Tell Me Lies: A Novel

Tell Me Lies by Jennifer CrusieMaddie Martindale Faraday finds black crotchless lace panties under Brent Faraday's front seat, and she realizes her husband has started cheating on her again. On the same day Maddie's high school beau, C. L. Sturgis, shows up at her door--more muscular and sexier than 20 years ago--looking for Brent; intimate, adulterous and funny encounters follow.Maddie deals with stress by eating chocolate. Seeking chocolate which she can only find in the freezer, Maddie attempts to pry and to hack the brownie with a butcher knife--this day the microwave also happens to be dysfunctional. The doorbell rings; Maddie ends up stabbing and then eating the brownie from the butcher knife while answering the door. C.L. keeps his eye on the knife while trying to ask questions concerning Brent and his bookkeeping at Basset and Faraday Construction; humorous episode ensues.Large amounts of unexplained cash appears in golf bag and safe deposit box along with visas for Brent and Emily, their daughter; Maddie discovers her bank accounts have been emptied. She would divorce Brent except for two reasons: Emily loves her Daddy and Frog Point, Ohio, gossips will have a heyday with their divorce. The gossips will blame her since Brent is the big shot from high school that just happens to be running for mayor.Later when Brent is found dead, suspicion falls on Maddie and C.L. The strong longtime friendship with Treva is much admired and gets her through some of the harrowing days ahead.This novel has mystery, interesting characters and mirthful entertainment.An example of the amusing part of this book is the way Maddie's character handles stress: "Calm down. Be rational. Eat chocolate."I like the humor that Ms. Crusie uses with the character Maddie to deal with the stress of a cheating husband, the stress of nosey neighbors and the stressful predicaments in which she finds herself.This is a fast paced book, and you may need to lay it down just to catch your breath. This could be the only down side of such an enjoyable novel.Tell Me Lies is not your usual romance novel as it handles the sexual encounters in a hilarious way, and you just feel good after the commendable read.I would recommend Jennifer Crusie's book to anyone who enjoys a book about romance, friendship, chocolate and hilarity. Like all Crusie novels, it's wildly funny.

I do love Ms. Crusie’s angry heroines :>). As I read, I was truly grateful I did not grow up in a small town. Although there’s always an element of mystery to a Crusie book, it’s especially strong here, even though that’s not initially apparent. It’s certainly the hottest Crusie I’ve read to date. CL is a wonderful hero, and I loved watching Maddie grow through her ordeal/s. All the lying got on my nerves until I reminded myself of the title. Em was very believable, and I’d give Teeva a best-supporting actress award, as well as grandma and Henry. I normally try to sip a Crusie rather than gulp it down, but I couldn’t help myself with this one.

I've never lived in a small town where everyone knows everyone else but based on this novel, what happens in a small town stays in a small town, whispered from ear to ear over every back fence. Makes me a bit glad that I live in the 'burbs where exactly the same thing happens except that it's at little league games and "back to school" nights. OTOH, I now wonder what it would be like to grow up in a town like Frog Point, Ohio; I'm probably too old now to ever find out.This is a well-written book by Jennifer Crusie (not her first by a landslide). The plot is tightly woven, and the characters distinct (except for the dead ones - they seem all alike). I liked C.L.'s aunt Anne and uncle Henry and their farm; I wished Maddie and Em had started going out there earlier and more often. I liked Maddie's sub-compacted Honda Civic and C.L.'s red Mustang convertible; we never did find out what the rental car was. "Lies" was a pervasive theme throughout the novel and tied many things up together.The author dexterously left the explanation of exactly what happened to the very end but, as far as I can tell, there were no extra parts left over.I read this novel because it was referenced in Donald Maass's Writing the Breakout Novel. Now I wish I remembered why he mentioned the book.

This one was just ok -- I thought the best (and smartest) character was the little girl. The grandmother was a kick tho. The rest was tangled and while you pretty much knew how it was going to turn out, a bit too convoluted for me. Typically I have a hard time putting her books down and this one just didn't do it for me.

I love this book. I love Maddie and how her character is written. Funny, witty, great read. I put it in the top tier of the Crusie books. I have read it two or three times (once every 5 years or so, when I forget the plot).

I love jennifer crusie! Her novels have a great mix of mystery, intrigue and romance. This book was a great read because new developments were happening at every turn. Really kept you on the edge of your seat :)

I love all of Jennifer Crusie's books. I have read them all multiple times. Her writing is hilarious and fast paced to keep you reading. I usually skip the sexual content but her books are witty and laugh out loud fun to read.

This is fab, one of Jennifer Crusie's best, I've read it so many times and enjoyed it every time. I love her humour and irreverence.

とかくこのテの小説（ラブロマンス＋ミステリー＋ファミリーヒストリー＋その他云々）は、とても抗いきれないほどいい男が主人公のために用意されている。アニマルな色気があり、かといってイロボケばかりしておらず、いかにも男らしい実行力があり、それが空回りしないだけの実力が伴い、かといって真面目一本槍でなく、ちょいとワル男なとこもあり、思いっきり頼れる存在のクセに、少年ぽさをいい塩梅で残してある、それがためにどうしようもなく母性本能をくすぐり、しかも成熟した男のよく響く低い声で、愛の言葉を囁いてくる、そんな男だ。この本もご他聞にもれずだった。主人公にそれだけの魅力があるとはどうしても思えないんだけど、とにかくこのムネキュンに強引な男が引っ付いて離れない。内容もハラハラドキドキの連続で飽きさせなかったけど、とにかく相手役のwilson、通称C.L.氏の動向を覗き見たいがために読了してしまった。ええ、あたしはおバカさんですとも。でも、ためしに読んでみて。キミもきっと彼に恋をするぞ。

TELL MY LIES by Jennifer Crusie had me holding my breath with excitment at the same time over the who-done-it murderous plot, just as well as over the hot romance unfolding in front of me. Maddie Faraday and C.L. Sturgis, who once were a couple twenty years ago, find themselves in the middle of murder and love right there in a small town called Frog Point.With its many twists and surprises, the novel never got boring and had me spend a whole night awake just to finish it.The characters and plot sucked me into the story right away and had me cracking up - I found myself rolling my eyes at Maddie's unnerving mother, could almost hear the gossip of the nosy neighbors, and certainly felt with Maddie through the turbulances of her suddenly not so normal small-town life. Sometimes chocolate chip cookies seem to be the only resort when life gets tough - but reading this novel to brighten up your day will most certainly do the trick as well!

This is the first book I read of Jennifer Crusie. My purchase was based on the ratings, that's why I also want to share my thoughts.Perfect for readers on their 30's. I find the book making me laughing out loud at several times. Easy reading with a lot of twist, some crime & romance.There was a little dozing-off part just before it ends. A little bit too goodie doer. But all in all, if you are looking for a lighthearted book, this one is a good read.

Great condition love the book the story is great and I just love the writer she fabulous witty and very imaginitive