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To Love a Liar
CHRIS FLETCHER IS A MAN WITH SECRETS . . .
One woman dead.
Nineteen years ago, policeman Chris Fletcher's lover was found dead in an abandoned house.
One woman missing.
Now, his loyal wife has disappeared without a trace.
A man with everything to lose.
There's no doubt that he's guilty, but of which crime?
One woman dead.
Nineteen years ago, policeman Chris Fletcher's lover was found dead in an abandoned house.
One woman missing.
Now, his loyal wife has disappeared without a trace.
A man with everything to lose.
There's no doubt that he's guilty, but of which crime?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
59 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
L.V. Matthews
5 books109 followersHello all,
Thank you for stopping by my page.
I have a new book coming which I'm so excited for you to read! It's called TO LOVE A LIAR and it's out in September 2025. You can pre-order now in paperback, ebook, and audio.
My backlist titles are -
SILENT WATERS, THE TWINS (Richard and Judy Bookclub pick) and THE PRANK. All published by Welbeck/Mountain Leopard Press, Hachette.
For any queries, please go via my agent, Camilla Bolton, at The Darley Anderson Agency
Find me on:
Twitter @LV_matthews
Instagram @lv_matthews_author
Thank you for stopping by my page.
I have a new book coming which I'm so excited for you to read! It's called TO LOVE A LIAR and it's out in September 2025. You can pre-order now in paperback, ebook, and audio.
My backlist titles are -
SILENT WATERS, THE TWINS (Richard and Judy Bookclub pick) and THE PRANK. All published by Welbeck/Mountain Leopard Press, Hachette.
For any queries, please go via my agent, Camilla Bolton, at The Darley Anderson Agency
Find me on:
Twitter @LV_matthews
Instagram @lv_matthews_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 30, 2025
Chris Fletcher was an undercover cop, but has retired to Sardinia with his wife Jill (a poet) and their adorable Great Dane, Jackson. However, their lives are turned upside down when Chris is called back to the UK to attend an inquest into a case that he was involved in some 19 years before.
New evidence has emerged that puts Chris in a very bad light to say the least. The case is that of Sophia, who was involved in an activist group that Chris had infiltrated as part of his undercover work. He and Sophia became lovers, but in 2005 Sophia was found dead in an abandoned house with a needle sticking out of her arm. Did Chris have anything to do with it? Sophia’s sister believes he did, and she reckons she can prove it. If Chris thought things couldn’t get any worse, he was wrong. After he and Jill and their beloved Jackson return to the UK for the inquest, Jill goes missing and the rumour mongers on social media are pointing the finger firmly at Chris!
I’d heard some real life stories about the murky world of undercover cops who become involved with a new partner, whilst having a wife and children at home, but never thought of the true implications of leading two completely different lives, being two completely different people. You have keep up the pretence to members of the activist group, because the dangers that you face are real. When infiltrating these groups, you come across some very dangerous individuals. You must never forget that you’re playing a part, and if that part you’re playing isn’t convincing, you could just end up dead.
Wow, what a terrific read this was. I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see where it was all going to end. The storyline was great and took us right to the heart of the stories behind the headlines. The characters come fully fleshed, and it wasn’t difficult to feel empathy towards all of them, whatever part they played in this thought provoking read. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
New evidence has emerged that puts Chris in a very bad light to say the least. The case is that of Sophia, who was involved in an activist group that Chris had infiltrated as part of his undercover work. He and Sophia became lovers, but in 2005 Sophia was found dead in an abandoned house with a needle sticking out of her arm. Did Chris have anything to do with it? Sophia’s sister believes he did, and she reckons she can prove it. If Chris thought things couldn’t get any worse, he was wrong. After he and Jill and their beloved Jackson return to the UK for the inquest, Jill goes missing and the rumour mongers on social media are pointing the finger firmly at Chris!
I’d heard some real life stories about the murky world of undercover cops who become involved with a new partner, whilst having a wife and children at home, but never thought of the true implications of leading two completely different lives, being two completely different people. You have keep up the pretence to members of the activist group, because the dangers that you face are real. When infiltrating these groups, you come across some very dangerous individuals. You must never forget that you’re playing a part, and if that part you’re playing isn’t convincing, you could just end up dead.
Wow, what a terrific read this was. I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see where it was all going to end. The storyline was great and took us right to the heart of the stories behind the headlines. The characters come fully fleshed, and it wasn’t difficult to feel empathy towards all of them, whatever part they played in this thought provoking read. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
June 26, 2025
Chris Fletcher has been an undercover police officer and in the present day he’s vilified in the media. Why so? Years ago Sophia Roy becomes his lover on one of his operations and is found dead, a presumed heroin overdose. Nineteen years on, there’s to be an inquest following pressure from Sophia’s sister. Chris’s loyal wife Jill has always stood by him but things are strained and now she’s disappeared without trace. Chris’s life is imploding….is he guilty of any of the crimes that many people believe him to be?
This is an excellent and thought provoking novel about trust, betrayal, identity, trauma and what it means to love someone who basically lives a lie for a living. It poses a big question in cases like this concerning under cover officers- are they heroes for risking their lives for the greater good or are they villains if they become too embedded in their new identity? What or where are the ethics and the morality of these officers in getting the evidence the authorities want and how does all this affect relationships outside of the under cover role? It’s written so well that it seems very authentic and as a reader it makes me feel as if I’m living it with Chris and Jill.
Although it’s a psychological thriller it feels like true crime and, of course, pays lip service to evidence that has emerged recently of real life cases of under cover officers and blurred lines. It’s a complex story and one of the things I particularly like about it is that you have absolutely no idea what will happen next or how it will play out. Chris’s complicated internal thoughts are sharp edged and guilt ridden as he tries to rationalise the past and present and the pressure on him feels intense. What’s real and what the product of his overloaded and addled brain? Who is the real Chris? Wherein lies the truth about Sophia? Is Chris the only one who knows? Or does even Chris not know? What about Jill?
It builds and builds, there are shocking revelations which keep emerging which shifts parameters further deepening the mystery of both women and of course, Chris’s role. There are cliffhanger chapter endings which keep the focus and the need to keep reading on to try to grasp the elusive truth. There are multiple twists and turns and I end up not knowing who to feel most sorry for.
The role of social media in the present day is cleverly used, its inclusion makes the whole thing feel real as it acts like an incendiary bomb - sadly, so true to life.
Overall, this is a terrific novel which not only demonstrates the dangers of an under cover role but explores its ramifications. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General U.K. for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
This is an excellent and thought provoking novel about trust, betrayal, identity, trauma and what it means to love someone who basically lives a lie for a living. It poses a big question in cases like this concerning under cover officers- are they heroes for risking their lives for the greater good or are they villains if they become too embedded in their new identity? What or where are the ethics and the morality of these officers in getting the evidence the authorities want and how does all this affect relationships outside of the under cover role? It’s written so well that it seems very authentic and as a reader it makes me feel as if I’m living it with Chris and Jill.
Although it’s a psychological thriller it feels like true crime and, of course, pays lip service to evidence that has emerged recently of real life cases of under cover officers and blurred lines. It’s a complex story and one of the things I particularly like about it is that you have absolutely no idea what will happen next or how it will play out. Chris’s complicated internal thoughts are sharp edged and guilt ridden as he tries to rationalise the past and present and the pressure on him feels intense. What’s real and what the product of his overloaded and addled brain? Who is the real Chris? Wherein lies the truth about Sophia? Is Chris the only one who knows? Or does even Chris not know? What about Jill?
It builds and builds, there are shocking revelations which keep emerging which shifts parameters further deepening the mystery of both women and of course, Chris’s role. There are cliffhanger chapter endings which keep the focus and the need to keep reading on to try to grasp the elusive truth. There are multiple twists and turns and I end up not knowing who to feel most sorry for.
The role of social media in the present day is cleverly used, its inclusion makes the whole thing feel real as it acts like an incendiary bomb - sadly, so true to life.
Overall, this is a terrific novel which not only demonstrates the dangers of an under cover role but explores its ramifications. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General U.K. for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2025
I love a good twisty thriller than I can read in a day,To Love A Liar was so hard to put down. I have seen many people say this was slow paced but I found it to be the opposite. The characters were not the easiest to warm to but it was intense and suspenseful all the way through.
The story of an undercover cop and those around him who suffer for his actions and deceptions l 19 years earlier an assignment went terribly wrong and someone close to him was killed. Now he has been recalled to the UK for an inquest as new evidence has come to light. Hiding out in Scotland, away from the press, until his wife goes missing.
