ABOUT SOCIETY OF LIES
This thrilling debut novel from an exciting new talent explores what happens when a young woman of color takes on a corrupt secret society on her college campus.
A decade after graduating, Maya Banks has returned to Princeton for her college reunion and her little sister Naomi’s commencement. But what should have been a dream weekend becomes Maya's worst nightmare when she receives the news that Naomi is dead. Though the police are calling it an accident, Maya suspects there is more to the story—after all, her sister wasn't the first student to die under suspicious circumstances.
As Maya begins to piece together the months leading up to her sister’s death, she becomes terrified that Naomi's decision to follow in her footsteps—joining the most exclusive social club on campus and possibly the secret society within it—might have been what got her killed. Now every clue is leading Maya back to the past…and to the secrets she’s kept all these years.
Exploring identity, belonging, and the stubborn (but changing) nature of elite institutions, Society of Lies is for fans of dark academia, thrillers, and fiction that sheds light on social issues.
PRAISE FOR SOCIETY OF LIES:
“A dark and haunting debut that explores secret societies, the bonds of sisterhood, and the intricacies of privilege at an elite college. When Maya searches for answers about the death of her younger sister at their shared school, she must delve into secrets in her own past that are best left forgotten. I couldn’t put this twisty tale down.”
—Julia Bartz, New York Times bestselling author of The Writing Retreat
“Readers of dark academia, prepare to meet your summer obsession. Society of Lies has everything I want in a book: a twisty plot, powerful social commentary, beautiful writing, and emotional resonance. While it digs deep into the corrupt underbelly of prestigious secret societies, at its core it is a moving tribute to the bonds of sisterhood and friendship…With this powerhouse debut, Lauren Ling Brown has established herself as a remarkable talent to watch.”
—Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, best-selling author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here
“Society of Lies is so much more than a murder mystery. Brown explores race, family, and the dark side of privilege within Princeton's elite. Her writing is powerful and takes you on a wild ride. It’s a must-read and a truly impressive debut!”
— Courteney Cox
“Filled with secrets and collegiate scandals, Lauren Ling Brown's Society of Lies takes a deep dive into the darkest side of power—the compromises we make to acquire it, the way it warps us, and what it can take from us. I loved this twisty dark academia thriller!”
— Halley Sutton, USA Today best-selling author of The Hurricane Blonde
“Dark academia and secret societies and murder—what’s not to love? Lauren Ling Brown’s debut, Society of Lies, is an atmospheric thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat, sure that something dark and sinister is waiting just around the corner—and you can’t help but turn the page to see what it is. Smartly written and taut with suspense, it's no doubt one of the best thrillers this year!”
— Jessica Payne, best-selling author of Make Me Disappear