So I Lied

A Thriller

By: Chelsea Ichaso

Narrated by: Sarah Naughton

In this foreboding journey into the depths of friendship, three women spend a trip together covering up the secrets between them—but when one lie unravels, there’s no going back.

Jocelyn is ready to get married—and more ready to have fun. She plans a bachelorette trip to North Wales, where she can forget about her strained relationship and focus on the tension among friends instead. It’s a welcome distraction.

Her friend Rowan used to be the wild child. But after having a kid of her own and losing the father in a tragic accident, she’s now the ever-responsible single mother, cautious in every way. Except one.

Cadence doesn’t want to be there. For as long as she’s known her friends, she’s always felt disparate. Maybe it’s because those two share a special bond: Jocelyn’s brother was Rowan’s boyfriend, and they still feel his loss. Or maybe it’s because Cadence has secrets they can never know.

As the trip goes on, their friendship begins to crack under the pressure of all the things they leave unsaid…but those might be the only things that can save them.

©2025 by Chelsea Ichaso (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Tightly plotted, suspenseful, and ruthless in its exploration of the dark side of love and friendship, Ichaso’s novel is a richly satisfying thriller. A twisty, unrelenting gem.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Ichaso packs a punch in her adult thriller debut. Deliciously atmospheric and truly compelling, this bachelorette party weekend sees three friends and their multitude of secrets deliver one twist after another. With its jaw dropping ending, this is thriller writing at its best.”—Paula Gleeson, author of Original Twin

“In her adult debut, Ichaso weaves a chilling tale of friendship and betrayal. Thriller fans will fly through the pages as the story barrels at breakneck speed towards its final shocking twist.”—MK Pagano, author of Girls Who Burn

Hang in for the ride

This book started off incredibly slow in my opinion. I almost DNF’d it, then I thought I was going to give it one star and then it got pretty good with some twists and turns I didn’t see coming. For a “free” audiobook included in Audible Premium it’s worth a listen

Loved all the twists!

This book kept me interested the whole time with twists I didn't see coming. Truly enjoyed it from start to finish!

So many lies

SO I LIED, Chelsea Ichaso’s first adult thriller is a twisted tale of lies and deception between three long time best friends visiting Wales for a girl’s week.

Cadence has never lived up to the potential she thought she had. Single mother Rowan never got over the loss of her daughter’s father who was Jocelyn’s twin. Jocelyn has lived off her father’s money.

Not one of these three woman has an ounce of integrity. Unlikable to the highest degree, they will stop at nothing to avenge perceived wrongs. Each has stabbed her two friends in the back in ways they can never get back.

Cadence, Jocelyn and Rowan has no business calling each other friends. Frenemies is the kindest word I can use to describe the trio.

I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook, but I also liked the book less and less the further I I got into story. I doubt I’ll re-listen to SO I LIED although it entertained me a lot.

Holy Cow

Had me on my toes and second guessing everything I thought I knew. 100/10 recommend.

The most despicable characters

There was literally not one likable character in this novel. Each is more horrific than the next. I feel so sorry for the little girl, Molly.

The story is suspenseful and has some interesting twists and turns - but there were a couple loose ends and by then end there were literally no characters to root for - they are each inexorably flawed. It’s hard to comprehend why they were friends and why they were still in touch.