Jo Piazza, bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance, dives into the glossy, chaotic, and often toxic world of influencer culture with her new thriller Everyone Is Lying to You. A mix of pulpy suspense, social commentary, and biting wit, this novel offers a juicy mystery set against the backdrop of #tradwife Instagram fame and the dark realities behind curated perfection.
The Story
Lizzie and Bex were inseparable in college until Bex vanished, leaving Lizzie confused and heartbroken. Fifteen years later, Bex has reinvented herself as Rebecca Sommers, a glamorous “traditional wife” influencer with millions of followers captivated by her seemingly perfect ranch life with her husband Gray and their five children.
Meanwhile, Lizzie is struggling to balance her writing career with the chaos of raising young kids while her husband searches for his next break. Out of the blue, Bex calls Lizzie with an irresistible proposition: an exclusive interview and an invitation to MomBomb, the influencer conference of the year.
But when Bex goes missing and Gray is found brutally murdered, Lizzie is thrust into a world of lies, betrayals, swingers, and staged realities. To clear her name and uncover the truth, she must confront who Bex has become and how much of their friendship was ever real.
What Works
Piazza’s strength lies in her sharp insight into influencer culture and the way social media blurs reality. The #tradwife movement, with its curated domestic bliss and hidden cracks, becomes the perfect stage for murder and betrayal. The novel is peppered with witty observations about social media fakery, the pressure of motherhood, and the illusions of perfection.
The pacing is tight, with multiple layers of intrigue that keep readers guessing. The conference scenes, full of behind-the-scenes drama and toxic rivalries, are particularly entertaining. Lizzie’s conflicted mix of nostalgia, skepticism, and envy toward Bex feels authentic, grounding the story in very real emotions beneath the twists.
Fans appreciated:
- Clever and fast-paced plotting
- Juicy, bingeable thriller energy
- Sharp social commentary on influencer culture
- Exploration of motherhood, marriage, and identity in the digital age
- A constant sense that nothing and no one can be trusted
Where It Falters
The book is not without controversy. Some readers found the violence graphic and the twists over the top, veering into sensationalism. Others criticized the portrayal of certain women as manipulative and power-hungry, arguing it undercut the novel’s feminist edge. For readers sensitive to depictions of abuse, betrayal, and on-page violence, this may not be an easy read.
Additionally, those hoping for fully sympathetic or grounded characters may struggle, as many of the central figures lean into morally gray or outright disturbing territory.
Final Thoughts
Everyone Is Lying to You is a messy, entertaining, and provocative thriller that holds a mirror to the curated lives of influencers and the lengths people will go to protect their image. Whether you love or loathe social media culture, this novel delivers a gripping ride full of secrets, lies, and shocking revelations.
If you enjoy twisty thrillers with a modern edge, this one deserves a spot on your reading list.
Grab your copy here: Buy Everyone Is Lying to You on Amazon
