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Innocent, Guilty: Criminal Conversation Book 4

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THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES…YET NOBODY WANTS TO TALK

It’s some years since the deadly events which decided Katie on her life course occurred, and matters seem settled for her and her extended family. Working, eating, sleeping, living and loving, they’re content to live a quiet life out of the limelight.

Life has other plans for them all, however. Several quirks of fate, along with one desperately-sought answer to a niggling question, ensure that events, and their lives, soon spiral out of control.

Solutions are sought, but there are no easy answers, and relationships come under pressure in the quest to do the right thing.

The innocence of some is obvious, as is the guilt of others, while elsewhere it’s not so clear-cut.

Difficult decisions have to be made, with results not always satisfactory, and repercussions which could echo down the generations.

Paperback

First published January 13, 2023

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About the author

Laura Lyndhurst

17 books84 followers
I was born and grew up in North London, England, and engaged in various occupations, including dental nurse, laboratory assistant and shop assistant, before I married aged twenty and travelled the world following my husband’s career. I spent much time reading, a passion since childhood, and toyed with writing.

Eventually settled in the UK I took evening classes and gained ‘A’ levels in Psychology, Sociology and English before becoming a mature student and gaining Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English and Literature before training and working as a teacher. In 2016 we moved to the peace of rural Lincolnshire, and my sporadic writing activities became more permanent.

To date I've published fifteen books, beginning in May 2020 with 'Fairytales Don’t Come True,' my debut novel. Since then I've written and published four books of poetry: 'October Poems,' 'Thanksgiving Poems & Prose Pieces,' 'Poet-Pourri' and 'Social Climbing and Other Poems.' In January 2021 I published a sequel to 'Fairytales' entitled 'Degenerate, Regenerate,' and at the end of March 2021 I published a psychological suspense story, 'You Know What You Did,' and in June 2021 'All That We Are Heir To,' the third book in the 'Criminal Conversation; series. In November 2022 I published a sequel to 'You Know What You Did,' entitled 'What Else Did You Do?'. The work didn’t stop, as alongside this sequel I was writing a fourth book for the 'Criminal Conversation' series. Entitled 'Innocent, Guilty,' it was published in January 2023, and a fifth book, 'The Future of Our House' came out in June 2023. The sixth and final book, 'Uphill, Downhill, Over, Out' came out in August 2023. January 2025 saw a standalone novel about an arranged marriage, 'An Honourable Institution' and September of that year saw another psychological suspense, 'The Guilty Party'. Most recently, in February 2026 I published a Whodunnit, 'Fatal.' I've nothing ongoing at present, but watch this space.

In late 2021 I undertook some editorial training and freelance work as a sub-editor. I terminated that work in late 2022, but have my hands full with writing my own books and reviewing those of others.

In November 2023 I built my own website, with my own books, blog posts, my reviews of other authors' books and interviews with some of those authors. Why not check it out and maybe subscribe at https://booksthatmakeyouthink2.co.uk/

And of course there’s reading, something which I have loved since I was a child. I became a convert to eBooks and subscribed to the Kindle Unlimited programme, because although I love physical books, my bookcases are groaning under the weight and I don’t have room for any more. I review everything I read, since I became an author myself and realise the value of these in getting our work in front of as many eyes as possible; but it does mean that I have a large virtual To Be Read pile.

For other leisure activities I walk—or use a stepper at home, when the weather’s bad—play the recorder (badly), and listen to music of all types. I like a good meal with wine, whether out or at home, and spend most evenings binge-watching one series or another.

Life is busy and certainly not boring.

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Sheridan.
Author 8 books175 followers
January 24, 2023
The fourth book in Laura Lyndhurst’s Criminal Conversations series continues the story of Katie and Miles. They’re together, they’re in love, and they are happy.
Until Miles discovers something devastating, and Katie realises something wonderful, but also receives bad news about her ‘Aunt’ Laura.
I don’t want to give anything away, but the Laura/Celia story is heart-breaking as it runs parallel to Katie and Miles’ own story. I cried a lot while reading this part of the novel.
This is an excellent continuation of the story that began with a dying ex- prostitute relating her tragic tale to a disapproving nurse, to the life and happiness of her beautiful daughter.
It is no longer about Mags and Teddy and James as it is focused firmly on the next generation. Yet the past hasn’t gone away and, like a ghost, it lingers in the shadows to haunt the young couple.
I found the pacing of this book, as I did with All That We Are Heir To, faster than the first two books in the series and I feel this is ideal, and natural, because it is the story of youth now – fresh and vibrant and exciting. Living at the pace young people live at.
As always, I found Laura Lyndhurst's eloquent writing style beautiful and a joy to read.
I loved it, as I love the whole series and I can highly recommend it.
334 reviews17 followers
January 22, 2023
This picks up a few years after the events from All That We Are Heir To. Miles and Katie are now in a relationship and living together. They are happy just the two of them but that all changes with some startling news that will change their lives forever. However with another shocking revelation and a blackmailer in the form of a close family member will Miles and Katie overcome the odds and prejudices to have their happily ever after?

