Fatal Liaison

by Vicki Tyley

The lives of two strangers, Greg Jenkins and Megan Brighton, become inextricably entangled when they each sign up for a dinner dating agency. Greg's reason for joining has nothing to do with looking for love. His recently divorced sister Sam has disappeared and Greg is convinced that Dinner for Twelve, or at least one of its clients, may be responsible.

Neither is Megan looking for love. Although single, she only joined at her best friend Brenda De Luca's insistence. When a client of the dating agency is murdered, suspicion falls on several of the members. Then Megan's friend Brenda disappears without trace, and Megan and Greg join forces. Will they find Sam and Brenda, or are they about to step into the same inescapable snare?

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Ebooks, Fiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2011

About the author

Vicki Tyley, a #1 Kindle bestselling author in Mystery & Suspense, is the author of Thin Blood, (Amazon 2010 Customer Favorite) , Sleight Malice, Brittle Shadows, Fatal Liaison, and Bitter Nothings.

Based in rural Victoria, Australia, Vicki Tyley writes fast-paced mystery and suspense novels in contemporary Australian settings.

Born and raised in New Zealand, she moved to Western Australia with a single suitcase when she was nineteen years old. She has travelled extensively, spending a year touring the world before terrorism was an influencing factor. She has lived in the central business districts of large cities, suburbia, idyllic seaside locations, rural areas, bushland, and remote desert mining camps.

In the lead up to her writing career, Vicki worked in a multitude of different industries including banking, stockbroking, importing and wholesaling, human resources, mining, hospitality, civil engineering, and toys, in predominantly accounting, IT and management roles.

All these life experiences are brought to bear in her writing.

Outside of writing and reading, her main interests are design and photography. She likes to laugh, drink coffee, spend time alone, spend time in company, and get close to nature. She dislikes crowds, hospitals and offal.

Reviews

[B the BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicki Tyley rocks!

This psychological thriller will have you on the edge of your chair, reading feverishly until it releases you with it's stunning conclusion. It is fast paced, suspense packed and absolutely riveting. It will make you think very seriously about the chances you take when you accept a dinner date with an almost stranger. Read on a long Sunday morning, this novel is anything but relaxing. Quite honestly, my pulse is still racing. My highest recommendation; an outstanding 5★

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Jenkins hasn't heard from his sister Sam all weekend and becomes very worried when he gets a call from their mother informing him that Sam never turned up their scheduled visit. Greg doesn't want to alarm their mother, but Greg feels something isn't right. Then come Monday morning and Sam hasn't turned up for work and now Greg knows it's time to get the police involved. In the meantime Greg goes around to Sam's place to see if he can find any clues as to where she might be. The only thing that he finds is a leaflet for a dating agency called Dinner for Twelve. Greg is unsure if Sam has been in contact with this agency so he starts to do a bit of investigating for himself.

Megan and Brenda are friends and have attended a couple of the Dinner for Twelve events. But then one day Brenda goes missing and no one has heard from her. Megan is very worried for her friend and wonders if she has met someone and hopes that nothing bad has happen to her. Megan meets Greg whilst he is looking for his sister and they quickly team up together to try and figure out what has happened to the two of them. But will they find them and if they do will it will be the outcome they were hoping for?

This was a fast paced mystery and suspense which I thoroughly enjoyed. Right from the start this had me hooked and I was desperate to know how it was going to end. This is my first novel that I've read by Aussie author Vicki Tyley and it definitely won't be my last. So if you love a good mystery look no further as I'm sure you'll enjoy this one just as much as I did. Highly recommended.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant suspense from Vicki Tyley!

Megan is reluctantly talked into signing up for a dating agency by her friend Brenda and attends a dinner to meet potential dates. One of the women attending that night is later found murdered and the police start checking out the guests. Attending a subsequent event, Megan meets Greg who is looking for information on his missing sister so when her friend Brenda later disappears they begin to suspect that there might be a link with the dating agency and team up to find out what is going on.

A suspenseful mystery with many twists and turns. Guaranteed to keep you guessing to the end!

