What do you think?
Rate this book
Hazardous Lies
AMAZON BESTSELLER
A loud blast in the early morning shakes a neighborhood and alarms a community. An unthinkable tragedy has an explosion at a chemical plant has left workers dead and the son of a state senator missing. Plant management, emboldened by powerful political allies, scrambles to hide the real cause. It’s up to Jon Barrett, a new investigator for the government, to discover the truth. Haunted by his role in an earlier fatal accident, he struggles to find the courage to fight for answers.
Along the way, he meets beleaguered plant employees desperate to toe the company line, an eccentric environmentalist with secrets of her own, a television news crew itching for something bigger, and a victim’s family painstakingly reconstructing their lives. As Jon weaves together the evidence, he learns that the flaw that led to this tragedy is in plants throughout the country, and if he can’t fix it in time, more people will die. But as he closes in on the facts, tries to save workers, and attempts to get justice for those who died, he also learns just how far the company will go to destroy him and stop his incriminating investigation.
A loud blast in the early morning shakes a neighborhood and alarms a community. An unthinkable tragedy has an explosion at a chemical plant has left workers dead and the son of a state senator missing. Plant management, emboldened by powerful political allies, scrambles to hide the real cause. It’s up to Jon Barrett, a new investigator for the government, to discover the truth. Haunted by his role in an earlier fatal accident, he struggles to find the courage to fight for answers.
Along the way, he meets beleaguered plant employees desperate to toe the company line, an eccentric environmentalist with secrets of her own, a television news crew itching for something bigger, and a victim’s family painstakingly reconstructing their lives. As Jon weaves together the evidence, he learns that the flaw that led to this tragedy is in plants throughout the country, and if he can’t fix it in time, more people will die. But as he closes in on the facts, tries to save workers, and attempts to get justice for those who died, he also learns just how far the company will go to destroy him and stop his incriminating investigation.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
14 people are currently reading
5311 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 8, 2025
Jon’s story, centered around his investigation into a chemical plant explosion, is one of grit and hardship. When he’s hired by the U.S. Department of the Interior to investigate chemical plants, Jon hopes that his new job will be a fresh start. However, things do not go as planned. On his very first assignment, he is sent to Charleston to inspect Chemtrifuge. A deadly explosion has occurred in the ethylene unit, claiming the lives of three men, and no one is willing to talk about it.
Hazardous Lies by Stephen J. Wallace takes you on an investigation deep into the heart of the fictional Chemtrifuge chemical plant, where cover-ups seem to be a daily occurrence. As Jon searches for answers, the plot moves quickly and with intensity, maintaining the reader’s engagement. He is set on showing that the owner made a design error using the wrong type of steel. Now, he must battle resistance from unions, representatives, and corporate executives who focus on making money, not employee safety.
I enjoyed how Jon stood up to the plant manager, refusing to be intimidated by the pressure they put on him to drop the case. His courage in facing powerful executives and union representatives, even though it was risky, increased my respect for him as a character.
Jon’s character is written in a way that makes him feel real, with flaws and struggles that readers can recognize in everyday life. His past, including the trauma of witnessing a colleague’s death at a chemical plant, explains his grief and the heavy weight he carries. One of my favorite parts was when Tammy, his ex-wife, told Jon, “…sometimes you just have to do what you think is right, even when nobody else seems to care.” (pg. 163) At a time when Jon was doubting himself, those words gave him the strength he needed. Sometimes encouragement from the right person makes all the difference.
At its core, the book is a gripping look at justice, corruption, and the cost of exposing the truth. You get pulled into the complex world of pipes and pressure systems, all linked together in fascinating ways. Chemical plants were new territory for me, but Wallace broke down the technical details so clearly that I stayed interested the whole way through.
By the end, I was satisfied with how the story came together. The resolutions tie back to themes of truth and accountability, leaving me with a sense of closure. It’s a gripping read that will appeal to both men and women, regardless of prior knowledge. If you like mysteries that are difficult to figure out, Stephen J. Wallace’s Hazardous Lies will give you that.
