the Lake‘. I got about 50% through before taking a break to do some cleaning. I was so invested in the story and had a lot of theories about what was going on.

In the afternoon, I worked out while listening to more of the book. Afterward, I made dinner and watched some YouTube videos. I’ve been enjoying Alexandra Roselyn’s old videos. This readathon has made me wish it were fall already, so watching her fall book content has been helping me stay in the fall mood.

I did some personal 45-minute reading sprints to finish off the day. In that time, I was able to complete ‘The House Across the Lake’. It was a crazy read! Riley Sager knows how to write a mystery full of twists and turns. The book ended just before midnight, so by that time, I was ready for bed.

I hope you enjoyed this little recap of Summerween day two! Let me know in the comments what you have been reading lately. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day One

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Hi Friends,
Yesterday, Summerween kicked off! In my TBR post for the readathon, I promised to do daily updates. However, I didn’t mention that I wouldn’t be posting the updates until the day after, which is why Day 1 is going up on Day 2. This is because I won’t know how much I’ve read until the day ends. I hope that makes sense.
Anyway, I’m somewhat happy with how my reading went on the first day of the readathon. I managed to finish a book, but unfortunately, it wasn’t for Summerween. I had started ‘Vespertine‘ by Margaret Rogerson at the beginning of the month and wanted to finish it before starting any new books.

However, I was able to start ‘The House Across the Lake‘ by Riley Sager and got to 25%. So, even though I read a lot, I didn’t finish any books for the readathon. Still, I’m happy with my reading for the day.

Let me know in the comments if you are participating in the readathon. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. And hit the follow button to show your support for the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Am I completely insane for doing another TBR for the month? Probably. But I wanted to participate in Summerween 2024, which is taking place from July 5th – 11th. This is a very popular short summer readathon (announcement video). The prompts are fairly simple, and I think a lot of the books already on my TBR should work for them.

Read A Book In The Dark
This is such an easy prompt because I mainly listen to audiobooks. Reading a book in the dark or at night shouldn’t be a problem.

Read A Thriller Or Horror Book
I am going to use ‘Listen for the Lie‘ by Amy Tintera for this prompt. Not only is it on one of my TBRs for the month, but it is also a book I have been wanting to read for so long. This is an adult thriller with a podcast element, and I hear the audiobook is amazing.

Read A Book With A Night Sky On The Cover
I might be stretching this prompt, but I think either ‘The House Across the Lake’ by Riley Sager or ‘How to Sell a Haunted House‘ by Grady Hendrix should fit.

Read A Book With Five Words In The Title
‘The House Across the Lake‘ could fit this prompt as well, but so could Riley Sager’s ‘The Last Time I Lied’. Both of these are on my July TBR.

Read A Book Set In Summer
I am most likely going to read ‘The Last Time I Lied‘ by Riley Sager because it takes place at a summer camp. Although I’m not sure it is set in the summer, I think it’s safe to assume it will be.

I could essentially read ‘The House Across the Lake’ for all of these prompts, but I am nothing if not overly ambitious. Hopefully, I will get to at least three of these books. I am going to try to post daily Summerween updates, so please follow the blog to stay updated.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Red, White, and Blue Books // July 4th Reading

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
In honor of the 4th of July holiday, I wanted to share some red, white, and blue books. These might not be my all-time favorite books in these colors, but they are definitely ones worth checking out. I know this post isn’t the most original, but I love recommending books I’ve enjoyed. I hope you might find joy in them too!

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‘Summer’s Edge’ By Dana Mele
I am going to be upfront and admit that this isn’t truly a favorite of mine, but I think the concept of this book is really cool. It’s a queer young adult paranormal thriller that takes place during the summer. Although I had my issues with it, I do think that it is a pretty decent summer thriller. Also, it is compared to *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, which, if you are a horror movie fan, takes place during July 4th.
Related Post: Summer’s Edge // Book Review

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‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ By Holly Jackson
I really wanted to give out new recommendations, but when it came to a white book, the only one that stood out was *A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder*. I’m not going to rave about it too much since it is a widely popular YA mystery book, but this is such a good, fast-paced mystery with great characters and an interesting storyline.
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder // Book Review

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‘How Not to Fall in Love’ By Jacqueline Firkins
This is a blue book that I think is underrated. It is a young adult friends-to-lovers romance. I found it to be so cute, and it has the exchange of service plot that I adore. The plot follows Harper, who tries to teach her hopeless romantic best friend Theo how not to fall in love with every girl they go out with. I read this book really fast, so if you’re looking for a quick and cute read, you should definitely give this book a chance.
Related Post: How Not to Fall in Love // Book Review

There you have three recommendations for books to read this 4th of July. These books might not take place during the summer holiday, but they are still good reads nonetheless. Before you leave, hit the follow button so that you get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

July 2024 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
I’m excited to share my July TBR post! This month, I’ll be playing my roll-the-dice game again. For a detailed breakdown of the rules, please read my June TBR post. The new rule I added is that if I don’t complete my main TBR from the previous month, I have to add an extra roll. Also, if I get any doubles, I add one extra roll. Normally, I start with 5 rolls, but a double means I’ll do 6 rolls. Since I didn’t complete my June TBR, I started with 6 rolls and got doubles, so I have seven books on this TBR.

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Last year for Christmas, my husband did a 24-day bookish advent calendar for me. Unfortunately, I haven’t read many of those books. For this prompt, I’ll read ‘Vespertine’ by Margaret Rogerson, a young adult fantasy book.

Buy The Book

I typically don’t read books before I buy them, but I’ve been trying to get better at that, especially with YA books and authors whose works I don’t always love. For this prompt, I’m picking ‘Heiress Takes All’ by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. The story takes place during a wedding and claims to have an “Oceans 11” vibe.

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For this prompt, I had many books to choose from, but with my husband’s help, I decided on ‘The Wisteria Society Of Lady Scoundrels’ by India Holton. This is a fun historical romance with pirates, making it a good summer read.

Buy The Book

I’m very happy I got this prompt because I’ve been wanting to read ‘The House Across The Lake’ by Riley Sager for a while. I think it will be a great thriller read for this time of year, and there is clearly water on the cover.

Buy The Book

I’m going to try and read the third book in the Lovelight Farm series by B.K. Borison called ‘Mixed Signals.’ This series consists of interconnected standalone romances. The fourth and final book in the series is set to release sometime this fall.

Buy The Book

I’m shocked by how many books I have on my shelves by authors I’ve never read before. Keeping with the summer and mystery trend, I’m choosing ‘The Summer She Went Missing’ by Chelsea Ichaso. This is a YA mystery, so I’m a bit worried I might not love it, but I’m going to approach it with an open mind.

Buy The Book

I have many BOTM books that I’ve bought secondhand. Soon, I’ll have Riley Sager’s newest book to add to my collection, but first, I want to get through some of his backlist titles, most of which I have as BOTM editions. For this prompt, I’m going with ‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager, another perfect summer thriller set at a camp.

In the comments, let me know if you enjoy TBR games and what books you plan on reading in July. I plan on listening to the audiobook for most of these books via Everand (click here). Don’t forget to follow the blog to stay updated with all my posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny