Tag Archives: Mystery

Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow – a Review

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Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow – a Review

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Description:
What you don’t know can hurt you….

It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everywhere she looks are reminders of her best friend—including Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. Little by little, they grow closer, until Ella realizes something horrifying . . .

She’s in love with her dead best friend’s boyfriend.

Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.

Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about?

 

Review:

Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow is a standalone YA thriller novel.  We meet Ella, a 17-year-old senior, returning to school, and still grieving the death of her best friend, Hayley. Ella, who was in a car accident that killed, Hayley, continues to blame herself for what happened, and has no memory of that tragic night. With her feelings of guilt, Ella seeks the assistance of the school therapist. She also is told by Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend, that it was not her fault, which calms her down; and they bond together, sharing their grief. The Pov’s switch between Ella and Sawyer, as well as Hayley’s diary, which Ella discovers and read throughout.  

Ella and Sawyer both begin to have strong feelings for each other. But once she starts reading Hayley’s diary, what she discovers change things.  When Ella starts reading more of the diary, she is horrified about violent attempts on Hayley by Sawyer; especially as she reads about her boyfriend “S”.  Was this Sawyer?

Ella goes to the school therapist for help, as she fears another side to Sawyer, would make him dangerous. The therapist will get her help, with the police interviewing Sawyer. The further she reads, Ella will find herself in danger, as new revelations reveal a dark secret that Ella never knew regarding Haley.

The story was easy to follow, as the pacing was very good, and it kept my attention from the start. There were a number of twists throughout.   I will note that there were some sex scenes, which should have been more of NA novel.  Ella resumed her friendship with Seema, as they became distant after her friendship with Hayley; but Seema turned out to be a good friend helping Ella get past her grief.

Everything We Never Said was a wonderful YA Thriller, with real life issues that led to a mystery that Ella triggered reading Hayley’s diary; leading to a dark secret filled with tension and suspense. Everything We Never Said was a gripping, emotional and intense novel; which was very well written by Sloan Harlow.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Liar’s Point by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Liar’s Point by Laura Griffin – Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
Two homicide detectives must separate the puzzling truth from a growing web of lies while investigating a murder victim’s friends and lovers in Lost Beach, Texas.

Detective Nicole Lawson is fed up with her job and nonexistent love life. Her first date in months gets cut short by an urgent call from the chief of police. A body has been discovered at Lighthouse Point, and the medical examiner finds an array of strange clues. When the death is ruled a homicide, the news quickly reverberates through Nicole’s beachside hometown.

The Lost Beach police department swings into high gear. Leading the investigation is Emmet Davis, a veteran detective who is Nicole’s fiercest rival at work and also the man she has secretly harbored feelings toward for years. With Emmet calling the shots, Nicole sets out to search for leads, starting with the enigmatic yoga instructor who first discovered the body. Nicole is certain the witness knows more than she’s revealing and may even hold the key to unlocking the case.

When another person turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, Nicole sees a bizarre pattern, but no one believes her theory. Under the gun to solve the case, Nicole must put aside her tumultuous feelings and work closely with Emmet to figure out who is targeting her beloved hometown . . . before she becomes a target herself.

 

 

Review:

Liar’s Point by Laura Griffin is the 5th book in her fantastic Texas Murder Files series; which was another exciting mystery thriller in this series. I am a huge fan of Laura Griffin, as she is one of the best at murder, mystery, thrillers, and romance suspense. Detective Nicole Lawson, our heroine, is not too happy these days, as her boyfriend, a medical examiner, is always on the job; and she is always second fiddle to Emmett Davis, her rival on cases.  Her chief sends her to Lighthouse Point, where a body was discovered in a car, in their town of Lost Beach, Texas.  Nicole interviews the woman who discovered the car, who also knows who the victim is. Emmett is given the lead on this case, with Nicole working with him.

At first, they suspect it is suicide, but the medical examiner finds a few clues, and the case is changed to homicide. Nicole is very smart, independent and has no problem speaking her thoughts. She respects Emmet, and he also respects her, but there is a layer of tension between them, as Nicole feels because she is a woman, she is never the lead.  Both Nicole and Emmett know that they each have feelings for each other, but not really allowed on the force; though as the case escalates, Emmett is determined to protect Nicole from possible danger. 