Leave A Comment
Hazardous Lies by Stephen J. Wallace takes you on an investigation deep into the heart of the fictional Chemtrifuge chemical plant, where cover-ups seem to be a daily occurrence. As Jon searches for answers, the plot moves quickly and with intensity, maintaining the reader’s engagement. He is set on showing that the owner made a design error using the wrong type of steel. Now, he must battle resistance from unions, representatives, and corporate executives who focus on making money, not employee safety.
I enjoyed how Jon stood up to the plant manager, refusing to be intimidated by the pressure they put on him to drop the case. His courage in facing powerful executives and union representatives, even though it was risky, increased my respect for him as a character.
Jon’s character is written in a way that makes him feel real, with flaws and struggles that readers can recognize in everyday life. His past, including the trauma of witnessing a colleague’s death at a chemical plant, explains his grief and the heavy weight he carries. One of my favorite parts was when Tammy, his ex-wife, told Jon, “…sometimes you just have to do what you think is right, even when nobody else seems to care.” (pg. 163) At a time when Jon was doubting himself, those words gave him the strength he needed. Sometimes encouragement from the right person makes all the difference.
At its core, the book is a gripping look at justice, corruption, and the cost of exposing the truth. You get pulled into the complex world of pipes and pressure systems, all linked together in fascinating ways. Chemical plants were new territory for me, but Wallace broke down the technical details so clearly that I stayed interested the whole way through.
By the end, I was satisfied with how the story came together. The resolutions tie back to themes of truth and accountability, leaving me with a sense of closure. It’s a gripping read that will appeal to both men and women, regardless of prior knowledge. If you like mysteries that are difficult to figure out, Stephen J. Wallace’s Hazardous Lies will give you that.
Leave A Comment
June 18, 2024
The plot line seems rather simple at first: an explosion at a chemical plant kills three people and if this isn't your first time reading a book or even watching a movie, you most certainly will expect some type of conspiracy or cover-up by the plant management. Maybe some backstabbing, political maneuvering, and everything else that would come along with a story like this.
A few things that made this book stand out against some of the recent books I have read. First, being at a chemical plant, there are some very technical details in the book that could be tough for some people to follow. I just keep reading and it all came together at the end. Wallace did well with introducing new and complicated details but also summarizing them near the end so that it makes sense.
Second, there are a lot of characters. A lot. Maybe I am just too accustomed to reading books centered around just a handful of people, but it was difficult at first for me to take in some of this book as it felt like all I was doing was meeting new people. Give me the story before you give me 100 people to try and remember. Similar to the technical details, it all makes sense in the end, you just have to hang in there.
I would have preferred a bit faster pace on the story. This may seem strange to say, but it felt slow, yet it was still a page-turner. In the beginning, Wallace dumps a lot of material out there which felt hard to grasp initially. I felt there were some backstory and fluff pages that could have been removed and not impacted the story at all. Still, it got better as it went along, which is what we all really want from a book, right?
For you movie buffs out there, this book has vibes similar to Erin Brockovich, Deepwater Horizon, and The Rainmaker. I feel like it delivered well on all of those points. Winning this in a giveaway and being hit with a slow start, I was disappointed, but Wallace turned this around quite well. The story is great and there are a few twists and turns that I did not expect. It wouldn't shock me to see a big-screen adaptation of this either. All in all, this was a solid read and I am thankful to have won the giveaway as it allowed me the opportunity to read something I might not normally have found on my radar.
A few things that made this book stand out against some of the recent books I have read. First, being at a chemical plant, there are some very technical details in the book that could be tough for some people to follow. I just keep reading and it all came together at the end. Wallace did well with introducing new and complicated details but also summarizing them near the end so that it makes sense.
Second, there are a lot of characters. A lot. Maybe I am just too accustomed to reading books centered around just a handful of people, but it was difficult at first for me to take in some of this book as it felt like all I was doing was meeting new people. Give me the story before you give me 100 people to try and remember. Similar to the technical details, it all makes sense in the end, you just have to hang in there.
