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Tell No Lies
A series of anonymous threats intended for others puts a man—and everyone he loves—in the path of a relentless killer
Daniel Brasher has always been something of a disappointment to his old-money aristocratic San Francisco mother. Daniel left his high-paying job as a money manager to marry his community organizer wife and work at a job he loves, leading group counseling sessions with recently paroled ex-cons. Now he’s ready to move on and start a private practice.
But before he leaves, he finds an envelope in his department mailbox—one intended for someone else that was placed in his slot by accident. Inside it is an unsigned piece of paper, a note that says only “admit what you’ve done or you will bleed for it. you have 'til november 15 at midnite.” The deadline has already passed and the person to whom the envelope was addressed was brutally murdered. But this first warning is only the beginning.
Soon, Daniel finds more warnings in his office mail, to people that the police cannot track down, and to victims that cannot be saved. Daniel's efforts, however, have alerted the killer to his involvement and next he gets a threat of his own. Now, with the clock ticking, Daniel—with no clue what he’s supposed to have done or to what action he must confess—must somehow appease, or outwit, a seemingly unstoppable killer.
Daniel Brasher has always been something of a disappointment to his old-money aristocratic San Francisco mother. Daniel left his high-paying job as a money manager to marry his community organizer wife and work at a job he loves, leading group counseling sessions with recently paroled ex-cons. Now he’s ready to move on and start a private practice.
But before he leaves, he finds an envelope in his department mailbox—one intended for someone else that was placed in his slot by accident. Inside it is an unsigned piece of paper, a note that says only “admit what you’ve done or you will bleed for it. you have 'til november 15 at midnite.” The deadline has already passed and the person to whom the envelope was addressed was brutally murdered. But this first warning is only the beginning.
Soon, Daniel finds more warnings in his office mail, to people that the police cannot track down, and to victims that cannot be saved. Daniel's efforts, however, have alerted the killer to his involvement and next he gets a threat of his own. Now, with the clock ticking, Daniel—with no clue what he’s supposed to have done or to what action he must confess—must somehow appease, or outwit, a seemingly unstoppable killer.
369 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2013
439 people are currently reading
2677 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Hurwitz
304 books6,835 followersGregg Hurwitz is the critically acclaimed, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of 20 novels, including OUT OF THE DARK (2019). His novels have been shortlisted for numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 30 languages.
He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.
He is also a New York Times Bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). Additionally, he’s written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios, and written, developed, and produced television for various networks. Gregg resides in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews
July 27, 2023
Listened start to finish to this awful story about victims being victimized. 1 of 10 stars
August 12, 2022
Found this in some ways better than the Orphan X series - enjoyable and suspenseful.
March 28, 2022
Tell No Lies is a 2013 stand-alone thriller set in San Francisco by the author of the compulsive Orphan X series. I found it at a book fair and was ready for some fast paced action. While not as exciting as Evan Smoak’s adventures, I quite enjoyed it - certainly more than expected given the generally lacklustre reviews I’d read.
Daniel Brasher is a counsellor who works with convicted felons to try and prevent them from reoffending. Born into a wealthy family, he rejected the lifestyle offered by working for his toxic mother, in favour of a more rewarding career and his beloved wife. When he finds a threatening note in his office cubbyhole addressed to a stranger, he feels compelled to try and intervene, but is too late. Drawn into the police investigation by further murders, he begins to suspect a connection to his work - and then he receives another matching death threat - but this one has his own name on it…
I couldn’t decide whether I liked Daniel or not - with his whole guilty white saviour complex going on, constantly hurtling into ridiculously dangerous situations, but I did like his interactions with his therapy group. There were enough potential suspects to keep the mystery going even if the ultimate reveal was a bit underwhelming. The plot reminded me strongly of Harlan Coben’s stand-alones - in a good way, and there were enough twists to keep me up past my bedtime.
Daniel Brasher is a counsellor who works with convicted felons to try and prevent them from reoffending. Born into a wealthy family, he rejected the lifestyle offered by working for his toxic mother, in favour of a more rewarding career and his beloved wife. When he finds a threatening note in his office cubbyhole addressed to a stranger, he feels compelled to try and intervene, but is too late. Drawn into the police investigation by further murders, he begins to suspect a connection to his work - and then he receives another matching death threat - but this one has his own name on it…
I couldn’t decide whether I liked Daniel or not - with his whole guilty white saviour complex going on, constantly hurtling into ridiculously dangerous situations, but I did like his interactions with his therapy group. There were enough potential suspects to keep the mystery going even if the ultimate reveal was a bit underwhelming. The plot reminded me strongly of Harlan Coben’s stand-alones - in a good way, and there were enough twists to keep me up past my bedtime.
July 31, 2013
This is definitely the best crime novel that I have read so far this year! I thought the story was incredibly clever and not once did I manage to suss out what was going to happen next. It definitely kept me on my toes.
Daniel Brasher is a counsellor for the criminally convicted who are now on parole. This makes his job a little more interesting than most. He comes from a very wealthy background and from a flashback at the beginning of the novel, we know that he had a hard and if not cruel Mother. His wife Christina has not been as privileged as Daniel and not long ago she had a rare form of heart cancer, which she was lucky enough to get through.
Daniel doesn't want to continue working with ex-cons any more and plans to have his own private practice. But as he leaving work one evening he goes to collect his post from the mail room; there he finds a death threat, it is not addressed to him, but the recipient has to "admit what you've done or you will bleed for it. you have 'til november 15 at midnite". Shockingly that deadline has already passed and that person is already dead, having been brutally murdered.
But this is only the beginning. Daniel then finds two more death threats addressed to people he doesn't know with the same message but different deadlines. It is a race against time to find these people and save them from their potential gruesome fates.
I really liked Gregg Hurwitz's writing style in this. It seemed softer compared to some other crime novels I have read and I think it absorbed me in the story better and helped me get to know the characters.
I enjoyed all the characters in this, even the ex-convicts. They were so well developed and I really felt like I got to know them all. They really add to the story and when you are trying to work out who the killer might be, you just can't suss it out. Everyone is a suspect and the criminal possibly being someone from the group makes it harder for you to guess.
There was some really tense scenes in this novel and I found myself racing through it; my heart pounding as I read.
And just when you think you've got it sussed, Gregg Hurwitz throws in a major twist right at the end, which got me tensing all over again! Gregg very cleverly misdirects you, so that you have no chance of figuring out who the killer is on your own.
Overall this was brilliant, a gripping, suspenseful and heart pounding read that you will race through! A big thank you to Penguin books for sending this to me to review!
September 4, 2013
I was really quite excited when I received an early review copy of the new Gregg Hurwitz. The synopsis had all the key ingredients to make a perfect Hurwitz belter. Daniel Brasher is a counsellor who lives a reasonably ordinary life. His job dealing with affected individuals who are usually on parole keeps his day to day work interesting. His longer term plan is to jack in the public stuff and start his own private practice. With that in mind, he aims to enjoy his last few weeks with his current group. As he leaves work one evening he finds a letter in his pigeonhole, only it’s not for him. It’s too late as Daniel has already read the note which declared that the recipient has until midnight on November 15th to admit what they have done or they will bleed for it.
The first part of the book was typical Hurwitz with descriptions of each of his group, and the discovery of the note. It’s all pretty high tension stuff and you realise that Daniel is in a pretty awkward position. However, when he informs the police what is going on and they intervene, it seems like they just miss the killer each and every time. It seems that with each note Daniel receives, he has to figure out the puzzle. Who is the victim and what have they done. I admit that the first few chapters flew by and I was totally engrossed, and then something weird happened. The book sort of took on a weird, disjointed kind of air to it. I felt like the middle of the book hit a bit of a stumbling block and I struggled to get through the pages.
However, having read and loved many of his books I carried on. Towards the last third of the book, the pace picked up again and once again I was taken down the smooth road of taut and tense scenes created by Mr H. Towards the end of the book I was still none the wiser about who the murdered was, but when all was revealed I kind of felt like there was a major piece of the puzzle still missing from the book. This review may sound slightly strange, but in all honesty that’s kind of what the book was like. If I read it not knowing the author I might have guessed it was a new author who had it 60% right?!?
Overall it was an average read, but for Gregg Hurwitz it definitely wasn’t up to his usual standard. I have no idea if this was due to maybe the mood I was whilst in reading it, or whether other people will agree? I just feel like there was something missing that his books never normally miss. I will always look forward to reading a Hurwitz book and can only assume that this story just wasn’t for me, of maybe it just isn’t as good as his others? Either way, I still eagerly await the next book.
The first part of the book was typical Hurwitz with descriptions of each of his group, and the discovery of the note. It’s all pretty high tension stuff and you realise that Daniel is in a pretty awkward position. However, when he informs the police what is going on and they intervene, it seems like they just miss the killer each and every time. It seems that with each note Daniel receives, he has to figure out the puzzle. Who is the victim and what have they done. I admit that the first few chapters flew by and I was totally engrossed, and then something weird happened. The book sort of took on a weird, disjointed kind of air to it. I felt like the middle of the book hit a bit of a stumbling block and I struggled to get through the pages.
However, having read and loved many of his books I carried on. Towards the last third of the book, the pace picked up again and once again I was taken down the smooth road of taut and tense scenes created by Mr H. Towards the end of the book I was still none the wiser about who the murdered was, but when all was revealed I kind of felt like there was a major piece of the puzzle still missing from the book. This review may sound slightly strange, but in all honesty that’s kind of what the book was like. If I read it not knowing the author I might have guessed it was a new author who had it 60% right?!?
Overall it was an average read, but for Gregg Hurwitz it definitely wasn’t up to his usual standard. I have no idea if this was due to maybe the mood I was whilst in reading it, or whether other people will agree? I just feel like there was something missing that his books never normally miss. I will always look forward to reading a Hurwitz book and can only assume that this story just wasn’t for me, of maybe it just isn’t as good as his others? Either way, I still eagerly await the next book.
October 23, 2013
A series of anonymous threats intended for others puts a man—and everyone he loves—in the path of a relentless killer
I am a huge fan of Gregg Hurwitz because he writes actually thrilling thrillers. Not only that, he leads you a merry dance while you are trying to work out what the heck might be going on....so not only do you get an edge of your seat read, but also a bit of a brain work out. Tell No Lies is no exception to this rule - and it is one of the best so far.
