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The Lie Tree

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The Lie Tree

By: Frances Hardinge
Narrated by: Emilia Fox
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About this listen

Winner of the Costa Book of the Year 2015.

Read by actress Emilia Fox, The Lie Tree is a wonderfully evocative and atmospheric novel by Frances Hardinge, award-winning author of Cuckoo Song and Fly By Night.

When Faith's father is found dead under mysterious circumstances, she stumbles upon a strange tree amongst his belongings. Faith, a gifted liar, is amazed to discover that the tree thrives on untruths - and delivers secrets to those who consume its fruit.

Convinced that the tree holds the key to her father's murder, Faith begins to use its powers to try and get to the bottom of the mystery. But webs of lies are far easier made than untangled, and there are truths at the heart of this small island community that are better left buried . . .

'Dark, thrilling, utterly original' – Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls

 Historical Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Mysteries & Detectives Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy

Critic Reviews

The Lie Tree is brilliant: dark, thrilling, utterly original. Everyone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now. (Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls)
The Lie Tree is a wonder. I can't think of anyone who would not love this story. (Matt Haig, author of The Midnight Library and The Life Impossible)
I loved this book so much. (Lucy Mangan)
Complex and intelligent: a lustrous, delicious romp. (Philip Womack)
All stars
Most relevant
I would suggest this story for maybe 10 - 16 year old. It gives an adolescent perspective so lacked the grunt of an adult adventure. Also hated the addition of the whining younger brother.

Interesting potential but would suit a younger audience

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A great place to visit and stay awhile. It certainly gets away from "run of the mill" A very good yarn!

An interesting tale.

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interesting plot about a tree that makes you dream and how people influence each other through trees for knowledge

Good story once you understood the plot

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Where does The Lie Tree rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best

Who was your favorite character and why?

Faith off course.Smart little girl

Have you listened to any of Emilia Fox’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I will

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

At the end. When Faith realize (and accept) that her mother wasn't so bad after all. She just a reasonable slithering snake that tries her best protecting, providing and surviving amid the situation

Any additional comments?

The character of Agatha Lambert is a bit contradicting. She is scientist that believes in ghost - so she needs to shriek when she saw a photos that been modified by Paul? But nevermind that is not by anything lesser the greatness of this book.

Absolutely a good book. Will listen again.

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I purchased this audio book because the story sounded like a really great plot. It was an interesting story but by the 3rd chapter I couldn’t listen to it anymore because the character voices were so exaggerated-notably Myrtle, a main character. Very disappointed.

Great story, really annoying voice

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.