Society of Lies

A Novel

By: Lauren Ling Brown

Narrated by: Brie Carter, Chandler Gregoire, Lauren Ling Brown

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK • “A dark and haunting debut that explores secret societies, the bonds of sisterhood, and the intricacies of privilege at an elite college . . . I couldn’t put this twisty tale down.”—Julia Bartz, author of The Writing Retreat

“Readers of dark academia, prepare to meet your new obsession.”—Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here

How far would you go to belong?

Maya has returned to Princeton for her college reunion—it’s been a decade since she graduated, and she is looking forward to seeing old faces and reminiscing about her time there. This visit is special because Maya will also be attending the graduation of her little sister, Naomi.

But what should have been a dream weekend becomes Maya’s worst nightmare when she receives the news that Naomi is dead. The police are calling it an accident, but Maya suspects that there is more to the story than they are letting on.

As Maya pieces together what happened in the months leading up to her sister’s death, she begins to realize how much Naomi hid from her. Despite Maya’s warnings, Naomi had joined Sterling Club, the most exclusive social club on campus—the same one Maya belonged to. And if she had to guess, Naomi was likely tapped for the secret society within it.

The more Maya uncovers, the more terrified she becomes that Naomi’s decision to follow in her footsteps might have been what got her killed. Because Maya’s time at Princeton wasn’t as wonderful as she’d always made it seem—after all, her sister wasn’t the first young woman to turn up dead. Now every clue is leading Maya back to the past . . . and to the secret she’s kept all these years.

©2024 Lauren Ling Brown (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“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, it is at its core 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, author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here

“Society of Lies is so much more than a murder mystery. Lauren Ling 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