Daniel Brasher comes from money and privilege - he likes to think he has left that behind and he works as a therapist with groups of ex convicts to help them get their lives back on track..after one such session, he picks up his mail and finds an anonymous letter. "admit what you’ve done or you will bleed for it. you have 'til november 15 at midnite." The letter is not addressed to him however..and the deadline has already passed.
The story twists and turns, and moves along at a heck of a pace that leaves your head spinning and your heart pounding - at the same time Mr Hurwitz manages to create believable, sometimes eccentric, always intriguing characters that you actually care about - and often manages to give you something "real life" to think about. In the case of this book, the different opportunities in life available to the rich versus the poor.
I havent loved ALL the books equally - some are not quite as exciting, or quite as involving, but all are enjoyable. I put this at no 2 on my "Favourite Hurwitz Books" list just beaten to the post by "We Know" a novel I read in one caffeine fuelled breathless night last year. Anyone who loves a good thriller but likes them to be intelligent will enjoy this one. And probably a fair few others from this author...
Happy Reading Folks!
I am a huge fan of Gregg Hurwitz because he writes actually thrilling thrillers. Not only that, he leads you a merry dance while you are trying to work out what the heck might be going on....so not only do you get an edge of your seat read, but also a bit of a brain work out. Tell No Lies is no exception to this rule - and it is one of the best so far.
Daniel Brasher comes from money and privilege - he likes to think he has left that behind and he works as a therapist with groups of ex convicts to help them get their lives back on track..after one such session, he picks up his mail and finds an anonymous letter. "admit what you’ve done or you will bleed for it. you have 'til november 15 at midnite." The letter is not addressed to him however..and the deadline has already passed.
The story twists and turns, and moves along at a heck of a pace that leaves your head spinning and your heart pounding - at the same time Mr Hurwitz manages to create believable, sometimes eccentric, always intriguing characters that you actually care about - and often manages to give you something "real life" to think about. In the case of this book, the different opportunities in life available to the rich versus the poor.
I havent loved ALL the books equally - some are not quite as exciting, or quite as involving, but all are enjoyable. I put this at no 2 on my "Favourite Hurwitz Books" list just beaten to the post by "We Know" a novel I read in one caffeine fuelled breathless night last year. Anyone who loves a good thriller but likes them to be intelligent will enjoy this one. And probably a fair few others from this author...
Happy Reading Folks!
December 12, 2020
Daniel Brasher counsels ex-cons. His wife Cristina is a community organizer. Daniel comes from a wealthy family. He receives a note inthis work mailbox that says "admit what youve done or you will bleed for it". The deadline has already expired. Looking closer, Daniel realizes this note was not addressed to him. When he and Cris look up the intended recipient, they find he was viciously murdered.
There's a second note. As he races to warn the victim, the killer sees him and takes his picture as sirens get closer. Oh, Daniel, bad news.... what killer wants a witness. Or does the killer already know who Daniel is?
This was my first time reading a novel by this author. I understand he writes the Orphan X series but I never started those. In this standalone from 2013, I thought the story was compelling. I had no idea who the killer was and that made the book more enjoyable all the way to the end. Another author that I need to check out...
There's a second note. As he races to warn the victim, the killer sees him and takes his picture as sirens get closer. Oh, Daniel, bad news.... what killer wants a witness. Or does the killer already know who Daniel is?
This was my first time reading a novel by this author. I understand he writes the Orphan X series but I never started those. In this standalone from 2013, I thought the story was compelling. I had no idea who the killer was and that made the book more enjoyable all the way to the end. Another author that I need to check out...
January 9, 2015
I enjoyed the premise of this murder mystery but it did remind me a bit of a movie staring Bruce Willis called "Color of Night". The characters were unique and the story kept up a good, fast pace throughout. Even though it had a somewhat predictable ending it was still exciting.
The author did a great job with the descriptions of the city of San Francisco. I used to live there and he brought back many memories for me. He showed just how diverse and beautiful the city is and how it has its own distinctly different weather pattern.
I would read more from this author should any come up as Daily Deals as this one was.
The author did a great job with the descriptions of the city of San Francisco. I used to live there and he brought back many memories for me. He showed just how diverse and beautiful the city is and how it has its own distinctly different weather pattern.
I would read more from this author should any come up as Daily Deals as this one was.
December 31, 2022
3 ⭐Merrr. Normally i love this author but i just couldn't get into this book and then all of a sudden the ending was quite good.
September 12, 2014
Daniel Brasher is the scion of a super-wealthy San Francisco family who is trying to sever his difficult, snooty mother's apron strings. Having walked away from the lucrative trade of managing the family fortune, he's now a psychologist working with violent ex-cons. Not that he's donned sackcloth and taken a vow of poverty - he still has his money, and as the book begins, he's making plans to start a private practice in a nice luxury office suite.
Much of the human interest involves his group of felons whom he meets with once a week as part of the terms of their parole. They are your usual assortment of poor, mostly non-white people who have made bad life choices, but each one has their little facets and secrets which are unveiled to give them a bit of added dimensionality. Much of the book takes place in their group counseling sessions, which of course turns out to be more significant when Daniel suspects that one of them is a killer.
