The Heart of Lies

Paradise Valley Mystery #2

by Debra Burroughs

Don't be fooled, online dating can be murder.

When one of Emily's BFFs meets a handsome and wealthy man online, this sassy Private Investigator can't help but be suspicious. With the help of the hot new police detective and her close circle of friends, can Emily stop the cyber-hunk from breaking her friend's heart - or worse?

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Ebooks, Contemporary, Murder Mystery

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2012

About the author

Debra Burroughs writes with intensity and power. Her characters are rich and the stories are full of compelling suspense and real romance. She can be found, most days, sitting in front of her computer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, dreaming up and writing about strong women, their relationships with men (good and bad), involved in exciting, mysterious, and romantic situations.

Reviews

[Debra Burroughs]

I am the author of this book, so I don't want to say too much that would make it sound like I'm pumping up my own work. The Paradise Valley Mystery series has been a lot of fun to write and the reviews tell me it's a lot of fun to read, as well. Readers seem especially drawn to the characters, which feel like people they would like to be friends with. I've even had people tell me they missed the characters when the book was done, which puts a smile on my face and makes me feel like I did my job.

[Monica Akinyi Odhiambo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally loved this book,I mean such close friendships between friends.Emily,Maggie,Isabel and Camille have that kind of hold-onto friendship that can never be broken.Especially when they found out ans suspected that Lucas Wakefield just didn't seem right,the efforts they pulled to at least find some background investigation and clearing her son's name from the murder he was almost implicated on.I would love to read the next story on this series.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paradise Valley has its third murder within a year after twenty years of being murder free. Emily Parker the new private investigator in town gets in the middle of this one too, after solving the second one. Maggie one of her best friends meets a man on an Internet dating site, he moves to town and starts a development company to promote a new ski resort and golf course near Paradise Valley in the near by mountains.

A whirlwind romance, a fraudulent scheme, conning Maggie's brother Sully, the mayor into investing money he does not have, and a murder keep this an exciting story. Colin returns from California to be an unofficial helper on the case this time, as Emily figures out who the killer is and how to trap her into making a confession in The Heart of Lies.

Emily is also troubled by the things he found about Evan, her late husband and uncovers more to the mystery surrounding his murder. The more information she gathers, the more questions she has about what happened to Evan (or David Gernard, his real name). I look forward to the third book in this series.

[Mimi Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three women who love each other dearly, their friendship important and satisfying come together in this exciting story to solve a mystery and learn more about the people they trust. When one of their group finds her dream man, our heroine, Emily, hates to learn that this guy might not be the person he’s showing to the world, but a whole different character and not someone she’d want one of her best friends to end up with. Meanwhile there’s still a mystery surrounding her own husband’s death that still needs to be solved. Great writing, constant action and even romance…what more can one ask for! Loved it!

[Rosalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are well developed in this story about a very likeable scam artist who has mastered the art of persuasion... Emily's friend is in the thick of it when her fiance gets murdered and her son is implicated. At the same time, Emily is trying to sort out her own mystery - that of who her now deceased husband really was and who of her friends his note is warning her about. Quick read, keeps your interest.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful sequel following Emily Parker as she investigates another murder in Paradise Valley which surrounds her best friend and son!! Loved seeing how Colin and Emily's relationship progresses too! Excellent story!!! Loved it!!

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the series I purchased the second book with the hope that the mystery of Evan’s death from the first book would be solved in the second book. That was not the case. It would appear that this secondary murder will be the tease that the author uses to get you to buy the next book. The murder mysteries in the first two books of the series were too easy to solve. I knew who the murders were as soon as the characters were introduced. If not for the unsolved murder of the first book I would not have purchased the second book. If an author wants to write a series you shouldn’t need a tease to get people to read the next book if your characters and stories are interesting. These were not interesting enough. I will not be purchasing any more books in this series or by this author.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another mystery with some manipulative characters thrown in to the mix. I like the friends of Emily's who make up a tight group of friends and I like the romance starting with Emily and her detective friend. Paradise valley appears to be a remarkable town where things are really quiet until they are not and murders start up. This is a good one in the series, I partially guessed right on who done it- but iI wasn't really correct to find the murderer, I find the stories very fun, quick and just perfect for a Cov filled summer time.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

better than book one

I did find that this book was written in a better way than book one, the style was fluid to read. Again the story evoked no great pull of emotions from me.
It was also super easy to know who killed the man, as soon as the murder was discovered I knew who had done it. Whereas in the first book I got nearly halfway through.
So you see these books aren’t great crime books, they are somewhat of the easily read cozy variety only without the crazy that usually goes with cozies.