I loved the way the author used social media threads and newspaper articles to tell the story and to show what the public was talking about. Always a clever and modern way to get the story across.
It was hard to know if hors could be trusted, just what did he do in the past and what other secrets is he hiding? The way it all came together in the end was shocking and unpredictable
Thanks for much to Penguin General UK on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this great book to read. Out on September 11th.
The story of an undercover cop and those around him who suffer for his actions and deceptions l 19 years earlier an assignment went terribly wrong and someone close to him was killed. Now he has been recalled to the UK for an inquest as new evidence has come to light. Hiding out in Scotland, away from the press, until his wife goes missing.
I loved the way the author used social media threads and newspaper articles to tell the story and to show what the public was talking about. Always a clever and modern way to get the story across.
It was hard to know if hors could be trusted, just what did he do in the past and what other secrets is he hiding? The way it all came together in the end was shocking and unpredictable
Thanks for much to Penguin General UK on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this great book to read. Out on September 11th.
August 15, 2025
Undercover policeman Chris Fletcher and his wife Jill Moore, a poet, find themselves holing up in the cottage of Jill’s aunt, somewhere remote on the coast. They live in Sardinia actually, but have returned to England because of ‘the inquest’. A very important inquest, because it is Chris who has to testify about his actions on the day of the untimely death of Sophia, a young mother, some 15 years ago.
What Chris has to do with that? Well, Sophia was actually his girlfriend – but was it real or not? Chris was undercover, infiltrating within a group of young people police thought could become dangerous. Although he was undercover, he went home to his wife often, under the pretence of ‘going to do a job in landscaping’. Of course he couldn’t talk to Jill about what it really was he was doing. And then Sophia was found dead and it was ruled suicide. Until 15 years later her secret diaries were found by her sister. Now, although the inquest is just that, it’s no trial, the internet explodes with speculation and Chris and Jill have to stay below the radar.
This was a slow starter, but before long I was intrigued because there were stories behind the stories. And not just behind Chris’ stories, but Jill has some secrets of her own. Slowly the layers of the real story are unfolded and the pace picks up.
It was a great read with interesting characters and a lot of twists. Highly recommended!
Thanks to Penguin UK and Netgalley for this review copy.
What Chris has to do with that? Well, Sophia was actually his girlfriend – but was it real or not? Chris was undercover, infiltrating within a group of young people police thought could become dangerous. Although he was undercover, he went home to his wife often, under the pretence of ‘going to do a job in landscaping’. Of course he couldn’t talk to Jill about what it really was he was doing. And then Sophia was found dead and it was ruled suicide. Until 15 years later her secret diaries were found by her sister. Now, although the inquest is just that, it’s no trial, the internet explodes with speculation and Chris and Jill have to stay below the radar.
This was a slow starter, but before long I was intrigued because there were stories behind the stories. And not just behind Chris’ stories, but Jill has some secrets of her own. Slowly the layers of the real story are unfolded and the pace picks up.
It was a great read with interesting characters and a lot of twists. Highly recommended!
Thanks to Penguin UK and Netgalley for this review copy.
September 13, 2025
Chris Fletcher and Jill Moore are in hiding at a relative's holiday home on the shores of a Scottish loch.
They are there for Chris, a former undercover Police officer, to give evidence at an inquest into the death of the woman he seduced during an operation. Tensions in the house and surrounding area are very high as Chris tries to convince his wife of his innocence and Jill tries to come to terms with her husband's past.
But things come to a head when Jill goes missing in a storm and Chris is forced to confront his fears and the lies he has told.
To Love A Liar is based on the stories which emerged a few years ago about the role of undercover police officers who infiltrated what they considered to be dangerous or subversive groups. There were clear cut examples of certain officers having had romantic relationships with women in the group.
As the narrative continues we learn about Chris' history with the dead woman (Sofia) and also the lies that he has had to live with. Chris' mental health is clearly suffering but its difficult to feel sorry for a man who justified his actions with "it was part of the job" when it so clearly wasn't.
However, morals aside, and apart from a few slow parts the book is good and there are several twists and turns to keep the interest. The narrative is interspersed with testimony from colleagues, snippets from fictional tv shows and tweets from those near (and interested in) the action.
I would recommend this book. It's a little different to the average Police procedural/mystery book and the action keeps your interest to the end. Chris isn't a particularly likeable character but I don't think anyone except Sofia comes out of it unscathed.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Kayla Fuller at Penguin General for the advance review copy.
They are there for Chris, a former undercover Police officer, to give evidence at an inquest into the death of the woman he seduced during an operation. Tensions in the house and surrounding area are very high as Chris tries to convince his wife of his innocence and Jill tries to come to terms with her husband's past.
But things come to a head when Jill goes missing in a storm and Chris is forced to confront his fears and the lies he has told.
To Love A Liar is based on the stories which emerged a few years ago about the role of undercover police officers who infiltrated what they considered to be dangerous or subversive groups. There were clear cut examples of certain officers having had romantic relationships with women in the group.
As the narrative continues we learn about Chris' history with the dead woman (Sofia) and also the lies that he has had to live with. Chris' mental health is clearly suffering but its difficult to feel sorry for a man who justified his actions with "it was part of the job" when it so clearly wasn't.
However, morals aside, and apart from a few slow parts the book is good and there are several twists and turns to keep the interest. The narrative is interspersed with testimony from colleagues, snippets from fictional tv shows and tweets from those near (and interested in) the action.
I would recommend this book. It's a little different to the average Police procedural/mystery book and the action keeps your interest to the end. Chris isn't a particularly likeable character but I don't think anyone except Sofia comes out of it unscathed.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Kayla Fuller at Penguin General for the advance review copy.
July 21, 2025
This one just didn’t do it for me really, unfortunately. Too long, too contrived and not enough meat on the bone.
The story of undercover policeman Chris Fletcher whose lover was found dead in an abandoned house 19 years ago. Having fled abroad with his wife, he is now back in the UK to face a tribunal on the case after the deceaseds sister published some damning evidence that raises serious questions about the official verdict of death by a drugs overdose.
When his wife goes missing as well, Chris wonders has his secrets, the police’s secrets and enemies from his past come back to bite him.
I wanted to like this one more than I did unfortunately. None of the characters are in any way likeable or indeed interesting so it’s hard to be invested in their plight.
I felt the story was way too long for what it ended up being, with many chapters that I wondered why they were included and felt like padding.
Told from multiple points of view both in the present and the past, it’s also interspersed with social media posts that speculate on the cases but some soon become very tedious and add little to the story.
I did think the inquest would play a more central role to the story but it’s like one chapter or so and almost felt like an afterthought, where I felt it could have been a good vehicle to answer some questions from the past. It certainly felt like it was set up for that from the opening chapters but the author chose to go another route.
There are also some surreal like chapters in the second half of the book where Chris is struggling to comprehend what is real and what is his imagination. It felt an incredibly clunky way of making the point that undercover work means the officer takes on many personas and may struggle to adjust back to their true self. Like I get Chris has been under pressure, harbouring secrets for decades and having Deja vu about losing a loved one but it just came out of nowhere and then he returns to being his normal self.
Ultimately it’s a book about love and deceit and secrets, about how decisions made in the past will ultimately surface at some stage etc but I felt the tone and indeed length of the book missed the mark for me.
Many thanks to the publisher for the Arc through Netgalley.
The story of undercover policeman Chris Fletcher whose lover was found dead in an abandoned house 19 years ago. Having fled abroad with his wife, he is now back in the UK to face a tribunal on the case after the deceaseds sister published some damning evidence that raises serious questions about the official verdict of death by a drugs overdose.
When his wife goes missing as well, Chris wonders has his secrets, the police’s secrets and enemies from his past come back to bite him.
I wanted to like this one more than I did unfortunately. None of the characters are in any way likeable or indeed interesting so it’s hard to be invested in their plight.
I felt the story was way too long for what it ended up being, with many chapters that I wondered why they were included and felt like padding.
Told from multiple points of view both in the present and the past, it’s also interspersed with social media posts that speculate on the cases but some soon become very tedious and add little to the story.
I did think the inquest would play a more central role to the story but it’s like one chapter or so and almost felt like an afterthought, where I felt it could have been a good vehicle to answer some questions from the past. It certainly felt like it was set up for that from the opening chapters but the author chose to go another route.
There are also some surreal like chapters in the second half of the book where Chris is struggling to comprehend what is real and what is his imagination. It felt an incredibly clunky way of making the point that undercover work means the officer takes on many personas and may struggle to adjust back to their true self. Like I get Chris has been under pressure, harbouring secrets for decades and having Deja vu about losing a loved one but it just came out of nowhere and then he returns to being his normal self.
