Lies He Told Me

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Faced with mounting evidence that David has lied about his identity, Marcie still cannot believe that her husband is a ruthless killer. Do you think the way Marcie responds is realistic? How would you feel in her situation?

2. David’s dishonesty is explained when Marcie discovers he is part of the witness protection program. Can you think of other circumstances where lying to one’s family would be morally acceptable? What personal experiences have led to your stance?

3. After discovering the truth about David, Marcie states she “will always wonder if believing a lie would have been preferable to knowing the truth” (341). In Marcie’s position, would you have preferred to stay in a state of blissful ignorance? Why, or why not?

4. In the Epilogue, Marcie reflects on how she will spend the millions of dollars derived from Michael Cagnina’s criminal activities. Is Marcie’s failure to declare the money morally problematic, or do you believe she has “earned” it?

5. Do you think justice was fully served at the end of the novel? Why, or why not?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Are the emotional and psychological costs of entering the witness protection program, such as losing one’s identity, family ties, and past, justified by the safety it provides? Why, or why not?

2. James Patterson has invested millions in programs and initiatives encouraging reading among children and teens. In what ways do you think authors can influence literacy beyond writing books, and how effective do you think literacy promotion has been?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The novel features a fast-paced, alternating point-of-view structure. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this technique? Did it enhance or detract from your enjoyment of the story?

2. To what extent does the protagonist, Marcie Bowers, conform to or subvert the trope of the action hero?

3. Discuss the various examples of deception featured in the novel. How does dishonesty impact the interactions between the characters?

4. Analyze the recurring motif of Anna’s Bridge. How does the location illustrate the novel’s themes?

5. Discuss how the small-town setting of Hemingway Grove contributes to the story.

6. James Patterson’s writing is direct and accessible, with an emphasis on gripping storylines rather than richly descriptive prose. Compare and contrast Lies He Told Me with the literary thriller The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. How do the different literary styles affect your reading experience? Which did you find more engaging or effective in telling a story?