Without spoiling anything, the killer is out to avenge a perceived injustice, and naturally Daniel turns out to be involved personally. Most of the plot moves in predictable fashion - you can tell when a "twist" is coming by how much of the book is left - but despite it being both somewhat formulaic and implausible (I really don't think the SFPD are going to keep asking a civilian who also happens to be the son of one of the city's most prominent families to keep coming to crime scenes where a serial killer may still be lurking about), I found it entertaining most of the way through. Only at the very end did it become so formulaic as to make me wish it had ended a chapter or two earlier.
Not a particularly thrilling thriller, but the plot moves nicely with a diverse range of characters, and being an expat Californian, I appreciated the San Francisco setting. 3.5 stars - I haven't read any books by Gregg Hurwitz before, but it was a nice break from the military SF I've been reading lately, and I would probably try this author again.
Much of the human interest involves his group of felons whom he meets with once a week as part of the terms of their parole. They are your usual assortment of poor, mostly non-white people who have made bad life choices, but each one has their little facets and secrets which are unveiled to give them a bit of added dimensionality. Much of the book takes place in their group counseling sessions, which of course turns out to be more significant when Daniel suspects that one of them is a killer.
Without spoiling anything, the killer is out to avenge a perceived injustice, and naturally Daniel turns out to be involved personally. Most of the plot moves in predictable fashion - you can tell when a "twist" is coming by how much of the book is left - but despite it being both somewhat formulaic and implausible (I really don't think the SFPD are going to keep asking a civilian who also happens to be the son of one of the city's most prominent families to keep coming to crime scenes where a serial killer may still be lurking about), I found it entertaining most of the way through. Only at the very end did it become so formulaic as to make me wish it had ended a chapter or two earlier.
Not a particularly thrilling thriller, but the plot moves nicely with a diverse range of characters, and being an expat Californian, I appreciated the San Francisco setting. 3.5 stars - I haven't read any books by Gregg Hurwitz before, but it was a nice break from the military SF I've been reading lately, and I would probably try this author again.
November 30, 2013
I love suspense novels - especially those that throw an 'everyday' person into extraordinary circumstances.
Gregg Hurwitz writes this genre - and does it very well. His latest book is Tell No Lies.
Daniel Brasher comes from money, but decided to make his own way in life and make a difference in other's lives. Daniel works as a counsellor for a group of paroled violent offenders. While checking his oft neglected staff mailbox one night, he comes across a unsigned departmental envelope. The missive inside is chilling...
"Admit what youv don, or you will bleed for it. you hav til november 15 at midnite. jack holley."
The date has passed, and when Daniel and his wife check the paper - they find the news story detailing the murder of Jack Holley. Daniel contacts the police, but more letters - and more deadlines - keep showing up in his mailbox. Could it be one of the ex-cons in his group? Why is Daniel receiving these letters?
Hurwitz has populated Tell No Lies with lots of suspects to choose from. He plants red herrings and provides enough twists and turns that I really had no idea 'whodunit' until the last few chapters. You may have to suspend disbelief on a few plot points, but Hurwitz has written a great piece of escapist reading. Tell No Lies is all about the page turning action (which is exactly what I wanted). Daniel is somewhat fleshed out, but don't expect great characterization. His mother and some of the cons are a bit cliched, but serve their purpose.
The counselling sessions with the parolees were well written and actually provided some food for thought. There are some other social commentary bits scattered throughout the book.
Recommended for suspense and thriller readers. Fans of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay would enjoy Gregg Hurwitz.
Gregg Hurwitz writes this genre - and does it very well. His latest book is Tell No Lies.
Daniel Brasher comes from money, but decided to make his own way in life and make a difference in other's lives. Daniel works as a counsellor for a group of paroled violent offenders. While checking his oft neglected staff mailbox one night, he comes across a unsigned departmental envelope. The missive inside is chilling...
"Admit what youv don, or you will bleed for it. you hav til november 15 at midnite. jack holley."
The date has passed, and when Daniel and his wife check the paper - they find the news story detailing the murder of Jack Holley. Daniel contacts the police, but more letters - and more deadlines - keep showing up in his mailbox. Could it be one of the ex-cons in his group? Why is Daniel receiving these letters?
Hurwitz has populated Tell No Lies with lots of suspects to choose from. He plants red herrings and provides enough twists and turns that I really had no idea 'whodunit' until the last few chapters. You may have to suspend disbelief on a few plot points, but Hurwitz has written a great piece of escapist reading. Tell No Lies is all about the page turning action (which is exactly what I wanted). Daniel is somewhat fleshed out, but don't expect great characterization. His mother and some of the cons are a bit cliched, but serve their purpose.
The counselling sessions with the parolees were well written and actually provided some food for thought. There are some other social commentary bits scattered throughout the book.
Recommended for suspense and thriller readers. Fans of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay would enjoy Gregg Hurwitz.
November 18, 2020
Very enjoyable read. Clever storyline and characters. Good twist at the end. Knew it was coming as lots of pages still unread. Always a good indicator. Now I think I move to the new Jack Reacher
September 22, 2019
A man receives other people's death threats.