Ultimately it’s a book about love and deceit and secrets, about how decisions made in the past will ultimately surface at some stage etc but I felt the tone and indeed length of the book missed the mark for me.
Many thanks to the publisher for the Arc through Netgalley.
September 14, 2025
4.5⭐️
AD-PR PRODUCT ~ Book Tour
An addictive psychological crime thriller that has you questioning everything! 🔥
Matthews has impressed with this thriller that I read in one single day. I was truly gripped to the pages and couldn’t get enough of it! I felt constantly uneasy as the narrative jumped from the present to the past and slowly revealed what happened.
With shockwaves reverberating at the book’s core, I was uncertain of its trajectory, and I did have some suspicions, but I never predicted the ride that Matthew’s takes you on. I was really impressed with how cleverly executed this book was.
Matthews embodies the qualities of a typical bingeable thriller, but also seeps it with complexity that really heightens the enjoyment of the read. There was suspense, there was this impending feeling that not everything was as it seemed and there was also subtle twists that suited the plot perfectly.
With so much deception and lies at every corner, it was tough to fully side with Chris, but I really felt so sorry for him. His decisions at times were deplorable, but his work made him this way. I loved the exploration of his career in this book and how it raised awareness that these things are happening all of the time. Also, Jackson was so cute!
I thought the ending culminated perfectly and eased the tension that built throughout. Could there be another book though? 👀
A huge thank you @vikingbooksuk, @penguinukbooks and @lv_matthews_author for this proof and for having me on the book tour of To Love A Liar which publishes tomorrow! 😍
This is one you don’t want to miss! 😍
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT ~ Book Tour
An addictive psychological crime thriller that has you questioning everything! 🔥
Matthews has impressed with this thriller that I read in one single day. I was truly gripped to the pages and couldn’t get enough of it! I felt constantly uneasy as the narrative jumped from the present to the past and slowly revealed what happened.
With shockwaves reverberating at the book’s core, I was uncertain of its trajectory, and I did have some suspicions, but I never predicted the ride that Matthew’s takes you on. I was really impressed with how cleverly executed this book was.
Matthews embodies the qualities of a typical bingeable thriller, but also seeps it with complexity that really heightens the enjoyment of the read. There was suspense, there was this impending feeling that not everything was as it seemed and there was also subtle twists that suited the plot perfectly.
With so much deception and lies at every corner, it was tough to fully side with Chris, but I really felt so sorry for him. His decisions at times were deplorable, but his work made him this way. I loved the exploration of his career in this book and how it raised awareness that these things are happening all of the time. Also, Jackson was so cute!
I thought the ending culminated perfectly and eased the tension that built throughout. Could there be another book though? 👀
A huge thank you @vikingbooksuk, @penguinukbooks and @lv_matthews_author for this proof and for having me on the book tour of To Love A Liar which publishes tomorrow! 😍
This is one you don’t want to miss! 😍
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
Read
September 7, 2025To Love a Liar by L.V. Matthews is a dark, twisting thriller about secrets, lies, and the consequences of living a double life.
The story follows Chris Fletcher, a former undercover police officer whose past refuses to stay buried. Nineteen years ago, his lover was found dead, and now his wife has suddenly gone missing. As the timelines shift between past and present, the truth slowly unravels, exposing just how deep Chris’s lies go.
I found this to be an intriguing and clever read. The writing kept me guessing, and I enjoyed how the story explored not just the mystery but also the morality of undercover work and the personal damage it causes. Chris isn’t a likable character, but he’s compelling enough that I couldn’t look away. While the pacing felt slow at times, the tension and questions of guilt made it worthwhile. A solid, thought provoking thriller.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOIcZ8jDDwt/
The story follows Chris Fletcher, a former undercover police officer whose past refuses to stay buried. Nineteen years ago, his lover was found dead, and now his wife has suddenly gone missing. As the timelines shift between past and present, the truth slowly unravels, exposing just how deep Chris’s lies go.
I found this to be an intriguing and clever read. The writing kept me guessing, and I enjoyed how the story explored not just the mystery but also the morality of undercover work and the personal damage it causes. Chris isn’t a likable character, but he’s compelling enough that I couldn’t look away. While the pacing felt slow at times, the tension and questions of guilt made it worthwhile. A solid, thought provoking thriller.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOIcZ8jDDwt/
August 25, 2025
This was, as expected absolutely brilliant! It was addictive, immersive and I found myself sucked in from the very beginning.
Chris was an undercover police officer he had retired with his wife to a sunnier climate. However, Chris has been called back to the UK to give evidence in a case that has the potential to blow up his whole world.
Whilst undercover Chris was living a double life, it’s only reading this that you realise the true implications on everyone involved.
To make matters worse for Chris his wife has now gone missing and the finger of guilt is pointing towards him.
This is a superbly written novel about love, loss, betrayal, lies and death. It begs the question is an undercover police officer who is leading a double life doing a good job or are they a villain with very few morals?
This felt very much like a psychological thriller but it also felt like I was reading a true crime as I’m sure I’ve seen similar type stories in the news. It is clear that this subject has been incredibly well researched and superbly thought provoking.
This is a character driven story. I normally prefer a plot driven thriller if I’m guest but the way that this one kept the plot and characters bubbling throughout kept me fully engrossed.
If you love a thriller, I recommend you read this one immediately.
Chris was an undercover police officer he had retired with his wife to a sunnier climate. However, Chris has been called back to the UK to give evidence in a case that has the potential to blow up his whole world.
Whilst undercover Chris was living a double life, it’s only reading this that you realise the true implications on everyone involved.
To make matters worse for Chris his wife has now gone missing and the finger of guilt is pointing towards him.
This is a superbly written novel about love, loss, betrayal, lies and death. It begs the question is an undercover police officer who is leading a double life doing a good job or are they a villain with very few morals?
This felt very much like a psychological thriller but it also felt like I was reading a true crime as I’m sure I’ve seen similar type stories in the news. It is clear that this subject has been incredibly well researched and superbly thought provoking.
This is a character driven story. I normally prefer a plot driven thriller if I’m guest but the way that this one kept the plot and characters bubbling throughout kept me fully engrossed.
If you love a thriller, I recommend you read this one immediately.
September 3, 2025
A dark tangled tale about an ex undercover police officer whose secrets and lies catch up with him.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
September 15, 2025
Undercover police officer Chris and his wife Jill have gone into hiding as the press are hounding Chris about the death of his lover Sophie Roy two decades ago. When Jill unexpectedly goes missing a lot of fingers are pointing to Chris and he must fight to clear his name whilst keeping his secrets close to his chest.
Told with snippets from WhatsApp chats, newspaper articles and comments on X alongside the narrative the story blends a mystery novel with questionable characters and several versions of what potentially happened the night Jill went missing before the truth is revealed.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC.
Told with snippets from WhatsApp chats, newspaper articles and comments on X alongside the narrative the story blends a mystery novel with questionable characters and several versions of what potentially happened the night Jill went missing before the truth is revealed.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC.
July 15, 2025
Christopher who was an undercover police officer and his wife Jill have to return to the UK after a case he was involved with many years ago is now undergoing an investigation because of new evidence.
A psychological thriller with some twist and turns told by different narrators in different timelines. This also has snippets from several social media platforms.
It has an interesting storyline with some unsavoury characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A psychological thriller with some twist and turns told by different narrators in different timelines. This also has snippets from several social media platforms.
It has an interesting storyline with some unsavoury characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2025
This time of year makes me want to reach for all the darker books and that includes thrillers so I was delighted that we have a new book by Liv Matthews and dare I say it, her best book yet!
It's incredibly rare that I give a thriller 5 stars, but To Love A Liar deserves every single one of them!
Chris Fletcher is a man with secrets, ones that he's prepared to take to the grave, as a retired undercover police officer that goes with the territory. Chris is now retired and living a peaceful life with his wife Jill in Sardinia, but their lives are about to be shattered when he's called to attend an inquest into the death of Sophia an activist who died 19 years ago. Originally ruled as a drug overdose, Sophia's family wants answers, and it seems that Chris Fletcher may be hiding just how well he knew her and to what extent he would go to achieve results in his undercover operation of infiltrating the activist group she was a part of.
Now his wife is missing, There's no doubt that Chris Fletcher is guilty, but of which crime?
