Society of Lies

By: Lauren Ling Brown

Narrator: Lauren Ling Brown, Brie Carter, Chandler Gregoire

ISBN: 9780593723357

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: 10/01/2024

Format: Other

My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)

OCT 2024 MUST-READ BOOKS

When a young woman is found dead on her college campus, her sister doesn't believe it was an accident—and her search for answers leads her closer to home than she ever would have imagined in this thrilling debut novel from an exciting new talent.

Maya can’t wait to return to Princeton for Reunions—it’s been a decade since she graduated, and she is looking forward to seeing old faces and reminiscing about her college days. This year is even more special because her little sister, Naomi, is graduating.

But what should have been a dream weekend becomes Maya's worst nightmare when she gets a call no one ever wants—Naomi is dead. The police are saying it’s an accident, but Maya suspects there is more to the story than they are letting on.

As Maya pieces together the months leading up to her sister’s death, she starts to realize how much Naomi hid from her. Naomi had joined Sterling Club, the most exclusive social club on campus—the same one Maya belonged to—despite Maya’s warnings. And if she had to guess, she'd say Naomi was also tapped for the secret society within it.

The more Maya uncovers, the more terrified she becomes that Naomi's decision to follow in her footsteps might have been what got her killed. Because Maya's time at Princeton wasn't as wonderful as she always pretended it was—after all, her sister wasn't the first young woman to turn up dead. Now every clue is leading Maya back to the past…and to the secrets she’s kept all these years.

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Praise

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK

“A dark and haunting debut that explores secret societies, the bonds of sisterhood, and the intricacies of privilege at an elite college . . . When Maya searches for answers about the death of her younger sister at their shared school, she must delve into secrets in her own past that are best left forgotten. I couldn’t put this twisty tale down.”

—Julia Bartz, New York Times bestselling author of The Writing Retreat

“Readers of dark academia, prepare to meet your summer obsession. Society of Lies has everything I want in a book: a twisty plot, powerful social commentary, beautiful writing, and emotional resonance. While it digs deep into the corrupt underbelly of prestigious secret societies, it is at its core a moving tribute to the bonds of sisterhood and friendship. With this powerhouse debut, Lauren Ling Brown has established herself as a remarkable talent to watch.”

—Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here

“Society of Lies is so much more than a murder mystery. Lauren Ling Brown explores race, family, and the dark side of privilege within Princeton’s elite. Her writing is powerful and takes you on a wild ride. It’s a must-read and a truly impressive debut!”

—Courteney Cox

“Filled with secrets and collegiate scandals, Lauren Ling Brown’s Society of Lies takes a deep dive into the darkest side of power: the compromises we make to acquire it, the way it warps us, and what it can take from us. I loved this twisty thriller!”

—Halley Sutton, USA Today bestselling author of The Hurricane Blonde

“Dark academia, secret societies, and murder—what’s not to love? Lauren Ling Brown’s Society of Lies is an atmospheric tale that will have you on the edge of your seat, sure that something sinister is waiting just around the corner—and you can’t help but turn the page to see what it is. Smartly written and taut with suspense, it’s no doubt one of the year’s best thrillers!”

—Jessica Payne, author of Make Me Disappear

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My Review

Lauren Ling Brown's dazzling debut, SOCIETY OF LIES, is set at Princeton University and follows biracial sisters Maya and Naomi as they uncover a corrupt secret society within one of the social clubs while asking the question: How far would you go to belong?

About...

Maya returns to Princeton for her college reunion. She is quite excited because she will also be attending the graduation of her younger sister, Naomi.

What she uncovers turns into a nightmare when she learns Naomi is dead. They say it's an accident, but Maya's instincts tell her there's something more sinister at play.

What was her sister hiding?

Despite her warnings, Naomi had joined the most exclusive social club on campus, Sterling Club. Unfortunately, it was the same club she had belonged to.

Was Naomi chosen to join the secret society within? Did Naomi follow in her footsteps? Her time at Princeton was not as grand as she had let on. Her sister was not the first to turn up dead, which led her back to the past and her dark secrets.

My thoughts...

SOCIETY OF LIES is a captivating debut!

From the stunning front cover, the SOCIETY OF LIES draws you in from the first page to the spine-tingling climax—a powerful debut exploring the dark side of elite academia, both dark and haunting!

It is told in four parts and two twisty alternating POVs: Maya (2023/2011/2010) and Naomi (2022) before her death, adding a layer of intrigue in learning the thoughts and actions of each.

Maya: Naomi's older sister. Married to Nate

Naomi: Maya's younger sister

Cecily: Maya's college friend

Nate: Maya's husband

Liam: Naomi's ex-boyfriend

Ben: Naomi's friend/crush

Matthew: Maya’s former Sterling mentor/Princeton Professor

The author keeps you engrossed with the alternating POV, providing glimpses of the past and exploring the underbelly of a secret prestigious society at an Ivy League University. The exciting cast of characters in this atmospheric setting adds a layer of complexity to the story.

Pulled in by initiation into Sterling Club, Princeton's most prestigious eating club, and allured by the fun and its golden escalator to a future. Once inside, you are bound by their secrets, creating a deep blond—dangerous, cultlike, and reckless environment.

SOCIETY OF LIES is an entertaining tale filled with secrets, collegiate scandals, and murder. Dark and unsettling, well-plotted, showcasing the darkness and menace of the Sterling Club and Greystone Society (fictional). With emotionally charged topics of race, family, friendship, class, sisterhood, multiracial identity, power, and privilege. An author to watch!

An ideal choice for book clubs: The author's website offers an extensive book club kit and a fun Character Profile.

Recs...

SOCIETY OF FANS is for readers who enjoy dark academic thrillers and murder mysteries. For those who enjoy the works of Ruth Ware, Carol Goodman, Lauren Nossett, Fiona McPhillips, R.J. Jacobs, and David Bell.

Thanks...

Thanks to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced digital reading copy for an honest opinion.

@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks

My Rating: 5 Stars

Pub Date: Oct 1, 2024

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About the Author

Hello!

I’m Lauren, a writer and editor based in Los Angeles, California.

Before starting my career, I studied English literature at Princeton and film production and screenwriting at USC School of Cinematic Arts. Since 2015, I’ve worked as an editor and assistant editor on a variety of film and television projects for HBO, Netflix, Disney, and more.

My debut novel, SOCIETY OF LIES, is coming out October 1, 2024 with Bantam, Penguin Random House, and I couldn’t be more excited!

A suspense set amid Princeton’s eating clubs, SOCIETY OF LIES follows a young woman who made a terrible mistake in her quest to fit in, one which may have led to her sister’s death ten years later. It explores privilege, belonging, and the stubborn (but changing) nature of elite institutions. WEBSITE

Order your copy HERE!