This was entertaining, even if the plot was a bit crazy.
Reading time around five hours.
This was entertaining, even if the plot was a bit crazy.
Reading time around five hours.
November 10, 2017
Tell No Lies was a super good read with a lot of suspense, intrigue and historical data about San Francisco. The main character has to outwit, unmask, appease or somehow stop a frantic killer while trying to help the victims. I loved the descriptions of the city and the buildings as well as the history of the St. Francis Hotel. His mother made me laugh as I've met monied ladies like Daniel's mother and was cheering for Daniel's wife when she and "mommy" got into it their first meeting.
July 8, 2013
Another dynamite thriller from Hurwitz
I think I've read all of Hurwitz's books, have enjoyed them and this is my favorite among them all.
Hurwitz writes dynamite thrillers, fast paced and exciting with a big bang at the end. And "Tell No Lies" shows the author at the top of his form.
Daniel Brasher grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. His wife, Cristina, comes from a poor background. But he and Cristina decided they wanted to give back to their San Francisco community. Daniel is a counselor, leading group sessions with convicts on parole, and Cristina is trying to help a group of low-income people from being bought out of their homes by a mega corporation.
The action starts quickly in this tale and the speed just ramps up as you flip through the pages, trying to keep up.
GREAT character development - I felt like I could visualize them all and wanted to get to know most of them, even the ex-cons. Hurwitz creates a lot of empathy for his characters this time around.
Plotting - tight with no holes. It's an excellent idea for a novel and actually works.
This story will keep you guessing right up to the last pages. It's one of my favorite reads this year.
NOTE: I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I think I've read all of Hurwitz's books, have enjoyed them and this is my favorite among them all.
Hurwitz writes dynamite thrillers, fast paced and exciting with a big bang at the end. And "Tell No Lies" shows the author at the top of his form.
Daniel Brasher grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. His wife, Cristina, comes from a poor background. But he and Cristina decided they wanted to give back to their San Francisco community. Daniel is a counselor, leading group sessions with convicts on parole, and Cristina is trying to help a group of low-income people from being bought out of their homes by a mega corporation.
The action starts quickly in this tale and the speed just ramps up as you flip through the pages, trying to keep up.
GREAT character development - I felt like I could visualize them all and wanted to get to know most of them, even the ex-cons. Hurwitz creates a lot of empathy for his characters this time around.
Plotting - tight with no holes. It's an excellent idea for a novel and actually works.
This story will keep you guessing right up to the last pages. It's one of my favorite reads this year.
NOTE: I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 23, 2016
This was my first dealing with the author, an author who has been on my to-read list for quite some time, and I’m rather annoyed with myself for waiting so long to pick up one of his books.
For the first couple of chapters I was asking myself why I was sticking with the book, not enjoying it all that much. I’d expected things to start with a real bang – a page one bang – and when it took a while for the crime aspect of the story to get started I felt myself lagging somewhat. Oh, what a mistake that was. In retrospect, it merely felt like a long time before the story started – really, it wasn’t much at all.
Out of nowhere things got truly interesting. Then, the next thing I knew, I’d read the large majority of the book and had lost a few hours of my life.
Filled with interesting characters, a gripping plot, and new questions constantly coming to light, I was on the edge of my seat and unable to put the book down. In fact, this book is very close to being a five star review. Had I not been iffy to start with I probably would have given it five stars – instead, it is a strong four point five.
Without a doubt I will be returning for more now that I know what to expect from the author.
For the first couple of chapters I was asking myself why I was sticking with the book, not enjoying it all that much. I’d expected things to start with a real bang – a page one bang – and when it took a while for the crime aspect of the story to get started I felt myself lagging somewhat. Oh, what a mistake that was. In retrospect, it merely felt like a long time before the story started – really, it wasn’t much at all.
Out of nowhere things got truly interesting. Then, the next thing I knew, I’d read the large majority of the book and had lost a few hours of my life.
Filled with interesting characters, a gripping plot, and new questions constantly coming to light, I was on the edge of my seat and unable to put the book down. In fact, this book is very close to being a five star review. Had I not been iffy to start with I probably would have given it five stars – instead, it is a strong four point five.
Without a doubt I will be returning for more now that I know what to expect from the author.
July 10, 2014
This is by no means a perfect book. There are holes big enough to drive semis through, such as
-police allow civilian into crime scenes
-police do not suspect civilian who seems to be in the middle of everything
-civilian is at fresh crime scene twice just before police get there
-no motive for one of the killers at all
But the story was very engaging. I bought into the high stakes feel of the problems. I really liked the main characters and even the evil bitchy mother was more than an evil bitchy person. Most of the characters had some depth to them. I also bought into the therapy involved with the violent offenders; it felt realistic and effective. There's also an overriding them about the differences between the haves and the have-nots that I thought was handled pretty well. No answers given but both sides presented well.
I'd read more by this author.
-police allow civilian into crime scenes
-police do not suspect civilian who seems to be in the middle of everything
-civilian is at fresh crime scene twice just before police get there
-no motive for one of the killers at all
But the story was very engaging. I bought into the high stakes feel of the problems. I really liked the main characters and even the evil bitchy mother was more than an evil bitchy person. Most of the characters had some depth to them. I also bought into the therapy involved with the violent offenders; it felt realistic and effective. There's also an overriding them about the differences between the haves and the have-nots that I thought was handled pretty well. No answers given but both sides presented well.