This is one of those books you stay up to till 2 am to read. The tension will make you unable to put this one down until the very last page and what an absolute roller coaster it is. I haven't read many books that explore undercover police work, and this fascinated me. How so many lies and taking on different identities can ruin a person, balancing work and home life, and often the morality of the job itself are all themes of this book along with the mystery of what has happened to Jill the loyal wife.
This is easily the best thriller I've read all year, and I can't wait to see what Liv writes next! If you're looking for your next fix, I promise you won't be disappointed with this one!
It's incredibly rare that I give a thriller 5 stars, but To Love A Liar deserves every single one of them!
Chris Fletcher is a man with secrets, ones that he's prepared to take to the grave, as a retired undercover police officer that goes with the territory. Chris is now retired and living a peaceful life with his wife Jill in Sardinia, but their lives are about to be shattered when he's called to attend an inquest into the death of Sophia an activist who died 19 years ago. Originally ruled as a drug overdose, Sophia's family wants answers, and it seems that Chris Fletcher may be hiding just how well he knew her and to what extent he would go to achieve results in his undercover operation of infiltrating the activist group she was a part of.
Now his wife is missing, There's no doubt that Chris Fletcher is guilty, but of which crime?
This is one of those books you stay up to till 2 am to read. The tension will make you unable to put this one down until the very last page and what an absolute roller coaster it is. I haven't read many books that explore undercover police work, and this fascinated me. How so many lies and taking on different identities can ruin a person, balancing work and home life, and often the morality of the job itself are all themes of this book along with the mystery of what has happened to Jill the loyal wife.
This is easily the best thriller I've read all year, and I can't wait to see what Liv writes next! If you're looking for your next fix, I promise you won't be disappointed with this one!
September 15, 2025
Nineteen years ago, policeman Chris Fletcher's lover was found dead in an abandoned house. Chris is a man with secrets and now, his loyal wife has disappeared without trace. There is no doubt that he is guilty, but of which crime?
After loving Silent Waters by this author I had this one on my radar for a while & I’m pleased to report it was definitely worth the wait!
This author’s writing style instantly connects the reader with the situation, drip feeding the clues from the present day, interlinking seamlessly with the events of the past that have led us here.
By adding in potential dream sequences it is made clear just how traumatised Chris’s character is by the role he has undertaken in previous years, the toll of everything finally rising to the surface. His guilt is evident but just what he is guilty of is left for the reader to interpret as the tension builds steadily throughout.
I also loved the addition of the social media & documentary quotes, this really embraced the reality of just how these cases can be perceived so differently, the chaos that can ensue when the social media circus takes hold.
This is a book that was a perfect holiday read but that will also be an ideal cosy Autumn/Winter read that will keep you captivated until the very last page.
After loving Silent Waters by this author I had this one on my radar for a while & I’m pleased to report it was definitely worth the wait!
This author’s writing style instantly connects the reader with the situation, drip feeding the clues from the present day, interlinking seamlessly with the events of the past that have led us here.
By adding in potential dream sequences it is made clear just how traumatised Chris’s character is by the role he has undertaken in previous years, the toll of everything finally rising to the surface. His guilt is evident but just what he is guilty of is left for the reader to interpret as the tension builds steadily throughout.
I also loved the addition of the social media & documentary quotes, this really embraced the reality of just how these cases can be perceived so differently, the chaos that can ensue when the social media circus takes hold.
This is a book that was a perfect holiday read but that will also be an ideal cosy Autumn/Winter read that will keep you captivated until the very last page.
September 14, 2025
Excellent is the 1st word i think of as a description of this novel.
I really loved this, it's an addictive read, i just couldn't put it down. An undercover cop pushes the boundaries (well it's a thriller so they have to obviously) but the story has twists and turns all unexpected and who are the bad guys and whose not, You will find your view change as you read on Jill and Sophia the 2 ladies in Chris's life he's the pro-lier.
The back story mixed with the present which is about an inquest into the death of Sophia over nearly 2 decades ago. The events the mistakes and the truth then another turn what's going on with Jill. Everything changes when a journalist releases a story challenging the official version of the death of Sophia. The wheels of the system are turning and well you've got to read it to see how and it really is a great read.
I feel that 5stars is too low for this read it's surely needs a much higher score i think you will as well.
I really loved this, it's an addictive read, i just couldn't put it down. An undercover cop pushes the boundaries (well it's a thriller so they have to obviously) but the story has twists and turns all unexpected and who are the bad guys and whose not, You will find your view change as you read on Jill and Sophia the 2 ladies in Chris's life he's the pro-lier.
The back story mixed with the present which is about an inquest into the death of Sophia over nearly 2 decades ago. The events the mistakes and the truth then another turn what's going on with Jill. Everything changes when a journalist releases a story challenging the official version of the death of Sophia. The wheels of the system are turning and well you've got to read it to see how and it really is a great read.
I feel that 5stars is too low for this read it's surely needs a much higher score i think you will as well.
October 23, 2025
Really enjoyed this thriller. A mix of a crime and a psychological thriller I think. Took a while to warm to Chris and wasn't quite sure if I should trust him.
The ending was brilliant and well worth the slow build throughout.
The ending was brilliant and well worth the slow build throughout.
October 19, 2025
Finished it in a day. Lots of twists and turns and you never know who to believe. Loved. 4.5 really.
October 22, 2024
This is seriously, genuinely brilliant and deserves to go into the stratosphere!
October 8, 2025
To Love A Liar by L. V. Matthews is a terrific thriller that’s hard to pin down to just one genre. It’s part psychological thriller, part crime story, part love story, with a touch of police procedural thrown in. Matthews blends these elements seamlessly, creating a layered and emotionally charged read that will appeal to a wide range of readers. From the very first pages, I was pulled in by her atmospheric writing and the growing sense of unease that builds with every chapter. Beneath the surface lies a story wrapped in deception, secrets, and slow-burning paranoia.
Chris Fletcher, a former undercover cop, has retired to Sardinia with his poet wife, Jill, and their lovable Great Dane, Jackson. When Chris is summoned back to the UK for an inquest into a case he worked on 19 years earlier, their peaceful life unravels. New evidence surfaces linking him to the death of Sophia, a young activist he once fell in love with while undercover. When Sophia was found dead in an abandoned house with a needle in her arm, her sister never believed it was an accident, and now she’s determined to expose Chris’s role. As if that weren’t enough, after Chris, Jill, and Jackson return to the UK, Jill goes missing, and the internet mob is quick to point the finger at Chris.
Matthews excels at character development, and the emotional depth here is outstanding. The novel dives deep into themes of trust, betrayal, identity, and the emotional fallout of living a life built on lies. It raises fascinating moral questions: are undercover officers heroes for risking their lives for the greater good, or villains when they become too entangled in their false identities? Where do you draw the line between duty and deceit, and what happens when the two worlds collide? Matthews handles these questions with nuance and authenticity, making the story feel strikingly real.
Told through dual timelines and two points of view, Chris in the present and Sophia in the past, the narrative unfolds with precision and emotional impact. The inclusion of social media threads and excerpts from a true crime drama provide a modern dimension, showing how quickly public opinion can spiral and destroy lives. It’s a clever storytelling device that amplifies the realism and tension throughout.
To Love A Liar is an outstanding, thought-provoking novel, beautifully written, emotionally gripping, and impossible to put down. L.V. Matthews has crafted a story full of heart and humanity, and I’ll definitely be reaching for more of her work in the future.
Chris Fletcher, a former undercover cop, has retired to Sardinia with his poet wife, Jill, and their lovable Great Dane, Jackson. When Chris is summoned back to the UK for an inquest into a case he worked on 19 years earlier, their peaceful life unravels. New evidence surfaces linking him to the death of Sophia, a young activist he once fell in love with while undercover. When Sophia was found dead in an abandoned house with a needle in her arm, her sister never believed it was an accident, and now she’s determined to expose Chris’s role. As if that weren’t enough, after Chris, Jill, and Jackson return to the UK, Jill goes missing, and the internet mob is quick to point the finger at Chris.
Matthews excels at character development, and the emotional depth here is outstanding. The novel dives deep into themes of trust, betrayal, identity, and the emotional fallout of living a life built on lies. It raises fascinating moral questions: are undercover officers heroes for risking their lives for the greater good, or villains when they become too entangled in their false identities? Where do you draw the line between duty and deceit, and what happens when the two worlds collide? Matthews handles these questions with nuance and authenticity, making the story feel strikingly real.