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★s
Fatal Liaison is the fourth novel by Australian author, Vicki Tyley. Greg Jenkins is pretty sure his sister is missing: Samantha has missed her weekly meal with their mother, and has failed to turn up for work. Her neighbour says she went out with a good-looking man on Saturday night, and has not been seen since. Greg’s only clue is the Dinner For Twelve dating agency brochure on her fridge, but the owner of the dating site refuses to give him any information, citing privacy laws. So Greg signs up under a friend’s name…

Megan Brighton only went along to Dinner For Twelve at her best friend Brenda’s insistence: she has no need of a partner, and no intention of hooking up with anyone there. Somehow, she then agrees to a DFT cocktail function where a new member shows around the photograph of a woman who is missing, but he is quickly seen off by DFT’s manager.

Then, it turns out that Linda Nichols, one of the women at the previous dinner has been murdered, while one of the men that Brenda and Megan have now met at two functions is behaving a little strangely. When Brenda goes missing, Megan fears for her safety, worrying she will meet Linda’s fate.

As the story slowly progresses, police performance is less than stellar; a PI is hired with only marginal success; more female bodies are found in the bush; and a killer is dubbed The Cable Tie Strangler. But is he linked to the dating agency? And if so, which of several men might it be? Neither Greg nor Megan is prepared to stop looking.

In this tale, Tyley certainly doesn’t do anything to attract prospective clients to dating agencies: hers, run by a damaged, fixated woman, features a lech, a bore, a man who doesn’t take negative hints, a flirt, a narcissist, and an introvert, one of whom is likely a murderer. And plenty are candidates for the tall, dark and handsome man who collected Greg’s sister for her date.

Although as a character Greg is appealing enough, neither Megan nor Brenda endear themselves to the reader. Several of the female characters seem rather flighty airheads, their attitude to their personal safety quite blasé, as their behaviour attests. Greg’s obsession with his Blackberry certainly dates the novel. Aussie crime fiction that is not Tyley’s best.

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I raced through this book and enjoyed every minute of it! The suspense was excellent and it kept me on the edge of my seat all the way as well as keeping me guessing who the murderer was going to be. I have to admit I was wrong with my initial guess - Vicki threw in quite a few red herrings - but it eventually dawned on me a few paragraphs before the big reveal! An excellent book and I will certainly read more.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Vicki Tyley book . So, not knowing what to expect, I approached Fatal Liaison like I would any new author, lets see what we have here. What we have here is a, fast paced, high tensioned and well plotted book.

The story starts of at a gentle pace. Greg is concerned that his sister has gone AWOL but this is nothing new. Two best friend, Megan and Brenda, go to a dateless and desperate dinner.

When after a few days Sam, Greg's sister, hasn't turned up for work Greg starts to get a bit more concerned. Whilst looking for answers Greg sees that Sam has been to one of these dateless and desperate dinners. Greg takes himself to one of the dinners to try and get some answers from some of the dinner guests. At this point Greg meets Brenda and Megan and now the tension tap starts to turn. The tension tap keeps turning as the tension builds and builds. By this stage you can't wait to get to the end to find out what happens but at same time you don't want the book to end.

The characters are all well drawn and all too believable. The fact that the story takes place in Melbourne also added to my enjoyment. I know Melbourne and I could see the trams, I have sat in that cafe drinking coffee, people watching. It all felt so real.

If your thing is fast paced thriller then this one is for you.
Comes recommended with a well deserved 4 stars.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unnecessarily nervous about reading this book as it was written by a 'Goodreads friend' and I really wanted to like it! No need to worry, I burnt dinner at least one night reading this story that was hard to put down once I had started.
The story is set in Melbourne, and it was great to read about suburbs and landmarks that are familiar. It centres on Megan who goes with her best friend Brenda to a dinner through a dating agency. After at least two people who attend these dinners are found murdered things turn sinister. Can she solve a crime that the police appear to be struggling with? Is she in danger herself? Who will be next?

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Jenkins was becoming concerned – his little sister Sam was meant to visit their mother for the weekend and hadn’t turned up; no-one had heard anything from her, and Greg was sure she wouldn’t worry their mother unnecessarily. So to avoid the stress to her, he made an excuse for Sam – called away on business – then headed to her apartment to begin his search. But Sam was nowhere to be found, and as the days wore on and she didn’t show up for work, he knew he needed to involve the police.

