The Liar (2016) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Shelby Foxworth lost her husband. Then she lost her illusions. The man who took her from Tennessee to an exclusive Philadelphia suburb left her in crippling debt. He was an adulterer and a liar, and when Shelby tracks down his safe-deposit box, she finds multiple IDs. The man she loved wasn't just dead. He never really existed. Shelby takes her three-year-old daughter and heads south to seek comfort in her hometown, where she meets someone new: Griff Lott, a successful contractor. But her husband had secrets she has yet to discover… Sign up for the full guide
Adult • 2016 • 491 pages • General Adult
The Liar is a romantic suspense novel intended for adult readers due to its depictions of domestic aftermath, violent crime, and moderate sexual content. The story follows a widow discovering her late husband's life was a total fabrication, leading to themes of identity theft and stalking. Parents should be aware of several scenes involving physical assault and murder, as well as descriptive but not overly clinical sexual encounters… Sign up for the full guide
Is The Liar appropriate for kids?
The Liar is a romantic suspense novel intended for adult readers due to its depictions of domestic aftermath, violent crime, and moderate sexual content. The story follows a widow discovering her late husband's life was a total fabrication, leading to themes of identity theft… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Liar
What happens in The Liar, moment by moment
- p. 12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- p. 28 🍷 Substances 2/10
- p. 45 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Liar
The book contains several scenes of moderate sexual intimacy between Shelby and Griff. While descriptions are sensual and focus on emotion and physical sensations, they avoid the extreme clinical detail found in hardcore erotica. These encounters, such as the one in chapter 17, emphasize the growing trust between the pair after Shelby's betrayal. There are also frequent references to the late husband's numerous infidelities, including the discovery of his secret apartments and alternate lives. Conversations…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in The Liar
The plot involves a series of escalating threats including a break-in, a physical attack on a character in a parking lot, and a final confrontation involving a firearm and attempted murder. There is mention of a fatal accident (the husband's death) and the discovery of previous victims of his criminal activities. Characters are subjected to menacing phone calls and the chilling realization that they are being tracked by a dangerous professional. The final chapters involve a high-stakes standoff where blood is…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Liar
Moderate profanity is used throughout, including occasional uses of 'f*ck,' 'sh*t,' 'bitch,' and 'hell.' The language is typical for a contemporary adult thriller, often used to punctuate moments of high stress or anger. During the early chapters, Shelby uses mild expletives as she discovers the extent of her husband's fraud. Later in the book, the antagonist uses more aggressive and derogatory terms toward female characters. Several scenes in the town of Rendezvous include casual, colloquial cursing among the…
Read more — free accountDrugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Liar
Characters frequently consume alcohol socially, particularly wine and beer at family dinners or during dates. Griff and Shelby share drinks while discussing their histories, and the extended family often gathers over a communal bottle of wine. There is no significant drug abuse, though the criminal elements of the plot involve financial crimes and fraud. Some characters use alcohol as a means of relaxation after a long day of construction or farm work. One specific scene mentions a character having a stiff drink…
Read more — free accountMature themes in The Liar
Major themes include betrayal, the reconstruction of one's identity after trauma, the importance of family support, and the psychological impact of living with a pathological liar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Liar appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Liar is best for ages 17+. The Liar is a romantic suspense novel intended for adult readers due to its depictions of domestic aftermath, violent crime, and moderate sexual content. The story follows a widow discovering her late husband's life was…
What age rating does The Liar have?
Books don't carry official age ratings. The Liar is shelved by its publisher as Adult, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 17+.
What reading level is The Liar?
The Liar is 491 pages and its reading level is General Adult. Bontent recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Liar about?
The Liar is a romantic suspense novel intended for adult readers due to its depictions of domestic aftermath, violent crime, and moderate sexual content. The story follows a widow discovering her late husband's life was a total fabrication, leading to themes of identity theft and stalking. Parents should be aware of…
Is there sex or nudity in The Liar?
The book contains several scenes of moderate sexual intimacy between Shelby and Griff. While descriptions are sensual and focus on emotion and physical sensations, they avoid the extreme clinical detail found in hardcore erotica. These encounters, such as the…
How violent is The Liar?
The plot involves a series of escalating threats including a break-in, a physical attack on a character in a parking lot, and a final confrontation involving a firearm and attempted murder. There is mention of a fatal accident (the husband's death) and the…
Is the language in The Liar appropriate for kids?
Moderate profanity is used throughout, including occasional uses of 'f*ck,' 'sh*t,' 'bitch,' and 'hell.' The language is typical for a contemporary adult thriller, often used to punctuate moments of high stress or anger. During the early chapters, Shelby uses…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The Liar?
Characters frequently consume alcohol socially, particularly wine and beer at family dinners or during dates. Griff and Shelby share drinks while discussing their histories, and the extended family often gathers over a communal bottle of wine. There is no…
What mature themes appear in The Liar?
Major themes include betrayal, the reconstruction of one's identity after trauma, the importance of family support, and the psychological impact of living with a pathological liar.
Where can I read the full The Liar parent guide?
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