The Lie Tree

The award-winning, dark and atmospheric gothic mystery

By: Frances Hardinge

Narrated by: Emilia Fox

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

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)

Loved this, good long story and intriguing!

Great from start to finish - compelling opening, substantial middle and satisfying conclusion. Did not enjoy the wise man voice, totally unnecessary to do an impersonation like that. Loved the story. Really enjoyed the level of detail.