I'd read more by this author.
September 6, 2013
Daniel Brasher decides to give back to his community. He's from a wealthy San Francisco family and now works as a counselor in an inner city facility.
He finds a note in his mail, delivered to him by mistake. Do what the note tells you or die. He doesn't pay attention and learns that the man it was addressed to was brutally murdered.
This happens to two other people before Daniel or the police can save them and then, Daniel gets a note.
Good suspense and characters.
Gregg Hurwitz is an excellent writer whose books ooze with suspense. He describes his characters in a realistic manner that it is as if we are sitting in the counseling room trying to explain the crimes we've committed.
He finds a note in his mail, delivered to him by mistake. Do what the note tells you or die. He doesn't pay attention and learns that the man it was addressed to was brutally murdered.
This happens to two other people before Daniel or the police can save them and then, Daniel gets a note.
Good suspense and characters.
Gregg Hurwitz is an excellent writer whose books ooze with suspense. He describes his characters in a realistic manner that it is as if we are sitting in the counseling room trying to explain the crimes we've committed.
February 5, 2014
This is probably my least favourite Hurwitz book so far. I found it a little too preachy about class divisions, and at times it read more like a travel guide of San Francisco than a page-turning thriller. I also didn't really connect with the main characters. It became tiresome to read about Daniel's amazing counselling abilities, and the dichotomy between Evelyn's mommy-dearest and sympathetic sides was too great to be believable. As for Cristina's character, it just seemed under-developed. I liked and felt a greater connection with the host of minor characters in the book. I will give Hurwitz another try and hope he doesn't disappoint.
January 22, 2018
I like Hurwitz. He definitely kept me glued to the book. But I hate serial killer books, especially the ones (nearly all of them) where the serial killer is almost like a super hero with incredible powers, seemingly unstoppable. I've stopped reading other books like this in the past, and it may be time to do the same now.
I thought I had read this before! I would still give it a 3 stars. Hmm. I am reading his latest, and I think it is better. But good writer for sure.
I thought I had read this before! I would still give it a 3 stars. Hmm. I am reading his latest, and I think it is better. But good writer for sure.
February 19, 2018
Audio narrated by Scott Brick
If I had read this book instead of listening to the fine performance, and not had personal knowledge of San Francisco, it might have rated at just two stars.
From my mother's paternal side I am 5th generation Californian. The first ancestors arrived in 1847, from England, to sell weapons to Mexico during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). My mother's father was born in the Sierras during the placer mining gold rush and moved Vallejo as an adult while he was employed in the boiler room of the Mark Hopkins Hotel in SF. My mother was born in Oakland 1922 before the family moved to San Mateo (the county just south of SF County). Her mother was a Brythonic Celt from Liverpool, England.
From 1849 to the present San Francisco has been a magnet for people who are eager to get something.
Back to the book. Hurwitz captures this dynamic polarization between cultural groups: the hard working capitalists versus the equally hard working socialists. At present, gentrification in SF, is flying at supersonic speed. Techies and the new rich have raised the cost of housing to a point that can't compare to other same size cities. There is a class war there resulting in 18% of the families have children, down the national average of 38%. In the middle of those two classes, are the political snakes like Nancy Pelosi (migrated from Baltimore), and Diane Feistein, who play both sides against each other for their own political and capitalistic gains.
***filling up with gasoline yesterday, 2/18/2018, the state tax was $0.45 per gal in order to drive on roads that ARE NOT maintained.
So listen to the audio version and learn a bit about SF before spend "an arm and a leg" just to visit a hilly tip of an unstable peninsula.
Wm, born San Mateo, 1947
If I had read this book instead of listening to the fine performance, and not had personal knowledge of San Francisco, it might have rated at just two stars.
From my mother's paternal side I am 5th generation Californian. The first ancestors arrived in 1847, from England, to sell weapons to Mexico during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). My mother's father was born in the Sierras during the placer mining gold rush and moved Vallejo as an adult while he was employed in the boiler room of the Mark Hopkins Hotel in SF. My mother was born in Oakland 1922 before the family moved to San Mateo (the county just south of SF County). Her mother was a Brythonic Celt from Liverpool, England.
From 1849 to the present San Francisco has been a magnet for people who are eager to get something.
Back to the book. Hurwitz captures this dynamic polarization between cultural groups: the hard working capitalists versus the equally hard working socialists. At present, gentrification in SF, is flying at supersonic speed. Techies and the new rich have raised the cost of housing to a point that can't compare to other same size cities. There is a class war there resulting in 18% of the families have children, down the national average of 38%. In the middle of those two classes, are the political snakes like Nancy Pelosi (migrated from Baltimore), and Diane Feistein, who play both sides against each other for their own political and capitalistic gains.
***filling up with gasoline yesterday, 2/18/2018, the state tax was $0.45 per gal in order to drive on roads that ARE NOT maintained.
So listen to the audio version and learn a bit about SF before spend "an arm and a leg" just to visit a hilly tip of an unstable peninsula.
