Book Review: Count My Lies by Sophie Stava

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5 stars)

Lies can be harmless—until they’re not. That’s the premise of Count My Lies, a fast-paced domestic thriller that pulls you into a world of deception, privilege, and danger lurking beneath a polished surface.

The Story

Sloane Caraway isn’t exactly a pathological liar, but she’s not above stretching the truth to make her life sound a little more exciting. So when she crosses paths with a distressed little girl and her handsome father, she impulsively claims to be a nurse to help out. One small lie later, she lands a job as the nanny for the Lockharts, a picture-perfect New York family with all the trappings of wealth—private school, summers on Block Island, and an air of effortless luxury.

But as Sloane settles into their world, she begins to suspect she’s not the only one keeping secrets. The Lockharts’ carefully curated life has cracks, and what starts as a harmless fib quickly spirals into something far more sinister.

What Worked

• An Addictive Premise: The setup is instantly intriguing. Who doesn’t love a good “liar caught in a web of their own making” storyline? The tension builds quickly, and the mystery behind the Lockharts keeps the pages turning.

• Sharp, Entertaining Writing: Sophie Stava has a knack for blending biting social commentary with suspense, making the novel feel both fun and unsettling.

• Twists and Turns: While some are predictable, a few twists land well, keeping the reader engaged.

What Fell Short

• Underdeveloped Characters: Sloane is an interesting protagonist, but the Lockharts—particularly Jay and Violet—felt a little too stereotypical. I wanted more depth, more psychological complexity to make their secrets hit harder.

• Pacing Issues: The middle of the book dragged at times, making it feel like we were waiting for something big to happen. Once the reveals came, they were satisfying—but the buildup could have been tighter.

• The Ending: Without giving spoilers, the resolution felt a bit rushed. After so much suspense, I wanted a more explosive, jaw-dropping conclusion.

Final Thoughts

Count My Lies is a fun, fast-paced read with plenty of intrigue, but it doesn’t fully reach its potential. If you enjoy twisty domestic thrillers with a hint of You meets The Nanny, this one is worth picking up—but don’t expect it to reinvent the genre.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but more as a bingeable weekend read than a deep, thought-provoking thriller.