Fatal Lies

Forrester Detective Agency Mystery #2

by Anita Waller

BRAND NEW FROM ANITA WALLER For Matt Forrester, The Forrester Detective Agency is going from strength to they’ve expanded their office space and even hired a new office manager – a qualified and astute woman named Carol. What starts as a simple burglary case soon turns into something darker. The victim of said burglary soon turns up dead, after engaging in threats with the local yobs she believed to have been responsible. But it soon becomes clear that there’s more at play here, and Matt – alongside sister Hermia, partner Steve, and life partner Karen – will have to put all their skills to the test, even if it puts them in danger… Praise for Anita 'A great cast of characters, a riveting storyline, a nail-biting climax' Valerie Keogh 'By page 3 I was hooked. By the end I was addicted' Owen Mullen 'A very tense story. Great characters. An enthralling read' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review 'Loads of twists and turns. Kept me interested up until the last page. Recommend reading this' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review 'An exciting read all the way through, and as promised, an explosive ending' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Genres: Mystery

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2023

About the author

I live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didnt know this was book 2.started to read this book and enjoying the read so downloaded book one to read.This is detective agency,it starts with a woman being burgled and ends up into a murder case.This was an enjoyable read great characters and great storyline.looking forward to reading more of her books.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forrester Detective Agency #2

The Forrester Detective Agency is going from strength to strength, so they've expanded their office space and even hired a new manager - a qualified and astute woman named Carol. What starts as a simple burglary case soon turns into something darker, The victim of the said burglary soon turns up dead, after engaging in threats with local yobs she believed to be responsible. But it soon becomes clear that theirs more at play here, and Matt - alongside sister Hermia, partner Steve, and life partner Karen - will have to put all their skills to the test, even if it puts them all in danger.

I thought the first book in this series was good, but this book is a bit better. Matt, a former police officer, inherited the detective agency from his father. This well written story pulled me in after reading a couple of pages. We get a new office manager, Carol, who has slotted in to the agency straight away. We get snippets of the main characters personal lives. A burglary soon turns into a murder investigation when the victim spoke out against the people she thought were responsible. The story is told from multiple perspectives. There are a few subplots going on. After reading the ending to this book, I can't wait to read book three.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnitaWaller for my ARC of #FatalLies in exchange for an honest review.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Fatal Lies' by Anita Waller.


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Anita Waller, Boldwood, Book & Tonic and Rachel's Random Book Tours .


Publication date 17th October 2023

This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in her 'The Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also previously read 'The Couple Across The Street' which I would also highly recommend!!


This novel consists of a 37 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

'Fatal Lies' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Anita discusses/includes violence to a child.

I absolutely LOVED this fast paced, gritty and unputdownable psychological thriller filled with non stop action and secrets!!!

This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all making your heart pound and you constantly second guessing.


A huge success by Anita!!! This book had me hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliffhanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! This kept on happening over and over until before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this this morning and finished it at approx 2pm, reading it in one sitting. This is one of those fascinating books that will have you questioning the characters and yourself throughout!!! You have no idea who to believe and if any other of them can be trusted!!! There is plenty going on to keep the reader glued to the pages and I loved how Anita brought the multiple storylines together, weaving them together without giving too much away. I cannot wait to get stuck into the first book in this series along with future books. There was just constantly something going on and Anita's fantastic evocative descriptions brought absolutely everything to life in front of my eyes. The book starts with a break in at a family home but the storyline continues into murder, a runaway child, old cases, relationship problems, a break-in and a mysterious stalker plus so much more!!!! It is ram packed with twists, turns, murder, secrets, deceipt and surprises you'll never see coming. I definitely didn't and I have read hundreds of crime and psychological books so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Anita!! It is getting harder and harder to surprise me but you managed it in this successful, chilling and page turning psychological thriller!!! Grab your copy and jump on the rollercoaster ride of secrets, family, suspense, chills, twists, thrills, mystery and everything you could ask for in an epic page turner!!!

Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely LOVED the majority of the characters and became completely invested in them immediately. Although this is only the first time I have met them they already feel like friends and I cannot wait to get stuck into the first book in this series which is called Fatal Secrets to get to know them from the beginning as well as looking forward to reading all the next books in this series. They are all very well developed and realistic and Anita's evocative descriptions ensure each of them come to life in front of your eyes. The main characters which lead the Forrester Detective Agency are Matt Forrester who is an EX DI, Steve Rowlands who is also a landscaper and Carol Flynn who is Matt and Steve's new PA And creator of Watson (which I absolutely LOVE the idea of!!!). I'm not going to go into too much detail about the characters as I don't want to give anything but these three are the main characters and each of them all have their own unique personalities and quirks. I love the bond and teamwork between them all and I cannot wait to continue getting to know them. Other important characters in this amazing series include Hermia (Steve's partner and Matt's Sister), DS Karen Nelson (Matt's partner), Becky (Matt's ex wife and Harry's mum), Harry (Matt and Harry's son) and Superintendent D!ckh3@d Brian Davis (Becky's new husband and lives up to his name!!!). Again, all of these characters are well developed and realistic and I loved the majority of them (no prizes for guessing the one I especially hated!!). Apart from a certain person I really cannot wait to meet them again. Congratulations Anita on creating an amazing group of memorable characters!!!



Congratulations Anita on another absolutely amazing page turner!!! I cannot wait to get stuck in to the first book in this series as well as more of your amazing books!! This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success 🥂!!!

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Anita's 'The Couple Across The Street' which I have actually read myself and if you enjoyed this book you will love that one!! I would definitely recommend it!!

Overall an addictive and gripping psychological thriller rammed with secrets and twists!!



282 pages.


This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.32 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!


Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.


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[Grace J Reviewerlady]

I can't believe I missed the first in this series - but I've just downloaded it so I can catch up!

The Forrester Detective Agency is going from strength to strength; with new office space they find themselves with a new office manager who, they suspect, is over-qualified for the job. Their latest case seems to be, on the face of it, a simple burglary but when the victim accuses local yobs and she turns up dead, things take a sinister turn.

I was late in coming to Anita Waller's books and am still trying to catch up on the backlog but this new series is terrific. Wonderfully drawn characters (I have a fondness for Carol already) and a good set-up plus a nice sprinkling of personal lives made this a very enjoyable read indeed. I shall look forward to more and am both happy to recommend this series - and all the author's other novels. 5* from me.

[Emily Burrows · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matt Forrester, and his business partner, Steve are busy renovating private detective business following the recent death of his father (whose business it was). Along comes Carol, the perfect receptionist they were in need of. A burglary case soon escalates into something darker and the victim is found murdered. Part PI, part police procedural as Matts partner, Karen, a DS and Steve’s partner and Matts sister, Hermia put their resources together to find out what has really happened. Such likeable characters that gel together so well. Plenty of details within their personal lives keep developing the relationships. Lots of layers to the storyline keep the reader engaged and wanting more. An enjoyable series and looking forward to the next instalment.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Matt Forrester Detective Agency series and I'm loving it!
Great likable characters and some intriguing storylines. A new member of the agency is introduced into this book and she has made quite an impact. There is a burglary, but it's just the start of something far more sinister. Different threads in the storyline kept me glued to every page and with interesting and sometimes amusing little snippets of information compelling me to read on. A well rounded book set at an easy pace with suspense peaking towards the end. I thought the ending was a little abrupt and was expecting another chapter when I turned the page, but nevertheless it was a conclusive and satisfying read.

[Marygrace Depp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Forrester Detective Agency series. I honestly think I enjoyed reading the second book first. I know that sounds backwards but I feel like this book explained the background of the first pretty well and it did not slow me down with learning and caring for the characters.

The book was so fast to give us all the characters in a way that all the connections felt genuine and I cared for them almost immediately. Also, the development of the characters and the dynamics between them was done so well that it just all flowed so well.

Now for the actual plot. There were so many subplots, all connecting in some way or another. This was done so well that every single chapter was interesting and wanted me to keep reading. I was blowing through the book so fast, just getting lost in it. There was not a single second in the book where I was bored, and it really kept me guessing where the subplots were going to lead and what was going to happen. This was truly an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!

