Book Review: None of This is True - A Women's Psychological Crime Thriller by Lisa Jewell

How I Found It

I was searching for a book with compelling twists when I stumbled upon a TikTok review of None of This is True, a psychological crime novel by Lisa Jewell. The spoiler-free review intrigued me, so I sought out additional opinions. I discovered readers were split fifty-fifty—some loved this psychological crime thriller, others didn't. I decided to form my own opinion.

I ordered the book, and it arrived on Friday, January 2nd. Eager to start, I dove into the first page on Sunday, January 4th. However, I didn't finish None of This is True until January 28th—nearly a month later. My initial excitement waned as I read, which brings me to this review.

What It's About

None of This is True was my first Lisa Jewell psychological crime novel. While the opening six chapters captured my attention, they didn't hold it for long. I found myself setting the book down for days at a time.

The story follows two women who share the same birthday: Alix Summer, a popular podcaster, and Josie Fair, who becomes the subject of Alix's podcast. Josie wants to unburden her soul and tell her truth—and what better way than being featured on Alix's show? Soon, this psychological crime story takes a dark turn into obsession, lies, and murder, with Alix and her family caught in the middle.

What I Loved/Didn't Love

I enjoyed the beginning of the book. The characters showed promise for an intriguing story. However, somewhere along the way, the book lost me. I think it was the podcast format. I didn't engage with it until near the end, where the truth—and the twist—finally grabbed me.

The chapters moved slowly with long sections of text. I found myself skipping through chunks to advance the story, which happened for about thirty percent of the novel. That was the only way I could finish None of This is True.

Themes

Manipulation, deception, grooming, alcoholism, and narcissism—all hallmarks of a compelling psychological crime narrative.

Who Would Enjoy It

Anyone who enjoys psychological crime fiction from a woman's perspective.

My Rating

3½ out of 5 stars

I gave None of This is True three and a half stars because, just like last psychological crime book I read, justice was not served and I need that in a story.