Hey friends,

I have recently been really into books with a mixed media angle, specifically podcasts.

Just something about the narrative format makes the books feel more true crimey in a fun way, if that makes any sense.

It started when I read I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai, which I really enjoyed and highly recommend. And then moved into the territory of One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London and onto The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson.

But I recently read two books that had the podcast/Netflix documentary angle, and it just really worked for the book and for me as a reader.

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

This is my first Lisa Jewell book, and wow. I get the hype. I couldn’t put this one down for anything. So many twists, and needed to know what the f was going on! It’s about two women, Alix and Josie, who cross paths during dinner on their 45th birthdays. They strike up a friendship after Josie asks Alix to do a podcast with her as the central figure. Chaos then ensues because is anything Josie is telling Alix real? This was a wild ride that I really enjoyed. The mix media/documentary style bits really worked for the pacing and the suspense. I had so many questions as I was reading, all of which got answered. And really enjoyed the writing. I liked hearing from the perspective of both characters. If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, give this a go.

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

I read this book in one sitting; I couldn’t put it down. Listen for the Lie is about a woman, Lucy, who was accused of killing her best friend five years earlier. However, she doesn’t remember of any of the events that took place that night and was never convicted for the crime outside of the court of public opinion. When a true crime podcast reinvigorates the cold case, Lucy gets involved, even though she might find out that she was, in fact, the murderer. Funny, sharp, twisty, this thriller hit all the thriller points in a fun and interesting way that kept me engaged the entire time. I know the whole “can’t remember” trope can be a little exhausted at this point, but this was worth every page. But the way Tintera wrote Lucy, I seriously wasn’t sure what we were in for, as the reader. Highly, highly recommend.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for now, friends.

Please let me know your thoughts on these reads if you’ve read them, and I’d love to know your book recommendations for my ever growing TBR!

Until next time, may your week be filled with lovely books with twisty plots!