Told through dual timelines and two points of view, Chris in the present and Sophia in the past, the narrative unfolds with precision and emotional impact. The inclusion of social media threads and excerpts from a true crime drama provide a modern dimension, showing how quickly public opinion can spiral and destroy lives. It’s a clever storytelling device that amplifies the realism and tension throughout.
To Love A Liar is an outstanding, thought-provoking novel, beautifully written, emotionally gripping, and impossible to put down. L.V. Matthews has crafted a story full of heart and humanity, and I’ll definitely be reaching for more of her work in the future.
November 25, 2025
3,5-4-ish -
This is a crime-thriller, but most of all a mystery. It also comes across as a bit of a character study, as well as digging into themes such as marriage and lies, identity, guilt and responsibility.
Chris's past comes back to haunt him, and his wife Jill, when he's accused of being involved in a 25-year old death of a young woman, Sophia. He and Jill returns to Scotland (currently living in Sardinia) to be present for an inquiry and follow-up investigation. But how many lies and secrets can a marriage bare? And is Chris really the only one guilt of lying? The truth of what happens is only one part of this tale, as shortly after arriving, something else happens that creates its own, parallel mystery
the good
+ Excellent characters
+ Tidy writing that's to the point and empty of unnecessary "chatter" and meaningless details.
+ Creates an eerie and tense atmosphere
+ Elegantly switching between the here and now, told through Chris, and the past, through Sophia.
+ Also some short snippets from podcasts and social media - which, thankfully, was kept short and relevant rather than taking over the story and filling several pages - these are short little quotes almost, 1-2 pages, and spaced out throughout the book which is why it works (unlike when it's done too much and too frequently, as is very often the case when this element is included in a novel).
+ Mysterious throughout!
+ No over-the-top twists, and not many of them either, which made the book feel all the more realistic and believable
+ The ending gives the answers you need in order to actually feel like you found the explanations needed
+ The ending doesn't dragg out!
I haven't quite made up my mind yet: I loved this (at least the first 75-85%) and finished it quicker than I usually do, but ...
1) although the ending was satisfying, it somehow also felt like a let down as I just couldn't quite come to terms with a choice that was made (won't say any more as to not spoil it).
2)
Also, the parts towards the end, where Chris seems to lose grip on reality, felt a bit sudden
It felt like it was included simply too add mystery and to confuse the reader. Prior to this, he didnt show any signs of being so «unstable», so it felt both a little unneccessary and also at odds with my understanding of the character Chris. These scenes didn't enhance the story at all, in my opinion.
This is a crime-thriller, but most of all a mystery. It also comes across as a bit of a character study, as well as digging into themes such as marriage and lies, identity, guilt and responsibility.
Chris's past comes back to haunt him, and his wife Jill, when he's accused of being involved in a 25-year old death of a young woman, Sophia. He and Jill returns to Scotland (currently living in Sardinia) to be present for an inquiry and follow-up investigation. But how many lies and secrets can a marriage bare? And is Chris really the only one guilt of lying? The truth of what happens is only one part of this tale, as shortly after arriving, something else happens that creates its own, parallel mystery
the good
+ Excellent characters
+ Tidy writing that's to the point and empty of unnecessary "chatter" and meaningless details.
+ Creates an eerie and tense atmosphere
+ Elegantly switching between the here and now, told through Chris, and the past, through Sophia.
+ Also some short snippets from podcasts and social media - which, thankfully, was kept short and relevant rather than taking over the story and filling several pages - these are short little quotes almost, 1-2 pages, and spaced out throughout the book which is why it works (unlike when it's done too much and too frequently, as is very often the case when this element is included in a novel).
+ Mysterious throughout!
+ No over-the-top twists, and not many of them either, which made the book feel all the more realistic and believable
+ The ending gives the answers you need in order to actually feel like you found the explanations needed
+ The ending doesn't dragg out!
I haven't quite made up my mind yet: I loved this (at least the first 75-85%) and finished it quicker than I usually do, but ...
1) although the ending was satisfying, it somehow also felt like a let down as I just couldn't quite come to terms with a choice that was made (won't say any more as to not spoil it).
2)
Also, the parts towards the end, where Chris seems to lose grip on reality, felt a bit sudden
It felt like it was included simply too add mystery and to confuse the reader. Prior to this, he didnt show any signs of being so «unstable», so it felt both a little unneccessary and also at odds with my understanding of the character Chris. These scenes didn't enhance the story at all, in my opinion.
August 31, 2025
To Touch A Silent Fury by R.A. Sandpiper is a wonderful slow burn romantic fantasy that I completely adored.
Tani is unique, she is the only woman in the Moontouched Brotherhood, and while her position there has always been somewhat precarious the magic in her blood means that she must stay and study there until the Fate Ceremony which will reveal her future path and how she will unlock her magical abilities. Of the five possible fates ranging from death to study she is given marriage, the first time that fate has been given in decades. She is to marry the victor of a tournament organised by the ruling families and once she does the full extent of her abilities to sense emotion through touch will be revealed.
Lang is the somewhat reluctant Crown Prince despite being the second son of the King. Bonded to his dragon and notorious through the land for being the King's enforcer, he is not too keen to be sent to the remote island where the Brotherhood live, and his encounters with Tani leave him shaken and very confused. If she is allowed to live she could be a huge threat to the kingdom but he is too drawn to her to allow her to die as the King demands. And so begins a complicated love story with banter and betrayal, political intrigue and power plays and best of all dragons!
I was very quickly drawn into the world of this book, the magic system based on the senses was not like anything I had read before and though there is a lot of world building with various cultures and belief systems it was done well, it never felt like info dumping at the expense of the story. The characters are wonderful, I love a good dual POV romance and that is exactly what the author delivers here. The complexity of the political situation really adds to the romantic tension and makes it easy to believe the journey the characters make from enemies to allies to something more, and when I got to the ending I was not ready for how much it was going to break me. All I can say is that I need book two soon!
I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own
Tani is unique, she is the only woman in the Moontouched Brotherhood, and while her position there has always been somewhat precarious the magic in her blood means that she must stay and study there until the Fate Ceremony which will reveal her future path and how she will unlock her magical abilities. Of the five possible fates ranging from death to study she is given marriage, the first time that fate has been given in decades. She is to marry the victor of a tournament organised by the ruling families and once she does the full extent of her abilities to sense emotion through touch will be revealed.
Lang is the somewhat reluctant Crown Prince despite being the second son of the King. Bonded to his dragon and notorious through the land for being the King's enforcer, he is not too keen to be sent to the remote island where the Brotherhood live, and his encounters with Tani leave him shaken and very confused. If she is allowed to live she could be a huge threat to the kingdom but he is too drawn to her to allow her to die as the King demands. And so begins a complicated love story with banter and betrayal, political intrigue and power plays and best of all dragons!
I was very quickly drawn into the world of this book, the magic system based on the senses was not like anything I had read before and though there is a lot of world building with various cultures and belief systems it was done well, it never felt like info dumping at the expense of the story. The characters are wonderful, I love a good dual POV romance and that is exactly what the author delivers here. The complexity of the political situation really adds to the romantic tension and makes it easy to believe the journey the characters make from enemies to allies to something more, and when I got to the ending I was not ready for how much it was going to break me. All I can say is that I need book two soon!
I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own
September 7, 2025
Official blurb - CHRIS FLETCHER IS A MAN WITH SECRETS . . .
One woman dead.
Nineteen years ago, policeman Chris Fletcher's lover was found dead in an abandoned house.
One woman missing.
Now, his loyal wife has disappeared without a trace.
A man with everything to lose.
There's no doubt that he's guilty, but of which crime?
My thoughts - This was my first book by this author! I kept wondering if it was based on that case where that police officer some years back -
Forget his name but he was white with grey hair in pony tail and all over news for getting in trouble of forming a romantic relationship while under cover in some activist group, at the end I was pleasantly surprised of the explanation about what it was based on and how it formed! Very interesting! With the two books mentioned now on my TBR - thanks L V Matthew’s for making that even longer 😂
The only reason I gave it 4⭐️ is because I struggled a bit with it jumping from one time line to another and mixing in the X and WhatsApp convo’s. That may be more of a me problem than a book thing though, concerntration is a constant battle for me at the best of times! It was certainly realistic about how modern society plays online cop regardless of impact on families involved in cases though 👌🏼 concerntration aside when I was knee deep in the story I was loving it! I really thought I’d figured it out, I was convinced! How wrong was I!
I love how the twists played out as it began to near the end. It was clever, thought provoking, interesting and I looked forward to picking it up! I would definitely recommend and definitely read more by this author ✍️ the characters were interesting, the plot was thought provoking, various pov were used, plenty of red herrings throughout and I found myself able to picture the scenes well! Really enjoy it :)
One woman dead.