I would have preferred a bit faster pace on the story. This may seem strange to say, but it felt slow, yet it was still a page-turner. In the beginning, Wallace dumps a lot of material out there which felt hard to grasp initially. I felt there were some backstory and fluff pages that could have been removed and not impacted the story at all. Still, it got better as it went along, which is what we all really want from a book, right?
For you movie buffs out there, this book has vibes similar to Erin Brockovich, Deepwater Horizon, and The Rainmaker. I feel like it delivered well on all of those points. Winning this in a giveaway and being hit with a slow start, I was disappointed, but Wallace turned this around quite well. The story is great and there are a few twists and turns that I did not expect. It wouldn't shock me to see a big-screen adaptation of this either. All in all, this was a solid read and I am thankful to have won the giveaway as it allowed me the opportunity to read something I might not normally have found on my radar.
August 12, 2025
I want to start off by saying I really appreciate Jon's heart and his courage to see things through to the end.
I don't know much about engineering or chemical plants, but this had just the right amount of detail and info without being boring. Nice little sad twist at the end as well.
Was a tad bit long, but I also feel like I got the whole story and was cheering the good guys on the whole time. The chapters weren't incredibly long either, so it was easy to feel like you could zip through it.
Thank you so much to Stephen J. Wallace as well as goodreads giveaways for this digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
I don't know much about engineering or chemical plants, but this had just the right amount of detail and info without being boring. Nice little sad twist at the end as well.
Was a tad bit long, but I also feel like I got the whole story and was cheering the good guys on the whole time. The chapters weren't incredibly long either, so it was easy to feel like you could zip through it.
Thank you so much to Stephen J. Wallace as well as goodreads giveaways for this digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
January 2, 2025
Good one!
May 3, 2024
'Hazardous Lies' by Stephen Wallace captivates readers with its gripping tale of Jon, an investigator grappling with life's hardships as he embarks on a new journey. The story unfolds in a factory setting, meticulously depicted by Wallace, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the intricate mechanics and social dynamics that shape this workplace. The narrative explores the devastating consequences of greed, weaving a tale that exposes the horrors that can lurk within organizations.
While the book's strengths lie in its vivid storytelling and unique perspective, it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, and Jon's characterization may not resonate with all readers. The introduction of numerous characters early on can be overwhelming, and some narrative threads, such as the reporter's chapter and the fate of Charlie, seem unresolved. Additionally, the absence of a clear connection between the chapter dedicated to notifying A.C. Mounts and the company's most important person son raises questions about the book's overall structure.
Despite these minor issues, 'Hazardous Lies' remains a compelling read that sheds light on the complexities of workplace environments and the destructive power of unchecked ambition. Wallace's ability to create a believable and immersive world, coupled with his exploration of weighty themes, makes this book a thought-provoking and worthwhile experience.
While the book's strengths lie in its vivid storytelling and unique perspective, it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, and Jon's characterization may not resonate with all readers. The introduction of numerous characters early on can be overwhelming, and some narrative threads, such as the reporter's chapter and the fate of Charlie, seem unresolved. Additionally, the absence of a clear connection between the chapter dedicated to notifying A.C. Mounts and the company's most important person son raises questions about the book's overall structure.
Despite these minor issues, 'Hazardous Lies' remains a compelling read that sheds light on the complexities of workplace environments and the destructive power of unchecked ambition. Wallace's ability to create a believable and immersive world, coupled with his exploration of weighty themes, makes this book a thought-provoking and worthwhile experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
I enjoyed the book, although I can't say that I enjoyed it during the first half (maybe less than half) of the book. Like someone else mentioned in their review, there are SO many characters that are mentioned and it felt like a lot of bouncing around trying to remember the names and how they were related to Jon and the other characters. I was tempted to stop at one point but I continued because I feel that every book deserves an honest review and I am glad I kept at it until the end. The second half of the book is very good and keeps you wanting to read more and more.
