I’ve read all of Henning’s YA books so it’s a given I had to read The Lies We Conjure. This locked room mystery meets magical is an ambitious undertaking, but delivers on both fronts. My favorite elements had to be the sisters! Keep reading this book review of The Lies We Conjure for my full thoughts.
Summary
Ruby and her sister, Wren, are normal, middle-class Colorado high school students working a summer job at the local Renaissance Fest to supplement their meager college savings.
So when an eccentric old lady asks them to impersonate her long-absent grandchildren at a fancy dinner party at the jaw-dropping rate of two grand―each―for a single night… Wren insists it’s a no-brainer. Make some cash, have some fun, do a good deed.
But less than an hour into the evening at the mysterious Hegemony Manor, Ruby is sure she must have lost her mind to have agreed to this.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Lies We Conjure has a serious undertaking. It delivers both Knives Out vibes with a deadly mystery, never knowing who to trust, and a locked room setting. At the same time it presents a magical society of witches with their own histories and powers. At the heart of The Lies We Conjure – and my favorite element – are two human sisters who were paid to attend and have no clue about either magic or witches. You can imagine they’re in for A RIDE and also characters were can learn about the witches, and magic, through.
The Lies We Conjure is multi POV and I do think that the other MC who knows WAY more can get confusing. In many ways, it makes it easier to get to know Ruby as we are all confused, out of our depths, and fearing for our lives. Whereas this other POV has way more knowledge, their own allies and enemies, which feels a bit difficult from the get go. You definitely get used to it as the knowledge gap lessens, it just makes the beginning a tad disorienting. However, Ruby and Wren’s relationship is definitely my favorite.
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It delivers sibling shenanigans with a healthy dose of “don’t mother me!” vibes. The Lies We Conjure is a magical mystery full of puzzles with supernatural traps. It’s a great read for the upcoming fall season which will delight both fantasy and mystery/puzzle fans alike. Find The Lies We Conjure on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.