Nineteen years ago, policeman Chris Fletcher's lover was found dead in an abandoned house.
One woman missing.
Now, his loyal wife has disappeared without a trace.
A man with everything to lose.
There's no doubt that he's guilty, but of which crime?
My thoughts - This was my first book by this author! I kept wondering if it was based on that case where that police officer some years back -
Forget his name but he was white with grey hair in pony tail and all over news for getting in trouble of forming a romantic relationship while under cover in some activist group, at the end I was pleasantly surprised of the explanation about what it was based on and how it formed! Very interesting! With the two books mentioned now on my TBR - thanks L V Matthew’s for making that even longer 😂
The only reason I gave it 4⭐️ is because I struggled a bit with it jumping from one time line to another and mixing in the X and WhatsApp convo’s. That may be more of a me problem than a book thing though, concerntration is a constant battle for me at the best of times! It was certainly realistic about how modern society plays online cop regardless of impact on families involved in cases though 👌🏼 concerntration aside when I was knee deep in the story I was loving it! I really thought I’d figured it out, I was convinced! How wrong was I!
I love how the twists played out as it began to near the end. It was clever, thought provoking, interesting and I looked forward to picking it up! I would definitely recommend and definitely read more by this author ✍️ the characters were interesting, the plot was thought provoking, various pov were used, plenty of red herrings throughout and I found myself able to picture the scenes well! Really enjoy it :)
September 20, 2025
I have loved all of the author's previous books, so was very much looking forward to reading her new book, To Love A Liar - and having met her in person at Harrogate this summer I was even more excited. And it proved to be a perfect holiday read, as I raced through it, reluctant to put down this twisty and thought-provoking story.
It is the story of former undercover police officer Chris, who has been living in Sardinia with his wife until forced to return to the UK to give evidence at an inquest for a case he was involved in nineteen years previously, the death of activist Sophia, initially ruled a drug overdose - but does Chris know more than he is admitting to? And when his wife goes missing, Chris’ life gets even more complicated - can he prove he is not responsible, whilst at the same time not divulging long-held secrets.
Whilst the mystery of Jill’s disappearance is at the heart of the story, it is Chris’s erstwhile job that makes this such a compelling read. Much has been written in recent years about undercover policemen and the relationships they formed whilst on operations - and it is this real-life element, clearly well-researched, that offers much food for thought and an emotional element, highlighting the impact both on the police officers themselves and those around them when leading double lives. It’s a world with so much moral ambiguity - whilst it is hard to condone Chris’s actions, there is also an element of sympathy for him as he unravels and it becomes clear just how damaged he is.
Told from multiple POVs and moving between timelines, and with social media commentary and snippets of a documentary and quotes from colleagues scattered throughout adding an external perspective, it’s a complex story where the truth is always in question. The author cleverly keeps the reader guessing as the story unfolds - and kept me turning the pages.
It is the story of former undercover police officer Chris, who has been living in Sardinia with his wife until forced to return to the UK to give evidence at an inquest for a case he was involved in nineteen years previously, the death of activist Sophia, initially ruled a drug overdose - but does Chris know more than he is admitting to? And when his wife goes missing, Chris’ life gets even more complicated - can he prove he is not responsible, whilst at the same time not divulging long-held secrets.
Whilst the mystery of Jill’s disappearance is at the heart of the story, it is Chris’s erstwhile job that makes this such a compelling read. Much has been written in recent years about undercover policemen and the relationships they formed whilst on operations - and it is this real-life element, clearly well-researched, that offers much food for thought and an emotional element, highlighting the impact both on the police officers themselves and those around them when leading double lives. It’s a world with so much moral ambiguity - whilst it is hard to condone Chris’s actions, there is also an element of sympathy for him as he unravels and it becomes clear just how damaged he is.
Told from multiple POVs and moving between timelines, and with social media commentary and snippets of a documentary and quotes from colleagues scattered throughout adding an external perspective, it’s a complex story where the truth is always in question. The author cleverly keeps the reader guessing as the story unfolds - and kept me turning the pages.
June 6, 2025
Thank you to both LVM and NetGalley for this ARC.
Psychological thriller come toxic love story. I was absorbed from the get-go and was left astonished. It's thought-provoking, immersive, and easily slid into my top 10 reads for 2025 so far!
Some dark themes are included, but the substance and power of this book are what made it for me. Don't be misguided into thinking it's going to be another mundane domestic thriller because this really packs a punch. It's extremely unique and will stand out in an overpopulated crowd.
The deeper meaning behind this tale is hidden beneath the stratified plot. It's impeccably researched and very thought-provoking. Not something I've considered before, and I like to be taken by surprise.
It's a character-driven story, and Chris, who narrates this tale, is strong yet forlorn. It's hard to peel your eyes away when focused on his internal conflicts.
The rest of the cast were also intricately developed and appeared well-matched to every scene. The interactions were authentic and made the story feel plausible.
The author did an expert job at drawing mixed emotions from pure loathing to empathy and sadness.
This book seamlessly weaves between timelines that are well-guided by the tale. I found the past immediately sucked you in and held the most sneaky twists.
The suspense was crippling; the overall mystery combined with the looming inquest was pure ingenuity.
I also enjoyed the use of Multimedia. Displaying toxic traits of online and a distraction from what come next. It was modern day and authentic.
A novel that swiftly becomes an art of deception. It managed to manipulate my mind into thinking so sourly about a situation until, towards the end, everything took a 360, and the initial murky picture became crystal clear.
Psychological thriller come toxic love story. I was absorbed from the get-go and was left astonished. It's thought-provoking, immersive, and easily slid into my top 10 reads for 2025 so far!
Some dark themes are included, but the substance and power of this book are what made it for me. Don't be misguided into thinking it's going to be another mundane domestic thriller because this really packs a punch. It's extremely unique and will stand out in an overpopulated crowd.
The deeper meaning behind this tale is hidden beneath the stratified plot. It's impeccably researched and very thought-provoking. Not something I've considered before, and I like to be taken by surprise.
It's a character-driven story, and Chris, who narrates this tale, is strong yet forlorn. It's hard to peel your eyes away when focused on his internal conflicts.
The rest of the cast were also intricately developed and appeared well-matched to every scene. The interactions were authentic and made the story feel plausible.
The author did an expert job at drawing mixed emotions from pure loathing to empathy and sadness.
This book seamlessly weaves between timelines that are well-guided by the tale. I found the past immediately sucked you in and held the most sneaky twists.
The suspense was crippling; the overall mystery combined with the looming inquest was pure ingenuity.
I also enjoyed the use of Multimedia. Displaying toxic traits of online and a distraction from what come next. It was modern day and authentic.
A novel that swiftly becomes an art of deception. It managed to manipulate my mind into thinking so sourly about a situation until, towards the end, everything took a 360, and the initial murky picture became crystal clear.
September 15, 2025
Well, gosh. This was such a thought provoking book. My first thought when writing this review is, if I was pushed to, where would I pitch the genre. It's not as simple as saying crime fiction, or contemporary fiction. There is mystery at the heart of the book, and suspense, the author delaying some of the key information we might need to fully understand what is happening in the story until the absolute perfect moment to hit us with it. It has surprises, misdirection, and moments that made my eyebrows shoot into my hairline. But it is also a story of relationships, of duty, and of fear. Fear of discovery, for more than just the central character, Chris. It also feels a little harder to review as there are elements of the story that are best discovered in the reading.
Chris Fletcher is a former police officer. He and his wife, Jill, are called back to the UK from the life that they have built for themselves in Sardinia, to give testimony into an enquiry into the death of a young woman, Sophia, twenty or so years earlier after her sister makes allegations that Chris is responsible for Sophia's death. This is no secret, it is clearly spelled out in the opening pages of the book. It is more the revelations about Chris, about the part he did, or maybe didn't play in Sophia's death. And it is that uncertainty, if you like, and Chris's choice of specialism in the police, that makes it really hard for me to pitch the book into any particular genre. Because Chris wasn't just a regular bet copper. Chris was an undercover officer. And that statement alone is probably enough to get your mind whirling in all kinds of directions as it did mine.
