The Last Time I Lied, by Riley Sager, delivers a gripping story that expertly intertwines past and present mysteries at a summer camp. Readers praised its suspenseful plot and unexpected twists. However, some found the pacing uneven and the ending unconvincing. Despite these flaws, the novel remains a compelling read for thriller enthusiasts.

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a strong sense of suspense and mystery, such as Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, would find The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager compelling. Fans of complex characters and twisty plots will be captivated by this atmospheric novel.

In Riley Sager's 2018 psychological thriller The Last Time I Lied, three girls vanish mysteriously from an elite summer camp, and fifteen years later, Emma Davis, who shared a cabin with them, returns as a painting instructor to confront her trauma and uncover the truth. As she navigates memories and deceit, Emma strives to solve the mystery of her friends' disappearance.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Contemplative

- The Last Time I Lied is inspired by the classic film Picnic at Hanging Rock, which also revolves around the mysterious disappearance of girls.
- Riley Sager mentioned in interviews that the setting of the novel, a summer camp, was partly inspired by his childhood experiences at camp, bringing an authentic atmosphere to the book.

**Emma Davis**  
An artist haunted by the disappearance of her three camp roommates, Emma returns to Camp Nightingale years later in a search for closure and healing.

**Vivian**  
The charismatic and bold leader of the cabin at Camp Nightingale, Vivian captivates Emma with her stories and confident demeanor.

**Theodore “Theo” Harris-White**  
A handsome pediatrician and Franny's eldest son, Theo becomes entangled in Emma's past at Camp Nightingale and her present search for truth.

**Francesca “Franny” Harris-White**  
The kind and approachable founder of Camp Nightingale, Franny is deeply troubled by the mysterious events that disrupted her beloved camp.

**Chester “Chet” Harris-White**  
Franny's younger son, Chet invites Emma back to Camp Nightingale, harboring motivations that intertwine with the camp's past mysteries.

Riley Sager

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Last Time I Lied reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Last Time I Lied | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Last Time I Lied and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Last Time I Lied Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Last Time I Lied Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Two Truths”

Part 1, Interlude 1-Chapter 8

The Last Time I Lied Part 1, Interlude 1-Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-17

The Last Time I Lied Part 1, Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 18-Interlude 13

The Last Time I Lied Part 1, Chapter 18-Interlude 13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “And a Lie”

Part 2, Chapters 27-33

The Last Time I Lied Part 2, Chapters 27-33 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 34-Interlude 16

The Last Time I Lied Part 2, Chapter 34-Interlude 16 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Last Time I Lied Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Last Time I Lied Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Last Time I Lied Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Last Time I Lied Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Last Time I Lied Essay Topics

The Last Time I Lied: A Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Last Time I Lied?

Reading Age

Book Details