Teens will be able to spot the red flags as this cautionary tale unfolds. Primarily, it is an incisive look at how relationships can suddenly turn toxic, the cruelty of mind games and the long term damage caused by keeping dangerous secrets. While showcasing the 'trendy food' vibes and music of the late 1980's, it also shines a spotlight on the trials of adolescence. With complex characters, an extra twist and atmospheric, sensuous writing, this YA novel is a must read. As Post Traumatic stress takes hold, betrayal and unpredictability uproots belief in fairy tale romance, social expectations replace deep desires, and confusion, fear and self-preservation take hold, the dark belly of violence is revealed. Inspired by Lockhart's trips to Martha's Vineyard and her glimpse of private islands as a child where she imagined teens living golden lives, the novel explores what can happen when illusions are shattered. Already dealing with demons, her world is blown apart when her cousin brings mysterious strangers to their island. She remembers a long, hot, crazy Summer when she was 17. They are Cinderella and her ugly sisters - or are they? Fairy Tales are used as allegories throughout as Carrie relates her twisted tale to a guest who wants to hear about her past. The siblings are competitive and jealous for attention whilst trying to find themselves. They are 'drunk on the hot liquor of desire for parental approval'. It is not uncommon in our family.' Carrie and her sisters Penny and Bess, who later become the traumatised parents of the protagonists of the original novel, are consumed with 'being a credit to the family and keeping a stiff upper lip'. Troubled narrator Carrie warns the reader, 'I have been a liar all my life, you see. What hasn't changed is their propensity for mendacity, dependency on medication, desire for romance and their diehard belief in family mottos to uphold their privileged lifestyle. They live a charmed life of Lemon Hunts, celebrations, parties and Summer frolics on their own private island but beneath the glittering façade there are cracks in the stability of the foundation.

It explores the tangled lives of a different generation of Sinclairs. Caught on the whirlwind of Tik Tok celebrity for its predecessor, the plot twist sizzler We Were Liars, Lockhart's new novel is a prequel set in 1987.

Lockhart's Family of Liars is a good choice. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that takes a scalpel to human nature, E.

Family of liars reviews