Liars Inc. by Paula Stokes

Liars Inc. by Paula Stokes
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Publisher
Add it: Goodreads
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Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell forged permission slips and cover stories to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts Liars, Inc. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

I read Liars Inc. months ago, but I’m only writing my review in February so you’ll have to excuse me if I seem like I’m being a bit vague. Luckily, my past-self was clever enough to note down some bullet points after finishing the book, so all is not lost.

Liars Inc. is my second read from Ms. Paula Stokes, and I have to say I think Stokes does thrillers a lot better than she does fluffy contemporary. Liars Inc. is a truly thrilling read and I was absolutely captivated from the start.

The main character, Max, was a bit dim, I’m not gonna lie. He frustrated me at times because he did many things that made me roll my eyes. You know how in horror movies you’re screaming at the teenagers “DO NONE OF YOU WATCH HORROR MOVIES”? That’s how I felt towards Max. He really could have done with some CSI or Criminal Minds type research. Other than those moments, though, I did really like him and I felt a bit sorry for him after everything he was put through.

A character that I really did love, however, was Parvarti. Parvarti was a complicated character; I started off feeling meh towards her and then I loved her by the end. She reminds me a little bit of Raven Reyes? When I think of Parvarti now, I also think of Raven. A bit. I don’t know why. Probably because they are both AWESOME.

I really enjoyed the complex plot of Liars Inc., with the whole mystery of where Preston had disappeared to, and if anyone would have killed him. Everything came together really well in the end, which was fantastic because Stokes planted some really good clues throughout. However, there were a few things that didn’t really work for me, which I can’t spoil you about. Just keep in mind that a couple of aspects are unrealistic. But, hey, it’s fiction!

I managed to figure out the twist and who the bad guys were, but that’s only because I was suspicious of absolutely everyone. It’s the best way to be, in my opinion!

You should definitely pick this book up when you’re in the mood for an intense thriller, because you will fly through it from the edge of your seat!