[Carol Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book to the Paradise Valley Mystery! Emily has taken over her. Late husband's PI business and is once again trying to solve a murder.
The story keeps you reading even when you need to put the book down and go to sleep! I love how Emily is very caring during her investigation. She makes a wonderful PI

[Michele Klaben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story and left me hanging to find out more. I can't wait to read her next mystery.

This was a good read and it left me hanging. Can't wait to read the next book. Looking forward to it.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this lovely series Paradise Valley and I am enjoying these characters very much. This series has a nice romance along with the mystery. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Patricia A Spring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder mystery

Interesting plot and characters, no explicit sex scenes - thank you, yet still sweet romance. The characters do have epiphanies that they then seem to forget and the dreaded hangers for the next book but still enjoyable

[Karen Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book 2

Truly enjoying this book series. The continuation of Emily’s story following her husband’s death. This series is truly mysterious, suspenseful, and has just enough romance.

[Chantal Britz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually by the second book of a series, i start getting bored. But i am loving this series. I just want to keep reading to know what is going to happen next. Love the bit of romance mixed in the mystery.

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good read. This has lots of trickery, manipulation, and murder. Kept me on the edge throughout. The main characters are to love and the villains are to not love. Was exciting.

[Beverly Ohlendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Heart of Lies" gives what it promises.

This book is a satisfying romantic thriller that you won't want to put down! Get involved in the life and love of a successful PI who just might surprise you.

[Judy Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich characters

Debra has once again written an awesome book that is hard to put down! The characters pull you into the story with twists and turns. Their interactions leave you in suspense while you try to figure out whodunit!

[paulette sarelli]

Great romantic mystery

Not only is this a good mystery story but also a romantic story. Love to see how the relationship is developing between the two main characters. Can't wait to read the next book.

[sharon sobzak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

Emily gathers clues and works with Colin to solve another murder. She also gets more info towards finding who her husband really was. Even with a murder this book is not gory but more on the lighter side.

[Evelyn Goughnour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book!

Full of murder, intrigue, and love. Questions left after one of the main characters loses her husband but she picks up her life to go on and finds a new love in the process.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Debra Burroughs set in Paradise Valley, Idaho.
Maybe someday, we'll get a map of the town. Plenty of stuff happens there.
In this one, one of Emily's friends, Maggie, meets and falls for a man online who plans to build a ski and gold resort nearby.

[Loretta Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intriguing mystery story.

The author has written a story of deception with the attempt to cheat all the people of this small town out of a great deal of money. As the plot progresses a very drastic change comes about to create an event great crime to be committed.

[Nancy Harrold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to read if you like mysteries

I really liked this book. It kept my attention. I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. Just when I thought I had figured it out, I didn't. Mystery buffs will like it.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily continues her career as PI. When a new resort developer comes to town and quickly becomes engaged to Maggie, one of Emily's close friends, the girls feel there's something "off". When he is found dead in his office, the list of suspects is long and complicated.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read mystery series. I felt like I was right there as I read this series. Loved the characters, and the strong willed nature of the main character. One of my favorites for sure.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA

[REBECCA BLANCHARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, am so hooked on this series, on to the next book. another really late night, couldn't put the book down

[Mandy Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another who done it

Loved this book as much as the first one. Colin and Emily are perfect for each other. But you never know Who you can trust. Can't wait for the next book

[Linda Rae Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Well written novel with good twists and turns. My only objection: you pour coffee. You pore over a book so that is called poring