Megan Brighton had been persuaded against her common sense to accompany her best friend Brenda De Luca to a dating agency dinner. The Dinner for Twelve was Brenda’s way of meeting as many men as she could, having a wonderful time without any pressure. Megan wasn’t sure why she listened to Brenda, she certainly didn’t want to be there – some of the guys were definitely sleazy, though she and Brenda got a giggle out of the nicknames they attached to them.

When Greg discovered a pamphlet for the Dinner for Twelve dating agency in Sam’s apartment he decided to join with the express purpose of seeing if anyone had seen his sister – it was a link he couldn’t ignore with the days passing into weeks and still no sign of Sam. His first and only foray into the group was a disaster, but he met Megan while showing Sam’s photo. He also met the founder, Pauline – who kicked him out for interrogating her members!

Suddenly one of the clients was discovered murdered – the escalation of danger had the police questioning everyone involved in the Dinner for Twelve. But when Brenda inexplicably disappeared, Megan was beside herself. With Greg still searching for Sam, and Megan distraught and trying to find Brenda, they decided to work together and hopefully help each other in their quest for answers. But the terror was mounting, the horrors were just beginning. Would Greg find Sam; would Megan find Brenda? Would they remain safe themselves?

Another fantastic mystery/suspense from Aussie author Vicki Tyley. I am thoroughly enjoying working my way through her books, and as I only have one to go, I hope she has almost finished her next one! I have no hesitation in highly recommending Vicki’s work.

[Sharon Robards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t read a mystery/suspense or a contemporary book for quite some time and wasn’t sure if I wanted to subject myself to sitting on the edge of my seat. BUT this was an excellent and quick read. I was instantly pulled into the narrative and kept there till the end. I loved the concept…Dinner for Twelve, murder, a feisty heroine and a charming hero. The characters are drawn well, and I was so glad it wasn’t a cop meets damsel in distress and they fall in bed, type story. The story is told simply and in that unique manner that is an Australian voice, while I greatly suspect retaining and not alienating international readers.

The pace is fast, and I found myself flipping through the pages to find out who the villain was, someone I never suspected till the reveal. Occasionally, I wanted to close my eyes, thinking the author was going to throw some horrendous detail into the mix…when the narrative quickly pulled back; the tension applied and released perfectly throughout.

I now need to read more of Vicki Tyley’s books.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that had me guessing. I read this book as part of a winter challenge and I could not put it down. Fantastic story line and great characters with it all tying up at the end. I love how Vicki Tyley doesn't write about explicit sex scenes and it was a perfect murder mystery book.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book by Vicki Tyley that I have read and I enjoyed it although a bit scary how many suspects there were.

[Grace Krispy]

I've read an enjoyed Vicki Tyley's other three books. One of this author’s true talents is presenting a beginning that draws readers into the story and keeps them engaged until the very end. I never felt this story dragged, and I was reluctant to put the story down until I had read every last word. I genuinely liked and cared about the characters in the story. They were developed to the extent that a good balance was reached between the action and the characterization. I was pulled into the story because of the experiences of the characters, and it was written in such a way as to encourage my sleuthing right along with Megan and Greg.

Another thing this author does masterfully is throw some twists into the plot. Once again, I pegged the wrong killer. Numerous times, in fact. I think almost everyone fell under my suspicion at some point in the story, even people normally thought of as innocent bystanders. I love unpredictability in mysteries. Even though it seemed like the author was setting one or two characters up as apparent suspects, the number of characters made for a constant guessing game as to who was really guilty. The only thing I could predict going into the read was that it would be unpredictable.

The author’s writing style is fluid and that provides for a smooth and easy read. Although the author exhibited strong writing skills from the get-go, each book she's written seems to show slightly more refined development. There were only a few abrupt changes in this book, as compared to previous stories, and the next chapter backtracked enough to explain what had happened. So instead of being a source of confusion, it seemed like a purposeful technique. I never had that dazed and confused feel that I’d experienced in other books. I was never really a step ahead of the story, but I never felt beind the eight ball, either.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: A Vicki Tyley book is always a good bet. In the four books I’ve read, I’ve never felt disappointment. I always leave feeling entertained.

Full review at GraceKrispy's MotherLode blog!

