Sometime in the last day or so, ever since Joel Gallagher disappeared, I became a liar.
Aubrey and Joel are like two tomato vines growing along the same crooked fence—weird, yet the same kind of weird. Then Joel disappears. Vanishes. Poof. And Aubrey was the last person to see him.
The whole town is looking for Joel, but Aubrey realises they might be the only one who knows how to find him. As Aubrey, their sister, Teagan, and another friend, Mari, search along the river, will they find themselves along the way?
From Lin Thompson comes a powerful debut that will invite readers to unearth the truth beneath all the lies.
INTERVIEWS and REVIEWS
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Where the Wild Things Are
andThe Best Liars in Riverview
‘A vital story of friendship, adventure and finding yourself. This stunning book deserves to be read by anyone who is figuring out who they are and where they belong.’
‘The Best Liars in Riverview is a lyrically told tale about friendship, found family, belonging and hope. Thompson has crafted a gorgeous debut that will fill an important place on LGBTQ+ shelves, and Aubrey is a character that will stay with me for a long time.’
‘A beautifully written, nuanced exploration of identity, The Best Liars in Riverview is heartbreaking at times in the truths it reveals about growing up and feeling different in a rural community. It also offers so much comfort and hope. Thompson’s debut is a lyrical, wonderfully queer story that will forever hold a special place in my heart.’
‘Tender and bold all at once, Thompson’s breathtaking debut about found family and identity will infuse readers hope and courage. A luminous read.’
‘A beautiful adventure about friendship, identity and the ways in which we see ourselves and others. Full of action from the very beginning, The Best Liars in Riverview kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole read.’
‘The Best Liars in Riverview is a beautiful and heartwarming exploration of self-discovery. Lin Thompson writes with love and respect for their readers, and I’m excited for the young people who will have the chance to read their story. A stunning and potentially life-changing, life-saving debut.’
‘Don’t let the title fool you. Achingly honest and deeply moving, The Best Liars in Riverview empowers readers to seek their own truth—and live it.’
‘A dazzlingly atmospheric debut about truth-telling made possible through found family and self-discovery. Lin Thompson writes with heartfelt incisiveness about the pain of alienation, the preciousness of friendship, and the empowerment that comes through being seen and believed. Aubrey left an indelible mark on my heart, and their riveting story will encourage young readers everywhere to “say something” when the time is right.’
‘The Best Liars in Riverview is an incredible debut. I loved spending time with Aubrey and would have followed them anywhere.’
‘Sensitively written…This heartfelt story shows rather than tells how friendship can lead to understanding.’
‘Thompson shows each character’s struggles to be unique and important…A gentle and genuine coming-out story.’
‘A heartfelt coming-of-age journey…Strongly recommended for any reader who enjoys a story powered by the bonds of friendship.’
‘With mystery and adventure, and heart…Good for fans of Melissa (previously titled George) by Alex Gino.’