I did feel bad for the way Jon was treated but I can imagine that this probably happens in the real world too.
I really enjoyed learning details about equipment in a chemical plant. I don't feel that it was too far out in terms of my ability to understand what was being used or done in the plant, probably because of my knowledge of science already. I actually would have enjoyed a bit more specific talk of the equipment and other bits of information that you wouldn't normally hear from common sources.
The book is not too long and the writing was not bad. I was pleasantly surprised by this author. The only thing I would recommend to him is that maybe have some more character development that way the readers don't feel too confused or lost about who is who.
I did feel bad for the way Jon was treated but I can imagine that this probably happens in the real world too.
I really enjoyed learning details about equipment in a chemical plant. I don't feel that it was too far out in terms of my ability to understand what was being used or done in the plant, probably because of my knowledge of science already. I actually would have enjoyed a bit more specific talk of the equipment and other bits of information that you wouldn't normally hear from common sources.
The book is not too long and the writing was not bad. I was pleasantly surprised by this author. The only thing I would recommend to him is that maybe have some more character development that way the readers don't feel too confused or lost about who is who.
March 16, 2025
love the title.
The book Hazardous lies was a fairly good read. However it was also 120 pages too long. Mr. Wallace when writing has to remember there should be a beginning, middle and end. He should clarify why Jon, the main character has this job looking into a chemical plant . You don’t find out until -mid to late in the book. A character introduces a wife with ovarian cancer. Why is brought up? She adds nothing to story. Except to add a lot of unnecessary pages. If her ovarian cancer was related to the chemical that would be insightful. She doesn’t matter. Wallace is definitely not a Steinbeck. Mr. Wallace is repetitive. If he wrote once and it was of importance there is no need belabor an issue. The book’s plot doesn’t start until page 183. The characters are one dimensional. I hope the author is more considerate if he writes a second novel. Even the Craig Who is with the government is weak and insipid. The whole “government crowd “ in the book could be reduced by removing characters that don’t affect the plot. At the end It left the reader disappointed.
The book Hazardous lies was a fairly good read. However it was also 120 pages too long. Mr. Wallace when writing has to remember there should be a beginning, middle and end. He should clarify why Jon, the main character has this job looking into a chemical plant . You don’t find out until -mid to late in the book. A character introduces a wife with ovarian cancer. Why is brought up? She adds nothing to story. Except to add a lot of unnecessary pages. If her ovarian cancer was related to the chemical that would be insightful. She doesn’t matter. Wallace is definitely not a Steinbeck. Mr. Wallace is repetitive. If he wrote once and it was of importance there is no need belabor an issue. The book’s plot doesn’t start until page 183. The characters are one dimensional. I hope the author is more considerate if he writes a second novel. Even the Craig Who is with the government is weak and insipid. The whole “government crowd “ in the book could be reduced by removing characters that don’t affect the plot. At the end It left the reader disappointed.
May 14, 2024
An explosion at a chemical plant results in management attempting to downplay the incident. Three employees died at the moment of the occurrence, yet when management gives an interview they speak of how a few employees were being transported to the hospital for burns.
A new department within the government's Office of the Interior has just opened up. It's job is to investigate chemical plant incidents. They send a newly-hired employee to the incident at the site on his first day on the job. He hasn't even been issued his ID yet. Company management attempts to dismiss any attempts he makes to try to find the cause of the explosion, which they are well aware of. Employees have been instructed to say that it was due to bad maintenance by contractors.
I finished this page-turner on my kindle in one day.
A new department within the government's Office of the Interior has just opened up. It's job is to investigate chemical plant incidents. They send a newly-hired employee to the incident at the site on his first day on the job. He hasn't even been issued his ID yet. Company management attempts to dismiss any attempts he makes to try to find the cause of the explosion, which they are well aware of. Employees have been instructed to say that it was due to bad maintenance by contractors.
I finished this page-turner on my kindle in one day.
