No Lie Lasts Forever

by Mark Stevens

Zodiac with a terrifying twist, in a taut thriller from author Mark Stevens about a reformed serial killer and the disgraced journalist he coaxes into finding the imposter trading on his name.

When a reporter dies in a shockingly familiar way, the media rushes to announce the return of the PDQ Killer. The city of Denver reels, but no one more than Harry Kugel. After all, he is the PDQ Killer—or was fifteen years ago. And he didn’t do this.

Still working to reform his ways, Harry won’t let some amateur murderer ride his twisted coattails and risk drawing the police back his way. To protect his legacy and quiet new life, he’ll have to expose the copycat. Without exposing himself.

Disgraced TV journalist Flynn Martin holds the key. After a botched hostage situation, she’ll do anything to revive her dying career—even hunt down a monster who executed one of her own.

Harry must convince Flynn to follow him into the heady world of a killer. But with the law closing in and a rival at large, he starts to feel the familiar pull of old urges…

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks, Crime, Audiobook

457 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2025

About the author

"No Lie Lasts Forever" was published by Thomas & Mercer in June, 2025. A sequel is due in 2026.

Lake Union published "The Fireballer" in 2023. It was my first non-mystery. It's about a pitcher for The Baltimore Orioles.

My previous five books are all part of The Allison Coil Mystery Series, set in the Flat Tops Wilderness in Colorado.

Number one, "Antler Dust," was published in 2007 and made the best-seller list on The Denver Post. The sequel, "Buried by the Roan," was published in 2011.

The third, "Trapline," came out in 2014 and won the Colorado Book Award. "Lake of Fire," number four, was published in 2015 and was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. Kirkus Review called that book "irresistible."

"The Melancholy Howl" (No. 5) was published in 2018. Kirkus Reviews called it "smart and indelible."

I’ve worked as a reporter for The Christian Science Monitor in Boston and Los Angeles, covering a variety of events and issues from the economy, commercial fishing, the environment, politics and all the colorful people and events of southern California.

I've worked for The Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post, also with the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. For six years, I produced field documentaries across the United States and Latin America.

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting thriller that takes a lot of suspension of disbelief as neither investigative journalism nor police work are correctly displayed in this one, but it still is a fun ride. I listened to the audiobook and I liked the narrator. Flynn is a reporter who is asked to help with a hostage negotiation (I told you, suspend disbelief) and is put on a leave when it doesn’t end well. Luckily for her a serial killer who is credited with a murder of another reporter is in need of someone to clear his name, because he claims this wasn’t him. The story is a bit over the top, but it was fun. The writing was ok, but I thought the characters needed some more development. I liked the way the ended and this led me to rounding up the 3.5 stars I gave this one.

[Kelly Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my Amazon First Reads for the month of May and I struggled to get through it. The writing style was drawn out and anticlimactic throughout and I was bored and confused a majority of the book

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amazon First Reads title for MAY, 2025


Let’s begin this review with a BIG reminder that this book is fiction before it’s anything else. Readers will appreciate the book more by keeping this fact in mind. You will not find a realistic rendering of investigative journalism or a police procedural that will inspire confidence or provide a feeling of veracity.

What you will find is a decent story. It’s well written mechanically with pacing that is appropriately uneven. One of the MC’s is a self rehabbed serial killer. The other is a well known investigative journalist who desperately needs to have her image improved. Guess who’s helping whom?

If you’re a fan of classical music, you might have a special insight to our erudite serial killer. He’s quite the complex fellow; not to mention, twisted…brilliantly twisted. Harry is also vain and refuses to let another killer get credit for being him, (his old murdering perfection self), after he spent so many years covering the past; working his way back into society and a job with the government.

Flynn, the disgraced, sidelined journalist, is being called to check into the recent murder of a fellow female journalist. When claims of the old PDQ killer are tossed about, all manner of news outlets are rabid for reporting. Flynn’s boss relents, to a point, and asks her to investigate; carefully.

Harry and Flynn begin a delicate dance around Denver. He’s leading. She doesn’t want to follow but Harry can be inordinately persuasive; deathly convincing. Flynn is assisted by a videographer/good friend, Tamica, her father, her ex, Max, and an assortment of Denver’s finest. There’s only one character who is really motivating her - Wyatt, her diminutive, sensitive, socially conscious 5th grader. He’s a great kid and excellent foil for his mother who’s three giant steps from PC and not apologizing for it. Of course, nobody knows Harry is “helping” and certainly not that he is the REAL PDQ; Harry’s orders.

Flynn is a strong character. Taking orders isn’t her jam. Harry’s rehabilitation is slipping which plays nicely into the storyline. I was unable to find any mention of an ongoing series but these two characters are well suited to ongoing opportunities cleaning up cold, (or other temperatures as needed), cases in Denver.

Perfect for readers who enjoy procedurals with decided and multiple twistings📚

[Ivy]

DNF. This was a free Prime First Read. the blurb sounded great but I'm not clicking with the writing at all.

[Ella Atwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ready to quit then at 20 percent, then some action, then once again became mundane. This was how the book went... Draggy Action Draggy Action!!
Overall, an interesting story but marred by too much slow plot development.

[Ashley Ball · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF just couldn’t get into the writing style

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have lots of thoughts about this book. I’ll start with the good:

1. The pacing moved quickly and kept me engaged.
2. It’s fun to read about a place you know well (even when it’s about a fictitious serial killer 🙃).

Now on to the not-so-good:

1. I always have a hard time with books about journalists because I feel they so rarely accurately depict the profession. Even though the author has a background in journalism, there were some moments that I thought were absolutely off base. First, in what world is DPD going to ask a broadcast reporter to mediate a hostage situation? Second, Flynn completely betrayed her source, Laura, by telling Carlos she had seen her, even though she knew Laura was at risk. There were several other moments when Flynn failed to follow basic journalistic ethics.

2. Why do all the women in this book either have very specific bobs or spiky hair? The descriptions of women’s haircuts were weird.

3. The emphasis on race was also weird. It read like someone was trying very hard to show that they support diversity, but it came across more as exoticism. At some points I thought that was intentionally done to make the killer seem even creepier, but there were other uncomfortable moments with other narrators.

4. In my experience, most Coloradans are not nearly as obsessed with the Broncos as the author seems to be. All the quips about the Broncos and game days felt so unnecessary lol.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm]

DNF at 7% - the first chapter or two got my interest but it went downhill fast.

I didn’t like his choppy writing style with odd descriptions (“eyes sit inside deep sockets where a melon ball. scooper might’ve gone to work’). What?!

Author also introduces so many characters without helping readers understand who they are or how they relate to the story.

[Steve Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many characters are introduced too quickly, making this book confusing from the start.

A difficult writing style doesn't help. Taken alone, present tense isn't that bad. Neither are sentence fragments. But put them both together and it's an irritating blend. Short chapters and short sentences - whenever complete sentences are actually used - add to the choppy feel.

About a third of the way in, the awkward style becomes less noticeable as an interesting story finally gains traction.

Flynn, a disgraced TV reporter, receives a sudden chance for redemption when the PDQ Killer, who disappeared 15 years ago after slaying three women, contacts her with a special request.

Harry, one of the most intriguing villains you will ever meet, is angry because a copycat killer has dared to imitate his work. He wants Flynn to help prove that he didn't commit the recent killing of one of Flynn's colleagues.

Angling for a big scoop, which she hopes will revive her career, Flynn opts to accept Harry's demands. Not only that, she chooses to keep her contact with him secret from everyone - including her editors, her ex-husband Max, who is a cop, and all cops in general.

Going against Harry's wishes, Flynn recruits the help of Tamica, a video journalist, and her father, Michael, a retired ace newspaper reporter.

