Read Between the Lies by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Read Between the Lies is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Fern, a struggling writer who’s finally getting her big break—until she learns that her former high school bully, Haven, is also releasing her debut novel right alongside her with a major book deal. Oh—and she’s also a popular influencer. What should be a dream moment quickly turns complicated as their paths intersect. Thanks to COVID-19, the 2020 debut group is forced to develop relationships using the Slack app. Beneath the surface of polite Slack chats, Fern and Haven's shared past is anything but settled, adding a layer of tension that keeps building. As old wounds resurface, their rivalry takes on a darker, more unsettling edge. It’s a twisty, character-driven story about ambition, memory, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

This story was not what I expected. I thought I would read about two debut authors whose hostility toward each other would be open and reflected in vicious attempts to sabotage each other's book releases. Instead, because of COVID-19, the tension remains subtle, as their interactions are largely confined to online spaces. For much of this novel, I didn't particularly care for Fern—she is a very messy protagonist. I continuously questioned whether she was a reliable narrator or even mentally stable. It was when Fern reached her lowest moment that I found myself, somewhat surprisingly, cheering for her.

I also wasn't expecting to get a good glimpse into the world of publishing. As an aspiring writer, I appreciated the 30,000-foot view of the publication process. I knew it was a long process from the time an agent is secured until the novel's release (often at least a year, for those who may not know). What was unexpected was how close the relationships are between an author and her publication team. I imagine it's not like that for every author, but what a wonderful gift it would be if a writer is able to work with such a supportive group.

For the first part of the book, I found the pacing to be a bit slow. However, I still felt compelled to keep reading. I would have liked to see more of Haven's personality earlier in the storyline. I believe this would help highlight the muddy boundaries between who is the victim and who is the villain.

Read Between the Lies includes themes of how poisonous social media can be, the obsession people have with influencers, cancel culture, and the life-long effects of bullying. Fern suffers from panic attacks and works with a therapist. Incorporating her healing process and coping mechanisms is a strong component of the story, as it shines a light on how much time it takes for someone to recover from this abuse and how it lingers even after seeking help.

Readers who like smart, dark, and suspenseful psychological thrillers that reflect contemporary social norms will enjoy this latest novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto.

Author Authentic: Originally she pursued a degree in engineering before switching to creative writing. She earned a master’s degree from University of Oxford.

Companion Song: "Look What You Made Me Do" by Taylor Swift