I did receive a copy of this book for a review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#FatalLies #NetGalley is a gripping mystery that will keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.
The Forrester Detective Agency is owned my N
Matt Forrester and his best mate, Steve. Matt is a former police officer and has moved on to take the reigns of his father's business.
There are quite a few stories going on in the book, personal stories with the characters, as well as the criminals they encounter.
I found myself getting attached to Carol and Harry rather quickly, and soon enough I came to be attached to all of them.
While solving crimes, Matt Forrester learns his son Harry is missing, and everyone gathers to look for him.
The end left me hanging, and now I am definitely ready to read the next one in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

[Susan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping read in the Forrester Detective Agency series. It’s all coming together now specially with the addition of new receptionist Carol Flynn, organiser extraordinaire. The group of characters in the series are believable and very true to life. The plot centres around a woman murdered in her own home. There is also the mystery of a woman claiming to be a good friend of Matt’s late Dad, yet no one had heard of her. Looking forward to the next book in this thoroughly enjoyable series.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant crime series.
With Matt and Steve busy with the Forrester Detective Agency, they both know that they need a receptionist to keep things running smoothly.
Carol lives opposite the office and asks them to look at her CV and Matt immediately knows they’ve found the right person.
Karen is busy with a break in which then turns into a murder investigation and she really feels for the children left behind.
There’s also a woman asking questions about Matt’s father and Carol knows she’s up to no good.
This is a great read and I’d highly recommend this series.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cliffhanger this book has been left on.

We are back at Forrester HQ and it feels like I've never been away. There is more crimes, more murder and more fast paced scenes but I am on complete countdown for Book 3.

Anita's writing style is easy and addictive. I've been fortunate to read a number of her books so far and know the next one will be just as brilliant.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

I really enjoyed this mystery/thriller focusing on a detective agency. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I haven't read book 1, but there was enough reference to what happened in that book that I didn't feel lost. Matt and Steve are the two detectives in the agency. Matt was a police office but took over the agency after the death of his father. As this book begins, the duo hire an office manager, Carol, who is highly qualified. It's implied that she worked for a highly placed person in the British government, but the author is coy about giving the reader more information. I'm sure Carol's history will come into play in future books. Or at least, I hope it does.

Matt and Steve are asked to look into a burglary by a divorced mother with two young children. Video is found of the burglars, but the mother claims she doesn't recognize them, when in fact she knows one of them is the son of a prominent gangster. The woman posts a vague threat to the father of the boy on Facebook, and soon after is found dead. Other strange occurrences in the neighborhood lead Matt and Steve, along with Matt's girlfriend Karen, an investigator with the police department, to wonder just what is behind everything. To add more problems for everyone to deal with, a woman from Matt's father's past shows up claiming she and her father were a serious couple.

I really enjoyed this book. It has private detectives, police investigators, a smart and capable office manager, a cast of dodgy characters and plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I really liked Matt and Steve. They are smart, honest, and believe in working hard for their clients. I love Carol - who I think has more skills than she's revealed - and every time she discovers a promising lead, I thought "You go, Carol!" I also liked Karen, who is a tough, but fair, investigator who knows what she's doing and skillfully leads her team so they get results.

This is an engrossing mystery that will keep you guessing. It's a quick and easy read (at only 282 pages) that you can easily read in an afternoon.

I was provided a complimentary e-copy of this book by NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions are my own.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex-DI Matt Forrester and his best friend landscape gardener Steve Rowlands are making a great go of running the Forrester Detective Agency after the deaths of Matt’s father Dave and his partner, former DS Johnny Keane. As they are finishing the renovations they are approached by the perfect applicant for the role of PA – Carol the Scone Lady – who quickly settles in and introduces them to Watson. DS Karen Nelson, Matt’s partner, deals with a house burglary which turns much darker when the owner accuses a local lad on social media and winds up dead the next day. Possible suspects include the young robbers, a thuggish family and the woman’s ex-husband, but with everyone having an alibi, where else is Karen, assisted by Matt, to begin looking? Meanwhile Steve is over the moon with Hermia’s news and takes on the strange case of an elderly couple’s vandalised garden, and Harry is becoming more and more despondent about his home life with his mother and the odious Supt Brian Davis. And a mysterious woman from Dave’s past makes a comeback. Will the detectives make sense of all their investigations in time?
I would definitely suggest reading book one in this series first where all the main characters are introduced as the various events mentioned will make more sense, and hey, you really don’t want to miss out on the excellent Fatal Secrets, do you? This story was another pure delight to read, with the humour and witty caring dialogue balancing out the often grim and sad nature of the detectives’ work. Carol is a gem of an addition and would appear to have hidden talents, and it was eminently satisfying to see the loathsome Brian getting his just desserts! This is a beautifully written book, full of unforgettable characters who you can immediately love and care about, and I can’t wait to see what happens to them all in book three!

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I treasure reading Anita’s books. There is always a warmth and comfort between the pages (despite being a crime book) which draws you in like a comfy armchair beside a wonderful open fire. There are very likeable characters which quickly grow on the reader and a carefully thought out plot which keeps the pages turning. These are the sort of books where I begin thinking “ I’ll just read for an hour or so” and then find myself 30% in and not wanting to put it down. Real life gets pushed aside!
This time the Forrester Detective agency is getting sorted out after the deaths of the original owners. Matt, the son, is now in charge with his business partner Steve and Carol their own Mary Poppins has magically appeared, much to their relief. Matt was a DI and is married to a DS- Karen providing him with appropriate information where he can maybe help. When a burglary is committed a walk around the block soon finds some of the takings however the homeowner took things into her own hands and a burglary enquiry has now become one of murder. Steve’s other business leads him to a garden which has been desecrated. Why and who has done this for no apparent reason?

Love Watson! (read to find out more as to who or what this is). Along with other occasional humorous sentences, this made me smile. Anita has a skill, a way with words that yes, there is a serious element to the investigations but like real life, a little humour never goes amiss. There’s joy and a mystery, some family drama and of course a crime or two in the mix. A treasure of a read, a perfect delightful book I can't recommend highly enough.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychological  thriller from Anita Waller is always a must-read for me. Ever since I discovered her books, I have read every one of them as they have been published. I always know when I pick up a book by her that it will be a great read.

The second book in the Forrester Detective Agency Mystery series. I would say it could be read as a standalone, but the best way is to read the first one so you get the background into the characters.

We are back in Sheffield with Matt and Steve, who have now opened the doors of the agency. It doesn't take long until they are part of a burglary case, and before too long, there is a murder in the running as well. Alongside these, there are other cases to work on. All this culminates in a missing person just as they are finishing the investigations of everything else they are involved in.

I rather liked the multiple cases, which introduces the reader to new characters in the agency. Anita Waller has a certain knack for creating realistic and layered characters. This meant I felt like I was returning to friends when I read this. I was invested in them all as the story unfolded. Carol was a character who definitely gripped me. I liked learning about life for her, at home, and at work

Another page turner from this author. She always has me gripped and knows how to keep the reader glued to the book. With plenty of action and great characters, the level of mystery and suspense had me from the start. This is yet another must-read and highly recommended for any crime or police procedural/mystery readers. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this, the second in the Forrester Detective Agency series, for a while now and it doesn't disappoint.
One of Waller's best skills is drawing new characters into an existing series, giving them their spot in the spotlight and making them part of the family and this she has done with the new office manager, Carol, who proves herself to be a fabulous addition to the team.
With, what looks like an opportunist burglary gone out of hand, the Forrester team are soon thrwn into something a whole lot darker and with shadows from their previous investigation looimng over them things become very complicated.
In this series, Waller has created a tight knit, unorthodox (and ever expancing) family with distinct personalities, good instincts, loads of love and massive hearts of gold. A family that is always there for each other and has each others backs. This makes this series both heart-warming and addictive.
But what Waller brings to the table in abundance is the uncanny ability to offer accurate observations on human nature and motivations. That's why, when the web of lies is untangled and the villain (or villains) brought to account, there is a deep and lasting satisfaction of a wholly enjoyable read.
With a touch of the Miss Marples, a modern day grit and uncanny storytelling skills Waller has every angle covered.
I read this in one sitting and give it a resounding 5 *

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in The Forrester Detective Agency Mystery Series set in Sheffield and it’s a cracking read. It could be read as a stand-alone but I would definitely recommend reading the first book as it sets you up with the background to the agency and why Matt and Steve are now running it. This authors books are so good at gradually dragging you in and before you realise it it’s 2am and you’ve finished it! Yes I did! Well written and with a great storyline, or three, this is full of great characters and I particularly loved new entrant Carol, who has clearly got a bit of a unconventional work background.

Briefly, the police are looking into a case of burglary and questioning two local troublemakers when the woman whose house was burgled is murdered. Alongside this there are a number of other investigations going on and just when they are all being nicely wrapped up everyone becomes involved in looking for a missing person.

I really enjoyed this. I like it when there is more than one thread to a book, as long as it’s done well, which this is. A mix of a book in that we have police and PI procedural alongside family drama and it all works well together. It’s also nice to read a detective book full of nice people, people who care about each other and look out for each other - not the criminals obviously! And not one particular police officer! This was a very enjoyable and entertaining read but oh that cliffhanger…

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Fatal Lies’ was compelling, with brilliant characters and writing, a real page turner that kept me engrossed up to the last page! This is the follow-up to the first in the series ‘Fatal Secrets’ but it can be read as a stand-alone. I do recommend reading the first one though as it was a cracking read!