Wm, born San Mateo, 1947
September 9, 2017
I didn't love this as much as the Orphan X series but it was gripping with the right amount of diversions to keep me on my toes... well paced unraveling. I am going to keep reading more by this author.
The story has social commentary (its delicate) which adds to the story. I didn't find the main character very likable, but he wasn't unlikeable... it was interesting to care about knowing what happens while not rooting for the guy or being emotionally invested in his outcome.
Summary: psychologist finds murder threat letter to someone else in his mailbox and suspects it's a patient. The rest of the novel is figuring out who and why and what's the connection? Ultimately it's a story of consequences and how it's easy to forget that better for someone means it's worse for someone else.
The story has social commentary (its delicate) which adds to the story. I didn't find the main character very likable, but he wasn't unlikeable... it was interesting to care about knowing what happens while not rooting for the guy or being emotionally invested in his outcome.
Summary: psychologist finds murder threat letter to someone else in his mailbox and suspects it's a patient. The rest of the novel is figuring out who and why and what's the connection? Ultimately it's a story of consequences and how it's easy to forget that better for someone means it's worse for someone else.
October 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book by the author of Orphan X. The book has been re released on the popularity of the Evan Smoak books, and certainly deserves being read.
Daniel is a councillor working with criminals on probation who need to reform and change their lives. Upon leaving work one night he checks his pigeonhole where Mail is delivered. As his mail slot is by the outwards mail slot he often receives letters not intended for him. This seems the case when he opens a letter that turns out to be a warning of death for the recipient. As the deadline had passed he googles the person and finds that they have been murdered. When further warnings herald more gruesome murders, Daniel finds himself drawn into the web that points to one of his clients, and it seems he is next on the death list.
I found this a real page turner and an excellent front runner to the Orphan X series.
Daniel is a councillor working with criminals on probation who need to reform and change their lives. Upon leaving work one night he checks his pigeonhole where Mail is delivered. As his mail slot is by the outwards mail slot he often receives letters not intended for him. This seems the case when he opens a letter that turns out to be a warning of death for the recipient. As the deadline had passed he googles the person and finds that they have been murdered. When further warnings herald more gruesome murders, Daniel finds himself drawn into the web that points to one of his clients, and it seems he is next on the death list.
I found this a real page turner and an excellent front runner to the Orphan X series.
January 25, 2019
4.5☆ really enjoyed this even if it was far fetched, I loved The group
November 19, 2021
לפי התקציר בכריכה האחורית וכן, הפרקים הראשונים של הספר
נתנו לי מעין תחושה של חבל על הזמן שלך. במיוחד עם מספר
התנהגויות מוזרות והזויות של הגיבור.
ככל שמתקדמים בקריאה, ביחד עם הרקע, המסתורים וסיפוריהם
האישיים של הדמויות המעורבות מגביר את העניין וגם הקצב עולה
בהדרגה. ושם, באמת, מתחילים לאהוב את הספר.
נוסף על זאת, אהבתי גם את הדינמיקה ודרכי ההתמודדות של
המשתתפים בטיפול הקבוצתי.
נתנו לי מעין תחושה של חבל על הזמן שלך. במיוחד עם מספר
התנהגויות מוזרות והזויות של הגיבור.
ככל שמתקדמים בקריאה, ביחד עם הרקע, המסתורים וסיפוריהם
האישיים של הדמויות המעורבות מגביר את העניין וגם הקצב עולה
בהדרגה. ושם, באמת, מתחילים לאהוב את הספר.
נוסף על זאת, אהבתי גם את הדינמיקה ודרכי ההתמודדות של
המשתתפים בטיפול הקבוצתי.
July 4, 2024
I wanted to read this book because I’ve read all the Orphan X books. I wanted to see if I loved Hurwitz’s writing outside of the series. This guy is very good with fast-paced, action thrillers. This one tried to create twists and succeeds most of the time. I wasn’t fooled and I’m sure most readers weren’t but it was still v well done. Hurwitz did an admirable job, trying to make the city of San Francisco another character in the novel. He went to great lengths describing some of the neighbourhoods and the overall vibe of the city. I’ve seen other writers do this and it’s usually been very good especially when the described city or town matches the mood of the novel. I never really got with the ‘mood’ of San Francisco was so I never bought into that part.
September 20, 2013
TELL NO LIES is a contemporary mystery storyline of murder and suspense. This is my first Gregg Hurwitz novel.
The focus is on thirty something Daniel Brasher. Growing up privileged Daniel thumbed his nose at his family’s prestige and wealth and ventured into the world of psychology, group counseling with one-time rapists and thieves. A married man in a loving and committed relationship with his wife, three times per week Daniel leads and challenges a group of ex-cons and parolees to look within themselves at the who and what in their lives. But soon, Daniel will find himself on the receiving end of mysterious envelopes containing misdirected threats of murder and revenge. The messages are cryptic, threatening and contain deadlines for action.
We are introduced to the colorful and diverse group members through a series of one on one interactions where each participant must face the reality of what they have done and how to make amends. And in doing so, the reader as well as our hero will discover that not everyone is who he or she pretends to be. Everyone has a secret to tell.