July 8, 2024
Stephen J. Wallace's *Hazardous Lies* is an electrifying thriller that hooks you from the very first page and refuses to let go. Wallace masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, creating a labyrinth of secrets and danger that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are richly developed, each with their own compelling backstories that add depth and complexity to the narrative. Wallace's sharp, evocative prose and deft plotting make *Hazardous Lies* a standout in the genre, delivering a reading experience that is both exhilarating and unforgettable. A must-read for any thriller enthusiast!
March 26, 2024
“Hazardous Lies” immediately takes you on journey down a road of hairpin turns at Formula 1 speeds with no pit stops along the way. An original, exciting, and fascinating story that never fails to captivate and hold your attention.
Author Stephen J. Wallace paints an incredible word portrait that allows the reader to visualize every colorful aspect of each character’s thoughts, emotions, and actions as if you were right there with them. Reads like a modern day Trevanian Novel. Highly recommended.
Author Stephen J. Wallace paints an incredible word portrait that allows the reader to visualize every colorful aspect of each character’s thoughts, emotions, and actions as if you were right there with them. Reads like a modern day Trevanian Novel. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2025
Hazardous Lies
One company that only cares about money. One man on a mission to right the wrongs. When the company has a catastrophic event occur that cost three men their lives. A government employee is sent in to investigate. Of course, the company is trying to control the narrative and stonewall the investigator at every turn. Unbeknownst to both parties, there is one person on the inside that is cooperating with the government. When the investigator stumbles upon the truth, the company turns up the heat.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
One company that only cares about money. One man on a mission to right the wrongs. When the company has a catastrophic event occur that cost three men their lives. A government employee is sent in to investigate. Of course, the company is trying to control the narrative and stonewall the investigator at every turn. Unbeknownst to both parties, there is one person on the inside that is cooperating with the government. When the investigator stumbles upon the truth, the company turns up the heat.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
May 6, 2024
I normally don't pick this kind of book. I am not good at chemicals and science.
BUT!! I did really enjoy this book.
I am so happy I won giveaway book!!
Thank you, thank you! Thank you!!
Writing is so good and I could understand about chemical plants system, facilities and materials.
So thrilling story that government investigator digging the truth and my heart was beating so fast all the time.
I love how to end this story. So satisfying!!
Highly recommended!!
BUT!! I did really enjoy this book.
I am so happy I won giveaway book!!
Thank you, thank you! Thank you!!
Writing is so good and I could understand about chemical plants system, facilities and materials.
So thrilling story that government investigator digging the truth and my heart was beating so fast all the time.
I love how to end this story. So satisfying!!
Highly recommended!!
May 31, 2024
Really good book! I won this in a Goodreads giveaway (thank you!) but I would have bought it anyway based on the book synopsis. And it did not disappoint! I didn’t have a lot of hope for the government inspector early on but he was tenacious and ended up going above and beyond to determine the cause of the chemical plant explosion. It was a well thought out story that held the suspense all the way to the end. I definitely recommend it!
June 26, 2024
Book 43 was “Hazardous Lies” by Stephen J. Wallace. It was a @goodreads giveaway win, and my first read by this author. This was a page turner for me that focused on a government Investigator, who seems to be on his own, to find out what happened to three men who passed away due to explosion at a chemical factory. It is a David vs. Goliath story, with many twists and turns. I enjoyed this story. 3 out of 5 ⭐️.
September 30, 2024
I found this semi interesting but not thrilling enough to hold my attention, but I finish every book I read. It felt like character back stories were made up randomly with no formal build up. More so scattered to make you have a connection to the characters late in the story. The “plot twist” moments were not executed well, nor were they interesting enough to make the story better. Overall a mehhh for me.
November 11, 2024
Hazardous Lies is a fast-paced thriller with a unique setting - a chemical plant. Jon Barratt is running an investigation of an explosion at a chemical plant that left three workers dead. Will he be able to engage in a full investigation without the interference of the top brass? Does he have the diligence and willpower to get to the truth, despite the risk to his own life? The answers to these questions and more is what keeps this page turner going. It is definitely worth the read!
