4.5 out of 5
317 global ratings
A USA Today Bestseller!
Bestselling and award-winning author David Ellis delivers a fast-paced, twisty thriller that will surprise readers at every turn.
Leo Balanoff is a diagnosed pathological liar with unthinkable skeletons in his family's closet. He's also a crusading attorney who seeks justice at all costs. When a ruthless drug dealer is found dead and Leo’s fingerprints show up on the murder weapon, no one believes a word he says. But he might be the FBI’s only shot at taking down the dealer’s brutal syndicate.
Risk his life going undercover for the feds or head straight to prison for murder? Leo accepts the FBI’s offer—but it comes with a price, including a collision course with his ex, Andi Piotrowski, a former cop and “the one who got away.” Forced to walk a tightrope between an ambitious FBI agent and a cruel, calculating crime boss, Leo’s trapped in a corner. But he has more secrets than anyone realizes, and a few more cards left to play …
384 pages,
Kindle
Audiobook
Hardcover
First published July 22, 2024
ISBN 9780399170935
David Ellis
David Ellis is a judge and an Edgar-award-winning author of nine novels of crime fiction, as well as five books co-authored with James Patterson.
In December, 2014, Dave was sworn in as the youngest-serving Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District.
Dave currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
Kelly Gottschalk
5
Master of the twisty mystery strikes again!
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
Once again, in The Best Lies, David Ellis spins out a story in which nothing is what it seems. Admittedly, being a lover of his stories, even early on I’m trying to figure out the long game of the characters and who is really the good guy and who is the bad guy. Leo Balanoff starts the story off by being arrested for murder, which to me means he is actually the good guy. He’s probably one of Ellis’ more murky good guys, one whose methods for doing the right thing are often questionable. Now he’s buried deep in a scheme that may or may not be entirely of his own making. Also telling the story is his ex, Andi, and his handler Chris, as Leo is set up to serve in place of the man he allegedly murdered for a drop. Whose side are Andi and Chris on? As always, in an Ellis novel nothing is as it seems, the question is just how many twists and turns down the rabbit hole will you go to find out. If you like stories that are less complicated or more focused as a psychological thriller around the protagonist these are probably not for you. If you like cat and mouse mysteries where you don’t know who the cat or mouse is then dive in!
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pattyh
5
Another David Ellis hit!
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
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since I heard David Ellis was writing a new book It’s hard not to enjoy Ellis’ writing. This book is no different. A lawyer finds himself accused of murder The evidence looks compelling and there is a strong motive. But attorney Leo Balanoff is not convinced the police have a case This book goes back and forth in time and each chapter provides the voice of another character. I like this style This book has plenty of interesting people in Leo’s circle and the plot is truly fascinating. This is a must read if you enjoy the legal crime genre. But more importantly is the way Ellis takes the typical person and puts them in a compromising Situation.
Definitely 5 stars. Recommend!!!!
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Kindle Customer
5
Another excellent story from David Ellis
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
I’ve read multiple David Ellis novels and never been disappointed. Similar w this story, excellent character development and plenty of twists until the last page.
Shannon
5
*adds to tippy top of 2024 top 5 list…
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
“The best lie was the one I didn’t have to tell.”
The best books are the ones you can give 5 stars to and never have to explain why, but I will:
Masterful. Compulsive. Fricken amazing.
But also, Leo gives me mad Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool vibes, so there’s that too.
Alex
5
*GASP*
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
He never misses. Excellent pace, multiple perspectives, twists after twists. Easy 5 star read!
Bonnie Hollingsworth
5
Spectacular novel and storyline! I could not put it down! Thanks David!
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
“The Best Lies” is one of the finest and most thrilling novels David Ellis has written. It is a supreme read and totally mesmerizing! Do yourself a big favor and read it today!
Kimberly morrow
4
#thebestlies
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024
David Ellis does it again. I just love his writing and he is a auto buy author for me. Just amazing as always.
We follow Leo our main character who cannot tell the truth to save his live. He runs into his ex Andi and realizes what he is in trouble for she is also involved. Leo decides to turn the case upside down but he doesn't know what hes exposing.
This is a book with twist and turns and edge of your seat action. This was the perfect mix for a book. Was great read and great writing.
Thanks Net Galley for letting me read and review.
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Karen
4
Complex Storyline
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024
Thank you @putnambooks & @prhaudio for my complimentary copies. My thoughts are my own.
Last year LOOK CLOSER was one of my 𝙩𝙤𝙥 reads of the year, so I have been looking forward to David Ellis’s new release all summer! However, truth be told, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed (loved, fan-girled) LOOK CLOSER. The intricate plot and numerous twists were excellent and what I have come to expect from this author, but the storyline just wasn’t as interesting to me. I’m not a big fan of stories involving crime lords, thugs, police detectives, and FBI agents, with lots of double crosses. The storyline was so complex, I admit to being a bit confused at times.
That being said, this one is receiving 5 stars from many reviewers and it has been optioned for television! The intricate mystery is well-written and unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines.
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Amber
4
I will definitely read more by David Ellis!!
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2024
4.5 stars!! Leo Balanoff is a diagnosed pathological liar, whom is also an attorney that goes above and beyond for his client's justice. A well-known drug dealer and child trafficker is found dead, and Leo's fingerprints are found on the weapon left at the crime scene. Leo is confronted by someone in the FBI to complete a task, take down the ringleader of the drug dealers and child trafficker. Leo's ultimatums include, do the undercover deeds for the FBI, or be charged with murder and taken to jail for the rest of his life. Of course, after much thought, Leo takes the FBI undercover work.
This book has a genius plot. Lots of twists and turns. When you think you know what's going on, you definitely can expect another twist. I absolutely love Leo Balanoff's character. This book is hard to talk about too much in a review because you don't want to give anything away. I would definitely recommend this book and for sure 100% will be reading future books by David Ellis! Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC!
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R. L. Herskowitz
3
Disappointed
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
I was looking forward to reading an excellent book by David Ellis. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed.
Too many points of views. Jumped around in time. Too wordy. Didn’t flow well I actually found this story confusing and I still have no idea as to the numbers 🤷🏻♀️.
Please see other reviews for more information and other viewpoints. I hope the next novel by David Ellis is much better.
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