Tension builds as the impromptu team pursues its goal - to find the real killer. As they close in on the ugly truth, one or more of them may find their own life in danger, and possibly the life of a loved one.

Harry's love of classical music adds depth to his creepy character and could be an important part of the plot.

Harry may gain a measure of sympathy from some readers because of his painful past, his awkward manner in social settings and his strong beliefs that he has successfully rehabilitated himself.

At times, the reader may almost feel sorry for Harry - but please note that I said "almost."

The ending includes a surprising twist that you won't see coming - unless you cheat and look ahead (and you don't want to do that, unless you are one of those annoying people who eat their dessert first.)

[BookSafety Reviews]

I stopped reading this book at 33% because of the way BIPOC characters/people are talked about in the book. It was not reserved for only one POV character, so I can only assume it’s not a deliberate choice in that way. The racist undertones — intentional or not — made me uncomfortable, so I’ve decided to stop here. I saw another review mentioning the same thing, so I’m more sure of my observations.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.

[Rory Biles · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kept reading it hopes it would get better but better never came. Only confusion & a weird 3rd person POV that made things worse

[Katie DeShane · Rating 2 out of 5]

In agreement with other reviews, this book is nothing short of poorly written. Choppy, boring, and completely useless details from start to finish. The first quarter was extremely challenging to get through, with perspectives from way too many characters who didn't matter in the end. The whole convenience store killing? What was the point? Story lines were left hanging and never resolved, and even the ending left me shaking my head. Two stars simply because I was able to finish it, but I certainly didn't enjoy this and would not recommend.

[Kate Cappola · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - only made it several chapters in, and that was forced!!! The writing style is absolutely awful. It’s like someone who really wants to be “in” with the way police, EMS and fire talk but didn’t actually get it right, circa a cheesy cop movie. Too many introductions and side plots even in the short chapters I did finish. Very confusing to keep straight. Another bust from Amazon’s first of the month picks!

[Tommy Ferretti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too many characters and confusing dialogue. Felt more like work than pleasure to read this

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Stevens delivers a psychological thriller that reads like a fever dream of moral ambiguity in No Lie Lasts Forever. This standalone novel ventures into the darkest corners of criminal psychology, crafting a narrative that forces readers to question everything they think they know about justice, redemption, and the nature of evil itself.

The premise alone is enough to make your skin crawl: Harry Kugel, the reformed PDQ Killer who terrorized Denver fifteen years ago, discovers someone is committing murders using his signature. Now living quietly under an assumed identity, Harry faces an impossible choice—let an imposter destroy the peaceful life he's built, or risk exposure by hunting down the copycat himself.

The Unreliable Narrator's Masterclass

Stevens demonstrates remarkable skill in creating Harry Kugel as perhaps one of the most unsettling protagonists in recent crime fiction. Harry isn't your typical antihero seeking redemption; he's a calculating sociopath who has convinced himself he's reformed while his inner monologue reveals the chilling reality beneath his civilized facade. The author masterfully employs Harry's perspective to create an atmosphere of constant unease, where readers find themselves simultaneously repulsed by and oddly sympathetic to this monster in hiding.

Harry's internal justifications are particularly disturbing in their twisted logic. His belief that he's done society a "favor" and his clinical approach to violence create a character study that feels authentically terrifying. Stevens doesn't attempt to humanize Harry through cheap sympathy—instead, he presents him as a predator who has learned to mimic normalcy with frightening precision.

The writing style mirrors Harry's psychological state through precise, almost clinical prose that occasionally erupts into moments of barely contained violence. Stevens captures the way a psychopath might process the world—methodical, self-serving, and utterly without genuine empathy.