I love how the author has played this book, moving the action back and forth in time, following Chris and Jill in the present, and Chris as Sophia in the past. The present day point of view is told in primarily from Chris's point of view, and the past from Sophia's, with a few very key exceptions. this worked really well for me as I think it is essential that we are inside Chris's tortured mind, his fear amplifying the tension that surrounds the whole experience. And it is Sophia's innocent acceptance of the man Chris claims to be when he infiltrates the Green Is Go environmentalist action group of which she is a member, that really makes the fall out from what he does, from what ultimately happens, all the more shocking. The betrayal of Sophia, the way in which being in Chris's orbit changes the course of her life, really hits home, and getting to know her, experience her strength, her compassion and yes, perhaps naivety, makes what happens to her all the more shocking.
Given the rise of protest parties, this story is perhaps all the more poignant and relevant than I might have expected, and I found myself drawing parallels between not only the current political climate, but the dissection of the behaviour of various police officers over recent years, and they were just the ones who weren't paid to lie. When your whole reason for being is to be a different person, to get close to criminals and make them believe you are anything other than a police officer, it is inevitable that the innocent as as caught up as readily as the guilty. And it made me think a lot about whether doing bad things to good people is ever justified, whether methods of policing, as ambiguous and shady as Chris's actions seemed to be, went too far. We probably all have opinions, I know I did, but based on what you see on TV and in movies. What about the very real people who get caught up in this deception, this anything goes approach to catching the bad guys? This is where the book really does challenge you and challenge perceptions.
There are many scenes in the book that will make you question exactly what did happen back in 2002 when Sophia met her very unfair and untimely end. Was it murder, neglect, depression or something far more sinister. LV Matthews has created such tension in the book that I really did feel like it could be any, or all, of the above. That sense of Chris being hunted by the present, all of the people in the social media age ready to convict based on only half of the facts, as people are prone to do in modern life, but also by some as yet unknown threat from his past, all added to that radiating sense of danger that grows the further we get into the book. And, perhaps strangely, whilst I felt utmost sympathy for Sophia, the ultimate victim in this story, I had a strange kind of sympathy for Chris too. I didn't find it as easy as you might expect to condemn his behaviour, as immoral as it might have been, and that sense of the hurt that he is also feeling is really well conveyed in the book.
This is no straight forward story, the lines blurred not only by what happens in the book, but also when considering the actions were taken, in theory, in the interest of protecting the public. With additional scenes from a documentary on the subject interspersed throughout the book, I found my reasoning constantly challenged and I was completely drawn into the story or Chris, Jill and Sophia in the same way that someone might become addicted to a true crime TV show or podcast. You might think it would be easy to come to a conclusion about the rights and wrongs of the whole affair when you start reading. You'll most likely find you are wrong. Absolutely fascinating and a book that has made me think long beyond the turn of the final page.
Chris Fletcher is a former police officer. He and his wife, Jill, are called back to the UK from the life that they have built for themselves in Sardinia, to give testimony into an enquiry into the death of a young woman, Sophia, twenty or so years earlier after her sister makes allegations that Chris is responsible for Sophia's death. This is no secret, it is clearly spelled out in the opening pages of the book. It is more the revelations about Chris, about the part he did, or maybe didn't play in Sophia's death. And it is that uncertainty, if you like, and Chris's choice of specialism in the police, that makes it really hard for me to pitch the book into any particular genre. Because Chris wasn't just a regular bet copper. Chris was an undercover officer. And that statement alone is probably enough to get your mind whirling in all kinds of directions as it did mine.
I love how the author has played this book, moving the action back and forth in time, following Chris and Jill in the present, and Chris as Sophia in the past. The present day point of view is told in primarily from Chris's point of view, and the past from Sophia's, with a few very key exceptions. this worked really well for me as I think it is essential that we are inside Chris's tortured mind, his fear amplifying the tension that surrounds the whole experience. And it is Sophia's innocent acceptance of the man Chris claims to be when he infiltrates the Green Is Go environmentalist action group of which she is a member, that really makes the fall out from what he does, from what ultimately happens, all the more shocking. The betrayal of Sophia, the way in which being in Chris's orbit changes the course of her life, really hits home, and getting to know her, experience her strength, her compassion and yes, perhaps naivety, makes what happens to her all the more shocking.
Given the rise of protest parties, this story is perhaps all the more poignant and relevant than I might have expected, and I found myself drawing parallels between not only the current political climate, but the dissection of the behaviour of various police officers over recent years, and they were just the ones who weren't paid to lie. When your whole reason for being is to be a different person, to get close to criminals and make them believe you are anything other than a police officer, it is inevitable that the innocent as as caught up as readily as the guilty. And it made me think a lot about whether doing bad things to good people is ever justified, whether methods of policing, as ambiguous and shady as Chris's actions seemed to be, went too far. We probably all have opinions, I know I did, but based on what you see on TV and in movies. What about the very real people who get caught up in this deception, this anything goes approach to catching the bad guys? This is where the book really does challenge you and challenge perceptions.
There are many scenes in the book that will make you question exactly what did happen back in 2002 when Sophia met her very unfair and untimely end. Was it murder, neglect, depression or something far more sinister. LV Matthews has created such tension in the book that I really did feel like it could be any, or all, of the above. That sense of Chris being hunted by the present, all of the people in the social media age ready to convict based on only half of the facts, as people are prone to do in modern life, but also by some as yet unknown threat from his past, all added to that radiating sense of danger that grows the further we get into the book. And, perhaps strangely, whilst I felt utmost sympathy for Sophia, the ultimate victim in this story, I had a strange kind of sympathy for Chris too. I didn't find it as easy as you might expect to condemn his behaviour, as immoral as it might have been, and that sense of the hurt that he is also feeling is really well conveyed in the book.
This is no straight forward story, the lines blurred not only by what happens in the book, but also when considering the actions were taken, in theory, in the interest of protecting the public. With additional scenes from a documentary on the subject interspersed throughout the book, I found my reasoning constantly challenged and I was completely drawn into the story or Chris, Jill and Sophia in the same way that someone might become addicted to a true crime TV show or podcast. You might think it would be easy to come to a conclusion about the rights and wrongs of the whole affair when you start reading. You'll most likely find you are wrong. Absolutely fascinating and a book that has made me think long beyond the turn of the final page.
September 28, 2025
Chris worked as an undercover police officer. He has lived a reclusive life with his wife in Sardinia for a few years. During one of his operations, a young woman with whom Chris was having an affair was killed. Although the police presented evidence that he was not involved in her death, the accusations that he had killed her never stopped. Now, while he is in England for a hearing on the case, his wife disappears without a trace.
A few years ago, I listened to a podcast about this very topic. In England, an undercover unit infiltrated several environmental activist groups. The men were supposed to get close to the members and spy on their lives and the activities of the group. Some police officers even had affairs with women from these groups, despite having wives and children in real life. The whole thing was highly questionable from a moral point of view and caused much suffering and pain for all those involved. This is exactly what is being addressed here. Chris lived a double life, and even 19 years later, it's clear that he hasn't come to terms with it. Unfortunately, the story doesn't build up enough tension for my liking and remains stagnant for a long time. Essentially, not much happens. Chris is not particularly likeable and he urgently needs psychological help. But I really couldn't empathise with him.
It's not the book's fault that I've already heard this type of story as a very well-made podcast and therefore knew it. For me, there was little new to the topic here. Unfortunately, I also found it lacking in intensity, and the execution rather drawn-out, so I can only give it 3 stars.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A few years ago, I listened to a podcast about this very topic. In England, an undercover unit infiltrated several environmental activist groups. The men were supposed to get close to the members and spy on their lives and the activities of the group. Some police officers even had affairs with women from these groups, despite having wives and children in real life. The whole thing was highly questionable from a moral point of view and caused much suffering and pain for all those involved. This is exactly what is being addressed here. Chris lived a double life, and even 19 years later, it's clear that he hasn't come to terms with it. Unfortunately, the story doesn't build up enough tension for my liking and remains stagnant for a long time. Essentially, not much happens. Chris is not particularly likeable and he urgently needs psychological help. But I really couldn't empathise with him.
It's not the book's fault that I've already heard this type of story as a very well-made podcast and therefore knew it. For me, there was little new to the topic here. Unfortunately, I also found it lacking in intensity, and the execution rather drawn-out, so I can only give it 3 stars.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2025
This is a review of the audiobook version.
Firstly, the production value on this audiobook is fantastic: John Hollingworth's narration is great - his voice and inflection is very easy to listen to, and his array of accents is impressive. The other, smaller parts are also performed very well and serve to punctuate each chapter with a series of well-placed and (often unfortunately) believable quotes from other in-story media, such as interviews and social posts.