The Forrester Detective Agency is going from strength to strength. They are so busy that they have had to hire an office manager, Carol, who fits in seamlessly with the lads and of course, Harry loves her scones! Carol had bags of experience and had transformed the ‘back office’ into a working heaven and I loved the idea of ‘Watson’. It was lovely to see the two main characters, Matt and Steve, progress in their personal lives as well as professional.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this follow up and it did not disappoint at all! It felt as if I was coming back to characters that had been going for a good few books. What I mean by that is, they were nuanced, familiar to the reader and it felt like they were a well formed unit. Plus, of course there is Matt’s son Harry who I just adore! The plot was well balanced between the main murder and the interconnecting subplots and it was directed to a satisfying conclusion. I flew through this book in a couple of sittings as it was a compelling and addictive read! There were lots of twists and reveals, it was a tense read but enjoyable at the same time.

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal Lies by Anita Waller is a highly recommended mystery and the second book in the Forrester Detective agency series.

They are remodeling and expanding their office space after Matt Forester, his partner Steve, and sister Hermia inherited the Forrester Detective Agency. A former DI, Matt's life partner Karen, remains a DS with the police force. The agency has also hired a new office manager, Carol, an astute woman who is actually over qualified for the job, but wants to work. The first case covered starts out as a burglary but turns into a much more serious crime.

The group all work well together with each other and the police as they investigate the cases, large and small, presented. It helps that all the characters are portrayed as individuals, with a few of them much more compelling than others, but they are all appealing and sympathetic.

The narrative is told through multiple points-of-view. Fatal Lies reads like a cozy mystery that is part private investigations mixed with a police procedural, which works well together. The main case is solved, and a bit predictable, as are the other cases, but it is a very comfortable, enjoyable read. Warning, it ends on a cliff hanger.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/1...

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forrester Detective Agency is entering a new phase, as Matt Forrester - a former police officer - takes over his father's business. Working alongside his partner Steve, and with support from his sister Hermia and his girlfriend Karen, a new incarnation of the agency is emerging. And in this endeavour, they have also been joined by Carol, their very competent Girl Friday.

But even as things start to come together, they quickly get quite complicated. After the victim of a burglary speaks out against those she believes responsible for the incident, her sudden death means that the burglary quite bizarrely morphs into a murder investigation.

In the midst all this, there is also quite a lot going on with the key characters' lives, and the reader is given the opportunity to get to know a number of rather likeable individuals.

As we follow the developments, including the disappearance of Matt's son Harry, events move quickly to a shocking finale...

And I have no doubt that most of those who read this book will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this saga, and the chance to revisit old friends like Carol, Matt and co. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books of the year and a series I will closely follow from now on!

I loved the family dynamic of the Forresters, including the addition of a plucky new PA to the agency called Carol, who is definitely my favourite. The cheeky rapport that Matt, Harry, Steve, Karen and Hermia made me smile - everyone deserves a family like this!

I liked that the book has one main case, which involves a murder, and lots of little mini cases as it gives us the chance to get to know more about each of the characters. The book was really well-paced and interesting, there were no bits of the book that got bogged down with inane or irrelevant details.

My only downside was the conclusion of the main murder investigation fell a bit flat in my opinion. This is just personal preference, so doesn't impact my review of the book, but I enjoy it when things are slowly revealed to me and when key details are withheld to make the reveal even more shocking.

Overall, I loved the book and the characters! Clear your diaries as you'll want to finish it in a day like me. Can't wait to see what's next for the Forrester Detectives and Co!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the authors new series and I enjoyed reading Fatal Lies. I've really taken to the main character Matt, he is so likeable and down to earth. The side characters are just as likeable and really complement each other. The story flows effortlessly and is well written and drew me in quickly and held my interest and attention from start to finish. One of the things I like about this series is that it's part Detective Agency and part police procedural and the two really work well together. There are a lot of things going on here - a burglary and a murder that run alongside the private Investigations the Agency has taken on. I really liked the new character Carol who fit into the story straightaway. The story is told through different characters perspectives which I liked and I loved the glimpses into the characters home and personal lives. This read didn't quite wow me like the previous book although it is still a good, enjoyable read that I would recommend, and will be looking forward to the next book.

