All The Lies They Told
- Judith D Collins
- Aug 15
- 6 min read
By: Robin Mahle
ISBN: 9798986959580
Publisher: Harp House Publishing
Publication Date: 08/19/2025
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
They were once inseparable. Now they barely speak to one another. And tonight, they vanish.
Lexi Brewer and Skye Metcalf used to walk home from school side by side, sharing secrets and dreams. But those days are long gone. The friendship has crumbled, just like the bond between their families.
When the girls fail to return home one evening, panic grips their small Idaho town. A frantic search begins, and as law enforcement closes in, the focus shifts to the people who should know them best—their parents.
But beneath the surface lies a minefield of old resentments, shattered trust, and one devastating secret that binds the families together. As buried betrayals rise to the surface, relationships fracture under the weight of guilt, suspicion, and blame.
Everyone has something to lose. Everyone has something to hide.
And as the hours tick by, one terrifying question lingers:
Have the sins of the past come back to claim retribution?
My Review
“A taut, chilling, pulse-pounding thriller. The suspense builds with every page—with more than one twist you DO NOT SEE COMING!”
Robin Mahle (a favorite) bestselling author and screenwriter acclaimed for her compelling cop procedural series starring Detective Rebecca Ellis, FBI Kate Reid, and Trooper Remy Fontaine, along with a remarkable oeuvre of over 40 gripping crime novels and psychological thrillers, is set to captivate readers once again with her latest standalone domestic thriller, ALL THE LIES THEY TOLD.
This powerful narrative draws inspiration from the heart-wrenching case of the two young girls who tragically vanished in Delphia, Indiana, in 2017.
Delving deeply into the complex emotions of trauma, the suffocating weight of secrecy, and the haunting pangs of guilt. With a thoughtful approach, the author offers trigger warnings, ensuring her writing is infused with both compassion and sensitivity, inviting readers to engage with a story that resonates on multiple emotional levels.
About...
In a quiet Idaho town, we meet two families whose lives are intertwined by friendship and marred by a haunting past.
Ashley and Nate Brewer are the loving parents of a spirited daughter named Lexi, while next door, Mara and Garrett Metcalf nurture their creative daughter, Skye, along with their inquisitive son, Milo.
Once the best of friends, the two families now find their relationships strained and frayed. The laughter that once echoed through backyard barbecues has faded, replaced by awkward encounters and stilted conversations.
The parents used to share everything—their hopes, dreams, and even their fears—until a tragic mistake cast a shadow over their lives and pulled them apart. The vibrant playdates that filled their afternoons are now distant memories, leaving a palpable tension hanging in the air.
A chilling secret looms over both families. Deep down, the parents grapple with the weight of their actions. Their teen daughters have no clue what happened THAT NIGHT.
"We're monsters. We're liars. We're everything we taught our children not to be. Would they ever forgive us if they knew what we had done?" Their thoughts echo with regret and fear, threatening to unravel the fragile fabric of their lives.
As the story unfolds, Lexi and Skye decide to venture home through the enchanting, yet foreboding, woods after practice, their backpacks bouncing as they are different now, not the close friends they were as children. The sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees, and a sense of adventure fills the air, but quickly turns into a nightmare.
When the girls do not return that evening, an icy grip of panic spreads throughout the town. The once-peaceful community transforms into a hive of frantic energy as search parties gather, combing through the darkening woods. The focus soon turns to those who should know the girls best—their parents—who are thrust into the spotlight of suspicion.
As searchlights flicker in the night and whispers of dread circulate, the parents’ secret begins to unravel, bringing old resentments to the surface. Who has taken their beloved daughters? What sinister events from the past have come to haunt them?
In this harrowing moment, everyone realizes they have something to lose, and deeper still, something to conceal. The past does not remain buried; sometimes, it resurfaces with a vengeance, threatening not just their peace but the safety of their children.
My thoughts...
Dark and unsettling, an engrossing thriller that will grip you from page one!
