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Innocent, Guilty: Criminal Conversation Book 4
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.
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
16 books81 followersI was born and grew up in North London, England, but was unable to attend university when young due to family financial circumstances. Instead, I worked at various occupations, including dental nurse, laboratory assistant and shop assistant.
I married just before I was 20, and travelled to some interesting places around the world, following my husband’s career. I spent much time reading, a passion, but in order to keep further occupied I took office jobs when these were available to me; I hated the work, but the money was useful.
When we were back in the UK I took evening classes at various times and gained ‘A’ levels in Psychology, Sociology and English, eventually settling in Kent with my husband and 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 and quiet of rural Lincolnshire, and my sporadic writing activities became more permanent. I self-published Fairytales Don't Come True, my debut novel, in May 2020 and since then have 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. A third book was published in June 2021, entitled All That We Are Heir To, to make up the 'Criminal Conversation' trilogy with Fairytales and Degenerate, In November 2022 I published another psychological suspense story, What Else Did You Do?, which is a sequel to You Know What You Did. The work didn't stop, as alongside this sequel I was writing a fourth book to follow the 'Criminal Conversation' trilogy. 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 is entitled, 'Uphill, Downhill, Over, Out.' A new standalone novel, 'An Honourable Institution' was published in January 2025, followed by 'The Guilty Party' in September 2025.
I try to go for a long walk each day (weather permitting; I’m a fair-weather walker) in the beautiful countryside around us, and exercise for a couple of hours each morning, including use of a hula-hoop and stepping machine. I love food and drink and have spent half my life battling a weight problem. I managed to lose 5 stone of unfortunately-gained weight a few years ago and am determined to never regain it, Unfortunately however Covid and lockdown thwarted those plans, but at least I haven't put it all back on. Hopefully in what's left of 2023 I will manage to lose the excess. Life's certainly not fair in that respect, as every other day is a diet day (for hubby too) but the weight still came back. When not being careful--more often than is desirable these days--we enjoy a good meal with wine.
For other leisure activities I have taught myself to play the recorder--badly, but it keeps the brain cells ticking over. I also listen to music of many types; Tracy Chapman is playing while I write this, and will later be replaced by Leonard Cohen or Katie Melua or any one of dozens of other artists, or by some classical music or opera, another passion.
There’s also 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!
In late 2021 I undertook editorial training and freelance work as a sub-editor. I terminated that work in late 2022, but have my hands full writing my own books and reviewing those of others.
My late
I married just before I was 20, and travelled to some interesting places around the world, following my husband’s career. I spent much time reading, a passion, but in order to keep further occupied I took office jobs when these were available to me; I hated the work, but the money was useful.
When we were back in the UK I took evening classes at various times and gained ‘A’ levels in Psychology, Sociology and English, eventually settling in Kent with my husband and 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 and quiet of rural Lincolnshire, and my sporadic writing activities became more permanent. I self-published Fairytales Don't Come True, my debut novel, in May 2020 and since then have 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. A third book was published in June 2021, entitled All That We Are Heir To, to make up the 'Criminal Conversation' trilogy with Fairytales and Degenerate, In November 2022 I published another psychological suspense story, What Else Did You Do?, which is a sequel to You Know What You Did. The work didn't stop, as alongside this sequel I was writing a fourth book to follow the 'Criminal Conversation' trilogy. 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 is entitled, 'Uphill, Downhill, Over, Out.' A new standalone novel, 'An Honourable Institution' was published in January 2025, followed by 'The Guilty Party' in September 2025.
I try to go for a long walk each day (weather permitting; I’m a fair-weather walker) in the beautiful countryside around us, and exercise for a couple of hours each morning, including use of a hula-hoop and stepping machine. I love food and drink and have spent half my life battling a weight problem. I managed to lose 5 stone of unfortunately-gained weight a few years ago and am determined to never regain it, Unfortunately however Covid and lockdown thwarted those plans, but at least I haven't put it all back on. Hopefully in what's left of 2023 I will manage to lose the excess. Life's certainly not fair in that respect, as every other day is a diet day (for hubby too) but the weight still came back. When not being careful--more often than is desirable these days--we enjoy a good meal with wine.
For other leisure activities I have taught myself to play the recorder--badly, but it keeps the brain cells ticking over. I also listen to music of many types; Tracy Chapman is playing while I write this, and will later be replaced by Leonard Cohen or Katie Melua or any one of dozens of other artists, or by some classical music or opera, another passion.
There’s also 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!
In late 2021 I undertook editorial training and freelance work as a sub-editor. I terminated that work in late 2022, but have my hands full writing my own books and reviewing those of others.
My late
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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.
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.
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?
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?
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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