Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game captivates with its suspenseful and atmospheric narrative, weaving a tale of deep friendships and buried secrets. Critics praise Ware's knack for setting and tension but note some sluggish pacing and less compelling character depth. Readers seeking a slow-burn thriller will find it engaging, though not groundbreaking.

Fans of psychological thrillers like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins will enjoy Ruth Ware's The Lying Game. This reader appreciates intricate, suspenseful plots centered on dark secrets, complex friendships, and unexpected twists. Ideal for those who thrive on tension and unraveling mysteries.

In Ruth Ware's psychological thriller, The Lying Game, four women—Isa, Fatima, Thea, and Kate—are summoned back to Salten by a text from Kate, leading them to confront a secret from 17 years ago when they hid the body of Kate's father, Ambrose. As their past deceit threatens to unravel, they must navigate a web of lies while dealing with personal challenges, strained friendships, and looming exposure. Sensitive topics include addiction and abuse.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Emotional

- The Lying Game by Ruth Ware is set in a small coastal town in England, capturing the atmospheric setting that has become a signature element in Ware's novels.
- The title refers to a game the characters played as schoolgirls, which involved telling lies for points, a theme that carries significant metaphorical weight throughout the novel.
- Ruth Ware has mentioned in interviews that the inspiration for this novel was sparked by the intrigue of what happens when schoolgirl secrets collide with adult lives.

**Isa Wilde**  
A mother and civil service lawyer living with her partner Owen and their daughter Freya; she is a central figure whose life is intertwined with her boarding school friends despite her secretive past.

**Kate Atagon**  
A solitary and calm character who lives with her dog at the Tide Mill, a place steeped in memories of her father, making her deeply connected to her past.

**Thea "Thee" West**  
Characterized by her striking appearance and turbulent past, she navigates life with self-destructive behaviors while maintaining a strong loyalty to her friends.

**Fatima Chaudhry Née Qureshy**  
A petite, caring doctor who has embraced her religious faith, offering stability and unity among her childhood friends through her steadfast values.

**Luc Rochefort**  
Kate's childhood acquaintance with troubled past experiences, known for his moody and volatile nature, yet still remembered fondly by some of the main characters.

**Ambrose Atagon**  
The art master at Salten House, remembered for his influence and connection to the central group of friends from their school days, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

**Mary Wren**  
A community leader in Salten, known for her strong presence and involvement in local dynamics, often seen with critical motives in her interactions.

**Owen**  
Isa's partner and father to Freya; he struggles with feelings of exclusion and suspicion due to unresolved tensions and secrets within his family.

Ruth Ware

Adult

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The Lying Game Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

“Rule One: Tell a Lie”

Prologue-Chapter 7

The Lying Game Prologue-Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-14

The Lying Game Chapters 8-14 Summary & Analysis

“Rule Two: Stick to Your Story”

Chapters 15-22

The Lying Game Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

“Rule Three: Don’t Get Caught”

Chapters 23-32

The Lying Game Chapters 23-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-41

The Lying Game Chapters 33-41 Summary & Analysis

“Rule Four: Never Lie to Each Other”

Chapters 42-50

The Lying Game Chapters 42-50 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 51-60

The Lying Game Chapters 51-60 Summary & Analysis

“Rule Five: Know When to Stop Lying”

Chapters 61-67

The Lying Game Chapters 61-67 Summary & Analysis

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The Lying Game Character Analysis

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The Lying Game Themes

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The Lying Game Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Lying Game Important Quotes

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The Lying Game Essay Topics

The Lying Game

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