The plot changes when another yoga instructor is found dead. Nicole is convinced that the instructor who found the body is a harboring secret, with a different pattern that the police team doesn’t think anything into her theory. When Nicole is hit by a car, that seemed to be aiming at her, Emmett decides to watch over her, as well as help solve the crime together.  In a short time, Nicole and Emmet succumb to their feelings, with great chemistry between them.   I also loved Nicole, who was doing an excellent job of getting clues, as she learns more during her investigations. I also loved Emmett, who knew he was falling hard for Nicole, and was determined to protect her.

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful thriller that kept me on the edge throughout, especially as we raced to the climax. The last half of the book was extremely tense, I could not put the book down. 

Liar’s Point was another excellent mystery in this series, which to no surprise, was very well written by Laura Griffin. The last half of the book was very exciting, as Nicole while unable to move around, discovers clues that will lead to the truths revealed by the yoga instructor, and the real murderer.

Laura Griffin once again, gives us a fantastic exciting suspenseful mystery, with a great romantic couple and wonderful secondary characters. If you enjoy murder mysteries, police procedurals, lots of intense action, suspense, with a touch of romance, you should read this book.  If you have never read Laura Griffin, it’s time to start now, as she is an amazing writer for romance suspense.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

                 LIAR’S POINT by Laura Griffin
            Berkley Paperback | On sale May 21, 2024
                                      Excerpt

Nicole Lawson felt naked.

It wasn’t the minidress or the strappy sandals. It wasn’t even the weird slit that left the entire side of her thigh on display.

It was the Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol-or absence of it-that was making her feel exposed. She was so accustomed to those twenty-nine ounces riding on her hip, and the lack of weight was making her antsy as hell.

She checked her phone, then flipped it over.

Nicole glanced around the restaurant, which was wall-to-wall couples, of course. She’d never been in here before, and the decorations grated on her nerves. They were going for elegant, she knew-this was the Nautilus, after all-and it wasn’t like the place was covered in pink balloons. The bloodred rosebuds on every table looked nice, actually. Ditto for the votive candles that emitted a soft glow. Really, it was the glitter that was giving her hives, all those tiny gold hearts sprinkled across her table like pixie dust. Just the sight was making her feel even stupider than she already did in this ridiculous dress.

She checked her phone again.

For the first time ever she had a date on Valentine’s, and not just any date. Tonight was the date. She and David had gone out three times already. The last time had ended with intense kissing in his car, which definitely would have continued if he hadn’t been called into work. Nothing like being summoned to an autopsy to kill the mood.

He wanted to make it up to her, though. Those were his exact words when he’d invited her to this expensive restaurant. And so Nicole had squeezed herself into a low-cut black dress that gave her the illusion of boobs, borrowed her sister’s stilettos, and come here to meet him for dinner.

“Are we still waiting?”

Her server was back again with that pitying look that was almost as annoying as the glitter.

She smiled up at him. “We are.”

“And would you like some wine, perhaps? Maybe a cocktail?”

“I’m good.” She nodded at her half-finished water. “Thanks.”

He walked off, leaving her to her silent phone. No text, no voice message. She’d even checked her email, but zip.

Nicole looked around, sure people were staring at her. God, the white-haired couple behind her was already paying their bill.

Her phone vibrated on the table, and she snatched it up.

“Hello?”

“Where the hell are you?”

Not David. She closed her eyes.

“I’m out. Why?”

“Didn’t you get the call?” Emmet asked her, and she pictured him at the police station surrounded by the typical Saturday-night chaos.

“I’m off tonight.”

“Not anymore.”

Her phone beeped with an incoming call, and she checked the screen.

“Listen, that’s Denise. I have to go.” Nicole got off with Emmet and took the call.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“The chief asked me to reach you. He needs you at a scene.”

Damn it.

Nicole pushed her chair back and grabbed her purse. “Does he know I’m off tonight?”

“Yep.”

She unzipped her little black clutch and left a ten on the table. They were going to have to bus it, even though she hadn’t ordered anything.

“Well, what’s going on?”

“One sec,” Denise said, and cut over to another call. When things were busy, the Lost Beach PD receptionist doubled as a dispatcher. She was also the chief’s right hand, doing everything from managing his calendar to deflecting reporters who called in from time to time.

The front of the restaurant was packed with waiting couples. Nicole scanned the bar and the area around the hostess stand but didn’t see any tall, handsome doctors looking around for their date. It was 7:32. She’d officially been stood up.

“Nicole?”

“I’m here.” She squeezed past the people and pushed open the door. A cold gust hit her, and she stepped back.

