Riley Sager's The Last Time I Lied is a gripping psychological thriller that deftly intertwines past and present, unraveling a mystery that has haunted its protagonist for fifteen years. The novel is a masterclass in suspense, with Sager skillfully crafting a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The story centers around Emma Davis, a rising star in the New York art scene, whose life has been overshadowed by the disappearance of her three friends during her first summer at Camp Nightingale. The game of "Two Truths and a Lie" that the girls played in their cabin becomes a haunting motif, symbolizing the layers of deception that Emma must peel back to uncover the truth. Sager's use of this childhood game is both clever and chilling, setting the tone for the novel's exploration of truth and lies.

Emma is a compelling protagonist, deeply flawed yet relatable. Her obsession with the past is palpable, and Sager does an excellent job of portraying her inner turmoil. The paintings she creates, filled with dark leaves and ghostly figures, serve as a metaphor for her inability to let go of the past. These paintings are not just a creative outlet for Emma but a means of processing her trauma, and they add a layer of depth to her character.

When Emma is invited back to Camp Nightingale as a painting instructor, she sees it as an opportunity to finally uncover what happened to her friends. The camp itself is almost a character in its own right, with its eerie atmosphere and dark history. Sager's descriptions of the camp are vivid and evocative, immersing readers in its unsettling ambiance. The sense of foreboding is palpable, and as Emma delves deeper into the camp's secrets, the tension steadily mounts.

The supporting characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations. Francesca Harris-White, the camp's owner, is particularly intriguing. Her enigmatic presence adds another layer of mystery to the story, and her interactions with Emma are fraught with tension. The dynamic between the two women is complex, and Sager expertly navigates their relationship, keeping readers guessing about Francesca's true intentions.

One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of themes such as memory, guilt, and the nature of truth. Emma's journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about solving the mystery of her friends' disappearance. Sager delves into the unreliability of memory, highlighting how our perceptions of the past can be distorted by time and trauma. This theme is particularly resonant in the context of Emma's paintings, which blur the line between reality and imagination.

The novel's pacing is impeccable, with Sager expertly balancing moments of introspection with heart-pounding suspense. The narrative alternates between the present and flashbacks to Emma's first summer at Camp Nightingale, creating a sense of urgency as the two timelines converge. The flashbacks are seamlessly integrated into the story, providing crucial insights into the events leading up to the girls' disappearance.

As the mystery unfolds, Sager keeps readers guessing with a series of twists and turns. The clues left behind by Vivian, one of the missing girls, add an intriguing layer to the narrative, and Emma's quest to decipher them is both thrilling and poignant. The novel's climax is both shocking and satisfying, with Sager delivering a resolution that is both unexpected and emotionally resonant.

In comparison to other psychological thrillers, The Last Time I Lied stands out for its intricate plot and well-drawn characters. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train will find much to admire in Sager's work. Like these novels, The Last Time I Lied explores the darker aspects of human nature, delving into the complexities of trust and betrayal.

Overall, The Last Time I Lied is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will linger in readers' minds long after they've turned the final page. Sager's skillful storytelling and nuanced character development make this novel a standout in the genre, and it is sure to appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and mystery alike.

For those interested in exploring this captivating tale, you can find more information on Goodreads.