Robin’s Review of Lie Like the Devil

Lie Like the Devil

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LIED?

The first lie: MONSTERS DON’T EXIST.

When the body of a man is discovered in the Boston Common, Martina finds herself entering a horrific nightmare. She discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of ancient methods of persecution being carried out by a Puritan-indoctrinated serial killer who believes the devil walks among us.

The second lie: YOU WOULD KNOW A MONSTER IF YOU SAW ONE.

 After the first victim is dismissed as gang-related, Martina fears there is more to the murder than meets the eye. Her instincts are soon proven correct when another victim is found, her body displayed in the same gruesome manner. But Boston has dark secrets of its own. Now, the threads of the past are unraveling once again as history repeats the sins of our fathers. A time when religion reigned and the word of God was the ultimate persecutor.

Robin’s Review

Triggers: graphic murder scenes, mutilation, serial killer violence, religious extremism and indoctrination, ritualized “punishment” themes, historical persecution parallels

What Did I Just Walk Into?

Boston + a brutal body in the Common + Puritan-flavored “justice” + Bible scraps like calling cards. It reads like a Criminal Minds episode that got a theology minor and then decided to ruin your evening plans in the best possible way.

Here’s What Slapped:

The hook is immediate. You’re in the case fast, and the book doesn’t politely wait for you to catch up.

The history threads are deliciously dark. Those flashback vibes and colonial-era echoes add real creep-factor and weight.

Crime scenes you can see. Vivid, detailed, and unsettling without feeling sloppy or random.

Marti and Neil’s dynamic. The banter breaks the tension just enough to keep you breathing.

The pacing hits “one more chapter” levels. Every time you think you’ve got it solved, the story yanks the rug and laughs quietly.

What Could’ve Been Better:

A couple character beats feel inconsistent. Certain reactions and choices wobble a bit depending on the scene.

Some dialogue lands slightly off. Not constant, but noticeable in spots.

A few threads could’ve used another pass. There are moments that feel like they’re setting up something bigger, then don’t fully cash the check.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:

Serial killer thrillers with ritual elements and escalating stakes

Criminal Minds energy in book form

Se7en-adjacent dread, minus the screen glare

Boston settings with grit, history, and a side of secrets

“Religion as horror” themes and Salem-era shadows creeping into the present

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

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