Title: Why She Lied
Author: Julie Coons
Genre: Psychological Thriller, True Crime
Book Blurb:
Will she have to lose her child to save her child? The day she tells her boyfriend she’s pregnant, is the same day he tells her he’s been accused of molestation. His trial is set to begin the following day. She needs answers… To get them, she tricks her boyfriend into signing a release form, giving her full access to all of his legal documents. She uncovers the truth, he’s guilty. To save her unborn child from this monster, she gets an abortion. FIVE YEARS LATER and still rebuilding her life, Julie finds out her ex-boyfriend has just become the most wanted man in America, involved in human trafficking. When detectives ask for her help locating him, she gets drawn into a baffling mystery. What began as a seemingly simple search soon turns into a much darker reality. Someone from her past is watching… Bit by bit, the tapestry of her own secret childhood begins to unravel. What she learns about her past will haunt her forever: family isn’t always what it seems. Can she help bring this predator to justice, or will she die trying? WHY SHE LIED is a gripping psychological thriller full of mystery, intrigue, and buried secrets.
My Review:
Trigger Alert: If you are sensitive to violence, abuse, rape, molestation, abortion, forced prostitution and sex trafficking, this may not be the book for you.
If only Julie had trusted her gut instincts about James, she might never have lived such a nightmarish existence. After discovering her boyfriend, James, cheated on her several times, she finds herself pregnant and shocked to discover her boyfriend is accused of molestation. She decides to get an abortion to save both herself and her baby from a horrific monster.
Five years later, Julie is approached by the authorities to help bring to justice the monster she once knew, James. He’s wanted for human trafficking charges and more. The nightmare starts all over again and this time, Julie’s life is hanging in the balance. Can she escape with her life or has her time run out?
In one of the most terrifying thrillers I’ve ever read, Why She Lied is a suspenseful, nakedly honest story based on real-life events. Told in first-person, the readers plunges into the life and mind of Julie. You get to see the day-to-day life of an ER nurse as well as her personal life. The stalker aspect is very detailed and honestly, it scared the crap out of me. I had to read during the day or else I’d have nightmares.
Why is this not quite five-stars? I found the plot dragged in parts and that drew me out of the story. The parts on calling out religious monsters seemed a bit over the top but then, I think it was more of a cleansing for the author than anything else. Other than that, it was brilliant!
I applaud the author for putting a spotlight on these issues plaguing our society. Sexual and human trafficking needs to stop and she urges the reader to take steps to put an end to it. I couldn’t agree more.
If you’re a fan of Harlan Coben or Thomas Harris (Hannibal Lecter books), you’re going to love Why She Lied. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote: “We, together as a society, are too good to allow this behavior to continue. Our children depend on us to keep them safe. We mustn’t let them down. This has to end, and it starts today with me. All people around the globe … join me to save the children of the world, our future lies in their hands. Let’s stop letting them down. Rise up and end human trafficking. It’s going to take us all working together to finally put an end to it. It’s not someone else’s job. It’s ours.”
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Buy it Now:
Free to read on Kindle Unlimited!
Author Biography:
JULIE COONS lives in a small town in Oregon. THIS DOES NOT LEAVE THIS HOUSE was her debut memoir. Amy's bookshelf reviews awarded it the #1 position for top 10 books of 2018. Her second book WHY SHE LIED is based on a true story. Her books are written to lead a movement toward positive change. She tells the stories of her life with honesty and strength.
If you wish to connect, ask a question, or invite Julie to speak to your group or organization, contact her at: connect@juliecoons.com.
So much more coming in 2019! Julie also plans to make YouTube videos sharing more of her story. Subscribe to Julie's YouTube channel JULIE COONS and get to know her even better.
Social Media Links:
Website: www.juliecoons.com YouTube: Julie Coons Twitter: @JulieCoons1 Facebook: Julie Coons Author
Reviewed by: Mrs. N