[Pete Loveday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and well-told, with colourful characters and finely drawn scenes, this is a book that will entertain you and immerse you in the challenging issues facing the headstrong Megan Brighton.
What are the mysteries surrounding the Dinner for Twelve dining date? Charming bachelor, Greg Jenkins also has some questions about this singles dining group,too. His sister, Samantha has been out of contact for some days now and Greg is getting quite worried about her.
Megan’s close friend Brenda goes missing after the dinner and Megan is becoming anxious for her, as well. What is the deal with this Lawson Green character?
The situation develops at fast pace and it is becoming clear that our two main characters must increase their individual efforts for the Police to take seriously their concerns.
This is a story about urban Melbourne today and the painful mental disease, called Bipolar, that we live with today in far too much of our population.
Once again Vicki Tyley has written a tight, suspenseful mystery that keeps the pages turning right to the very end.

[Sylvia Massara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say, except that so many things resonated with me as I read Vicki's novel? But I don't want to spoil the reading experience for the reader, so I shall refrain from giving exact details. I do want to say, however, that although I haven't been on "singles dinner dates", I've done a lot of online dating--and that's how I met my cheating, wackjob of an ex-husband; but I digress...

I found I couldn't put down Vicki's novel. I just had to know what was going to happen next, and I also saw the parallels of what can truly become a "fatal liaison" in real life as well as in fiction. Of one thing, I am sure, and that is that I will always think of Vicki's novel when I next venture into the world of online dating, as I am sure that these things can happen whether one goes to the singles dinner dating kind of functions or on a date through online dating.

I love and admire Vicki's style in terms of how she breathes life into her characters by the little details she writes about them, such as their body language or something small that a person might do in every day life, but that writers often overlook in books, hence making their characters appear less believable.

Thank you for this excellent novel, Vicki--from now on, I shall keep a lookout for the potential bad guys out there, among the nasty Nigerian scammers I'm so good at spotting with great accuracy :-)

NB. There are no Nigerian scammers in Vicki's novels; only in my online dating experience. LOL

Sylvia Massara
Novelist and host of The Lit Chick Show

[Marilou George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into this story from the very beginning and totally engrossed throughout. The plot twists and characters are woven into this story in such a fashion that I had a hard time putting this book down.

Greg’s sister is missing and his only lead is a singles meeting event sponsored by Dinner for Twelve. Megan and Brenda attend a couple of Dinner for Twelve events and when Brenda goes missing Megan has reason to suspect someone in the group. Greg and Megan eventually form an allegiance to search for the truth.

This is a fast paced story that is fluid and effortless and coupled with the mystery and suspense I was hooked. The twists and turns are endless and the character development was an essential and compassionate part of the story. The character dialogue flowed with ease and believability and I found that I could relate to the characters of Greg and Megan in a realistic way. The descriptive writing paints a clear picture of what’s going on and made me feel part of the story.

I really enjoyed Vicky Tyley’s writing style and her ability to keep me guessing while keeping me absorbed in the story. Her presentation of characters and events throughout the story combined with the elements of suspense succeed in making this a great read.

To me this is also a story of family, friendship and loyalty. It is a story that shows how strong family and friendships are and what lengths a person would go to protect and save the ones they love.

I recommend this book to all readers who love mystery/suspense and drama that will propel you forward and keep you guessing until the end.

[L.M. May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted on Amazon Kindle...

Fatal Liaison was recommended when I put out my feelers for a good Aussie Indie book to read. I purchased Fatal Liaison with high hopes, and wasn't disappointed.

When rating a book, I take many things into account, with a large emphasis on value for money, because I hardly expect to find a Stephen King worthy thriller for $0.99 - as much as I'd like to. At this price, Vickey Tyley's Fatal Liaison delivers exceptional value for money. With a cleverly crafted storyline that keeps you turning the pages well into the night, it will keep you guessing right until the very end.

A light, easy read, Fatal Liaison revolves around a killer who is using the dating service `Dinner for Twelve' to pluck his next unfortunate victim from.

The story begins when Greg's sister Samantha goes missing. This leads him to the various characters who regularly attend the `Dinner for Twelve' functions as he retraces her last steps.

Here he meets Megan, a likeable character we can all relate to, and her best friend Brenda, a character most of us know in our everyday lives.

At first I worried that the plot was too obvious, having figured out not only who was `guilty' early in the story, but also who the red herring was, when Vickey Tyley threw in yet another twist and I realised I had it all wrong. But it seems I am in good company with this when I look at other reviewers comments.

