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Strange Truth #2
Strange Lies
Only at Winship Academy would an evening science expo turn into a criminal fiasco. First, there’s the anonymous boy in the girls’ bathroom handing out drugs to anyone with the secret password. Then the student body president is maimed in a horrifying and tragic accident—but was it an accident or an attack?
Benny Flax and Virginia Leeds are right at the center of it all. And so is the headmaster’s son, Calvin Harker, an oddball poet whose interest in Virginia sets off alarm bells for Benny. As the case bleeds from Winship Academy to the surrounding city, the deep fault lines of racial tension in Atlanta’s history reveal explosive hatred still simmering under the city’s surface.
Benny Flax and Virginia Leeds are right at the center of it all. And so is the headmaster’s son, Calvin Harker, an oddball poet whose interest in Virginia sets off alarm bells for Benny. As the case bleeds from Winship Academy to the surrounding city, the deep fault lines of racial tension in Atlanta’s history reveal explosive hatred still simmering under the city’s surface.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
About the author
Maggie Thrash
7 books411 followersMAGGIE THRASH is the author of the critically acclaimed graphic memoirs Honor Girl, which was nominated for a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and Lost Soul, Be at Peace, as well as two novels for young adults. Rainbow Black is her first novel for adults. Born and raised in Atlanta, she lives in New Hampshire.
You can also find her on maggiethrash.com and on instagram @maggiethrash
You can also find her on maggiethrash.com and on instagram @maggiethrash
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 12, 2017
I was very pleased to get an advance reader copy of STRANGE LIES, as I loved the first novel in this series, STRANGE TRUTH (originally published as WE KNOW IT WAS YOU). I'm happy to report that I enjoyed this 2nd mystery even more than the first.
Maggie Thrash writes the most wonderful, diverse, and oddball characters who go about solving (or perpetrating) the book's mystery while also sharing profound bits of commentary on social issues of the day. (I found myself taking photos of favorite lines that popped up on so many pages... like, "How many lies did it take before you were officially "a liar"?") I particularly love how the characters observe and often misunderstand each other, or see themselves very differently than others see them. On its face this is a light YA mystery, but dig deeper and you'll discover much more.
Maggie Thrash writes the most wonderful, diverse, and oddball characters who go about solving (or perpetrating) the book's mystery while also sharing profound bits of commentary on social issues of the day. (I found myself taking photos of favorite lines that popped up on so many pages... like, "How many lies did it take before you were officially "a liar"?") I particularly love how the characters observe and often misunderstand each other, or see themselves very differently than others see them. On its face this is a light YA mystery, but dig deeper and you'll discover much more.
August 17, 2017
Maggie is amazing. Yes i did get annoyed with certain elements introduced into the book even though they are important matters; it was still a bit annoying.
But it was amazing of course. I love benny and virginia so much and the setting being at their preppy school i love it so much!
The ending though... I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 3! Because it obviously is a major cliff hanger in more than one way!
(I requested and received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!)
But it was amazing of course. I love benny and virginia so much and the setting being at their preppy school i love it so much!
The ending though... I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 3! Because it obviously is a major cliff hanger in more than one way!
(I requested and received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!)
August 8, 2017
This book is dark, sexy, hilarious, and intriguing. If you like twists and turns, you're going to love it.
June 28, 2017
For the record I haven't read the first book in this series but I hope I'll be able to fix that soon.
Strange Lies is a witty satire on the shallow high school culture Hollywood is in love with disguised as an (attempted) murder mystery for teenagers. And I thought it was a good read. Aside from being entertaining Maggie Thrash is very articulate in revealing the inner teenage psyche in a wise way that I'm sure will appeal to the more observant young adult readers out there.
-Jan B.
May 9, 2017
I loved Strange Lies (got a preview copy) and pretty much read it straight through. I feel like I am getting to know the characters from We Know It Was You better and I am finding them quite interesting. The plot is clever (really enjoyed the science fair and Opposite Day) and not as turn-offish as We Know, but there is still enough blood to keep the goths happy. I went to a school in the South like Winship so I know these people and they are grounded in reality but take off in weird ways that make for a highly entertaining read. The writing is flawless, very funny, and leaves you wanting more. The ending leaves some unanswered questions but since this is a series, I did not take offense at that and, instead, look forward to Book 3!
