4.8 (4 ratings)
Behind the Lies
Who Done ItLocked RoomFound Family
1998
On the morning of her boyfriend’s birthday, Katie Reed left their apartment and never returned…
One thing is certain.
It will change the lives of everyone around her.
2022
Tom Beatty is first in line to help his sister when she needs a transplant, but he’s left reeling by his blood results. As he searches for answers, he learns of a young woman who disappeared decades ago, and to uncover the truth, he must find her. But someone wants to keep the past hidden, and delving into it is a dangerous game. One that could be perilous for those closest to him.
Can Tom find out what is behind the lies before it’s too late?
On the morning of her boyfriend’s birthday, Katie Reed left their apartment and never returned…
One thing is certain.
It will change the lives of everyone around her.
2022
Tom Beatty is first in line to help his sister when she needs a transplant, but he’s left reeling by his blood results. As he searches for answers, he learns of a young woman who disappeared decades ago, and to uncover the truth, he must find her. But someone wants to keep the past hidden, and delving into it is a dangerous game. One that could be perilous for those closest to him.
Can Tom find out what is behind the lies before it’s too late?
Content Warnings: Sexual Assault • Violence • Death • Murder • Kidnapping
Published: September 30, 2024
Pages: 313
ISBN: 9798328397162
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See all editions (3)Reader Reviews
4.8
4 ratings
Donna F.
Apr 21, 2026
This was my first time reading one of Carol Gullifords books and I must say I really enjoyed reading it.
The characters stay with you right up to the last page & the story had me hooked from the very first page. The twists and turns kept me guessing and I certainly didn't see the big twist coming!
A fabulous book that I'd definitely recommend 100%
Melanie J.
Feb 28, 2026
I read this book a few months ago and really liked it. Here is my review: Carol Gulliford is a new author to me, and having read Behind The Lies, she will continue to be on my radar. This book made you think about the “what if” when a young, healthy woman was simply out for a morning jog, and things turned into the worst possible scenario. Well, this book takes you on that journey. I really liked how the author played between the past and present so that you understand what happened from the time the jogger was taken to the crumbling end. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to more books by this author.
Carla B.
Feb 8, 2026
1998: Katie Reed vanishes on her boyfriend’s birthday, and that morning unsettles everyone she left behind.
2022: Tom Beatty is on transplant waitlist duty until his blood test unlocks a decades-old disappearance. As he chases Katie’s trail, secrets surface, and whoever buried them doesn’t want them uncovered. Time’s running out.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
What an amazing book. It's twisty, peeling back secrets one breadcrumb at a time. The dual timeline between 1998 and 2022 never confused me. The switches were smooth and purposeful. Gulliford’s characters feel real and layered, not cardboard cutouts. Her writing drew me right into each scene. I could picture whatever dark corner or surreal setting she described. Massive thanks to Carol Gulliford for the audiobook of Behind the Lies and the opportunity to provide this candid review!
The Vibes It Brings:
2022: Tom Beatty is on transplant waitlist duty until his blood test unlocks a decades-old disappearance. As he chases Katie’s trail, secrets surface, and whoever buried them doesn’t want them uncovered. Time’s running out.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
What an amazing book. It's twisty, peeling back secrets one breadcrumb at a time. The dual timeline between 1998 and 2022 never confused me. The switches were smooth and purposeful. Gulliford’s characters feel real and layered, not cardboard cutouts. Her writing drew me right into each scene. I could picture whatever dark corner or surreal setting she described. Massive thanks to Carol Gulliford for the audiobook of Behind the Lies and the opportunity to provide this candid review!
The Vibes It Brings:
Keeley W.
Feb 8, 2026
Carol’s characters are well-developed, and their individual stories feel real. In 2022, Tom Beatty is a loving brother to Serena, a caring son to Fiona and David and a doting boyfriend to his new girlfriend. His sister’s health suddenly declines and she needs a stem cell transplant. He is the first to offer help.
A young woman’s disappearance in 1998 connects to his search for answers. He uncovers truths that some will stop at nothing to keep hidden.
I enjoyed this story’s mysterious aspects and its use of dual timelines for the slow revelation of clues. I felt certain parts of the story weren’t required and acted as an unneeded filler in an otherwise excellently executed narrative.
Carol weaves the two timelines together, creating some nail biting moments. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
A young woman’s disappearance in 1998 connects to his search for answers. He uncovers truths that some will stop at nothing to keep hidden.
I enjoyed this story’s mysterious aspects and its use of dual timelines for the slow revelation of clues. I felt certain parts of the story weren’t required and acted as an unneeded filler in an otherwise excellently executed narrative.
Carol weaves the two timelines together, creating some nail biting moments. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.