The novel delves into the complexities of familial relationships, showcasing how long-held secrets can fester and poison even the strongest of bonds. The seemingly idyllic family at the heart of the story grapples with a legacy of betrayal, abuse, and hidden truths, leading to a powder keg of tension and violence.

Slaughter masterfully explores the subjectivity of memory and how it shapes individual perceptions of the truth. As investigators delve into the past, they encounter conflicting accounts and unreliable narrators, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew. The lines between reality and fabrication blur, leaving readers guessing until the very end.

"This is Why We Lied" doesn't shy away from depicting the complexities of human nature, presenting a cast of characters driven by a mixture of good and bad intentions. The pursuit of justice becomes a tangled web, forcing readers to confront difficult questions about accountability, forgiveness, and the price of truth.