Flynn Martin: A Career in Freefall

Flynn Martin serves as the perfect counterpoint to Harry's calculated evil. A disgraced television journalist struggling to rebuild her reputation after a hostage situation went catastrophically wrong, Flynn represents the messy reality of human failure and genuine remorse. Her desperation to revive her career makes her vulnerable to Harry's manipulation, creating a dynamic that crackles with tension throughout the novel.

Stevens excels at portraying Flynn's internal conflict between professional ambition and moral responsibility. Her relationship with her ex-husband Max, a Denver police detective, adds layers of complexity to the investigation subplot while grounding the story in recognizable human emotions. The author particularly shines in depicting Flynn's guilt over the death of Deborah Ernst, showing how genuine trauma shapes character decisions in ways that feel authentic rather than contrived.

The supporting cast, including Flynn's son Wyatt and Harry's unsuspecting girlfriend Mary, serves specific narrative purposes without feeling like mere plot devices. Each character brings their own vulnerabilities that Harry can exploit, demonstrating Stevens's understanding of how predators identify and target weaknesses.

Denver as a Character

Stevens transforms Denver into more than just a setting—it becomes a living character that shapes the story's atmosphere. The city's geography, from Capitol Hill to Governor's Park, creates a claustrophobic environment where past and present collide. The author's familiarity with Denver (he's a Colorado resident) shows in the authentic details that ground the story in a specific place and time.

The winter setting amplifies the story's cold brutality, with harsh weather conditions mirroring the emotional landscape of the characters. Stevens uses the city's layout strategically, creating a sense of predator and prey circling each other in an urban maze where everyone has secrets to hide.

Structural Brilliance and Pacing Issues

The novel's structure, with its day-by-day progression and multiple perspectives, creates mounting tension that builds to an explosive conclusion. Stevens demonstrates considerable skill in managing the dual timeline—Harry's past crimes and his present predicament—without losing narrative momentum.

However, the pacing occasionally falters during the middle sections. Some scenes, particularly Harry's extended internal monologues, feel repetitive and could have benefited from tighter editing. The author sometimes indulges in lengthy psychological exposition that, while character-revealing, slows the thriller's forward momentum.

The final act redeems these pacing issues with a series of revelations that recontextualize everything that came before. The confrontation between Harry and Flynn, mediated by the presence of law enforcement, creates genuine suspense despite the reader's knowledge of Harry's true nature.

Themes of Justice and Redemption

Stevens explores profound questions about the nature of justice and whether true redemption is possible for someone like Harry. The novel doesn't offer easy answers, instead presenting a morally complex scenario where the traditional boundaries between good and evil blur. Harry's belief in his own reformation contrasts sharply with his continued capacity for violence, raising uncomfortable questions about the nature of evil and society's response to it.

The theme of media responsibility runs throughout the story, examining how journalism can both expose truth and exploit tragedy. Flynn's career destruction over the hostage incident serves as a parallel to Harry's attempts to rebuild his life, though Stevens is careful to distinguish between genuine remorse and calculated self-interest.

Technical Execution

Stevens's prose style adapts effectively to each character's perspective, particularly in distinguishing Harry's clinical observations from Flynn's more emotional processing. The author demonstrates strong technical control over point of view, maintaining character voice consistency while revealing information strategically.

The dialogue feels natural and serves character development while advancing plot. Stevens avoids the common thriller trap of having characters explain things they already know for the reader's benefit, instead trusting his audience to follow complex narrative threads.

Some minor technical issues include occasional repetitive phrasing and a few scenes that feel slightly overwritten. The author's background in journalism shows in his authentic portrayal of newsroom dynamics and police procedures, though some procedural elements feel rushed compared to the psychological development.

Areas for Improvement

While the novel succeeds in its primary goals, certain elements could have been strengthened. The subplot involving Harry's relationship with Mary, while serving important plot functions, occasionally feels underdeveloped compared to the central Flynn-Harry dynamic. Some of the investigative procedures could have been more detailed to enhance the procedural elements of the story.

