The Five Year Lie: A Domestic Thriller

This book has everything...murder, intrigue, suspense, family, corporat theft, and boy gets girl or more precisely girl gets man of her dreams.Don't miss out on this wonderful story!! Kudos to Sarina Bowen❣🤗

Bowen’s romance novels have never failed to entertain me, so I was looking forward to reading her debut thriller. Every time I put The Five Year Lie down, I was itching to dive back in since I found the premise intriguing. And even though I was impatient to see how the dual timelines would come together, the author wove in original life-changing events that attracted my attention.The crux of the matter is loads of messages sent don’t show up until five years later, upsetting the applecart for one person in particular. Ariel Cafferty is not only confused–who wouldn’t be if you think the text is in the now, but also dead set on finding out why the secret love of her life’s few words had a sense of urgency, and why he’d disappeared into thin air.The mystery causes Ariel’s wounds to reopen, but a trusty coworker I truly liked offers to help try and make heads or tails of what looks like fishy business goings-on at a successful tech company co-founded by two of her family members. It’s complicated; the reader has to pay attention, but even so, I was on the ball regarding who was behind such dastardly deeds.Halfway into the book, the pacing slowed down a tad too much for my liking and the technical detail felt overloaded. However, this didn’t stop my reading enjoyment as, by now, I was anxious to know more about the whys and wherefores. Nearly to the end, and something that happened upset me no end. I’m still doubting if what floored me was necessary, yet I’m glad I went with the flow.I adored Buzz! The character connection to Toy Story was perfect and Ariel’s way of letting off steam blew my mind! Hmm…no pun intended! Of course, the conniving baddie had to come across as super likeable, and family secrets had to come to a head. But what I liked more than anything else was how Bowen didn’t steer away from her writing roots, giving the story that angsty romantic feel she always does superbly.The interesting character arc, conflictive family dynamics, and running-against-time action make for a worthy read. I do hope there’s more where this came from. Bravo, Bowen!

Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. Well written with lots of suspense! I’ve read all of this author’s books. This is the first mystery book. I hope she will keep writing this genre.

The Five Year Lie builds a unique tale of mystery, friendship, family, and love. Who can you trust... Family? Friends? Co-workers? Your own judgement? It shows both sides of technology - good and evil. What, are the boundaries we need to draw as a society? We've all been told there are cameras everywhere, but what exactly are the limits for use by government? Private companies? It doesn't necessarily answer the questions, but raises good ones we should all ponder. However, it does move a bit slow until just past the middle or so. Then the plot unravels quickly to a pretty satisfying ending. There's just enough drama, murder, mystery, sadness (but not tear jerking) and romance. It was a good read for unwinding at the end of a long day when you want to be shutting down.

A really great read overall. This story had multiple different viewpoints and jumped from different timelines, but it was easier to follow than I thought it was going to be.I enjoyed Ariel and Drew/Jays story and how connected they are!I enjoyed the love story tied in to the thriller/edge of your seat storyline. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something easy to read, but exciting and hopeful!Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for giving me an ARC!

I devoured this book! It hooked me from the beginning and kept me guessing until the end! Can’t wait to read more from this author.

Interesting characters. Sometimes the main character seemed to whine too much. Otherwise I liked the story line. I’d read another of Sarina Bowens books.

Wow! I have loved all of Sarina Bowen's romance books, and now I love her thriller! I couldn't put it down. I loved this story of Ariel and Drew. Their story was so loving but then so tragic and short. All the things that she had to go through. But she didn't stop and she made it on her own. Then Zain, I don't want to give spoilers, but man, I love that guy. You really don't know who did it until the end of the book. You think you know, but you are wrong. I loved this book and I highly recommend!

The story kept me engaged, it was well written and I don’t think there were any typos! Looking to read another from Sarina Bowen!

I adore Sarina Bowen and all that she writes so when I found out she was bringing out a suspense filled story, I was all for it!The Five Year Lie had me invested from the first pages until the very last.Drew and Ariel meet when they work for the same company and all is going well for them, until one day it isn't.Cue 5 years later when a random text message leaves Ariel confused and looking for answers!Gripped into the chapters I really didn't want to put this down once I started.Highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good written suspense filled read.

Ganz anders als die anderen Bücher von Sarina Bowen, aber super fesselnd geschrieben mit tollen CharakterenJedem sehr zu empfehlen.

Sarina Bowen first "thriller" is just amazing. Ariel receives a strange text and it starts her quest of the truth... Ariel is a badass and she is really determined.Everything is perfectly tied in the book and they were so many nice details in the books that I enjoyed it a lot. For example, the greyhound bus trip reminded me of a long trip I did as a student. Everything was perfect.

What a great read! Nothing like this author’s other stories (which are really good as well) and I can’t believe this story has sat in my TBR pile for a while. Like others have said, it was hard to put down. Highly recommend.