Content Warning: This section contains mentions of violence and murder, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma.

The central storyline of Listen for the Lie is the unsolved murder of Savannah “Savvy” Harper. As the five-year-old cold case is reinvestigated via Ben’s podcast, several inconsistencies and crucial new information about events and characters come to light. Through these, Tintera explores the gap that often exists between appearances and reality, why these discrepancies exist, and what can happen when people equate perceptions with the truth.

At the level of plot, this central theme is essential to building the mystery and suspense in the book. Ben uncovers many details that shock his audience, such as Colin and Kathleen’s affair, Nina’s involvement with Matt, and Matt’s abusive behavior. These details contribute to the suspense by positioning different characters as possible murder suspects, each with plausible motives or behavior that confirms violent tendencies. Outside of the case itself, the confusing memories that Lucy deals with leads both her and the reader to wonder whether she was, in fact, responsible for Savvy’s death. At the same time, Tintera keeps up Emmett’s persona as a sweet and supportive friend until the very end, ensuring that although he is actually guilty, he is never suspected of being Savvy’s killer.