The novel's treatment of violence, while appropriately disturbing, sometimes veers toward exploitation. Stevens generally handles this balance well, but a few scenes push the boundaries of necessity versus sensationalism.

Final Verdict: A Disturbing Success

No Lie Lasts Forever succeeds as both a psychological character study and a suspenseful thriller. Stevens has created a genuinely unsettling reading experience that lingers long after the final page. The book's exploration of moral ambiguity and the nature of evil elevates it above standard serial killer fare, while maintaining enough thriller elements to satisfy genre expectations.

The novel isn't for everyone—its unflinching examination of a killer's psychology and its morally complex protagonist will disturb some readers. However, for those who appreciate sophisticated psychological thrillers that challenge conventional notions of good and evil, Stevens has delivered a compelling and deeply unsettling work.

[Mogsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2025/06/27/...

I went into No Lie Lasts Forever not entirely sure what to expect, since crime thrillers are not my usual genre and Mark Stevens is a new author to me. But I ended up having a blast with this punchy, fast-paced novel. What set it apart for me is its angle on the familiar hunt-for-a-serial-killer narrative, reading like a police procedural in many ways, except we’re following the investigation through the eyes of a journalist rather than a detective. I really appreciated this perspective, which added a gritty urgency to the story, especially when combined with the sharp, no-nonsense prose.

The book follows Flynn Martin, an ambitious journalist at a Denver news station whose circumstances unexpectedly take a nosedive when her live, on-air involvement in a high-profile hostage situation goes horribly wrong. The fallout of that tragedy leaves her disgraced and on the verge of losing her job. Desperate for a shot at redemption, Flynn is willing to do anything to ensure she’s not remembered for her one catastrophic mistake. An opportunity arises when a fellow reporter is found murdered under suspicious circumstances, and Flynn suddenly finds herself at the center of a case that could make or break her career.

As more information about the victim surfaces, the gruesome details bear an eerie resemblance to the work of the PDQ Killer, a serial murderer who terrorized Denver by killing three women before vanishing without a trace fifteen years ago. The possibility of his return sends shockwaves through the city, leading to renewed efforts by the police to try to find and capture him. But only one person knows the truth. Harry Kugel, the real PDQ killer, knows he didn’t commit this latest murder, and is furious that someone else may be killing in his name. At the risk of upending his newly constructed and reformed life, he reaches out anonymously to Flynn, offering a deal she can’t refuse.

What really worked for me was the writing. Stevens’ propulsive prose is characterized by short sentences and just enough detail to ground the characters and setting without slowing things down. The dialogue is the same way, snappy and natural. It’s a style that’s perfect for this set up, and the book does a great job immersing the reader in Flynn’s world of investigative journalism—the urgency of chasing leads, digging for facts, and constantly racing the clock. The book does take a little time to establish its foundations, with the opening chapters heavy on character introductions, but once Flynn is contacted by Harry, the pacing kicks into high gear and doesn’t let up.

Speaking of which, the alternating perspectives between our two POVs create a complex sort of tension. For one, we already know who the real PDQ is, as Harry is right there in plain view, his every thought and action made known to the reader. But it’s the anticipation of when and how he’ll be caught that is the driving force here, just as much as Flynn’s pursuit of the truth behind this latest copycat killing. The novel isn’t so much a whodunit as it is a cat-and-mouse game, with both characters circling each other carefully, each holding onto something the other needs.

Harry Kugel is disturbingly well-drawn. He is a monster, but avoids becoming a cliché due to his darkly compelling voice. In him, Stevens has created an introspective if delusional sociopath who genuinely believes he’s moved on from his violent past. Meticulously careful, he knows he’s lucky to have avoided capture and that his current life of normalcy is his reward for the good behavior he’s exhibited for the last fifteen years. Of course, this is shattered the moment he discovers someone else has, well, framed him, and only by turning back to the darkness can he preserve the fantasy he has built for himself. As for Flynn, a tough but flawed protagonist whose independent streak sometimes gets the better of her, she can be difficult to sympathize with especially in the beginning when her stubborn refusal to follow instructions inevitably leads to disaster. She only has herself to blame for many of her mistakes, but she does eventually grow more cautious and measured while maintaining her tenacity.

