None of This is True

by Lisa Jewell

Psychological Thriller

Domestic Suspense

390 Pages

"Jewell has outdone herself with this twisted tale—I couldn't put it down and didn't see that ending coming at all."

Synopsis

Alix Summer is celebrating her 45th birthday at a local pub when she encounters Josie Fair, a woman who shares not only her birthday but also a strange familiarity that Alix can't quite place. Josie reveals that she's been a longtime listener of Alix's popular true-crime podcast and has always dreamed of being featured on it. Intrigued by Josie's mysterious past and troubled family life, Alix agrees to interview her for a new series. But as the recording sessions progress, Josie's stories become increasingly disturbing and contradictory. She speaks of controlling relationships, family secrets, and a history of manipulation that seems to follow her wherever she goes. When Josie suddenly disappears, leaving behind a husband and two teenage daughters who seem strangely relieved by her absence, Alix realizes she may have become entangled in something far more dangerous than she anticipated. None of This is True unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, revealing the complex web of lies, obsession, and psychological manipulation that connects these two women. As Alix investigates Josie's disappearance, she discovers that nothing about their encounter was accidental, and the truth about Josie Fair is more sinister than she could have imagined.

Our Take

Lisa Jewell continues to cement her reputation as one of the finest psychological thriller writers working today with this masterfully crafted exploration of truth, deception, and the stories we tell ourselves. None of This is True showcases Jewell's signature ability to create unreliable narrators who draw readers deeper into their twisted perspectives, much like the psychological complexity found in The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. The novel's structure, alternating between different viewpoints and timelines, creates a puzzle that's both satisfying to piece together and shocking in its final revelation. Jewell's exploration of modern themes—podcasting culture, social media obsession, and the hunger for compelling narratives—feels incredibly timely and relevant. Her portrayal of Josie as a master manipulator is particularly chilling because of how recognizable her tactics are, making this thriller feel uncomfortably plausible. The pacing is expertly controlled, building tension through seemingly mundane domestic scenes until the explosive climax. Perfect for fans of domestic suspense who appreciate complex character development alongside their twists and turns, this is Jewell at her most psychologically astute and narratively ambitious.