August 1, 2017
The book blew my mind. I was hooked from page one. I was quite excited for the sequel in this series to come out and I was not disappointed ! Virginia and Benny are back at it. The humor and wit in the book are perfection. I love the sarcastic,witty and completely flawed characters as well as the detailed scenes. I truly forgot that I was simply reading a book, I felt truly immersed in the story as if I was a part of Winship and all of the drama held within...and without ! I am once again anxiously awaiting the next book...I need it...I have got to know what happens !
July 28, 2017
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first! I love Benny and Virginia and all the twists and turns and quirks that fills these books. I'm super excited for the next book!
On a side note I kinda wish they didn't change the covers, I liked the random quirky cover on We Know it Was You, this cover is a bit dark and definitely fits the mystery of the book but I guess I'm just an original cover purist.
Thanks to Maggie for giving me a chance to read this book as an ARC even though I am now dying for the next book.
On a side note I kinda wish they didn't change the covers, I liked the random quirky cover on We Know it Was You, this cover is a bit dark and definitely fits the mystery of the book but I guess I'm just an original cover purist.
Thanks to Maggie for giving me a chance to read this book as an ARC even though I am now dying for the next book.
August 17, 2017
I was so excited to receive the ARC of the second book in this series! Maggie Thrash has created the most interesting characters. The humor and sarcastic wit speak to me! While the characters and situations are satirical, beneath the surface the underlying behaviors and the characters motivations, while exaggerated, ring true. Overall, this novel is a fun and rollicking romp - I couldn't put it down and read it in almost one sitting. My only disappointment was that it left me hanging and I can't wait to find out what happens to Benny and Virginia next!
March 13, 2018
“Strange Lies” by Maggie Thrash follows the story of Benny Flax, the “weird kid” at Winship Private High School. Otherwise known as “Scooby Doo”, Benny leads the Mystery Club along with his partner, Virgina Leeds. An odd accident occurs during the school science fair leaving one student critically injured, and the Mystery Club is the first on the case. Thrash’s novel is one of the most basic of the Young Adults Novel selection, causing it to have a elementary plot that can be predicted by the reader and makes the reading difficult to get through. There is also a predictable love triangle between the main characters. However, Thrash is able to add a not so predictable ending that gives the novel a fighting chance. The storyline takes place in a urban area that is not well described, but most of the action happens on the school grounds. There is a diverse group of characters that each have curious backgrounds which often do not match the motives behind their actions. It is often hard for the reader to relate to the stereotypical characters as their actions do not exactly match their personality, but some of the struggles the characters face can be seen in everyday life issues, like peer pressure. The moral readers can learn from the novel is that one can always be looking in the wrong place for clues about a mystery.
Thrash’s mystery novel was published on October 3, 2017, about a year after her first novel in the “Strange Truth” series. The author has a modern writing style that gets into the nitty gritty of teenage life. In comparing the novel to “The Amateurs” by Sara Shepard both books contain the themes of having to solve a mystery, and in both there is betrayal as a main theme. However, “The Amateurs” is better developed than “Strange Lies” and when comparing them Shepard’s novel definitely surpasses Thrash’s. One could also compare “Strange Lies” to “Legend” by Marie Lu as both have a basic plot and the romance between the characters is anticipated. However, in Lu’s novel the characters are better developed and there is more action rather than the constant teenage gossip. Betrayal becomes a main theme in the novel as characters keep changing their minds about their actions towards one another. Anyone could read the novel but it is more targeted towards a teenage audience given all the drama the book entails. There are not many controversial topics that the novel discusses, so readers do not need to worry. However, girls may like the book better for the romantic aspect in it, but the mystery side can also appeal to boys. For an advanced student this book does not fit any criteria that would challenge them as the book uses easy language and is very understandable. In the end, “Strange Lies” by Maggie Thrash should not be very high on anyone’s must read list.
Thrash’s mystery novel was published on October 3, 2017, about a year after her first novel in the “Strange Truth” series. The author has a modern writing style that gets into the nitty gritty of teenage life. In comparing the novel to “The Amateurs” by Sara Shepard both books contain the themes of having to solve a mystery, and in both there is betrayal as a main theme. However, “The Amateurs” is better developed than “Strange Lies” and when comparing them Shepard’s novel definitely surpasses Thrash’s. One could also compare “Strange Lies” to “Legend” by Marie Lu as both have a basic plot and the romance between the characters is anticipated. However, in Lu’s novel the characters are better developed and there is more action rather than the constant teenage gossip. Betrayal becomes a main theme in the novel as characters keep changing their minds about their actions towards one another. Anyone could read the novel but it is more targeted towards a teenage audience given all the drama the book entails. There are not many controversial topics that the novel discusses, so readers do not need to worry. However, girls may like the book better for the romantic aspect in it, but the mystery side can also appeal to boys. For an advanced student this book does not fit any criteria that would challenge them as the book uses easy language and is very understandable. In the end, “Strange Lies” by Maggie Thrash should not be very high on anyone’s must read list.
