Trust Me, I'm Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer

Trust Me, I'm Lying
Written by Mary Elizabeth Summer
Mystery, Romance
Published January 2nd 2015
336 Pages
Thank you to Random House Austalia
★★ 
Julep Dupree tells lies. A lot of them. She’s a con artist, a master of disguise, and a sophomore at Chicago’s swanky St. Agatha High, where her father, an old school grifter with a weakness for the ponies, sends her to so she can learn to mingle with the upper crust. For extra spending money Julep doesn’t rely on her dad, she runs petty scams for her classmates while dodging the dean of students and maintaining an A plus, okay, A minus average.

But when she comes home one day to a ransacked apartment and her father gone, Julep’s carefully laid plans for an expenses paid golden ticket to Yale start to unravel. Even with help from St. Agatha’s resident Prince Charming, Tyler Richland, and her loyal hacker sidekick, Sam, Julep struggles to trace her dad’s trail of clues through a maze of creepy stalkers, hit attempts, family secrets, and worse, the threat of foster care. With everything she has at stake, Julep’s in way over her head... But that’s not going to stop her from using every trick in the book to find her dad before his mark finds her. Because that would be criminal.
Julep is the master manipulator at the private and illustrious Saint Agatha's, taking full advantage of being the daughter of a con man and a Grifter herself. She sells dreams to anyone who can afford her services, while her father pays her tuition to ensure she gains the wealthy connections to follow in his footsteps. But when Julep arrives home from school to find their small apartment ransacked, her father missing and the only clue to his whereabouts is a cryptic note and a handgun, Julep realises she may need to call in reinforcements.

Wealthy young technology expert Sam is Julep's best friend and partner in crime... Until the popular and charismatic Tyler takes an interest. Tyler is adamant he wants to be her friend, his wealthy and lonely life demanding more than vapid friends and his father's senate election. As Julep follows her father's clues, she's being followed. threatened and needs to find a way to pay for her own tuition or risk being expelled and finding herself in foster care. As the clues lead her closer to her father's insurance policy should he disappear, it will be more than Julep's life in danger. She isn't the only one prone to telling lies, and this deception may just lead to her begging for her own life while others sacrifice theirs.

Kelly's Thoughts

Trust Me, I'm lying was fun, adventurous, but with a thrillingly sinister storyline that I couldn't put down. Reminiscent of Veronica Mars, it follows the story of Julep, a sassy voice in a sea of the wealthy and elite. She makes dreams a reality for a fee, with intricate schemes ranging from setting up dates for the desperate, to criminal activity. Her single father teaching her all he knows, until she comes home from school and finds her place ransacked and her father missing. Suddenly her extracurricular activities pale in comparison. Apart from best friend Sam, Julep has connections but no other friends, not allowing herself to take comfort in anyone else, until she meets Tyler.

Tyler is wealthy, popular and after seeing a dead rat being placed in Julep's school locker, feels he needs to involve himself in her protection. Julep is wary of his sudden interest, and with good reason. Sam doesn't trust him and their once close friendship becomes strained with the introduction of Tyler as a possible love interest. Their dangerous adventure was enthralling, a mystery that unravels as the reader turns each page. I loved Julep's character and although she eludes a tough exterior, I felt incredibly sorry for her. She doesn't want to follow in her father's footsteps, even though he is pushing her into a life of crime and one day dreams of attending Yale.

The appeal of Trust Me, I'm lying comes from being so far fetched, that it borders on being a fun thriller and not to be taken seriously. It's entertaining, and will appeal to fans of young adult mystery. Looking forward to continuing on with the series.

51 comments

  1. This book seems so cool. I can't believe it's a series, but sinister storyline? It sounds cool. Pity that despite the awesome blurb it's not that much of a scary thriller - but hey fluffy thrillers can be cool too (fingers crossed)!

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    1. It's not scary, but will leave you needing to turn pages to find out what happens. I'm excited to see it as a series, I loved Julep's character.

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  2. The concept sound awfully familiar, though it's not coming to me at the moment. I don't mind over-reaching arches as long as it's believable enough to pass as reality. :) This one sounds cool!

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    1. I really enjoyed it Joy. It's like a snarky version of Veronica Mars that doesn't mind pushing the boundaries.

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  3. With some books you need to just accept them as what they are and roll with it. It was like that for me with Don't You Forget About Me - that was far-fetched in a different way, but it's the same concept: just not taking it to seriously and going with the flow.

    This sounds like fun and I do love a good mystery!

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    1. This is EXACTLY one of those Allie, purely entertaining. It does touch on darker elements, such as human trafficking, but for the most part it's fun and fabulous. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait for you to grab a copy.

