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  • Title: Sometimes I Lie: A Novel
  • Author: Alice Feeney
  • Narrator: Stephanie Racine
  • Length: 10:07:00
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 13/03/2018
  • Publisher: Macmillan Audio
  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense
  • ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Hey there, story explorers! Sophie Bennett here, diving into the digital deep end of storytelling with a psychological thriller that’s got my BookTok fam buzzing. Let’s unpack the audiobook experience of ‘Sometimes I Lie: A Novel’ by Alice Feeney, narrated by the incredible Stephanie Racine.

Alright, let’s break this down. ‘Sometimes I Lie: A Novel’ isn’t just another mystery or suspense audiobook – it’s a mind-bending journey that plays with your head in the best way possible. Alice Feeney crafts a story around Amber Reynolds, who’s trapped in a coma, unable to move or speak, yet fully aware of the world around her. The opening lines hit hard: ‘My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me: 1. I’m in a coma. 2. My husband doesn’t love me anymore. 3. Sometimes I lie.’ Talk about a hook that reels you in from the first second of the listening experience.

Here’s what makes this interesting: the audiobook alternates between Amber’s paralyzed present, the chaotic week before her accident, and haunting childhood diaries from twenty years prior. It’s a psychological thriller that thrives on unreliable narration and shifting timelines, keeping you guessing whether anything – or anyone – can be trusted. As someone who’s obsessed with digital storytelling formats, I couldn’t help but admire how Feeney constructs this narrative like a glitchy app: every swipe reveals a new layer, but you’re never sure if it’s the full picture.

I’ve got a personal connection to stories like this. A while back, when I started my BookTok series analyzing audiobook adaptations, I broke down ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,’ and the comment section exploded with listeners sharing how narration added depth to character complexity. Listening to ‘Sometimes I Lie,’ I felt that same magic. Amber’s internal monologue, paired with the eerie calm of her hospital surroundings, reminded me of late nights in college, hunched over my laptop at Stanford, dissecting unreliable narrators in literature classes. There’s something about a voice in your ear that makes deception feel intimate – like Amber’s lying directly to you.

Let’s dive into the key themes. This audiobook experience is all about truth and perception, wrapped in a suspenseful, horror-tinged mystery. Is a lie still a lie if you believe it’s true? Feeney poses this question through Amber’s fragmented memories and the chilling realization that her husband might be behind her condition. The tension is comparable to ‘Gone Girl’ or ‘The Girl on the Train,’ as NJ.com noted, but Feeney’s Now-Then-Before structure adds a fresh twist. It’s like scrolling through a social media feed where every post contradicts the last – disorienting, addictive, and culturally resonant in our era of curated truths.

Now, let’s talk about Stephanie Racine’s narration because, wow, it elevates this thriller to another level. AudioFile Magazine called her performance ‘flawless,’ and I’m here to cosign that. Racine captures Amber’s vulnerability and paranoia with a voice that trembles just enough to make you feel her fear, yet sharpens with suspicion when recounting past betrayals. The audio quality is crisp, with subtle sound design that mirrors the hospital’s sterile hum – those beeps and distant voices become characters themselves. Racine’s pacing is spot-on for a suspense audiobook; she slows down during childhood diary entries, letting the innocence sink in before the darkness creeps up. It reminded me of my ‘Project Hail Mary’ podcast episode, where I geeked out over how sound design created new dimensions in storytelling. Here, Racine’s narration doesn’t just tell the story – it immerses you in Amber’s fractured mind.

Of course, no audiobook review is complete without a balanced take. The strength of ‘Sometimes I Lie’ lies in its intricate plot and Racine’s ability to juggle multiple timelines without losing the listener. It’s a masterclass in psychological horror, perfect for fans of mystery and thriller genres. But, if I’m honest, the complexity can be a double-edged sword. If you’re not fully locked in during your listening experience, you might miss a crucial twist. I found myself rewinding a few times to catch subtle hints – though, in a way, that’s part of the fun. It’s not a casual listen; it demands your attention, much like a true crime podcast where every detail matters.

Comparatively, this audiobook stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other suspense heavyweights. Think ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn, where the unreliable narrator trope is weaponized to keep you second-guessing. But where Flynn’s story leans on sharp cynicism, Feeney’s has a more emotional undercurrent, amplified by Racine’s empathetic tone. If you’ve binged ‘The Girl on the Train’ audiobook, you’ll find a similar addictive pull here, though Feeney’s childhood diary entries add a layer of haunting nostalgia that’s uniquely unsettling.

So, who’s this audiobook for? If you’re into mystery, thriller, and horror genres – or just crave a suspenseful listening experience that messes with your head – this is your jam. It’s ideal for long commutes or late-night sessions when you want to feel that edge-of-your-seat tension. I’d especially recommend it to my BookTok followers who loved dissecting character motives in our ‘Evelyn Hugo’ discussions. And hey, if you’re hunting for a free audiobook, keep an eye out for promotions; snagging ‘Sometimes I Lie’ as an audiobook free download would be a steal for this level of storytelling.

Reflecting on this listen, I’m struck by the cultural impact here. In a world where we’re constantly filtering reality through digital lenses, Feeney’s exploration of lies and belief feels timely. It’s not just a story – it’s a mirror to how we navigate trust in relationships, online and off. As someone who’s built a career analyzing digital narratives, I can’t help but see this audiobook as a standout in the thriller space, blending old-school suspense with a modern, fragmented psyche. It’s a reminder of why I started my ‘Future of Stories’ podcast: to uncover how new formats like audiobooks can redefine how we connect with tales as old as deception itself.

That’s a wrap, story squad! Sophie Bennett signing off, but I’m dying to hear your takes on ‘Sometimes I Lie.’ Drop your thoughts on BookTok or slide into my DMs – did Amber’s lies mess with you as much as they did me? Until next time, keep listening and questioning everything!