August 15, 2025
current topic
I was about fifty pages into this book, when there actually was a chemical plant explosion, which makes the topic in this book very current and needed. Well written, I found myself easily liking Jon and rooting for him to find the issue and do the right thing. The charts he was reading were a little hard for me to follow but I kept going. This is a timely read and a must read for the times we live in. Truly enjoyed it, and I don't think I would.
I was about fifty pages into this book, when there actually was a chemical plant explosion, which makes the topic in this book very current and needed. Well written, I found myself easily liking Jon and rooting for him to find the issue and do the right thing. The charts he was reading were a little hard for me to follow but I kept going. This is a timely read and a must read for the times we live in. Truly enjoyed it, and I don't think I would.
November 12, 2025
Chemical plant explosions aren't the stuff of imagination; they're tragic realities that have devastated communities from Texas to West Virginia. This novel's strength begins with its grounding in plausible horror. The setup is immediately compelling: workers dead, a senator's son missing, and plant management more concerned with damage control than accountability. It's the kind of scenario that feels less like fiction and more like tomorrow's headlines.
September 9, 2024
Mystery and corruption set the scene for this book. Some in depth technical information about machines and chemical plants shows the author is well versed in the subject. There were multiple point of views in the story which made it a little difficult to keep track over all the characters when taking breaks from reading the book.
June 14, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. For a thriller, the pace felt really slow and monotonous. I found the ‘woe is me’ attitude of the investigator really annoying. TBH, I skimmed the last 60 pages or so just to be done with it.
August 6, 2024
Thank you River grove Books for this giveaway! I enjoyed the investigative mystery aspect to this novel. Admittedly, I think some parts are drug out and a bit long, but overall it is a compelling stroy adn an example of corporate greed ruining lives.
October 22, 2025
This is an engrossing tale of greed and the dangerous situation created by it. Sadly, it seems to have the ring of truth to it. It's a fast read that held me to the ironic ending. Hope to hear more from this author.
November 10, 2025
I liked it
I’m terrible at leaving reviews, but I try to for the authors and readers. Jon is a like-able character and he gets his job done with the help of some surprising people. The book has a solid ending that wraps things up perfectly.
I’m terrible at leaving reviews, but I try to for the authors and readers. Jon is a like-able character and he gets his job done with the help of some surprising people. The book has a solid ending that wraps things up perfectly.
May 7, 2024
What a page turner! A new investigator is assigned to an explosion at a chemical plant. He hits many road blocks to find the truth. Kept me on the edge of my seat at the end!
February 9, 2025
I was consumed by this book. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was wondering what Jon was going to do next. Definitely recommend this book
August 25, 2025
An enjoyable read.
May 24, 2024
I’m going to be honest; this was a pretty difficult read for me to get through. The plot was straightforward enough, and the pace was slowish to medium. Navigating the storyline’s delivery proved to be quite the challenge, to put it mildly.
There were a handful of phrases that were repeated what felt like every chapter, and the characters lacked any real depth or development. It was difficult to have to adjust between multiple different storylines and wait for the loose ends to be tied up. The premise of the book made it clear who and what were the protagonists. However, their dismissal of Jon and the actions the company took to cover up the explosion felt nothing close to realistic. I was hopeful to have a thriller-based storyline with a more in-depth view of corruption and processes inside chemical plants. I was given instead a watered-down plant tour with a less than believable villain arc of corporate America.
There were a handful of phrases that were repeated what felt like every chapter, and the characters lacked any real depth or development. It was difficult to have to adjust between multiple different storylines and wait for the loose ends to be tied up. The premise of the book made it clear who and what were the protagonists. However, their dismissal of Jon and the actions the company took to cover up the explosion felt nothing close to realistic. I was hopeful to have a thriller-based storyline with a more in-depth view of corruption and processes inside chemical plants. I was given instead a watered-down plant tour with a less than believable villain arc of corporate America.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews