When I heard Ruth Ware was coming out with a new book, I think I may have literally jumped for joy. I absolutely loved both In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Woman in Cabin 10, so I thought I would absolutely love her newest novel, The Lying Game. Just to be clear, I didn't hate it, but I don't think it compared at all to her first two novels. For comparison, I read each of her first two novels in less than a day a piece. The Lying Game? Over a week - which is rare for me.

Brief synopsis: When Isa gets a text from a friend she hasn't seen in close to 15 years that just says "I need you," she drops her life and runs to be by her side. Alongside Isa, are Thea and Fatima - all three who rushed to be with Kate just because a text with those three little words. As the story unfolds, you find out just why Kate needs her trio of friends, while simultaneously discovering more about their mysterious past together.

This novel seamlessly weaves present day and the past together to form a coherent story of friendship, betrayal, and deceit. The writing, in true Ruth Ware fashion, is enthralling and well put-together. The plot is promising, however, I found myself knit-picking pieces of the story and rolling my eyes at times.

I think the only character I somewhat like is Fatima, but everyone else, I found to be dreadful. (I may even like Owen, but honestly, I felt like I didn't get enough info on him. I definitely pity him.) The characters in the novel are beyond selfish, and honestly, this felt like an adult version of Pretty Little Liars.

I hated the ending of this book, and I truly felt like the story line could have been developed further.

While this definitely doesn't throw Ware from my list of authors I thoroughly enjoy, I definitely do believe this is her weakest novel.

If you enjoyed her first two novels, I would encourage you to read this one - you may enjoy it. I just believe it didn't live up to its full potential.

The Lying Game comes out July 25, and can be pre-ordered here.