May 22, 2019
An improvement over the first.
I still feel like it contains way too much reference to sex, including scenes that have nothing to do with the case. It makes me as the reader feel like I'm being told "Its normal and its all teenagers think about and talk about. They can't formulate a thought or conversation without it being the central topic." Newsflash, that's not true. Not everyone is a perverted freak or a sex-crazed lunatic who can only think about the next time they're going to be able to sleep with someone.
Although I like the continued use of switching between Benny and Virginia's perspective, the other characters for the most part are completely unnecessary to write or read from. It just seems like an unnatural transfer. That was something I hated in the first book too. Thankfully it's lessened somewhat in this one but not enough. My favorite scenes are when Benny and Virginia are bantering back and forth. Their characters are starting to see some growth and fleshing out. Benny SERIOUSLY needs to readjust his whole viewpoint on why they're solving these mysteries though. It is NOT cool to just keep letting murderers and rapists get away.
As for the ending...not gonna lie. Not really a fan. On pg. 318 I literally just looked at it and said..."Seriously? " Didn't even make sense.
I still feel like it contains way too much reference to sex, including scenes that have nothing to do with the case. It makes me as the reader feel like I'm being told "Its normal and its all teenagers think about and talk about. They can't formulate a thought or conversation without it being the central topic." Newsflash, that's not true. Not everyone is a perverted freak or a sex-crazed lunatic who can only think about the next time they're going to be able to sleep with someone.
Although I like the continued use of switching between Benny and Virginia's perspective, the other characters for the most part are completely unnecessary to write or read from. It just seems like an unnatural transfer. That was something I hated in the first book too. Thankfully it's lessened somewhat in this one but not enough. My favorite scenes are when Benny and Virginia are bantering back and forth. Their characters are starting to see some growth and fleshing out. Benny SERIOUSLY needs to readjust his whole viewpoint on why they're solving these mysteries though. It is NOT cool to just keep letting murderers and rapists get away.
As for the ending...not gonna lie. Not really a fan. On pg. 318 I literally just looked at it and said..."Seriously? " Didn't even make sense.
December 17, 2017
Maggie Thrash has done it again: created a book that, while working as intended as an adolescent mystery, transcends the genre with wit, wisdom, tenderness, humor, and a fearless courage in addressing controversial topics with deeply thought-provoking insight.
The characters are profoundly three-dimensional, the story superbly original, and the observations right on-target. The prose is sharp, lively, and engaging, and filled with quotable passages that speak directly to that part of the heart which just knows what is true.
If you are looking for something that's going to comfort you and reinforce your previously-held assumptions by feeding you the same old tropes and clichés you're accustomed to hearing, then look elsewhere. But if you want to be challenged, to be stimulated to thought, and to feel something real, then this book is for you.
The characters are profoundly three-dimensional, the story superbly original, and the observations right on-target. The prose is sharp, lively, and engaging, and filled with quotable passages that speak directly to that part of the heart which just knows what is true.
If you are looking for something that's going to comfort you and reinforce your previously-held assumptions by feeding you the same old tropes and clichés you're accustomed to hearing, then look elsewhere. But if you want to be challenged, to be stimulated to thought, and to feel something real, then this book is for you.
August 9, 2018
I adore Maggie Thrash. Her writing is the funniest stuff I've ever read, yet it also manages to be poetic and beautiful.
As always, Benny and Virginia stole the freaking show. Their friendship makes me laugh and simultaneously wish I could join it. Every single character had so many layers, and the story had a ton of mini-mysteries built into it. I still don't know so many things! There has to be another book. THERE HAS TO.
I felt like I was just hanging out with the characters until the book ended. I love all the obscure humor.
I'm happy that this book didn't have such a weird ending, although I still loved Strange Truth despite its abnormal conclusion.
@Maggie Thrash GIVE ME MORE.
As always, Benny and Virginia stole the freaking show. Their friendship makes me laugh and simultaneously wish I could join it. Every single character had so many layers, and the story had a ton of mini-mysteries built into it. I still don't know so many things! There has to be another book. THERE HAS TO.