As for the story, L. V. Matthews has created a deliciously intertwining and twisty thriller here. Both her unreliable narrator (Christ Fletcher) and the criss-crossing timelines, add lochfuls of intrigue throughout.
The strained relationship between Chris and his wife Jillian against the backdrop of the Scottish highlands is beautifully written. There is a particular poetic verse from Jillian that shows perfectly just how much tension there is between them... I won't spoil it here, but it hits very well at the point she drops it!
A brilliant supporting cast slips further layers into the mystery, particularly Jillian's disapproving aunt Meredith who adds wonderful complication to Chris' already crumbling life.
Overall, To Love a Liar grabs hold of you early on, and does not let go until its satisfying conclusion. It will keep you guessing with plenty of red herrings and dimly lit forest paths but, although I had some theoretical inklings flittering around, I did not see what was coming, and that is just what a thriller ought to be.
Firstly, the production value on this audiobook is fantastic: John Hollingworth's narration is great - his voice and inflection is very easy to listen to, and his array of accents is impressive. The other, smaller parts are also performed very well and serve to punctuate each chapter with a series of well-placed and (often unfortunately) believable quotes from other in-story media, such as interviews and social posts.
As for the story, L. V. Matthews has created a deliciously intertwining and twisty thriller here. Both her unreliable narrator (Christ Fletcher) and the criss-crossing timelines, add lochfuls of intrigue throughout.
The strained relationship between Chris and his wife Jillian against the backdrop of the Scottish highlands is beautifully written. There is a particular poetic verse from Jillian that shows perfectly just how much tension there is between them... I won't spoil it here, but it hits very well at the point she drops it!
A brilliant supporting cast slips further layers into the mystery, particularly Jillian's disapproving aunt Meredith who adds wonderful complication to Chris' already crumbling life.
Overall, To Love a Liar grabs hold of you early on, and does not let go until its satisfying conclusion. It will keep you guessing with plenty of red herrings and dimly lit forest paths but, although I had some theoretical inklings flittering around, I did not see what was coming, and that is just what a thriller ought to be.
August 9, 2025
Rating: 4.3/5
On this occasion I am going to borrow from the author's own notes to gives a précis of this book. '"To Love a Liar" is a novel about out-of-control people in out-of-control situations. Although it is about real events from the world in which we live, it is completely fictitious. This is a novel about love. It is about putting your trust in those who them betray you. It is about trauma, and the loss of identity. It is about trying to do the right thing when the right thing itself is murky and unclear.'
The author has clearly taken inspiration from real life scenarios that have been reported in the media and which, in a number of cases, are still under active investigation. Although, as L.V. Matthews states in her notes, this is a work of fiction, this could quite easily have been a true crime account. A significant amount of credit needs to go to the writer for the amount of research that has gone into this in order to give it a genuine sense of realism. That, combined with the author's skill in drawing credible and relatable characters with authentic voices, is what makes this such an absorbing piece of fictional writing. "To Love a Liar" could easily find itself being adapted for television and I am sure it would work extremely well in that medium - but it also works extremely well in the written form. Easy to recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
On this occasion I am going to borrow from the author's own notes to gives a précis of this book. '"To Love a Liar" is a novel about out-of-control people in out-of-control situations. Although it is about real events from the world in which we live, it is completely fictitious. This is a novel about love. It is about putting your trust in those who them betray you. It is about trauma, and the loss of identity. It is about trying to do the right thing when the right thing itself is murky and unclear.'
The author has clearly taken inspiration from real life scenarios that have been reported in the media and which, in a number of cases, are still under active investigation. Although, as L.V. Matthews states in her notes, this is a work of fiction, this could quite easily have been a true crime account. A significant amount of credit needs to go to the writer for the amount of research that has gone into this in order to give it a genuine sense of realism. That, combined with the author's skill in drawing credible and relatable characters with authentic voices, is what makes this such an absorbing piece of fictional writing. "To Love a Liar" could easily find itself being adapted for television and I am sure it would work extremely well in that medium - but it also works extremely well in the written form. Easy to recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 30, 2025
To Love a Liar
L.V Matthews
Read and Reviewed: June 2025
Publication Date: September 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Thanks so much to the author LV Matthews and Penguin UK Publishers for gifting me an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This one 'To Love a Liar' is set to be released September 2025 and I defo recommend you add it to the TBR lists.
This isnt just your standard thriller read - it is a combined psychological thriller/dark love story/police drama.
I have never read anything by this author before but I will make sure to check out her other books now after reading and enjoying this one so much.
To Love a Liar was a great read that pulled me in from the very start. It's a very character driven story - the characterisation (particularly Chris, our male main character) is so well executed and developed - I was absorbed in the story from the first chapter.
The story follows Chris Fletcher, an undercover policeman who is currently at the centre of a mystery that has recently come to light from his past - His young mistress was found dead in a derelict house nineteen years ago and the case is being investigated again after new evidence has come to light. Chris is under scrutiny as the case is investigated and to add to things (like he needs anymore drama) - his wife has now disappeared without a trace.
Is Chris guilty of either crime???
That's all I'm gonna say cos I don't want to spoil it for anyone but this one was full of secrets and will defo keep you guessing until the final pages.
Unlike a lot of others in this genre this one is very thought provoking and is definately a very unique read and unlike anything I've read before.
It is a dark psychological thriller - the storyline all gets tied up neatly by the end but it really makes you think whilst reading it how past mistakes really do affect the present.
This was full of suspense and I raced through it in anticipation of each revelation.
A page turner for sure.
A fantastic piece of storytelling
3.5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
L.V Matthews
Read and Reviewed: June 2025
Publication Date: September 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Thanks so much to the author LV Matthews and Penguin UK Publishers for gifting me an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This one 'To Love a Liar' is set to be released September 2025 and I defo recommend you add it to the TBR lists.
This isnt just your standard thriller read - it is a combined psychological thriller/dark love story/police drama.
I have never read anything by this author before but I will make sure to check out her other books now after reading and enjoying this one so much.
To Love a Liar was a great read that pulled me in from the very start. It's a very character driven story - the characterisation (particularly Chris, our male main character) is so well executed and developed - I was absorbed in the story from the first chapter.
The story follows Chris Fletcher, an undercover policeman who is currently at the centre of a mystery that has recently come to light from his past - His young mistress was found dead in a derelict house nineteen years ago and the case is being investigated again after new evidence has come to light. Chris is under scrutiny as the case is investigated and to add to things (like he needs anymore drama) - his wife has now disappeared without a trace.
Is Chris guilty of either crime???
That's all I'm gonna say cos I don't want to spoil it for anyone but this one was full of secrets and will defo keep you guessing until the final pages.
Unlike a lot of others in this genre this one is very thought provoking and is definately a very unique read and unlike anything I've read before.
It is a dark psychological thriller - the storyline all gets tied up neatly by the end but it really makes you think whilst reading it how past mistakes really do affect the present.
This was full of suspense and I raced through it in anticipation of each revelation.
A page turner for sure.
A fantastic piece of storytelling
3.5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
September 6, 2025
Chris Fletcher is an undercover police officer and nineteen years ago when he was on one of his secret missions his lover Sophia was killed and he fled to Sardinia with his wife, Jill. Now he's back in the UK, to attend the inquest of her death, a death many believe he was responsible for, so he's still in hiding, along with his wife. Then Jill goes missing while they are staying in her aunt Meredith's house in Scotland and Chris believes it's because of his past demeanours, but could the reason she's disappeared lie closer to home and is Chris responsible for either, or both of them?
To Love A Liar is the new thriller by this author, portrayed as a dual timeline over present and past times. This is a slow burner that takes you behind the scenes of the life of undercover police and how it affects theirs and their families lives. It's a well written story of love, lies, deceit and crime with characters that I didn't really gel with, although I did start to sympathise with Chris later in the story. The plot is complex with chapters that flow well and a mix of social media comments thrown in throughout to add to the intrigue. If you like a thriller that keeps you guessing till the end, then this is one for you.
I'd like to thank Penguin General UK and Netgalley for the invitation to read this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
To Love A Liar is the new thriller by this author, portrayed as a dual timeline over present and past times. This is a slow burner that takes you behind the scenes of the life of undercover police and how it affects theirs and their families lives. It's a well written story of love, lies, deceit and crime with characters that I didn't really gel with, although I did start to sympathise with Chris later in the story. The plot is complex with chapters that flow well and a mix of social media comments thrown in throughout to add to the intrigue. If you like a thriller that keeps you guessing till the end, then this is one for you.
I'd like to thank Penguin General UK and Netgalley for the invitation to read this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
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