Never Lie

Like many mystery-thrillers, Never Lie includes red herrings (false clues) to mislead the reader. Pick some of these clues and follow their trajectory throughout the book, examining how they build suspense and add to a surprise revelation.

Adrienne is a victim in the book, as she is murdered by Tricia. However, Adrienne herself is not an innocent victim—she is guilty of her own crimes, including the killing of Edward Jamison. Why might the author choose to make Adrienne an imperfect victim? How does this relate to the theme of The False Nature of Stereotypical Gender Roles?

Discuss the symbolic value of the oil painting of Adrienne, drawing on excerpts from the text to trace the painting’s significance throughout the narrative. Consider the origin of the painting; the way the painting is moved around; and the fact that Tricia ends up stashing the portrait in the attic, not destroying it.

Pick one character and discuss how their need to keep up appearances motivates their choices and actions, for better or worse.

The book is told from alternating points of view, Tricia representing the present and Adrienne representing the past. Discuss the value of including both points of view. How does this approach add depth to the narrative? Emotionally, what benefit comes from allowing the reader to “hear” Adrienne, even though she is dead? Structurally, how are these viewpoints entwined to create suspense?

The secret room where Adrienne’s tape recordings are held is accessed by pulling on one book in the bookshelf, Stephen King’s horror classic The Shining. Why might the author have chosen this volume to serve as the gateway to Adrienne’s secret recordings?

The Milgram experiment was a controversial real-world psychological experiment that examined people’s obedience to authority. The case is referenced twice by Adrienne’s character. Why might the author include this reference?

Throughout the book, Tricia expresses appreciation for moments when her husband gets to be the “hero” who takes charge and leads her. Yet Tricia is the one in charge in the duo, consistently manipulating her and Ethan’s relationship. Discuss how Tricia simultaneously embraces yet subverts stereotypical “traditional” heteronormative gender roles and why the author portrays gender roles in this way.