The Bookish Ashley

The allure of suspense and romance collides in Sarina Bowen’s The Five Year Lie, a pulse-pounding thriller that keeps readers on edge from the first page. Ariel Cafferty’s world is upended when she receives a text from Drew, the man she believed had died five years ago. With its chilling message, “Something’s happened. I need to see you,” the story catapults into a spiral of mystery, secrets, and the search for truth.

Bowen masterfully combines romance with a thriller in this gripping tale. Ariel’s reaction to the text is both relatable and heartbreaking, as she grapples with the possibility that everything she’s known about Drew’s death may have been a lie. The slow-burn mystery keeps the tension high, as Ariel questions everything she thought she knew about her past, and each twist pulls you deeper into the story.

What sets The Five Year Lie apart from typical thrillers is its emotional depth. Bowen’s writing allows readers to connect with Ariel on a personal level. Her grief, her need for answers, and her unwavering love for Drew make her quest for the truth more than just a search for answers—it’s a journey of healing and self-discovery. The romance is deftly woven into the story, adding an extra layer of complexity as Ariel navigates the fine line between past love and current reality.

The suspense ramps up as Ariel uncovers more secrets, and the twists keep you guessing until the very end. The final revelations are shocking and satisfying, but there’s just enough ambiguity to leave you thinking long after you’ve finished the book. Bowen’s knack for creating complex, multi-dimensional characters makes The Five Year Lie a standout read for fans of both romantic suspense and psychological thrillers.

The pacing is steady, though the story does take its time building suspense, which some readers may find slow at times. However, the payoff is well worth the wait, with a resolution that is both surprising and thought-provoking.

If you enjoy thrillers with a strong emotional core, a touch of romance, and plenty of twists, The Five Year Lie is a must-read. Bowen has once again proven her talent for blending heart-stopping suspense with deeply relatable characters, making this novel a highly recommended pick.

Rating: 4/5 stars