Brianna Labuskes returns with the second installment in her Raisa Susanto series, delivering a psychological thriller that challenges readers to question everything they think they know about truth, justice, and the art of deception. The Truth You Told stands as a testament to Labuskes’s ability to weave complex narratives that honor both the intelligence of her characters and her readers, while exploring the darkest corners of human psychology.
The novel opens with a bombshell revelation that immediately sets the stakes impossibly high. Nathaniel Conrad, the notorious Alphabet Man who has terrorized Houston for years with his cryptic codes tattooed onto victims’ bodies, is mere hours from execution when he drops a devastating claim: he didn’t kill Shay Kilkenny, the wife of the FBI forensic psychologist who spent five years hunting him. This revelation shatters the foundation of everything Callum Kilkenny believed about his wife’s death and forces him to confront the possibility that her real killer has been walking free for a decade.
The Forensic Linguistics Foundation
What elevates The Truth You Told beyond typical psychological thrillers is Labuskes’s sophisticated use of forensic linguistics as both plot device and character development tool. FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto emerges as a compelling protagonist whose expertise in analyzing writing patterns, idiolects, and linguistic fingerprints drives the investigation forward in genuinely innovative ways. Labuskes demonstrates remarkable research depth in her portrayal of linguistic analysis, from the intricacies of the Alberti Cipher to the more complex Vigenère code that becomes central to unraveling the truth.
The author’s background shines through in her detailed exploration of how language betrays its users. When Raisa discovers discrepancies between Conrad’s confirmed letters and those sent during Shay’s kidnapping, the revelation feels both shocking and inevitable. The technical aspects never overwhelm the narrative; instead, they serve as windows into character motivations and psychological states, making the science accessible while maintaining its complexity.
Character Development and Emotional Resonance
The relationship between Raisa and Kilkenny forms the emotional core of the novel, building naturally from their shared trauma in the previous book, The Lies You Wrote. Labuskes skillfully develops their partnership without rushing into romance, allowing their professional respect and personal understanding to deepen organically. Raisa’s ongoing struggle with PTSD following her confrontation with her serial killer sister Isabel Parker provides a haunting parallel to Kilkenny’s decade-long guilt over Shay’s death.
Kilkenny’s character arc proves particularly compelling as the investigation forces him to confront not just the circumstances of Shay’s death, but the mythology he’s built around their relationship. Labuskes avoids the trap of idealizing the deceased, instead presenting Shay as a complex woman whose happiness was secondary to her fierce loyalty to family. The revelation that Kilkenny’s guilt may have been misplaced creates a profound character study about how we carry trauma and construct meaning from tragedy.
The supporting characters, particularly the enigmatic Max Baker and the manipulative documentary filmmaker Kate Tashibi, add layers of moral ambiguity that prevent the narrative from settling into simple good-versus-evil dichotomies. Max’s transformation from victim to vigilante creates one of the novel’s most disturbing yet understandable character journeys.
Structural Brilliance and Pacing
Labuskes demonstrates masterful control over her narrative structure, alternating between present-day investigation and carefully placed flashbacks that gradually illuminate the truth. The use of documentary transcripts, text messages, and coded letters creates a multimedia approach that feels fresh and contemporary while serving the story’s themes about communication and interpretation.
The pacing builds methodically, allowing tension to accumulate through character revelation rather than relying solely on action sequences. When violence does occur, it carries genuine emotional weight because readers have become invested in the characters’ psychological journeys. The final revelation about Dr. Tori Greene’s role as a manipulative researcher who nurtured violence in traumatized children provides a chilling commentary on the abuse of power and the dangerous pursuit of knowledge without ethical boundaries.
Thematic Depth and Social Commentary
Beyond its entertainment value, The Truth You Told offers substantive commentary on several contemporary issues. The exploration of childhood trauma and its long-term effects feels particularly relevant, as does the examination of how institutions can fail vulnerable populations. Labuskes doesn’t shy away from depicting the systematic failures that allowed Tori Greene to manipulate children under the guise of helping them.
The novel also grapples with questions of justice and revenge, particularly through Max’s character arc. Her decision to take matters into her own hands rather than trust the legal system reflects broader societal tensions about accountability and the limitations of traditional justice. The moral complexity surrounding her actions prevents easy judgment while acknowledging the real harm caused by cycles of violence.
Series Integration and Standalone Appeal
While The Truth You Told benefits from familiarity with The Lies You Wrote, Labuskes provides sufficient context for new readers to engage fully with the story. The references to Raisa’s traumatic encounter with Isabel Parker enhance character development without becoming essential to understanding the current mystery. This accessibility will be crucial as the series continues with the upcoming By the Time You Read This in 2025.
The forensic linguistics angle distinguishes this series from other psychological thrillers in the market, offering something genuinely unique in a crowded genre. Readers who enjoyed works like Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series or Gillian Flynn’s psychological complexity will find much to appreciate here.
Minor Criticisms and Areas for Growth
Despite its many strengths, the novel occasionally suffers from information density that can slow pacing during technical explanations. Some readers may find the linguistic analysis sections challenging, though this specificity also represents the book’s greatest strength. Additionally, certain plot revelations feel slightly rushed in the final act, though the emotional payoffs remain satisfying.
The large cast of characters, while generally well-developed, sometimes creates confusion during the investigation’s more complex moments. A tighter focus on fewer characters might have strengthened some plot threads.
Final Verdict
The Truth You Told succeeds as both an intelligent thriller and a profound character study, cementing Labuskes’s position as a significant voice in contemporary psychological suspense. The novel’s combination of technical expertise, emotional depth, and moral complexity creates a reading experience that lingers long after the final page. For readers seeking sophisticated thrillers that respect their intelligence while delivering genuine surprises, this series continuation proves essential reading.
The book stands as a worthy successor to The Lies You Wrote while setting high expectations for By the Time You Read This. Labuskes has created a series that evolves organically, using each installment to deepen character relationships while exploring new aspects of forensic investigation and human psychology.