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  4. I'm reading this right now! I'm liking it so far... I really like Julep as a character she's fun and witty

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    1. I can't wait to see what you think of it Taylor. Hope you're enjoying it as much as I did.

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  5. Sounds great, I love how she's sassy and it's a great mystery thriller. I actually borrowed this one from the library but put it back, because I need to read more books on my shelves. Thanks for the great review Kelly!

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    1. It's well worth grabbing it again next time you're in there Jeann, especially being a Veronica Mars fan. I think you'll appreciate this one.

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  6. I took this off my TBR list because I didn't think I'd like it, but it looks like I may just have to re-add kit. Thanks for reviewing!

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    1. It sounds pretty unassuming doesn't it, but I was really pleasantly surprised. I actually couldn't put it down. A nice quick read though that's super entertaining. Add this one Lara, you'll really enjoy it.

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  7. Yay I'm glad I have this book now! I'm glad you thought it was a fun, thrilling read! It just sounds really cool haha. Awesome review Kelly!!!

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  8. You know me Kelly - I can't accept anything far-fetched for the life of me. I'm not sure why, but if something doesn't sound plausible to me, I find it hard to enjoy. This being said, I'm not quite sure I'd click with this one, but I am glad you were entertained by it regardless. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <33

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    1. Especially when it comes to contemporaries too Zoe and totally agree, I can imagine you'd enjoy it to be honest. You'd probably need a bit more character development seeing it's so character driven. But it's still entertaining regardless. I think I'd actually like to see what you think of it now. Colour me intrigued.

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  9. Wow, you really liked this! Hum, I quite DNFed it. As in very early in the story ahah...I did not like the voice of the main character and where it seemed to be going, unfortunately. :( But I'm glad you did! Nice review, Diva-girl ;D

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    1. Thanks Lola. You should have stuck with it. It really picks up once she starts finding her father's clues. Once I reached that point, I couldn't put it down.

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  10. I love mysteries, so I will definitely be reading this one! So an entertaining story plus the mystery and it looks like it's going to be a must-read for me. :) I also have a soft spot for sassy main characters. :D

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    1. I tell you Kara, considering what Julep is going through, gosh she's tough. She's one of those strong willed, no bullshit type characters that doesn't mush up when a love interest is introduced either. You'll love her!

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  11. I HAVE THIS ONE TO READ SOON!! I'm a bit sad it's not one to be taken seriously though. :( Boo. I love books that keep me gasping for breath...buuuuut. I'M STILL SUPER EXCITED. XD Julep though? JULEP?! That's what happens when a Juniper swallows a Tulip.

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    1. It's not that intense kind of thriller, but superbly entertaining and Julep is tough as nails that girl. She's CALLED Julep, but you'll find that out once you read it. Hurry up, I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  12. Young adult mystery thriller? SIGN ME UP. It sounds like something I'd enjoy. Con artist/spy/heist/mystery books tend to agree with me. The only thing that has me a bit iffy is the Tyler thing. If Julep changes too quickly after meeting him... well that will be frustrating.

    Great review!

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    1. Just between us Bec, she doesn't. She's not one of those mushy heroines that falls quickly. She's jaded, mistrusting and completely awesome! Grab a copy, I think you'll absolutely love this!

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  13. YOU'RE KIDDING?!!! REMINISCENT OF VERONICA MARS?? Why don't you just take my money right now, Kelly. HOW DO YOU SELL ME THESE THINGS SO EASILY??

    I love a bit of mystery and nothing's better than mystery narrated by a sassy protagonist. We need more sass in YA. It'd sure help with empathy. I'm with Bec up there. Spies and stuff just always ticks the box for me. Yup, I definitely need this one.

    Beautiful review, Kelly. You sell it to me every single time! <3

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    1. Thanks Jess. I never kid about Veronica Mars young poppet. But the only difference is that Veronica is clean cut, where Julep is rough around the edges, a balls to the wall kind of girl which makes her more realistic and likable for me.

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  14. It's going to be a series? Will each book feature Julep? Even from just the review I don't want her to fall into a con life, I want her to go to college! But that wouldn't make a good series... :)

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    1. Hmm, maybe she can do both. Leading a double life. Now that would make for an awesome sequel. I'm assuming she'll be the main character in each book, but she also has a few supporting characters in her merry band of criminals, so they might eventually get their own point of view too. Will just have to wait until closer to the book two release date I suspect.

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  15. I saw this around a while ago and for the life of me, I cannot remember why I didn't add this book to my TBR. I mean, common! Con artists? Mystery? This is all so very me. The only thing that has me a little worries is this Tyler person. He seems very fishy to me..... verreh verreh fishy. In fact, he reeks of fish. :P

    I am glad you enjoyed this one, Kellyyy <3

    Fantabulous review!