My final take? No Lie Lasts Forever definitely surpassed my expectations. I found it more interesting than your average serial-killer thriller in that it was more a psychological conflict than a puzzle for the reader to solve. This was my first time reading Mark Stevens, but I will be curious to see what he does next.

[Lou Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Lie Lasts Forever
Mark Stevens
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


A brilliant and famous crime reporter, Robbie McGrath, has been brutally murdered. The media and police almost hysterically report that the infamous PDQ Serial Killer is back after a fifteen-year hiatus. The city of Denver is thrown into a fearful uproar.

TV journalist Flynn Martin is still reeling from a blow to her self-esteem and career after she’s drawn into a televised hostage situation that ends with the deaths of both a hostage and the gunman.

Author Mark Stevens ratchets up the tension and intrigue in this marvelous thriller and police procedural. Flynn is anonymously contacted by Harry Kugel—the actual PDQ killer—who is outraged that someone else is trying to capitalize on his “outstanding” reputation. He vehemently denies committing this latest crime and insists he has reformed. Using threats and coercion, he enlists Flynn’s aid to discover the “real” perpetrator and clear his name. How dare some amateur ride his coattails of infamy?

To expose the true killer of her colleague, Flynn stealthily begins her own investigation. Unfortunately, a dangerous cat-and-mouse game ensues between her, Harry, and the police. Along the way, her son Wyatt’s safety becomes a terrifying pawn, as Harry heartlessly leverages her silent cooperation.

Can a serial killer truly reform? Who can trust his twisted sense of right and wrong?

This multi-faceted, twisted plot involves politicians, the police, and other journalists—each with their own agendas. Flynn must explore the recent cases Robbie was investigating to uncover possible clues to her murder. Are dirty cops part of the story? Harry Kugel insists he’s now a functioning, everyday member of society. Stevens dives deep into the mind, motives, and origins of this heinous monster.

Mark Stevens weaves a harrowing, viscerally intense narrative filled with deeply authentic characters into a page-turning gem loaded with twists and unexpected turns. Flynn’s investigation inadvertently leads her into the everyday world of this narcissistic, sociopathic killer.

I started reading this engrossing thriller on my Kindle but was so captivated that I finished the last quarter of the book on the audiobook version, expertly narrated by Ina Barron. She has appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Royal Pains, and NCIS, and has received multiple awards for her voice work. Barron masterfully brought this tale to life in the theater of my mind with her dynamic vocal inflections and emotional range across multiple characters.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Brilliance Audio for providing an uncorrected proof and advance audio version of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
....Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com....

[Leah Vanarsdall · Rating 1 out of 5]

If u believe climate change BS then this book s for u

I wouldn't recommend this book. After the first few pages you of constant comments on climate change & other liberal BS, I was way over this book.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - couldn’t get past the first pages. Just unbelievable from the get

[Madeline Robles · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste of time. Honestly this is the worst book I’ve read this year. Every single time the plot would get somewhat interesting, it would be so anticlimactic. Between obvious plot holes, or I’m sorry, craters would actually be more accurate, and the crappy writing style that was so distracting I had no other choice but to read dialogue first, everything else second, I didn’t care about literally anyone in the book. With every character it spoke of (even the main character that’s how bad this was) I found myself asking who the hell they were talking about.

[Megan Baker]

DNF. I tried, it is rare for me to give up. However, I made it 35% in and still couldn't invest or want to keep going.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ the beginning was hard to follow for a bit. felt like too many characters were introduced to quickly. but it got better as it went on

[Allison F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid premise, horrible execution. As is per usual with male-written female characters, Flynn is an airheaded, surface-level main character. The author would like us to believe she's a former crime journalist and ex-wife of a cop, yet she's never considered locking all the doors in her home while her young son is home alone.

