S. F. Prescott

I couldn’t put this down!

Laura Leffler is a writer and art historian who builds stories within the gorgeous, strange, and sometimes terrifying art world. After receiving a master’s degree in post-war and contemporary art, she spent more than a decade working in commercial galleries, doing everything from art fair sales to condition reporting and logistics. Along the way, she witnessed more of that glittering world’s dark underbelly than she thought possible. Laura currently lives in Colorado with her family. 

Tell Them You Lied is her first novel.

I really enjoy novels set in the dark underbelly of the art world, so when I read the premise of Tell Them You Lied, I knew I had to read it. There’s just something addictive and dark about the ruthless ambition between art students and teachers alike. Set against the backdrop of 9/11, this novel surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. A solid debut filled with secrets and lies!

The dual timeline added so much tension to both the plot and character relationships, especially between Willow and Anna. The past answering all the questions in the present. Their friendship felt so complex and relatable, especially for two teenagers who are desperate to fit in, while also being fiercely competitive with each other. The plot developed so organically, unfolding steadily with each reveal. And when the end crime was finally revealed, it still came as a surprise. I devoured this book in two days! The characters weren’t all likable, but that’s an element in the genre I love. The tension gripped me immediately, pulling me through to a very satisfying ending. There were so many scenes that stuck with me, but if I had to pick one it would be of Anna and Prof. Kape at the party hosted by Lizzie’s parents at their house. It was so shocking.

For readers who enjoy stories about unlikely friendships, dark secrets, and missing persons.

Synopsis:

Anna had never met anyone like Willow. Entering art school with lofty ideas about Art and her role in it, Anna was wholly unprepared for someone as mysterious, moody—and cool—as Willow. Here was Anna’s muse and collaborator all in one, ready to bring her in on Art’s great secrets.

Now, five years later, Anna is weary. Where art school was boundless creativity and collaboration, the New York art scene is all about survival. Worse: Willow’s true nature as a muse only to herself has become nakedly apparent, as has her cruelty.

So the mugging Anna has staged for Willow this morning? It’s supposed to send Willow running back to her true friend. The knife is supposed to be a mirror in which this ‘artist’ can finally see the monster she’s become. It’s supposed to give Anna her power back.

But this morning isn’t just any Tuesday. It’s September 11, 2001. And as the city reels from the seismic events of that day, Willow never returns home. Anna keeps quiet about the prank and her growing panic that she’s to blame for Willow’s disappearance. But as the hours and days tick by, Anna begins to question whether she’s the mastermind she thought she was, or the pawn.