“He needs you at Lighthouse Point right away. And keep it off the radio.”

“What’s going on?” she asked again.

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, what did he say?”

“He said, ‘I need Lawson at Lighthouse Point ASAP. Keep it off the radio.’ That’s all I have.”

Nicole hunched her head down, wishing for her leather jacket as she strode across the parking lot. It had filled in since she’d arrived.

“What’s your ETA?” Denise asked.

“I’ll be there in five.”

“Roger that.”

Excerpted from Liar’s Point by Laura Griffin Copyright © 2024 by Laura Griffin. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved.


 

 

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Mind Games by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Mind Games by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse―because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them―and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…

 

 

Review:

Mind Games by Nora Roberts is a fantastic standalone suspenseful novel, that had me unable to put the book down.   No surprise, as Nora Roberts/JD Robb never fails to disappoint.  With school out for the summer, the Fox family travels to Kentucky, so that the kids (12 year old Thea and 10 year old Rem) can spend two weeks with their Grandmother Lucy.  They love being there with the animals, gardens, mountains, and their Grammie.  Their mother and father return home to Virginia, giving them their own vacation; which leads them into a terrible tragedy about to happen. 

Thea awakens from a nightmare, as she saw her parents murdered, and she runs to her grandmother, only to realize that she saw the same nightmare. They both share a gift that is part of the female women in their family, which have the ability to see unique sights. Thea remembers everything about that nightmare, including the killer.  The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, the man who killed their parents has been captured and will spend the rest of his life in prison, with no parole.  Thea learns quickly that the killer also has the same gift, using his gift to tie himself to her; which over 15 years becomes a continual mental battle between the two of them. Thea’s gift is very strong, which allows her to help two detectives to find a missing girl.  Both of those detectives will come to Thea over the years asking for her help.

Thea was a fantastic heroine, as she was smart, strong, dedicated and determined to be one stop ahead of Riggs.  I loved her relationship with Lucy (her grandmother) and Rem (her brother).  It was heartwarming to see how they always there supported each other, including Lucy’s two older sons. All the characters were great, including her best friend Maddy.  Ty (a well-known musician) came into the picture about half way through with his young son, Bray; and in a short time, they both had strong feelings for each other. I loved Bunt, Thea’s dog. & his love of Bray. 

Thea was very good at her designing her own video games, getting hired by a firm to create those video games.  She manages to stop Riggs attempts to get through to her, but she wants a life without this evil villain, who always is trying to get into her head.  Thea decides to create a different kind of final game, just for him, as she knows how to mentally deal with him and closing his mind forever.

Mine Games is a fascinating and suspenseful story, that deals with drama, family, murder, psychic abilities, evil villain and romance. Once again, Nora Roberts gives us a fantastic story that has us unable to put the book down from start to finish.  Mind Games was so very well written by Nora Roberts.  You need to read this book, as it was great.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic – a Review

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The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic – a Review

 

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Description:
A hypnotic, sinister debut mystery about a seemingly good cop who is secretly the daughter of a notorious serial killer.

Anna Koray escaped her father’s darkness long ago. When she was a girl, her childhood memories were sealed away from her conscious mind by a controversial hypnosis treatment. She’s now a decorated sheriff’s lieutenant serving a rural county, conducting an ordinary life far from her father’s shadow.

When Anna kills a man in the line of duty, her suppressed memories return. She dreams of her beloved father, his hands red with blood, surrounded by flower-decked corpses he had sacrificed to the god of the forest.

To Anna’s horror, a serial killer emerges who is copying her father – and who knows who she really is. Is her father still alive, or is this the work of another? Will the killer expose her, destroying everything she has built for herself? Does she want him to?

But as she haunts the forest, using her father’s tricks to the hunt the killer, will she find what she needs most…or lose herself in the gathering darkness?

 

 

Review:

The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic is an exciting debut thriller. I did not know what to expect, when I started reading this book; but this turned out to be a fantastic story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I am also amazed that this is Nicola Solvinic’s debut, and I will be checking her out in the future.  Well done.

Anna Koray, our heroine, manage to escape her father being a serial killer (Forest Strangler) many years ago. When he was imprisoned, her mother gave her up for adoption, and a psychiatrist helped seal (hypnosis) away from her mind the terrible memories. Anna was adopted, with a new name and loved her new family; when she is older, she became a decorated police lieutenant.

