Truth Lies Dying

by Graeme Hampton

One killer can hide in a city of millions

When a homeless man is found dead in an abandoned tube station, DI Denning and DS Fisher are shocked to find out he has been stabbed. Who would want to kill a homeless man? And why?

As they uncover his identity as a man involved in a serious fraud case several years ago, it leads to even more questions. Why are the victim's family so reluctant to help them solve the case? Who else is involved? Faced with a wall of silence, the squad finds only one man willing to share what he saw of the murder. But when he too is found dead, it's clear that someone will take brutal lengths to hide their secrets.

Driven by his conviction that the dead man is owed justice and finding that some very dangerous individuals are tied up with the case, Denning won't rest until he solves the crime - but can he find the killer before he kills again?

Meanwhile, DS Molly Fisher realises she is being stalked. Could this somehow be connected to the case, or is there someone in her personal life who wishes her harm?

Paperback

Published November 23, 2023

Reviews

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Hera Books for an advance copy of Truth Lies Dying, the sixth novel to feature DI Matthew Denning of East London’s Major Crime Unit.

When a homeless man is found stabbed to death in an abandoned railway station Denning is determined to get him justice. The man’s identity, when they discover it, offers more questions than answers. He was jailed for fraud and has only recently been released and his family want nothing to do with him or the investigation. When the only witness is killed Denning and Fisher realise that they are dealing with more than they thought.

I enjoyed Truth Lies Dying, which has an intricate plot that revolves around the fraud and family secrets. I don’t think it is the best novel in the series as it gets a bit circular in the middle with Denning pursuing his own theory and the constant re-interviewing of the same people. It would be easier getting blood out a stone than information from these people. Still, there is enough of a drip feed to keep the reader turning the pages until the unexpected solution.

I can honestly say that the majority of witnesses/interviewees are uniformly unpleasant, but obviously well drawn as I got a repulsed feeling, whenever they were on the page, due to their naked self interest. In contrast the author is sympathetic to the plight of the homeless and is able to outline their struggles. Denning has things going on in his life, not least a certain disenchantment with the Met, and there is change in the air. Molly Fisher is settling in to the single life until she acquires a stalker. I didn’t find it particularly convincing, but, on the other hand, I don’t think the author has the space to fully explore a subplot that might detract from the main investigation.

Truth Lies Dying is a good read that I can recommend.

[Sandra McCourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but I have read better from this author. Anyway an old homeless guy dies in the area of an old tube station which homeless people stay overnight it’s dry. Denning gets involved in this and discovers that there were drugs found so the place is closed to the homeless until searches are done. Then they discover the old station has been sold to a developer! But then another body turns up. Another young homeless guy. His best friend is distraught. She saw him arguing with a man previously but no names and all she saw was his parka jacket. Denning and his trusty sidekick dig deeper and begin to look at family and previous work partners etc. this is a good book and not till the end you will discover who it is. Are there any more books forthcoming?

[Shauna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exciting read about a homeless man who gets murdered in the middle of London. Detectives initially reluctant to move fast with the case due to assumptions that it’s related to drugs and just another homeless person murdered - but lots of twists and turns about why this man was actually killed! The book is good at keeping you guessing about who might be involved. Would rate 3.5 if I could. Not the best read but not the worst read!

[Jackthedad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy, If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

This is a police procedure crime thriller with two engaging main characters, each with flaws and tenacity. It's got twists to keep you guessing and the short chapters encourage you to read another one. All in all, a good story, well told.

[Trevor Snape · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story about a detective who is trying to solve a murder only to find the deeper he digs the higher the murder count increases. Someone or many people do not wish DI Denning and his side kick DS Fisher finding out the truth. Set in London this thriller will have you turning the pages quicker and quicker. Well worth four stars.

[Yvonne Hop · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give 3,5 stars if I could. Not the most exciting book in this series, but it’s nice to get to know Denning and Molly a bit better.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great crime thriller, kept me wanting to read more!

[reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda boring

[Tim James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read of a Graeme Hampton novel. I found it an easy read with a great plot and a pleasing outcome. I will come back for more.

[Jan James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book but I’d probably recommend others before this one. I did find it switched about a bit too much for me.

[Chloe Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this the storyline had me hooked

[Hugh Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok book.