As author Sarah Henning puts it, if you are a fan of closed-room murder mysteries and witches, then "The Lies We Conjure" is the book for you.
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
I’ve been calling this book “‘Knives Out’ with magic” since I wrote the very first pitch. If you like closed-room murder mysteries but wish it featured witches, “The Lies We Conjure” is for you.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
To me, Reading Rainbow means being as inclusive a reader as possible. I do my best to amplify queer books I’ve read to other readers and authors, as well as to make sure they’re being noticed by booksellers and librarians in the spaces I inhabit.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
I want to write books that reflect the world we live in. The United States truly is a melting pot not only of different backgrounds and ethnicities, but of genders, and sexualities. There are people in this country who’d rather put on blinders and pretend people who aren’t like them don’t exist. Well, they do! And ignoring folks for one reason or another is ridiculous, arrogant, and small-minded. My job as a white, cis-het author lady in the Midwest is to be an ally and speak up for those being shoved to the side and ensure that they can see all or pieces of themselves in my books as much as possible, whether they be contemporary or fantasy.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
I’ve been a heavy murder mystery reader since I was a kid, and as a long-time fan of the genre, it was so very cool to see audiences connect with “Knives Out” when it hit theaters a few years ago. For many people, it was their first time enjoying a classic closed-room murder mystery, and I was just thrilled to see folks connect with it. I wanted to do the same sort of claustrophobic, family drama, but add magic!
What can fans expect from your book?
I hope they can expect a good time! “The Lies We Conjure” was a blast to write, and it’s meant to be the type of “gas pedal” book that grabs you by the shirt collar, takes you for a fun ride that will keep you going “just one more chapter” late into the night. Hopefully it’ll appeal to those who love murder mysteries, but also those who love witches and secret societies. Plus, teen angst and grownups being totally suspect.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
I have two books announced I can talk about. In fall of 2025, I have an upper-middle-grade rom-com set against the exciting world of high school track called “Running Back to You.” Perhaps of a little more interest to readers of “The Lies We Conjure,” I have a YA contemporary fantasy coming in summer 2026 called “Such a Witch” that’s pitched as “Clueless” meets “Wednesday.” It’s part fluffy rom-com, part murder-mystery and literal witch hunt, and so very fun.
