No one really knows what goes on behind closed doors -- and even when you think you know, you're probably wrong.

An established author and husband awakes to find a note from his wife saying she has left, needs some time alone and asks that he not try to contact her or look for her. If you knew the circumstances behind their rocky relationship perhaps that note might not surprise you. But what wife leaves her husband and also leaves her car, purse, identification, credit cards, phone and every stitch of clothing she owns behind?

The husband, Ethan, has no recourse but to eventually contact the police when it is obvious she isn't coming back and none of her friends have a clue as to her whereabouts. But with most missing wives, the husband is always the first suspect and usually with good cause. Ethan and Sutton's marriage has been on shaky grounds for some time but after they lost their infant son to SIDS nearly a year ago, the ground has been slowly crumbling.

Ethan is desperately searching for the truth and the facts uncovered by the police and friends are leaving more questions than answers. This dark, twisted he said/she said story captured my undivided attention and left me wondering if there was anyone not withholding secrets. With slight similarities to Gone Girl, the author weaves you from one side of the net to the other, like a defensive battle in tennis. The story moved at a good pace with only slight sprinklings of the real villain. My only complaint is that I felt the ending was rushed and all of the pieces tied together too rapidly. That being said, it was a great read and a thrilling ride.

Kept me interested and guessing from start to finish!

The first half of LIE TO ME is Ethan’s side of the story, the second half is mostly Sutton’s. They’re a married couple, both writers, well known, especially him. But she has a secret past.

Consequently, when Sutton disappears, mysteries abound: Is she dead or alive? If dead, at her own hand or murder? If murder, who did it? Of course, Ethan is the first suspect. Is he guilty or is he being set up? If he’s being set up, by whom and why? That’s the first half.

The second half is less mystery than answers. Therefore, the first half is more absorbing. But there certainly are some attention-grabbing answers.

I enjoyed LIE TO ME but found the end somewhat perplexing. Therefore, it rates 3.5 stars more than it does 4.