As the storyline unfolds our hero Daniel is thrust into a world of grisly murders and psychotic killers. The local police detectives have nothing on Daniel as he seems to be able to ferret out the next victim before the authorities have time to blink and in doing so, Daniel places himself into a position where the killer begins to pull Daniel into the mystery that is unfolding before his eyes. But all too soon, the threats become personal and through a series of his own investigations Daniel will discover that the killer intends to make Daniel suffer in the same way the killer has suffered in the past.
This is a story of murder and revenge; a story where the killer believes he has been betrayed down to the deepest part of his soul; and a story where one man’s grief turns ugly with the need to avenge a death that he believes could have been prevented if not for the money behind the rich and powerful. Tell No Lies is also a study of the sociological implications of who has the power over life and death; and the greed of big money, big business and big medicine.
Gregg Hurwitz pulls the reader into a storyline of twists and turns. There is limited foul language; the murder scenes are not as graphically descriptive as are some other storylines I have read, but they do leave nothing to the imagination. The group of counseling characters are an interesting mix of cons, thieves, gang bangers and screw ups who through one reason or another have an axe to grind about how society and the ‘man’ have ruined their lives. And in the end, each will face their demons and come out of the sessions for better or for worse.
TELL NO LIES is a dark tale where one man’s choices will snowball into a story of revenge: where money and power have all of the control; and where the lives of everyone you love will hang in the balance when horrendous grief knows no boundaries or ends.
Tell No Lies takes the reader on a trail of mysterious messages, missing bodies, murder victims and revenge. Gregg Hurwitz writes an interesting story that will captivate the mystery lover in all readers.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 13, 2014
First, let say that I got this book through GoodReads giveaways against an honest review.
This was the first Gregg Hurwitz novel I've read so I had no expectations before I started reading it. I'm a fan of thrillers so I'm familiar with the standards of the genre. I thought it was a good read that piqued my curiosity a few times.
But most of the secondary characters are a little one dimensional.
And Daniel, the MC, counsels 6 ex-cons whom we learn about in their group sessions. However those sessions were not really captivating and they were a little repetitive.
I don't think that a psychologist could be so heavily involved in the investigation. Surely a person who is not a detective and receives a death threat (intended for someone else) would hand it over to the police and that would be their part done. But Daniel followed the investigator everywhere. And at one of the crime scenes where policemen were swarming inside and out, it was Daniel who came face to face with the killer and nobody else saw him! That makes San Francisco police look dumb.
Too much commentary on the San Francisco scenery. Some of this was fine because it gives the readers some insight into the city and its various social aspects, but one full chapter was dedicated to describing every piece of surrounding scenery. It was a bit too much, especially since it didn't add anything to the story.
Despite the above unflattering comments, I liked the story. And, from what I see in other people's reviews, Hurwitz has written better novels (e.g. "The Survivor" and "The Crime Writer"). So I will check those out and hopefully they'll be better than Tell No Lies.
This was the first Gregg Hurwitz novel I've read so I had no expectations before I started reading it. I'm a fan of thrillers so I'm familiar with the standards of the genre. I thought it was a good read that piqued my curiosity a few times.
But most of the secondary characters are a little one dimensional.
And Daniel, the MC, counsels 6 ex-cons whom we learn about in their group sessions. However those sessions were not really captivating and they were a little repetitive.
I don't think that a psychologist could be so heavily involved in the investigation. Surely a person who is not a detective and receives a death threat (intended for someone else) would hand it over to the police and that would be their part done. But Daniel followed the investigator everywhere. And at one of the crime scenes where policemen were swarming inside and out, it was Daniel who came face to face with the killer and nobody else saw him! That makes San Francisco police look dumb.
Too much commentary on the San Francisco scenery. Some of this was fine because it gives the readers some insight into the city and its various social aspects, but one full chapter was dedicated to describing every piece of surrounding scenery. It was a bit too much, especially since it didn't add anything to the story.
Despite the above unflattering comments, I liked the story. And, from what I see in other people's reviews, Hurwitz has written better novels (e.g. "The Survivor" and "The Crime Writer"). So I will check those out and hopefully they'll be better than Tell No Lies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2016
Coloquiolisms from the characters are acceptable but in the narrative I find it lazy. there are many Americanisms in this novel (the worst being "bangs, wtf) which are obviously not intended for his minority of British readers, there are a number of chapters that add nothing to the story, just pointless ramblings that appear to be sponsored by the S.F tourist board, but the worst crime is expecting the reader to believe that the civilian protagonist could possibly have a better working knowledge of police procedure than the whole of the S.F.P.D. with quite a lame ending.
Yeah, yeah, I know he's not the only writer that treats the local cops as brainless idiots, which is why I've given it three stars, not bad entertainment and reasonably well written.
Yeah, yeah, I know he's not the only writer that treats the local cops as brainless idiots, which is why I've given it three stars, not bad entertainment and reasonably well written.
September 12, 2013
"Admit what you've done or you'll bleed for it. You have until midnight."
Roller coaster ride of suspense with quick turns and twists! Hold on tight for the ride or you'll bite all your nails down to the quick. Well written plot with great characters.
Roller coaster ride of suspense with quick turns and twists! Hold on tight for the ride or you'll bite all your nails down to the quick. Well written plot with great characters.
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