I felt like I was just hanging out with the characters until the book ended. I love all the obscure humor.
I'm happy that this book didn't have such a weird ending, although I still loved Strange Truth despite its abnormal conclusion.
@Maggie Thrash GIVE ME MORE.
October 6, 2017
Benny and Virginia are back with a mystery every bit as twisted and intriguing as "We Know It Was You"/"Strange Truths". This book overflows with hormones, drama, a grotesque crime that borders on the absurd (in the best way), and biting social commentary. Maggie's books and stories are always way over the top and Strange Lies is no exception, but that's part of its charm. It's what makes it feel true to the teenage experience. Being a teenager is a tumultuous, melodramatic time and Maggie captures the feeling with a whole hell of a lot of style. While Strange Truths (WKIWY) dealt with sex, lies, and video tape, Strange Lies delves into issues of race, class, and how sins of one generation impact the next.
October 17, 2017
This is such an interesting, mysterious, and intriguing novel. It'll keep you on the edge of your seat. It's so different, and definitely far-fetched, but THRASH makes it almost seem real. It's hilarious at times, even when there are serious things at stake. The characters can be annoying at times, but makes the book even more realistic and fun! I would definitely recommend this book and the first one! (Also these new covers are the BOMB) Thank you Maggie for the arc!
September 7, 2018
4.5/5 stars
An improvement over the last installment, the mysteries in this book are compelling, especially the one with DeAndre, but the true star is the evolving relationship between Benny and Virginia.
I do need at least a third installment. Not only do I need a (hopefully positive) resolution to Benny/Virginia, there are simply to many unfinished and unanswered plots that i need filled to be truly satisfied with this series.
An improvement over the last installment, the mysteries in this book are compelling, especially the one with DeAndre, but the true star is the evolving relationship between Benny and Virginia.
I do need at least a third installment. Not only do I need a (hopefully positive) resolution to Benny/Virginia, there are simply to many unfinished and unanswered plots that i need filled to be truly satisfied with this series.
August 18, 2018
Well. Looks like I'm on the hook for the next book.
Noticed the same thing with head-hopping, but the good parts of the book outweighed the bad. Intriguing mystery challenges the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the characters: when faced with moral dilemmas, what would you do? A great read.
Noticed the same thing with head-hopping, but the good parts of the book outweighed the bad. Intriguing mystery challenges the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the characters: when faced with moral dilemmas, what would you do? A great read.
December 29, 2017
I loved it! I'm not sure why it's getting so much flak in other views. I imagined everything happening in a "Twin Peaks" high school atmosphere. So many of the characters are stereotypical and irredeemable, but I don't mind. It's a very fast paced read.
October 27, 2017
Thrash one-upped herself. Strange Lies took everything the first book did well and made it even more brilliant.
December 8, 2017
Fine. Definitely better than the first one.
August 9, 2018
This book to me wasnt as good as the first one. I had a harder time getting through this book. It wasnt all bad. There were many good aspects to it.
November 18, 2019
Strange lies (book #2 of the Strange Truth series) by Maggie Thrash bad example of a realistic YA book, for coming out in 2017, it's not as... with the times as it should be? I don't know, just the way race and religion is written is just weird, I was kind of uncomfortable at some points, the wording she chose sometimes was just not ideal. At least this book was a quicker read than the first.
It starts off with Benny and Virgina trying to solve a sort of double mystery at their school, one a bit more deadly than the other. A couple of love triangles were thrown in. Even a possible pregnancy randomly popped up. Thats pretty much the book minus the weird side plots. This book was kind of all over the place. Multiple plots were started but then it seemed like Maggie forgot about them or realized they were unimportant . And I'm really getting tired of these killers/predators getting away, who solves mysteries and then never does anything about it? This book could have potential if the teenagers were actually written like teenagers, not a stereotype that all they care about is drugs and sex, this book takes those stereotypes and then amplifies them by 100. The only reason I would recommend this book is if you've read the first. I feel bad trashing this book because she probably writes better than I could ever, but still this book just made me so uncomfortable at points. It was weird. Maybe her other books are better, I'll check them out just because I don't like talking bad about someone else's writing. I'll probably still read the third just to see what happens so Maggie is good at keeping readers wanting more I guess.
