This book by bestselling ‘Queen of Teen Crime’ author Karen McManus, is touted as an explosive new YA thriller. And yes, McManus well and truly earns the label – Such Charming Liars gives generously!
It’s told
from the perspective of two teenagers, Kat and Liam, who were step-siblings for
just 48 hours when they were five and their respective parents briefly married
in Vegas.
This story
contains all the important elements of a teen thriller: action, thrills, lust,
spills, twists, power, fortune, fame. And of course, a little bit of gender-fluid
snogging on the side.
With a complex storyline that will reward readers’ attention to detail (I suggest an intensive rather than extended reading period for this work), the book is pacy and well-written.
The story contains a diverse and large cast of characters. These include a stable of con artists, a mega-rich extended family who are dripping in wealth and an excess of material things (which conveniently for the plot, don’t extend to much of a moral compass), and teens who are trying to navigate their respective ways through tricky times.
The people within this story of a jewellery heist that turns into a murder, are well-crafted and fleshed out. Individual flaws are very evident and their endearing qualities are also fabulously transparent.
With twists and turns that even seasoned thrill-seekers won’t see coming, this book will have readers engaged and breathless to the very end.
Title: Such Charming LiarsAuthor: Karen M McManus
Publisher: Penguin, $27.99
Publication Date: 6 August 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241676998
For Ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult