Lies She Told

Martina Monroe #11

by H.K. Christie

In Lies She Told, the thrilling 11th installment of the Martina Monroe crime thriller series, a murky world of lies and truth collides in a quest for justice.

Detective Leslie, once a key figure in the Cold Case Squad, is convinced she’s closed the case on Darren, Martina’s brother, for a cold-blooded murder. But Martina, shaken by her brother’s guilty plea and an anonymous tip claiming his innocence, starts questioning the conviction.

As Martina delves into the details, she encounters a series of unsettling discrepancies. The investigation’s weak foundation, coupled with the lack of physical evidence and a dubious motive, ignites Martina’s suspicions. Despite Hirsch’s dismissive attitude and direct orders to steer clear of his detectives, Martina’s resolve only grows stronger.

At odds with Hirsch and the mounting pressure from her mother to prove Darren’s innocence, Martina realizes she needs help. She turns to one person she trusts to navigate such a complex web–Vincent.

Soon Martina and Vincent find themselves in a tangled maze of danger and deception. The deeper they dig, the more elusive the truth becomes. With increasing threats looming over Martina and her family, she’s in a race against time to unmask a dangerous killer and bring the truth to light before her family pays the ultimate price.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2024

About the author

H. K. Christie watched horror films far too early in life. Inspired by the likes of Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, true crime podcasts, and a vivid imagination she now writes suspenseful thrillers. When not working on her latest novel, she can be found eating & drinking with friends, walking around the lakes, or playing with her favorite furry pal. 
She is a native and current resident of the San Francisco Bay Area. 


The MARTINA MONROE series featuring Private Investigator Martina Monroe and her unofficial partner, Detective August Hirsch of the Cold Case Squad, is a nail-bing crime thriller series full of suspense. If you like high-stakes games, jaw-dropping twists, and embattled seekers struggling to do right, then you’ll love the thrilling Martina Monroe series.

The SELENA BAILEY series is a collection of suspenseful stories detailing one young woman's turbulent path to becoming a top-notch, kick-ass private investigator. If you like thrilling twists, dark tension, and smart and driven women, then you’ll love this new dark thriller series. A Permanent Mark is a suspenseful murder mystery featuring a grown-up Selena Bailey.

www.authorhkchristie.com

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adore the Martina Monroe series!!

[Nana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting mystery/thriller. First read in the MM series. Might have made a difference had I read others in the series

[Marie Wikle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent case!!

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little different from the other books featuring Martina Monroe. She is still an investigator but this time she is not helping Detective Hirsch with cold cases as she did previously. This time, Martina’s brother is pleading guilty for a murder. After reviewing the case files, something does not seem right. It’s up to Martina to solve this and protect her brother before he can be found guilty. Things get twisty and dangerous. I enjoyed reading this Martina Monroe installment by HK Christie. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, Suspenseful Thriller

Martina is an excellent investigator. This series is about her investigations, and it gives us a glimpse into her personal life. This time, the investigation for Martina is personal. Her brother is in jail for killing a man. He is no angel, but nothing about the case is adding up. There is a web of lies, deceit, drugs, and murder. It will be a dangerous investigation. What does Martina discover? This story kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like suspenseful thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Toni H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book#11 - Martina Monroe is facing one of the most difficult cases in her career. Her estranged brother has been arrested for murder. He confessed to committing the crime. However Martina’s mother doesn’t think he is capable of murder and insists that Martina investigate the case. Agreeing to investigate the case for her mother, Martina finds a few inconsistencies in the case file. Something is not adding up with the witness and the arresting officer. Bringing her findings to Detective Hirsch, who has recently been promoted to Sergeant, they get into a heated argument. Martina vowed to find the answers she need to prove something is going on with the case and maybe prove her brother’s innocence.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Monroe is back. Her mother wants her to investigate her brother’s case. He confessed to killing someone but the facts don’t line up. The more she investigates the more dangerous it becomes. The story is told from the viewpoint of a nurse, whose husband died from a drug overdose, and Martina, whose brother is in jail. This is a detailed mystery with plenty of action and story lines to follow to bring it all together. Another well rounded involved mystery.

[T. Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina’s brother has pled guilty for murder and sent to prison. Her mother keeps at her to prove that he’s not guilty.
With her brother telling her to leave it alone that he’s guilty he’s of no help to her.
There’s so much going on Hirsch and the Co Co county sheriff’s office is working the case also.
We’ve got drugs, gangs, murder and family. Some action and some intrigue.
Great characters and story.