As this is all going on another family member receives some upsetting news of their own and an uncertain future. This calls for the return of one of my favourite characters from Fairytales Don’t Come True after a brief cameo from them in All That We Are Heir Too. I love the way that the author, Laura Lyndhurst doesn’t shy away from the taboo nature of the subject around Miles and Katie’s relationship. It is handled in a respectful and thoughtful manner. As usual her beautiful and descriptive writing style left me spellbound and wanting to read more. I wonder if that is a 5th book coming out?
Profile Image for Tracey Gerrard.
Author 12 books75 followers
January 16, 2023
Beautifully told and moving story!
Katie and Miles are living a quiet life. Happy to stay out of the spotlight as to not stir up a hornets nest. With their families past, they’re only too aware of the scandal it would create if word was to get out about their relationship. However, things rarely go the way we want it.
With more than one shock in store, revelations and blackmail, this story makes for one hell of a read.
‘Innocent, Guilty’ is the fourth book in this series and is told by multiple points of view. It’s a powerful and moving story, which gives insight into the characters’ lives past and present.
Again, just like other books from Laura, this story is very well written with a brilliant plot that will keep you engrossed throughout. Highly recommended to those who have read the Criminal Conversation trilogy. If you’ve yet to come across it then I strongly suggest you download ‘Fairytales Don’t Come True’ You won’t be disappointed!
524 reviews27 followers
October 15, 2025
Just love this series!

Book 4 in the Criminal Conversation series and it just keeps getting better.
A powerful story that tells a tale of love that has such an unbreakable bond no matter what it's faced with . It captures your imagination so you can easily follow and be drawn into the daily challenges faced and the decisions made, by the main characters in their quest to do the right thing. Exceptionally well written, a really enjoyable read that keeps this series alive, interesting and you wanting more. Bravo Laura!
Profile Image for Marlene Cheng.
Author 18 books25 followers
February 11, 2023
Laura Lyndhurst, with Innocent, Guilty, finishes her Criminal Conversations series with eloquent talent. If you enjoy tormented heroines, love with risk, and deep moral quandaries, all delivered with suspense, then this book is for you. I was touched that she wove in the characters from the previous books. They feel like family and catch-up with them was good.
However, I don't feel satiated. Indeed, Laura must have something to say about the new babies that have come into the mix. I certainly hope so. Well done, Laura Lyndhurst. Very well done. Marlene Cheng--author.
Profile Image for Lucas W Mayberry.
Author 3 books42 followers
August 17, 2023
This picks up a few years after the events from All That We Are Heir To. Miles and Katie are now in a relationship and living together. They are happy just the two of them but that all changes with some startling news that will change their lives forever. However with another shocking revelation and a blackmailer in the form of a close family member will Miles and Katie overcome the odds and prejudices to have their happily ever after?

As this is all going on another family member receives some upsetting news of their own and an uncertain future. This calls for the return of one of my favourite characters from Fairytales Don’t Come True after a brief cameo from them in All That We Are Heir Too. I love the way that the author, Laura Lyndhurst doesn’t shy away from the taboo nature of the subject around Miles and Katie’s relationship. It is handled in a respectful and thoughtful manner. As usual her beautiful and descriptive writing style left me spellbound and wanting to read more. I wonder if that is a 5th book coming out?
Profile Image for Marcia Clayton.
Author 7 books58 followers
March 27, 2023
Having enjoyed the first three books in the Criminal Conversations Series I was looking forward to the fourth instalment, and I wasn’t disappointed. The story has moved on a few years now and Katie and Miles are deeply in love and happy living together. As they look to the future, Mags, Teddy, and James, have been left behind – or have they? Can what happened in the past still impact the future? This powerful and moving story tackles some difficult subject matter but the author has handled it sensitively and with confidence. The book is well-paced and skilfully written, and I highly recommend it. Is this the last book in the series I wonder? I think, and hope, there might be room for at least one more.
Profile Image for S.S. Saywack.
Author 10 books41 followers
February 11, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Criminal Conversation series and it sits comfortably amongst the others. There are a lot of shocks in this book, and the story is bittersweet. Each of the books in the series has concentrated on a different member of the family, this one's focus is on the new/next generation to move the story forward. At times the subject matter is difficult, but the author has handled it well and boldly. As with the other books, the writing is assured, the plot believable and the telling is done with confidence. It’s an easy book to recommend, as are the others in this series.
554 reviews12 followers
January 25, 2023
This is the fourth of an excellent "Criminal Conversations" series, but it stands alone very well and is an excellent read. The author, I think, will see great success if she hasn't already. It's very well written with a good plot that keeps us on our toes. The characters are well made and believable. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Veronica Shaw.
Author 1 book6 followers
May 31, 2023
Great story building intrigue. Detailing the strength of love.

I absolutely loved the story building and intrigue injected into the various families.
Sadly the wedding going ahead even after DNA proved incest troubled me.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews