Hallie's artice on "Clues, Red Herrings and Misdirection" is in the brand new edition
of "The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing" from Writers Digest Books
Hallie profiles Laura Lippman in the October 2010 issue of THE WRITER.
"First Things" recommends Never Tell a Lie among best in 2009
"In Hallie Ephron’s Never Tell a Lie, expectant mother Ivy Rose’s life is turned around when an old acquaintance (also pregnant) turns up at a garage sale, enters the Roses’ house on the arm of Ivy’s husband, and disappears. The plot is as cleverly structured as one of Mary Higgins Clark’s, but Ephron’s writing is vastly better."
Never Tell a Lie wins the David Award for Best Mystery Novel of 2009 (Deadly Ink)
Hartford Books Examiner says "The Bibliophile’s Devotional will provide literary nourishment for an entire year—though readers will find it difficult to close the book after just one entry."
Foreign rights sold: French, German, Dutch, Czech, Slovak, Spanish, and Russian
Winner of the David Award for Best Mystery Novel of 2009
Finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award and the Salt Lake Libraries Readers Choice award
STARRED REVIEW in Publisher's Weekly:
An innocent yard sale jump-starts this stunning stand-alone thriller from Ephron, author of Amnesia and four other mysteries written with Donald Davidoff under the name G.H. Ephron (and one of the Ephron writing sisters), as well as two nonfiction books. Ivy and David Rose, happily married high school sweethearts, are trying to clear out the junk the previous owner left in their glorious Victorian in Brush Hills, Mass., before the birth of their first child. Among the bargain hunters is Melinda White, a high school classmate who's also pregnant. Considered an oddball in school, Melinda worries about “more bad luck” after nearly knocking over a large mirror. When Melinda disappears and no one can remember seeing her leave the sale, the evidence suggests the couple murdered her. Ephron doesn't miss a searing beat as she plunges the Roses into an abyss of suspicion. A surprise toward the end provides the perfect twist to this deliciously creepy tale of obsession.
FEATURED in the New York Times
The New York Times round up of January books spotlights Never Tell a Lie.
"High school sweethearts David and Ivy, expecting their first child, meet a former classmate at their garage sale. When the classmate disappears after David takes her on a tour of their house, their lives start to unravel. Vengeance -- and its havoc -- is the subject of this taut and exciting thriller." --Kathy Ashton, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT
Lovers of classic mysteries will adore Hallie Ephron's Never Tell a Lie. Ivy and David. ... You can imagine Hitchcock curling up with this one.
Daily News, Michigan
"Hallie Ephron's novel of suspense, "Never Tell a Lie," has a stunning beginning and very original premise. The work is delightfully reminiscent of the grat Daphne du Maurier with just a touch of the sinister shades of Stephen King and a good dose of Alfred Hitchcock."
Lansing State Journal (Michigan)
NEVER TELL A LIE IS a "...fast-paced, exceptional tale that's likely to keep you quickly flipping pages until the wee hours of the morning."
"[Never Tell a Lie is] awfully hard to stop reading because Ephron is a page-turning expert who has plenty to say about the joys and pain of impending motherhood."
"Reminiscent of 'Single White Female' and the best of gothic thrillers, 'Never Tell a Lie' delivers a tale about obsession, relationships and forgiveness. Ephron quickly builds a foundation of psychological terror that doesn't let up until the last surprise twist. ... Ephron proves her mettle with her first stand-alone thriller." --
(Hartford Courtant, Sun Sentinel,
Arizona Daily Star, Biloxi Sun Herald, Charlotte Observer, Chicago Tribune...)
Adam Woog, the Seattle Times, on "Never Tell a Lie"
"It takes a lot of chutzpah for a book reviewer to write books of her own, especially under her own name. But Hallie Ephron, the crime-fiction columnist for The Boston Globe, can hold her head high: She does it, and very well, too. Ephron's latest, 'Never Tell a Lie' is a snaky, unsettling tale of psychological suspense."
The San Francisco Chronicle reviewer gobbled it up
" A book to be gobbled up whole, its pace never slackens. ... With 'Never Tell a Lie,' Ephron milks the creepy side of suburban ordinariness and baby lust. Once sucked into her elaborate, camp plot, you'll be as happily oblivious as a nursing infant. "
The Sullivan County Democrat and The Ellenville Shawangunk Journal:
Claire Eisenberg writes, "The revelations...are nicely spaced, credibly surprising, and even surprisingly moving. A terrific [solo] debut novel."
Darker Angel says "Never Tell a Lie" grabs you by the throat and won't let go...:
Becky Gaede advises readers: "Grab a seat and get ready to read one of the most spine-chilling books out there. NEVER TELL A LIE has awesome unforgettable characters and a plot that doesn’t quit. "
Looking for a good read? The Sacramento Bee recommends Never Tell a Lie!
"The veteran mystery writer sets up this page-turner with a Hitchcockian opener."
The book moves at breathtaking speed and no part of the story feels like filler. Every moment counts and Hallie Ephron is a master at pacing. [This is] a great mystery that will have fans of Mary Higgins Clark and Phyllis Whitney looking forward to her next thrill ride. NEVER TELL A LIE is suspenseful and surprising with great dialogue.
BOOM THIS! Read about Hallie's trip to the Mystery Lover's Bookstore in Pittsburgh in thihs great new Ezine for Boomers (and Wannabes)
"Fans of domestic suspense will gobble up this first solo endeavor from Ephron. Reading much like the great thrillers that Mary Higgins Clarke offered when she was still fresh and creative, this highly beguiling mystery provides the same type of domestic dread that comes about when the familiar turns dark and deadly. So take note, there’s a fresh, “new” kid on the block who knows how to do it up right, and fans of the genre will no doubt love this initially uncomplicated thriller that soon turns into much more as each increasingly creepy page is turned."
Never Tell a Lie finalist for the Simon & Schuster 