The story begins when Anna, off duty, responds to a domestic assault call, since she was nearby. Anna finds herself in the middle of an assault, and ends up killing the man in the line of duty; with her suffering serious injuries. While in recovery, some of those suppressed memories of her father return. When a number of women turn up murdered, a serial killer using the same copycat MO of her father emerges.  Though this is decades later, she begins to remember much of the past, as Anna tries to interview those who were victims, as well as her estranged mother, who abandoned her. Anna also begins to get cell phone messages revealing that he knows who she is, her father’s daughter (Elena). Anna is deep into trying to solve the case, especially to keep her real identity a secret, which would threaten everything she has built. 

What follows is an exciting, intense, suspenseful story with so many twists and turns along the way, which kept me unable to put the book down.  I will not give any spoilers, as this is a book you need to read from start to finish.  When Anna’s memories slowly return, we get to see her relationship with her father, as well as her mother, and eventually finding out at such a young age that her father a killer.

The Hunter’s Daughter was an excellent psychological thriller, that was captivating and haunting, keeping us guessing. The Hunter’s Daughter was a wild ride throughout, and so very well written by Nicola Solvinic. I am amazed how this is Solvinic’s debut novel.  I suggest you read The Hunter’s Daughter, as this was a fantastic read. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Murder at the Lake by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Murder at the Lake by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description:
The moonlight dances across her bare skin, and a shooting star flies across the sky. And while the young woman’s eyes are open and facing upward, they no longer see anything…

The beach party was to mark the end of high school and to celebrate going to college in the fall. But that summer, four young friends were torn apart when the body of Emily Kane was discovered—raped and strangled —and one of their own was sent to prison for twenty-four years.

He just got out yesterday.

Today, one of those friends, Troy Matthews, plans to marry Detective Madison Knight. As they are about to exchange vows, detectives from a neighboring city arrest Troy for murder.

Dylan Graham, one of Troy’s friends from that fateful night, was shot dead in his home, and the police believe Troy pulled the trigger. They claim to have proof that Dylan was about to expose Troy for keeping a dark secret all these years that, if revealed, could jeopardize his life and his freedom. Troy isn’t saying much about the accusations but does insist on his innocence.

Madison secures his bail, but while Troy is out, another of his childhood friends turns up murdered in a motel room. With the evidence mounting against Troy, he is arrested again, and Madison fears for their future. Though what scares her more is that all the friends from that night are being picked off one by one . And if Troy isn’t behind the string of murders, he might be the killer’s next target. She’s not fooled into thinking that just because he’s behind bars, he’s safe and untouchable either. If she’s to save the man she loves, she’ll need to find the real killer before it’s too late.

 

 

Review:

Murder at the Lake by Carolyn Arnold is the 13th book in her Detective Madison Knight Mystery series. As noted, Carolyn Arnold always gives us exciting suspenseful murder mysteries, led by Detective Madison Knight; and Arnold’s knowledge of police procedurals makes these investigations greaet. This story is a bit different, as Madison and her fiancée, Troy Matthews are in the middle of their wedding ceremony; only to have detectives crash the wedding, and arrest Troy for murder.

Prior to the crashing of the wedding, the story actually opens with a prologue that happened 24 years ago.  There was a party on the beach, where a high school senior, Emily Kane was raped and murdered. One of the male friends was arrested, and found guilty and sent to prison. Though the other 3 friends testified that they felt their friend was innocent, but he spent 24 years, and in present time he was just released.  Dylan Graham, one of those friends, was found dead in his home, with some evidence (journal entry, and gun) pointing to Troy to be the killer.

While out on bail, and second murder happens, with more evidence pointing again at Troy.  When Troy visited the ex-prisoner prior to his death, he actually admits telling Troy that he did kill the girl 24 years ago. Now with this new death, Troy has no idea who is framing him.

Madison is loyal and believes in Troy’s innocence, and races to clear his name, going against the orders of her superiors not to investigate the case. Excluded from the official investigation, Madison has to walk a fine line, interviewing the female friends from all those years ago, to try to unravel who could be the real killer. Who is someone in the past that is framing and targeting Troy?

