My book review of 'Lie or Die' by AJ Clack

by AJ Clack
Recommended age: 12+
Lie or Die
by AJ Clack

This is described as a cross between tv's 'Traitors' and the film and bestselling series 'The Hunger Games'. Though I've not followed either, I know enough to be able to appreciate this thriller, aimed at young adults. And it is full of tension, jeopardy, suspense and twists and turns.  

Ten strangers are taking part in a reality tv programme, but it's soon clear this is not a game. 

A new tv show, Lie or Die, has been launched, described as 'Big Brother' meets Mafia. Contestants have to discover who is a murderer and who Is an innocent. 

The casting call is coming to an end but Kass has been persuaded by her best friend to put her name forward and she's accepted at the last minute. She understands it to be a game about truth and lies, winning or elimination but very soon realises there's something much more sinister at play. This is about survival. Contestants are dying - for real.

Though this is a quite terrifying murder mystery, it is also a challenging exploration of the whole reality tv concept and society's expectations today. It also makes you think about truth, and what happens when we start skewing reality for our own purposes. There are powerful themes for discussion here and it's a great page turner. 

Date of this review: May 2024
Book publication date: 1st March 2024