It starts off with Benny and Virgina trying to solve a sort of double mystery at their school, one a bit more deadly than the other. A couple of love triangles were thrown in. Even a possible pregnancy randomly popped up. Thats pretty much the book minus the weird side plots. This book was kind of all over the place. Multiple plots were started but then it seemed like Maggie forgot about them or realized they were unimportant . And I'm really getting tired of these killers/predators getting away, who solves mysteries and then never does anything about it? This book could have potential if the teenagers were actually written like teenagers, not a stereotype that all they care about is drugs and sex, this book takes those stereotypes and then amplifies them by 100. The only reason I would recommend this book is if you've read the first. I feel bad trashing this book because she probably writes better than I could ever, but still this book just made me so uncomfortable at points. It was weird. Maybe her other books are better, I'll check them out just because I don't like talking bad about someone else's writing. I'll probably still read the third just to see what happens so Maggie is good at keeping readers wanting more I guess.
January 17, 2020
From the very beginning I was hooked on this book. I had read the first book in this series, Strange Truth. I enjoyed this one much more than the first. This was very exciting to read, and even left me scared to leave my bed at night sometimes. I loved how the book had a sense of humor, along with a dark mystery. Benny and Virginia help make the book so much more interesting. Both of them seem normal when you are first introduced to them, however they are not what they seem to be. Their intentions are insane, but in an incredible way.
I wasn't a huge fan of some of the events, and how the characters reacted to them. There were numerous times where Virginia would go against what Benny did, which I personally didn't like. One of the characters Calvin, was very strange and creepy to me. He had a strong interest in Virginia, and Benny didn't approve of it. This led to many problems in the book, but I found it very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a funny, thrilling mystery. You won't regret it.
I wasn't a huge fan of some of the events, and how the characters reacted to them. There were numerous times where Virginia would go against what Benny did, which I personally didn't like. One of the characters Calvin, was very strange and creepy to me. He had a strong interest in Virginia, and Benny didn't approve of it. This led to many problems in the book, but I found it very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a funny, thrilling mystery. You won't regret it.
November 19, 2020
The story is all over the place. A lot of side characters' pov and it doesn't even put anything to the plot. The hero slightly irritates me. The heroine actually kinda a fun character. I still don't get the dynamic between them. I don't get Calvin's motivation toward Virginia. Also, I wasn't a fan of the open ending.
April 11, 2020
kind of funky and weird, didn’t really work out
August 31, 2020
Ummmm no like no just don’t read this
December 13, 2020
It was a nice and fast read, but so many things were left in the air as of another book would be realize. So I’m confused as to why...
January 2, 2023
Is it really over? No book three?
September 1, 2021
(mild spoilers!)
I breezed through this read. Definitely hooks you faster than the first one (though maybe that's because I was used to the writing style?). I'm still unsure on how I feel about the way certain issues are handled. I realize that we're reading through the eyes of teens as they try to make sense of things, but some of the reactions to certain situations felt flippant.
Hoping for a third installment/conclusion, though there doesn't seem to be any news on that front. Definitely want to know what happens to our characters after that cliffhanger ending!
I breezed through this read. Definitely hooks you faster than the first one (though maybe that's because I was used to the writing style?). I'm still unsure on how I feel about the way certain issues are handled. I realize that we're reading through the eyes of teens as they try to make sense of things, but some of the reactions to certain situations felt flippant.
Hoping for a third installment/conclusion, though there doesn't seem to be any news on that front. Definitely want to know what happens to our characters after that cliffhanger ending!
December 9, 2021
Could not put this down. This was better than the first book maybe because the setting and main characters were already established. The mysteries were fun, although I was frustrated that not everything was resolved and I was left with such a cliffhanger ending.
As interesting as the plot is, it was the characters that had me hooked. I absolutely love the dynamic between Benny and Virginia. There are a lot of dark things in this book, but there is also a lot of humor. These teenagers are so well written I think I know some of them.
Really hoping there is a third book!
As interesting as the plot is, it was the characters that had me hooked. I absolutely love the dynamic between Benny and Virginia. There are a lot of dark things in this book, but there is also a lot of humor. These teenagers are so well written I think I know some of them.
Really hoping there is a third book!
January 16, 2022
I just finished this novel and I actually loveee this novel despite the low rating that people gave for the first book which I havent read yet. Strange Lies is a fast paced novel, and I was hooked from the first page. I like how the author construct the story line and reveal the the twist one by one instead of just throwing everything all at once. It makes me keep reading as I was curious what was gonna happen next. There should be a sequel as the ending was not it but I wasn't sure if there's gonna be one :(
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews