Sutton and Ethan Montclair is the beautiful couple. But in their gorgeous five bedroom, three fireplace Victorian home in Franklin, Tennessee, along with two BMW's, a hefty portfolio, successful careers as authors, their marriage is beginning to crack. When Ethan goes down to breakfast, he expects to see his wife, as always, eating her cereal and reading the newspaper. No Sutton. Instead, a note telling him she has left him. She is very unhappy and he is not to try to find her.

Stunned, then angry, he is more confused when he finds her handbag with cash and her credit cards, her phone, computer, all her clothes and her car is in the garage. What is she trying to do? Is it drama? Has someone taken her? He calls her mother, who stops by and casually asks for her check that she receives monthly from her daughter. She seems unconcerned that Sutton is gone and thinks she will return soon. He calls her BFFs, who have heard nothing from her and urges Ethan to call the police. He goes onto her computer to check their financial info and finds there is $50,000 missing. He calls the police and after their initial interview, he becomes their number one suspect and they begin to really dig into the task of finding a motive. They find information about the loss of their son, Dashiel, from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

J. T. Ellison tells a shocking story of lies, deceptions, and betrayals. I was not able to put this book down and had many incorrect theories, and motives. The only thing I guessed correctly was a third person who left a trail of destruction, murder, and lots of pain for Sutton and Ethan. The plot was clever with characters that were impossible to admire. At times, I found Ethan extremely weak, while Sutton was cold, calculating and selfish. The rookie police officer, Holly Graham, impressed me with her work ethics, her warmth and her unfailing belief in Ethan. She was a nice addition to this psychological thriller that leads on a path with many, many twists and turns that promise to amaze you. I like Ms. Ellison's writing style, short chapters with a title on each to whet your appetite and continue on to the finale which had several surprises. I am a fan and totally enjoyed LIE TO ME.

Book Summary

Domestic noir at its best. Readers will devour this stunning page-turner about the disintegration of a marriage as grief, jealousy, betrayal and murder destroy the facade of the perfect literary couple. New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison takes her exceptional writing to a new level with this breakout novel.

They built a life on lies

Sutton and Ethan Montclair's idyllic life is not as it appears. They seem made for each other, but the truth is ugly. Consumed by professional and personal betrayals and financial woes, the two both love and hate each other. As tensions mount, Sutton disappears, leaving behind a note saying not to look for her.

Ethan finds himself the target of vicious gossip as friends, family and the media speculate on what really happened to Sutton Montclair. As the police investigate, the lies the couple have been spinning for years quickly unravel. Is Ethan a killer? Is he being set up? Did Sutton hate him enough to kill the child she never wanted and then herself? The path to the answers is full of twists that will leave the reader breathless.

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