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

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    1. I wish someone WOULD have slapped him in the face with a snapper, I didn't like him at all. He was just too cool and collected. Luckily Julep isn't that naive and makes him work for it. Add it. Add it now.

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  16. This does sound like a pretty fun read, and I've been curious about reading more YA thriller/mystery stories. Plus, Julep sounds fantastic.

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    1. She totally is Lauren. I love mild thrillers and mystery and this one is superbly entertaining.

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  17. I really love the sound of this book - especially now that you've said it's reminiscent of Veronica Mars (which I loved but never finished watching when it was first aired, unfortunately) and it's a fun read not to be taken too seriously. Those types of thrillers are always such fun. :) Thanks for a wonderful review, Kel! <3

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    1. Veronica Mars was more the generation after mine, my time was Buffy and also Charmed at the time. I still find myself watching repeats when they come on. But it's the same template almost, but where Veronica was more clean cut for her time slot, Julep is a little more cunning and an opportunist. She isn't a crime fighter by any means, but is driven by the need to find her father. It was all kinds of awesome.

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  18. Wait wait what reminiscent of VMars? COUNT ME IN PLZ. I wasn't sure of this one at first, but I clearly need to rethink and snag a copy of this.

    Lovely review, hun <33

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    1. Yes, You totally do. It was so engaging, once I got past the first few chapters and Julep started finding her father's clues, I just couldn't put it down. Looking forward to seeing what you think of it poppet.

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  19. From the title I know I'm going to like it! I have to read this book somehow, I can't believe I hadn't heard of it beforehand but Im glad I saw your review ;) Thanks for sharing this one.

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    1. I think you'll absolutely love this one Francoise, it's right up your alley. Fun, engaging and Julep is an awesomely tough girl who doesn't take crap from anyone. Hopefully you can grab a copy and enjoy it as much as I did.

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  20. I haven't read Veronica Mars but I've heard good things about that one so I'm hoping this one will be great too. This sounds a lot of fun, and I've always enjoyed these fun mystery/thrillers. Great review! <3

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    1. Thanks Naban and me too. I love a lighter mystery, something with just enough to keep you turning the pages, but not as intense as to keep you awake at night. This one is the perfect blend of both.

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  21. This sounds great since I love a good YA mystery that's executed well and addictive! I'm about to start the Veroninca Mars books, so after those I'll definitely be checking this one out. Thanks for the fabulous review Kelly :)

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    1. I haven't started the Veronica Mars books yet, I was hoping to read them both at once shortly though. I didn't see too many episodes of the series, as I was already outside of the demographic with that one. Now Buffy was more my generation. They should rerelease the Buffy books.

      Yeah, just realised how much I'm rambling now.

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  22. DID YOU JUST COMPARE THIS TO V MARS?!?! That means I need this book asap. Julep (wow, very odd name), sounds like a great heroine to follow, and the mystery has just enough intrigue to keep me interested. I smell a potential love triangle though...

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    1. It IS an odd name, but the book explains why. No spoilers though. There kind of IS a triangle of sorts, but it resolves itself pretty quickly. Julep isn't the type of character to flit between love interests.

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  23. I read this book for a book tour and I loved it! I always love teens who are kind of criminal (but in a fun way, lol). And I like the whole idea of spies, thieves, con-artists, etc. Great review, Kelly!

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    1. Me too Marianne, it was just so fun and charming. I can't wait for book two to be released. Really enjoyed it.

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  24. I haven't read a cool sinister YA spy/criminal thriller in so long, and when I saw this on Goodreads, I knew I should read this... and your review has convinced me too. Awesome review!

    Blessie @ Mischievous Reads

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    1. Thanks Blessie. It's fabulous! Julep is such a sassy young woman who doesn't take crap from anyone. Such an opportunist too. I really liked her. Add this one and grab a copy.

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  25. I'm interested to lean that this is a series, and not a standalone. I haven't seen many thriller/mystery books with sequels.

    There seems to be a hint of a love triangle, with the best friend not trusting the new guy. I'm not a huge fan of the "guy best friend secretly loves girl but only decides to share this information when another guy comes along, and then gets annoyed if the girl doesn't like him back as if its his right" storyline, but maybe I'm reading too much into it?

    Anyway, I'm still quite interested to read this book, even if I'm a bit wary.

    Great review, dear!

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  26. I was thinking as I read the synopsis "sounds VMars-y" and then you mentioned it straight away which means I am totally sold on this, I love fun, teen mysteries!

    Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist

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  27. I wanna read this book solely on the basis of the title and the cover - but it does sound interesting as well!

    Deb

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  28. I like the title and the cover of this book - your review has me intrigued about this novel now, thank you for the great review ! Sounds like a great sinister novel.

    Benish | Feminist Reflections

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