book

LYING GAME

Name: LYING GAME
Author: Sara Shepard

Sara Shepard

Twin sisters sort through a tangle of lies in search of the truth. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to mature teens because of murder-related suspense, threats, emotional manipulation, teen drinking, romantic situations and complex secrets. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

Death of a character4/5
Frightening scenes4/5
Alcohol or drugs3/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience3/5
Creativity & curiosity2/5
Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5

Why this rating?

References to upscale lifestyle and brands associated with wealthy teen social settings.

Death of a character4/5

Why this rating?

The entire premise revolves around the murder of the protagonist's twin sister.

Graphic injury1/5

Why this rating?

Minimal graphic physical detail, focusing more on the mystery of the death.

Strong language2/5

Why this rating?

Occasional strong language and mean-spirited insults characteristic of teen social conflicts.

LGBTQIA characters1/5

Why this rating?

Minor representation within the diverse cast of high school students.

Romance3/5

Why this rating?

Features typical high school romance, crushes, and complicated relationship dynamics.

Frightening scenes4/5

Why this rating?

A teen faces stalking, threats, deception, and danger while trying to uncover a murder. Suspense and fear are sustained throughout, though the book is thriller-style rather than graphic horror.

Sexual content & nudity2/5

Why this rating?

Contains teen sexual themes, innuendo, and references to sexual experiences.

Alcohol or drugs3/5

Why this rating?

Teen characters frequently attend parties with underage drinking and drug use.

Violence3/5

Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of past bullying and the implications of the murder investigation.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5

Why this rating?

The protagonist shows bravery in investigating the murder despite the danger.

Creativity & curiosity2/5

Why this rating?

Encourages interest in mystery-solving and deductive reasoning.

Diverse representation1/5

Why this rating?

Attempts to show a varied group of students with differing socioeconomic and personal backgrounds.

Educational value1/5

Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on critical thinking and social dynamics.

Kindness & empathy2/5

Why this rating?

Kindness is rare in the cutthroat social environment, though some supportive connections exist.

Positive messages2/5

Why this rating?

The story highlights the damage caused by lies, secrets, betrayal and social pressure, while valuing truth and accountability.

Good role models2/5

Why this rating?

Characters often exhibit poor behavior, though the protagonist seeks justice.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
Which choice in LYING GAME would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in LYING GAME, and what caused that change?

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