Mahle is a remarkable author whose writing captivates from the very first page. Every story is a masterfully crafted experience, brimming with intelligent prose, impeccable pacing, and rich characterization that draws you in completely.
ALL THE LIES THEY TOLD is a heart-pounding thriller with small-town secrets that keep you on the edge of your seat. Mahle expertly builds suspense, creating an electrifying tension that compels readers to stay up late, devouring each chapter. This gripping tale—a thrilling blend of survival and psychological terror—is an absolute must-read.
The author skillfully weaves together Six alternating points of view: Lexi, Mara, Ashley, Nate, Skye, and Garrett, effortlessly navigating between past and present timelines as well as intertwining storylines.
Highlights...
~Points of View (POV): Each character's perspective is clearly marked, making it easy to follow their journeys. This thoughtful structure offers deep insights into their motivations, adding layers of complexity and richness to the narrative.
~Pacing: Mahle masterfully orchestrates a rising tension that keeps readers spellbound, skillfully weaving together past revelations and present dangers. Both storylines are equally captivating, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
~Past: Parents' Mystery: The shadows of the parents' past sins and buried secrets lurk ominously throughout the story, enriching the plot with emotional depth and intrigue.
~Present: Teen Characters: The resilience and tenacity of the kidnapped girls shine through, even as they endure harrowing circumstances. Meanwhile, the portrayal of the unpredictable parents—whose past actions reverberate into the present—adds a chilling complexity. Readers will be left astounded by the shocking twists that unfold, leaving them breathless.
~Setting: The evocative small-town ambiance of Idaho plays a crucial role in heightening the story's intensity and atmosphere. Having worked as the SE Regional VP of a company based in Boise and traveled there monthly (plus McCall), I found the vivid depiction of the landscape and culture deeply resonant.
~Timelines: The precise marking of events occurring five and ten years before the present heightens the intrigue, creating a layered narrative that keeps readers guessing.
~Plot Twists: Prepare for surprises that will leave you reeling. The twisty revelations are expertly crafted, and you won’t see the two major plot twists coming!
~Teasers: Intriguing elements such as Skye’s seemingly innocuous phone, a mysterious driver’s license, an enigmatic auto repair guy, and a telling license plate serve as key pieces of the puzzle, keeping readers enthralled and eager to connect the dots.
~Suspense: The outstanding suspense is palpable, propelling readers through the pages at breakneck speed. The unsettling creepiness of captivity, especially involving a haunting mask, evokes a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of Clémence Michallon’s "The Quiet Tenant."
~Epilogue: The epilogue wraps the story with warmth and resolution, skillfully avoiding a rushed conclusion, leaving readers with a satisfying sense of closure.
~Wink: I appreciated the nod to Stephen King’s "Mr. Mercedes," a delightful reference for fans of the genre, as I am among them.
If you have yet to explore Mahle's work, you are truly missing out on an extraordinary talent! I wholeheartedly recommend her captivating novels and eagerly await her next creation—it’s always a literary delight.
Recs...
ALL THE LIES THEY TOLD is essential reading for devoted fans of Mahle and those who savor the gripping narratives of authors like Chevy Stevens, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Unger, J.T. Ellison, and Noelle Ihli.
Special thanks to the author, Harp House Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was honored to be an early beta reader.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars +
About the Author
Robin Mahle has published over 40 mystery/thriller novels, many having topped the Amazon charts in the US, Canada, and the UK. She also writes historical fiction under the pen name Christine Chase.
Most recently, Robin has delved into the world of psychological thrillers with Joffe Books, some of which have been translated for the European market.
Also a screenwriter, she has adapted three of her novels into teleplays and two have gone on to place in film festivals nationwide.
From detectives to federal agents and from killers to corruption, Robin's page-turning tales grab hold and refuse to let go. Throw in some tense action and thrilling twists, and it becomes clear why her readers come back for more. Robin lives in Coastal Virginia with her husband and two children. WEBSITE
