Two Truths and a Lie - by April Henry

Book Synopsis

In this chilling mystery from a New York Times bestselling author, a storm strands a group of teens in a creepy motel--leaving them trapped with a killer.

Nell has always wanted to be an actor, but she doubts her ability. As a member of her school's theater program, she prefers working backstage. On the way to a contest, an unexpected blizzard strands her acting troupe in a creepy motel. Soon they meet a group of strangers from another high school--including the mysterious and handsome Knox, who insists they play the game Two Truths and a Lie. When it's Nell's turn, she draws a slip of paper written in unfamiliar handwriting:

I like to watch people die.
I've lost count of how many people I've killed.

Suddenly, a night of harmless fun turns into a matter of life and death. As guests start to go missing, it becomes clear that a murderer is hiding in their midst ready to strike again. In a room full of liars and performers, the truth is never quite what it seems. Nell is going to have to act like her life depends on it--because it does.

Review Quotes

"Suspense, intrigue, and isolation converge in this perfect storm of a thriller."--Mindy McGinnis, author of The Female of the Species

"A white-knuckle, claustrophobic, locked-room tour de force, Two Truths and a Lie is a worthy successor to Agatha Christie."--Gretchen McNeil, author of Ten and #murdertrending

"An homage to Agatha Christie, Henry's locked-room mystery is tautly plotted, with quick-moving nail-biting chapters, relatable characters, and a deftly wrought setting that paradoxically manages to feel both claustrophobic and sprawling .... An atmospheric and entertaining thriller perfect for snowy night chills."--Kirkus Reviews

"April Henry is a prolific author who, in my opinion, consistently writes engaging and authentically teen YA books that remind me of those 90s and 2000s paperback series, and this is the highest compliment I can give her as an author. Just as adults still love to read Harlequin romances, I believe that a lot is being lost in teen fiction and in our libraries by moving away from those quick, fun - and easy to carry because they are paperback - series that you can consistently count on for some great escapist reading that horrifies, delights, and engages. April Henry excels at this...A thing that I appreciate with April Henry is how authentically teen her protagonists feel and sound on a consistent basis. I have never walked away from an April Henry book thinking those characters were adults that they just labelled as 17 to market them as YA. And did I mention they are fun and engaging reads?!"--SLJ.com's Teen Librarian Toolbox

"Henry returns with another thriller that will keep readers on the edges of their seats with mystery and romance, plus various theater references that give the novel a unique feel. Multiple twists and turns will keep readers guessing until the very end. An engrossing read."--Booklist

"Henry successfully incorporates elements of romance into a snowed-inn mystery with Agatha Christie roots."--Publishers Weekly

"Told with nods to Agatha Christie and in eerie detail, this ­thriller is sure to delight fans of mystery, suspense, and a little horror.... A grisly, fast-paced, suspenseful tale of a murder and mystery that is great for fans of noir thrillers who do not mind a little gore."--School Library Journal

About the Author

April Henry is the New York Times bestselling author of many acclaimed mysteries for adults and over fifteen novels for teens, including the bestselling Girl, Stolen; Girl Forgotten, which was an Edgar Award winner, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and a Tome Student Literacy Society It List Selection; Two Truths and a Lie, which was a YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers; and The Girl I Used to Be, which was nominated for an Edgar Award and won the Anthony Award for Best YA Mystery. She lives in Oregon and invites you to visit her at aprilhenry.com.