Sarah Wishart, Four Good Liars, HarperCollins Publishing, March 2024, 464 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780008641962
Readers in the mood for a gripping YA thriller should add Four Good Liars to their must-read list. Right from the start, a high-stakes moment draws the reader in, setting the stage for a story full of unexpected twists.
Layla is desperately worried about her parents, as they struggle to raise $250 000 for life-saving medical treatment for her baby brother, and she is terrified that he will lose his battle with Neuroblastoma.
Liam, a mathematical genius aiming for a PhD at Stanford, is juggling the challenge of matching his affluent boyfriend’s spending habits, still in disbelief that such a popular and good-looking guy has not only noticed him but chosen to be with him.
Kai gives chilled out surfer boy vibes, but no one knows his mother has left town with her new boyfriend, taking his sister and leaving him to fend for himself as he completes his final year of school.
Fliss, known for her wealth and popularity, is in a desperate race to protect her image. She’s being blackmailed for a hefty sum to prevent the release of humiliating photos that could shatter her carefully crafted reputation.
Wrapped up in their secrets and worries, these four teens are equally desperate for the money that they think will solve all their problems. As they board the school bus that morning, they have no inkling of the million pound windfall that will unravel their lives and bring to life the saying ‘be careful what you wish for’.
Each chapter in this book switches between the four main characters, letting readers see events from their different viewpoints and creating a detailed, connected story. As the plot twists and turns, the tension keeps rising, making it hard to know who to trust. Unexpected surprises continue until the dramatic finale. Danger, excitement, and fast-paced storytelling, along with mostly likable characters, will keep even reluctant readers eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth.
Four Good Liars is great for older readers looking for something completely different to engage them as a break from stress and study. Suitable for students from Year 9 and up, a must have on every library shelf.
Reviewed by Kay Oddone