What follows is an exciting, tense, riveting police procedural action filled thriller, as well as surprising developments. I am not a big fan of Madison Knight, but in this book, she was very good, especially determined to find a way to free Troy. Murder at the Lake was a constant guessing game, as there were a number of twists throughout, with lots of suspense and intrigue.  Murder on the Lake was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold.   If you enjoy mysteries, police procedurals, a tough as nails cop, then you need to be reading this series, as Carolyn Arnold is one of the best in police procedure stories.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Disturbing the Dead (Rip Through Time 3) by Kelley Armstrong

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Disturbing the Dead (Rip Through Time 3) by Kelley Armstrong-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2024

Victorian Scotland is becoming less strange to modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson. Though inhabiting someone else’s body will always be unsettling, even if her employers know that she’s not actually housemaid Catriona Mitchell, ever since the night both of them were attacked in the same dark alley 150 years apart. Mallory likes her job as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray, and is developing true friends—and feelings—in this century.

So, understanding the Victorian fascination with death, Mallory isn’t that surprised when she and her friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. When their host is missing when it comes time to unwrap the mummy, Gray and Mallory are asked to step in. And upon closer inspection, it’s not a mummy they’ve unwrapped, but a much more modern body.

••••

REVIEW: DISTURBING THE DEAD is the third instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s adult A RIP THROUGH TIME time travel, mystery series focusing on thirty year old, Vancouver, Canada Police Detective Mallory Atkinson, and undertaker/investigator Dr. Duncan Gray. DISTURBING THE DEAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading book one A RIP THROUGH TIME for back story and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2019 while visiting her ailing grandmother in Edinburgh Scotland, thirty year old, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada police detective Mallory Atkinson is attacked in an alley only to wake up as a nineteen year old housemaid in the year 1869, a housemaid who was also attacked and left for dead in the same alley where Mallory was found. Not only has our heroine time travelled back one-hundred and fifty years but she is no longer physically the same woman she was just minutes before. Working as a housemaid for Dr. Duncan Gray and his sister Isla, realizing life as she knew it was no longer under her control, Mallory must assume the position of nineteen year old Catriona Mitchell, a young woman whose history is questionable and dark. Working alongside Dr. Gray and Detective McCreadie, Mallory uses her abilities as a detective to help.

Told from first person perspective (Mallory) using two timelines, DISTURBING THE DEAD follows in the aftermath of the murder of Sir Alastair Christie. The unveiling of an Egyptian mummy finds the people of Victorian Scotland both curious and disturbed including several women who are trying to establish themselves as students at the local medical college but when Sir Alastair goes missing along with several Egyptian artifacts, and his body is discovered in the most unlikeliest of situations, fellow curiosity seekers Dr. Duncan Gray and Mallory Atkinson, with the help of Detective McCreadie, begin an investigation of their own. When fingers are pointed at several potential suspects, Mallory and Dr. Duncan Gray find themselves surveying secret tunnels and underground markets for answers, only for Mallory to be attacked, once again.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous and colorful. We are once again introduced to Dr. Gray’s household, as well as his sisters Annis, and Isla, as well as Detective McCreadie. The requisite evil has many faces.

DISTURBING THE DEAD is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and greed, time travel and acceptance. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the numerous characters are entertaining and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Rip Through Time
The Poisoner’s Ring

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Amazon Author Page/

Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers’ dismay. All efforts to make her produce “normal” stories failed.

Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She’s the author of the NYT-bestselling “Women of the Otherworld” paranormal suspense series and “Darkest Powers” young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.

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FOREST OF LIES (Alexis Forrest FBI Mystery Thriller)by Kate Gable

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FOREST OF LIES (Alexis Forrest FBI Mystery Thriller 4) by Kate Gable-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 30, 2024

Forensic psychologist and FBI agent Alexis Forrest returns in her most chilling case yet. Set against the backdrop of Broken Hill, the small New England town where she grew up, she now faces her darkest challenge: a fourteen-year-old boy doesn’t show up to school after spending the night with his father and stepmother.
Meanwhile, Alexis receives a sinister note threatening her and her family from the serial killer who took her sister’s life.
Together with her old flame and partner Mitch, a bookstore and coffee shop owner, Alexis embarks on a race against time to protect her loved ones and capture the predator who always seems to be one step ahead.
Amidst the chaos, Alexis grapples with haunting questions: Is the missing boy just a teenage runaway or a victim of the serial killer who haunts this area?
When a fire consumes her father’s mobile home, Alexis finds herself in the path of the murderer who’s been the source of her nightmares since she was a teen.
The only difference is that now she knows his name.