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Pauline Render · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Lies by Anita Waller is the second in the Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries series and wow does it pack a punch right from the off.
Following on from Fatal Secrets, Matt and Steve have opened the doors to their agency and it’s not long before they become involved in burglary case which descends into murder. With a few twists and turns which kept me wondering, such as who is the woman who turns up wanting to speak to Matt’s father this story had me gripped throughout. I loved the closeness of all the characters, especially Matt and his son Harry’s relationship, with the unity of their opinion of Matt’s ex-wife’s husband. And although both men have strong characters, the women in their lives are no shrinking violets being confident and strong in their own rights. There is also a story line which really tugged at my heart, showing just how well it was written.
This is yet another fabulous book by Anita and I can’t wait for the third in this brilliant series, where hopefully she will reveal more about Carol, who I think is more than what she appears to be.

[Alyce Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in return for my honest review.

I was very excited to be chosen to review this second installment of the Forrester Detective Agency books. I so enjoyed the first book and was not disappointed in the second. Matt, a former police officer, inherited the detective agency from his father. He, and his friend Steve, the other partner in the agency, are slowly getting the agency off the ground. This book starts with them hiring a new "girl friday." It's clear she's going to be a great asset in upcoming books. This book centres around an initial request to investigate petty theft and mischief that quickly accelerates into murder.

These excellent books are both private detective and police procedurals. Another excellent book from Anita Waller. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t read the first in this series and will surely do it as I thoroughly enjoyed this story that it’s hard to classify as genre but easy to define as highly entertaining.
I like the style of writing and the characters; Ms Waller is an excellent storyteller and has a knack for keeping you reading and causing what I call the one-more-chapter syndrome and sleep deprivation due to late night reading.
Matt, Karen and the cast of characters are relatable and likeable. They’re well developed and it’s easy to root for them.
The plot is tightly knitted and full of surprises, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I liked the solution.
I can’t wait to read the next story; this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are min

[N.L. Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forrester Detective Agency has just been taken over by Matt Forrester and Steve Rowlands. The renovations are nearly complete and they have taken on their new office manager, Carol, soon investigating a burglary that leads to a death and much more. How will the team keep up and where will they start first?

Waller gives a narrative with smaller storylines running through it to keep us engaged, with characters who work well together and whom readers can see as realistic and enjoyable.

This novel is told through multiple points of view and has a little humour through the character of Carol, who was my favourite, this breaks up from the crimes that are happening and adds an extra tone to the novel.

I love this author and their writing and can't wait to continue this series.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book,which although it was not too long, had a lot going on. The main characters include a police woman, her brother who now runs a detective agency with a friend who is her partner and Matt's girlfriend. They are joined by Carol who offers to be their receptionist .Harry, Matt's son also plays a prominent role in the book.
Some of their cases are looking into straying partners and other domestic issues. Karen becomes involved when one of their clients is found murdered.
The plot is well written, the conversations and descriptions well done . Enough geographical description for interest (Sheffield/Peak district) without going too overboard.
The book is believable, though was sad about those who died.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC i n exchange for an honest review

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was a bit confusing with many characters and it felt like I was supposed to be familiar with some of these characters before reading this book — but then by chapter 11 — I got everything straight with the characters and the story started to get interesting. This is what I would call a cozy mystery — The pace is fast, the plot and characters are engaging— and you could easily get invested in everyones lives. The ending was a bit abrupt for me — but it feels like more will happen in the next book of this series.


Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood for this ARC . This is my honest review.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Waller's books, but this is the first of the Forrester Detective Agency series I've read. It's the second in the series, so I've plenty of time to catch up before book three is released.

The plan was to read a few chapters before bed, but before I knew it I'd near on finished the book. The plot was soooo good and I needed to know the who, why and what's of why Elise had been targeted.

With multiple cases waiting to be solved, there was never a dull moment and it fell to Matt and Steve to save the day.

Fatal Lies is a fast paced, page turner that's full of suspense and a highly enjoyable reading experience.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another 5-star read from Anita Waller, I absolutely loved this book and read it in a day as I couldn’t wait to see what happens. This is the second book in the series, but you can read it as a standalone, but if you do you will find yourself buying the first book.
Carol joins Matt and Steve in the detective agency as a receptionist but she really is much more than that and becomes a valued member staff. Matt is an Ex Policeman and his partner Karen still is a serving DS, I love the relationship the two have and how the police work and agency work cross paths.
It is a definite must read whoever make sure you block out a day as you will not want to put it down