[Tayler Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars, as always for this series! I think it’s so difficult to get the formula of a crime thriller right to be invested in both the case and the lives of the characters, and this book just proves that H.K. Christie has it down to a science. I love how this series has progressed to show so much growth with the entire squad and it’s been such a fun journey with Martina especially.

(ARC read, this is my honest review!)

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in this series. This time there is a lot of stress on Martina from her mother to help her brother, Darren, who pleaded to murder and their mother is sure of his innocence. He says to leave it alone. During her investigation, Martina learns it also involves her other brother, Clark. Both of them are involved in the drug trade. Deeply involved. Murder, lies, corrupt cops and more are in Martina's way as she looks for the truth.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 11th book in the series, and while it definitely kept me intrigued, I didn’t find myself as drawn in as I was with the previous installment. The pacing and twists were still solid, and I appreciated how the story continued to evolve, but something about this one didn’t click with me as strongly. Maybe it was the plot threads or just the overall tone—but I definitely connected more with the last book.

[Stephanie Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series! I loved getting to see some more of Martina’s family and know more about her past. The bond between the group of characters is awesome and they keep getting stronger with every book. As always I love the twists and turns and seeing the victims side of the story and not just Martina’s.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this book was one of the best yet. The storyline was interesting and gave me a chance to ‘meet’ Martina’s siblings. The characters have very distinct personalities and have developed traits that make them easily recognizable. Can’t wait for the next book!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided it a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story Martina is not working on a cold case, she is looking into her brother's case admission of murder. The facts do not add up, the investigation seems shallow and Martina will see herself in danger and a rabbit hole. Lies She Told is fast-paced and with a great plot.
I thank Ms. Christie for this ARC.

[Nanette Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies, lies, lies!

Martina's brothers are in trouble with organized crime. One brother in prison for murder and the other refusing to talk to her. Her mom putting the pressure on to help them both. Anyone they get to talk to them about the case, lies to them. In Martina, Hirsch and Cold Case Squad fashion, all will be work out!!!

[Tina S Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book from HK Christie

I absolutely love the Martina Monroe series. HK Christian is an amazing author. There is never a dull moment when reading one of her books? I a highly recommend this one definitely. Couldn’t put this one down, it just had so much going on and blended so well together.. can’t wait for the next book ! 5🌟PLUS!

[Casey Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

She does it again! Another great installment of this series with an even greater look at the MCs family. Without giving too much away this book is so well written that it draws you in immediately and doesn’t let you go until the very last page. It leaves you wanting more and I can’t wait for the next one.

[Clarence W. Weir Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family is everything

Great read very complicated and very interesting mystery. Martina being pulled into many directions to try and help her brothers she hasn't seen for 20 years. Pulled one way by mom another by Hirsch and another by the team. Pulled many directions she moving forward trying to process it all. Really hard to put down.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is getting your brother out of prison worth putting the rest of your family in danger? Follow Zoey through this frightening story and see just how far she will go to prove her brother innocent.
Highly Recommended.

[Carol Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story with Martina, Vincent and August. This one was full of twist and turns. Martina's brothers are in this one and I couldn't put it down. You won't be disappointed and if you haven't read the first 10 in the series be sure you do!

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

another great one

I have been addicted to H K Christie's Martina Monroe series. It gives enough clues to keep the reader wanting to read the next chapter.
Martina and Hirsch make a great team of investigators along with others who join in with their individual talents.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not fabulous

Decent read but just average. Nothing to write home about. Starting to lose interest in this series. This seemed to be more about protecting drug dealing family instead of real crime solving.

[Patricia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

This book as well as all the books in this series are great. So much mystery, intrigue and guessing what's next. The cold case squad thou not completely together, works on alot of cases together. If you want exciting mysteries read these.

[Rosa Keeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Never disappoints. This book was really awesome. I loved the storyline. It kept me coming back for more. Its really hard to put down these books. I'm looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend this book.

[Patricia Anne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies, murder drugs, and my two brothers

Wow this one is a real crazy story one minute its one way then you read and find more clues and its another way . This one keeps w on your toes trying to figure out who is lying and who really did it ! Recommend with a5Stars review

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery

I really enjoy the Martina Monroe series. I am rooting for Martina to get the love of her life and I hope they don’t take Charlie out the way they did the last guy. I can’t wait to see what she gets into next!

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot, involving the family, was her actions the right ones.
A good page turner wanting to know how it would turn out
Highly recommend.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina is investigating her brothers case. Is he really innocent? Spellbinding thriller.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another reason to binge read. Martina’s brother confesses to a crime but did he really do it. Full of suspense, secrets and more to keep you intrigued. Can’t wait for more.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved seeing Martina do whatever it took to uncover the truth, no matter how bad, about her brothers.