•••••

REVIEW: FOREST OF LIES is the fourth instalment in Kate Gable’s contemporary, adult ALEXIS FORREST FBI MYSTERY THRILLER series focusing on thirty year old, FBI Agent/ forensic psychologist Alexis Forrest.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty years earlier, Alexis’ older sister Maddie was abducted and murdered, destroying the Forrest family in the process. With her return to Broken Hill to investigate a series of similar abductions, Alexis will reconnect with family, and the man who once held her heart.

Told from dual first person perspective (Alexis Forrest / Killer) and third person (Peter) FOREST OF LIES follows two paths: the ongoing search for a serial killer, and the disappearance of a fourteen year old boy. Alexis Forrest is on leave from the FBI as she endeavors to help the Broken Hill police in the wake of a potential serial killer but as Alexis continues to investigate a decades old series of disappearances and murders, the small town Broken Hill is not immune to the smaller but no less heart breaking cases of kidnappings and murder. When a fourteen year old boy goes missing, his parents’ separation and divorce take center stage but as Alexis digs deeper, help from an unlikely source points the finger at an unlikely suspect.

Meanwhile, the serial killer continues to taunt our story line heroine, leaving personal messages and threats involving family and friends. Refusing to give up, Alexis and her boyfriend Mitch journey to where it all may have started, discovering a killer’s reputation goes back decades and years.

FOREST OF LIES is a story of family and betrayal, madness and murder, obsession and delusion. The fast paced premise is suspenseful and dramatic; the characters are determined and dynamic; the romance continues in the face of threats against our story line couple.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Forest of Silence
Forest of Shadows
Forest of Secrets

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh – a Review

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A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh – a Review

 

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Description:
They say the camera never lies.
But on this show, you can’t trust anything you see.

Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants have no idea what they’ve signed up for.

Each of these strangers has a secret. If another player can guess the truth, they won’t just be eliminated – they’ll be exposed live on air. The stakes are higher than they’d ever imagined, and they’re trapped.

The disappearance of a contestant wasn’t supposed to be part of the drama. Detective Ffion Morgan has to put aside what she’s watched on screen, and find out who these people really are – knowing she can’t trust any of them.

And when a murderer strikes, Ffion knows every one of her suspects has an alibi . . . and a secret worth killing for.

 

 

Review:

A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh is the 2nd book in her DC Morgan series.  The story revolves around a reality tv show, Exposure, with 7 contestants who have to spend two weeks in the Welsh mountains in Wales. The contestants each have a secret (A Game of Lies), that they hide, as they soon realize that they need to win, in order for their secrets not to be exposed; with possible danger of their futures.  The tv show has garnered a lot of attention, especially on social media.  The following morning, the police are notified that one of the contestants is missing.  This brings DC Ffion Morgan and DC Georgina(George) Kent to the set to investigate.

The contestants are each different, as we meet them. Ceri Jones, Pam Butler, Aliyah Brown, Jason Shenton, Henry Moore, Lucas Taylor, and Ryan Francis (now missing). Ffion and George interview the contestants, as well as the production staff, in trying to find the missing person. 

Ffion is stuck taking care of her rescue dog, Dave (just adopted him), who despite his weird behavior (needy, stays close to Ffion, farts), but he is dedicated to Ffion and always finds a way to find her; which will come in handy later in the book. George has just been transferred to the team, and she is somewhat introverted, as well as a work-acholic. She was very good, and impressive in helping to handle the case. I really liked her, and happy that she will team with Ffion.  Leo, who was in the first book, returns and joins the team as the lead investigator, which doesn’t really sit well with Ffion; the chemistry from the previous book is still apparent.

As Ffion, George and Leo are still trying to find Ryan, the missing contestant from the first night, things change drastically when someone is murdered.  The investigation now turns into a murder case, with the death of the producer.  Because Ffion keeps things to herself at times, without telling her cohorts, she finds herself taken off the case.  But Ffion remembers something about the murdered victim which will lead her to finding the real killer, and putting herself in danger.  Dave to the rescue. lol

A Game of Lies was a complex, entertaining and suspenseful story, that was a slow process early on, but as we get to the last half of the book, it does pick up. I really did not enjoy how the contestants were forced to sit in a small room, as secrets are revealed, such as creepy phobias, spiders, snakes, as well as bigamy, affairs, illegal activity.            

A Game of Lies was very well written by Clare Mackintosh. I have enjoyed her previous standalone thrillers, but this series was good, but not as good as the other thrillers. I do suggest you read this series, as I would like to see what Mackintosh has in store for DC Morgan.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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