The writing is choppy and feels like an English class writing assignment. The fact that by the third chapter, we've already introduced 20+ named characters that are hardly relevant to the story, feels lazy and thoughtless. We're given very little reason to actually remember these characters as it reads more as a desperate need to get the introductions out of the way as quickly as possible.

The author also throws in random commentary about Black characters, who he has clearly only described as such to fill some sort of quota. A good rule of thumb is to describe a character's race only when it is necessary or beneficial to the storyline - these were not. There is also an unsettling undertone of race fetishism, as can be seen in the quotes I've highlighted below. Please note there is little, if any, context provided in the story itself.

2.65 stars

[Sofia Arreaza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Struggled to get through it. At the beginning it was a bit confusing, the writing style is not easy to read. Plot twist at the end was expected.

[Liv Enloe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t think I would have stuck with this if I didn’t get it from Amazon First Reads. The writing style felt boring, and I trudged through to an anticlimactic ending.

[bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

the book was okay, i didn’t have any major issues with it i just found that i couldn’t bring myself to care about any of the characters. which made this less “thriller” to me because i wasn’t stressed about things happening to anyone. not a bad story overall just didn’t really bring me in.

[Hope Gerhardstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow start but once the pace picked up it was difficult to put down. Flynn, a TV journalist, is contacted by Harry, the PDQ serial killer, claiming he did not commit the murder of another journalist that has been attributed to him. He had committed three murders each eighteen months apart. He has been hiding in plain site, living a normal life for the past fifteen years. He is into classical music and it is presented frequently during the story. Not all is believable but it is an entertaining fictional read. I almost felt sympathy for Harry. He probably should have remained dormant! Satisfying ending.

[Elaine Lucky]

"This book was a free prime pick. So far the writing is choppy, the story is boring, & it's propaganda being shoved at you on global warming and ice caps and how you should be a vegetarian and save the planet. No thanks. this will be a DNF"

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when a serial killer tries to clear their name of a current murder? 

This novel has a lot going on in it, and it takes time to grasp what is happening with the various storylines. Flynn is a journalist trying to uncover the truth when it comes to the murder of a fellow journalist, and whether it is tied to the PDQ killer from fifteen years ago. Are they related, or is this a cover-up?

There are numerous characters and multiple storylines to juggle. It was challenging for me to get into the book and understand the cast of characters and the mysteries to be solved. Flynn is at the center of everything, and while we discover who the PDQ killer is, we don't know his motive for what he is doing in the present, outside of clearing his name of this most recent killing. 

There are aspects of the book that don't mirror our everyday life, such as a journalist being called in as a negotiator in a hostage situation. However, that is the beauty of fiction, the author can create any scenario they wish.

Possibly the most intriguing character is the serial killer, Harry. He is complex, and the way his mind thinks is different from most. At the same time, he is a serial killer, so how much do you really trust him? 

This book is longer than I realized, and could have been trimmed to tighten up the stories within.

We give this book 3 1/2 paws up.

[Stacey Reads It All · Rating 3 out of 5]

No Lie Lasts Forever has a gripping premise and some genuinely surprising twists that kept me curious about where things were headed. Mark Stevens does a good job exploring the psychological layers behind lies, guilt, and family secrets.

However, the plot moves at a slow pace, which made it tough at times to stay fully engaged. I also found it a bit confusing to keep track of all the different characters—there were quite a few, and at times it felt like I needed a chart to remember who was connected to what. While the twists were appreciated, they sometimes got lost in the shuffle of shifting perspectives and slower scenes.

One highlight for me was the narration by Ina Barrón—she did a fantastic job bringing the story to life and keeping me engaged even when the plot dragged.

Not a bad read, just not quite the gripping thriller I was hoping for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ARC of the audiobook.