The Lying Game #5: Cross My Heart, Hope to Die

If you have made it through the first four novels in this series, you might feel as if you are in the middle of a shaggy dog story. Emma and her ghostly shadow Sutton have continually identified a suspect in Sutton's murder, become absolutely convinced of said suspect's guilt, and ultimately cleared said suspect and moved onto a repetition with a new candidate. The books are well-written, and Sara Shepard does an excellent job of ratcheting up the suspense each time. Unfortunately, the existence of the unidentified murderer constricts the story and prevents the action from moving in new and exciting directions. Emma cannot take anyone into her confidence out of fear for the safety of friends and family. I think that the television program made the better choice in keeping Sutton alive. Her frenemy relationship with her twin has allowed the plot to spin in unexpected ways.I don't want to be spoiler-y, so I won't comment on the extent to which the identify suspect, clear suspect, and find new suspect pattern holds in this fifth book of the series. Except, of course, to note that a sixth volume has already been scheduled! I will say that more significant events occur and more interesting facts are revealed than was the case in the last couple of volumes. So, if you are interested in Emma's world, you will enjoy this book.I do have to say that I find Emma's relationship with Ethan a tad difficult to understand. She is obviously very bright, and always discerns clues pointing to other suspects. And yet, she appears never to have considered the possibility of Ethan's guilt, despite the fact that he is surrounded by more red flags than the rest of the suspects put together! Okay, she has an excuse, although a bad one: she is in love, and love, they say, is blind. But what about Sutton, her ghostly shadow? She has no emotional attachment to Ethan, but she shows no doubts about Ethan, either. This all seems rather unrealistic, and is, for me, something of an irritant.Of course, Ethan as the killer would be a terrible letdown, because he is so obvious, and the discovery of his guilt would consequently be boring. I would like Emma and Sutton to identify him as their main suspect at some point, though.A much cooler ending would be a version of the old Agatha Christie plot: there is no single killer, but, rather a murderous conspiracy among all of her friends and family! They all became sick and tired of Sutton's malice and decided to do her in. They have all been covering for each other through the whole series, so they all conveniently have alibis! Obviously, they know Emma's real identity and have been playing her all along - and probably Ethan, too, since he was never part of their clique! Okay, totally absurd, and I wouldn't buy it either, but it WOULD be fun!

This is the BEST one yet! It keeps me on the edge of my seat, it's a great book. I absolutely love the character development of Sutton/Emma as well as some of the other characters. I find myself really enjoying this teen style book, probably more then I should. It's abosolutely one of my favorite guilty pleasures. This book, like many of the others, consist of absolute certainty of a murderers death, only to have more twists and turns. I do have to say, that as great as this series is, at this stage in the series - it does feel a little dragged on. Sara clearly has a pattern and despite how great the book is, it's getting a little bit old. I do love getting to dive more into Sutton/Emmas mom and her past as well as her relationship to the mercers.

If you've read the previous four installments in this series, then you know that there is a definite formula to the books. Emma suspects someone, feels paranoid throughout the book, and then clears them by the end. This episode is no different, but continues to build layers into the Mercer family and clearly lays the groundwork for the final book. If there were 20 books left (like its sister series Pretty Little Liars), then I'd say give up now, but since there's only one book left (and it's very good), it's certainly worth finishing off the series.

good condition

Great

great series

If you are considering purchasing this book then you have probably read the previous books and therefore you know if you like them or not. I greatly enjoyed these books so I would suggest reading all six.

Twists and turns brings #5 back into full reading list. Can't wait see learn what's next. Who's next and seriously by who?

I know a few people think that Sara Shepard drags her series' out but not me, The Lying Game series just like the Pretty Little Liars is addictive, fast, mysterious and keeps you guessing. Sadly upon finishing this book I quickly rushed to find out about the next one and realised book 6 will be the final one.There was a really shocking moment at the end of this book that I didn't see coming at all and also many questions surrounding the twins mother Becky are answered in this book. Basically if you have enjoyed the series up to this point you will devour this one.

I'm going to read all of them, even if it's starting to get like Pretty Little Liars in the sense that it goes on and on. The book is good, it gives you clues about who the murderer is and basically lot's of things happen. This said, I think the saga should come to a dignified end, before it gets boring and unrealistic. And if they do insist in carrying on, then at least they should close this mistery and start with another one.

Described as in 'good' condition. It is not, used condition more accurate

Bought for teenage daughter who has an addiction to these and the pretty little liars series. She is not a reader so when she became hooked on these I kept on buying. Reading anything is better than not reading at all. She loves them and discusses them with her friends all the time. Buy if you have a teenage daughter.

I cannot write review as it is a present for my eldest granddaughter who adores this series: this is why I put 5 stars1