All said and done, without repeating what others have said, I highly recommend Fatal Liaison and look forward to reading the rest of Vickey Tyley's Aussie mysteries

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all of Vicki Tyley’s books, and all have several qualities in common. All are thrillers or mysteries with multiple suspects or potential resolutions. I’ve always been convinced each of the primary suspects was guilty at some point, yet the ending still catches me off guard. Tyley’s ability to plot a story is the envy of many of her peers. "Fatal Liaison" keeps this streak alive.

I thought the premise of the story, that someone is targeting women using the dating service, was clever and unique. The service is one of those that brings many people together in a bar or restaurant to mingle and, potentially, follow up by actually dating. The large number of people each woman might have met or been targeted by, all of whom are potential suspects, meant the story had many directions it could go. If you’ve read and liked Tyley’s previous books, you’re sure to feel the same about this one. If you haven’t, "Fatal Liaison" would make an excellent first read.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[VLynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner for Vicki Tyley, a suspense filled story with a few surprises to keep a reader on their toes. I really like the fact the book flowed without any bumps. I could easily picture the characters and settings in my head. I have to say, the only thing missing in this book is the main characters not connecting more. I was hungry for the connection that Vicki Tyley is so great of creating. Maybe a sequel that continued with some of same characters?

[Donna Fasano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mysteries and Fatal Liaisons is right up there with some of the best I've read. The story woven by Vicki Tyley will make you rethink ever using a dating service (of any kind!) again. The characters are well-developed, and the story has a wonderful flow that kept me turning the pages. I had to look twice at the ridiculously inexpensive price to make sure I was seeing it correctly. Grab this book before the price goes up. You won't regret it!

[Jovita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicki Tyley is a great mystery writer and I have enjoyed all of her novels that I've read to date and once again she did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story itself and especially found it more interesting because I have a couple friends who are currently using a dating service to find that special someone... they definitely need to read this novel.

[Larry Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicki Tyley is getting better with each book she writes and "Fatal Liaison" is her best to date. Her writing style is becoming more polished and her plots seem to be more complex.
Can't wait for her next offering.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book, it wasn't one that I had figured out half way through....thought I might, but I didn't. It had some surprises. And, rare in a book, at least for me, is being startled when something happens, I mean physically, it startled me....cool!

[Kate Loveday · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well- crafted mystery with colourful characters and lots of suspense. The plotting is masterful and Vicki Tyley keeps up the pace with the many twists in the plot, and keeps us guessing right to the ending. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited another Vicki Tyley book is ready to go on my kindle!!!!

[Murder in Common · Rating 4 out of 5]

The women in Tyley’s books are many women we know. At times confident, strong, and capable. And at times disillusioned, doubtful and insecure. One way or another they work their way through life finding their path through discovery and need, and rising to the necessity of challenges. They exhibit bravery and fearfulness, at times in equal measure for the same event.

Mystery, murder and suspense are all part of Vicki Tyley’s books but let’s not forget romance. Something sweet, longing and juicy that builds over time. There isn’t any bed-hopping by Tyley’s protagonists, at their core they know who they are. They believe in romance no matter how they have arrived at this place and time in their lives.

Overall, these women are determined. If someone they care about is in trouble they will help them. If they are missing they will find them, with or without the help of local authorities. If they discover a thread they will tug on it until the unravelling provokes a response. Often the result is unanticipated and sometimes calamitous.

Her books (five to date) are the kind of easy reads that win awards, Thin Blood having made Amazon’s 2010 best reads list. They are just what you need to take a break after a convoluted and exhausting novel. Go ahead, let Tyley take you where you need to be.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a suspense with definite romantic undertones. What I don't like about romance novels is the excess filler in too much description. While this one had some, it wasn't over the top at all. I thought it went on and on though for awhile about the dating service. Some of the "discovery" was sort of a stretch. For example: How one discovered where something was taking place and the subsequent relatively easy break-in.

There were parts where you could feel the suspense. I hadn't readily guessed the perp and that's always good.

[M. Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. While the mystery held together well, the combination of violent scenes with writing that was somewhat harlequinesque in most places just didn't work for me. I suspect I'm just out of step and many people would love it.

[Rainey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. Held my attention throughout the book.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melbourne - based thriller featuring two friends who decide to join a dating group but end up getting more than they bargained for

[Lisa Holowicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of strange...