The Lying Game

Book review by Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media
The Lying Game Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Suspenseful series starter full of pranks and mean girls.

Sara Shepard Mystery 2010
Rate book

Parents say

age 12+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 29 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate book

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is the first book in a series written by the same author who penned Pretty Little Liars. Like that series, this one features a group of rich, popular, label-loving Mean Girls who backstab each other and pull pranks. At the heart of this book is the murder of a teen girl -- and her twin is in constant danger as she tries to solve the crime, suspecting Sutton's sister, friends, and more. Emma is a bit of an outsider, and is shocked by the girl's behavior, providing readers with a more relatable narrator than many of these kinds of books -- but the pranks are intense enough that the author includes a plea to her readers to "please don't try any of these Lying Game pranks at home."

Community Reviews

gossipgirl13
gossipgirl13 Adult
January 9, 2022
age 12+

It's ok for kids over 12

This is a Sara Shepard book, so I was shocked by how mild it was compared to her other popular series, Pretty Little Liars. There was hardly any language, drinking was nonexistent, and there wasn't that much violence - even though the story centers around a murder. At the end of the book, the author warns the readers not to try this in their own life - but it's in the back of the book, which most kids don't read. It's a great idea to have kids read this as long as they know that these "pranks" are not ok. The "pranks" involve kidnapping, murder, ect. One of the main pranks between the girls was (SPOILER ALERT) that they tied up Sutton, their friend, blindfolded her, and dragged her into a car. This was all supposed to be fun, but when does "fun" get too far?
Gaga Fan
Gaga Fan Adult
September 6, 2011
age 14+

Watch to show for your gulity pleasure fix, vs. reading the book!

The book is much racier than the TV series, which is toned down almost to lameness. *Caution* teens who think the series will mirror the book will be disappointed! Anyway, I'm not sure under 14 year olds are ready to be exposed to "snuff videos" and kinkiness. Definitely for an older teen who is sensible and can distinguish between reality and fantasy and has a good set of values. If your child is reading this for suspense, mystery, thriller value, fine. But if you're concerned she may be looking for role models, beware, these girls (except Emma) are over the top mean and nasty.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

A mistreated foster girl learns that she has an identical twin living a privileged, popular girl's life not far away -- then discovers Sutton's been secretly murdered. Assuming her identity, Emma is soon living a life of luxury, but is being threatened by her twin's killer. Soon, she starts suspecting everyone in her twin's prank-playing clique, including Sutton's own younger sister. The book is narrated by the dead Sutton, who admits she is the \"trickiest member of The Lying Game by far.\"

Is It Any Good?

The suspense here is really pretty good; readers will suspect everyone that Emma does as she goes from one precarious situation to another. Not much new ground is covered here -- and nothing is tied up at the end -- but readers who like these kinds of books will find this to be fluffy fun.

Readers familiar with the genre should know what to expect: The girls in Sutton's clique shop, throw elaborate parties, steal boyfriends, and plan mean pranks. Emma is an outsider -- she shops at second-hand stores! -- and is shocked by the girls' pranks, calling the clique's Lying Game "scary and intense and way too dangerous." This makes her a bit more relatable narrator than many of these kinds of books.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of the clique lit series. Why do you think books like the Gossip Girl books and The Clique series are so popular with readers? Are these just guilty pleasures -- or do readers learn something from these books?

  • Emma learns about her long-lost twin after seeing a video of her posted on YouTube. Parents may want to check out Common Sense Media's YouTube advice for parents, and take this opportunity to discuss their own house rules with kids.

Book Details

  • Author: Sara Shepard
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: HarperTeen
  • Publication date: December 7, 2010
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 14
  • Number of pages: 320
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate