When her FBI agent father is framed for murder, Kylene is forced to move in with her grandfather, back to the small town that turned its back on her, and the boy who betrayed her.

All Ky cares about is clearing her father’s name, but someone won’t let her forget the photo scandal that drove her away two years ago. As the threats gain momentum, Ky finds an unlikely ally in the rookie FBI agent sent to keep an eye on her.

Determined to expose the town’s hidden skeletons, Ky unwittingly thrusts herself into a much bigger plot. They thought she’d forgive and forget. They’re about to learn they messed with the wrong girl.

My Thoughts:

When a book is billed as perfect for fans of Riverdale, it’s an instant draw for me. Dare You to Lie hooked me with that premise, but it was the gripping story and the protagonist, Kylene Danners, that truly held me captive. It stands out as one of the finest YA suspense novels I’ve encountered recently.

Kylene Danners is far from thrilled about returning to Jasperville, Ohio. She’s only back because her father, an FBI agent, is imprisoned for a murder she knows he didn’t commit. Compounding her misery, she left town under a cloud of scandal that branded her and turned the community against her. While Jasperville may not have changed, Kylene certainly has. She’s now determined not only to clear her father’s name but also to reclaim her own reputation, ready to take down anyone who stands in her way, regardless of their status.

Kylene is a wonderfully sarcastic smartass, and her sharp wit is a highlight. She refuses to tolerate nonsense from anyone, be it a fellow student or a skeptical junior FBI agent. Her relentless, take-no-prisoners approach to seeking justice is admirable, though it often leads her headfirst into perilous situations. The antagonists she faces wield significant power, both physically and socially, and their sense of immunity often leaves Kylene vulnerable. Her impulsive dives into danger provided both tension and moments of humor.

Kylene’s allies, Garrett and Tabby, are stellar characters. Initially uncertain, they quickly prove their unwavering loyalty and unique skills, each becoming an essential part of their investigative trio. The purely platonic bond between Kylene and Garrett is a refreshing departure from the typical YA romance. Tabby, with her endearing awkwardness and quirky personality, often lightens the mood. The banter among the three is flawless and consistently brought a smile to my face.

Despite her father’s incarceration, Kylene has a strong network of supportive adults. Her father remains a positive influence even from prison, and her Gramps is a constant presence. She also finds support in Meg, her mother’s best friend and a brilliant lawyer, and Agent Striker, an old FBI colleague of her father’s. This robust representation of responsible, caring adults is a welcome and somewhat rare element in YA fiction.

A later addition to the story, junior FBI agent Dawson, significantly stirs the pot. Motivated by the death of his mentor—the very agent Kylene’s father is accused of killing—he initially carries a sizable chip on his shoulder. However, his stance softens as he gets to know Kylene. The dynamic between them is intriguing, and the book’s ending strongly hints at a closer relationship in the sequel.

Overall, Dare You to Lie is a fantastic introduction to Amber Lynn Natusch’s Hometown Antihero series. I’m eagerly anticipating the next chapter for Kylene, Garrett, Tabby, and the rest. If you’re searching for a teen detective in the vein of Veronica Mars, your search ends here!

What others are saying about Dare You To Lie:

One Page at a Time’s review: “Overall, compelling characters, witty dialogue, and non-stop action will keep readers flipping pages to find out what happens in Natusch’s Dare You to Lie.”

The Candid Cover’s review: “Dare You to Lie is a suspenseful thriller featuring two cases at once.”