The Diary of Lies

Shona Sandison Mystery #3

by Philip Miller

Fearless freelance reporter Shona Sandison might be about to get her biggest scoop yet—if she can make it to the end of the investigation alive.

The third installment of the Shona Sandison Investigations is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, John le Carré, and Denise Mina.

In a post-COVID Britain, investigative reporter Shona Sandison is seeking meaning and the next big story; her reclusive contact inside the government has promised her something huge, but she has no idea what kind of danger she’s in. Meanwhile, her old journalist friend Hector Stricken has taken on a position in communications for a new state agency, where he stumbles across a sinister, top-secret project code-named Grendel. Finally, an aging former MI6 director now living in seclusion grieves for his murdered son and ponders revenge.

Little do they know they are caught in the web of a dark conspiracy at the heart of the United Kingdom, facing a rot so deep that the only way to cure it may be to cut it out—or burn the whole thing down. Written in beautiful, immersive language and peopled with iconic characters grappling with issues far larger than themselves, Philip Miller’s new mystery depicts the reality of the ongoing fight against state oppression.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Philip Miller is a writer and poet who lives in Edinburgh. He was an award-winning arts journalist for 20 years, and his published novels include The Goldenacre (2022), All The Galaxies (2017) and The Blue Horse (2015). His poetry has been published in print and online, and he received a RL Stevenson Fellowship in 2019.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

BORING. Too Slow.

[Roz Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Shona Sandison Mystery series. I haven't read the first two book and it can be read as a standalone. However, I think if you read them in order you would have an idea of what came before and I think that would add even more to the story.

At first I wasn't sure about Shona but she grew on me as the book progressed and I liked her determination to get to the bottom of what was going on so she could reveal it to the world. The author developed her well over the book and we get glimpses of her past and how she has ended up where she is now.

The story is told from multiple pov which I liked as it helped the story come together. I thought it was really well written and nicely paced. I don't want to give too much about the plot, but needless to say the government has some unsavoury plans a foot with high steaks and Shona has to keep her wits about her or she runs the risk of being silenced forever!

Overall and enjoyable read. Huge thanks to the author, publisher, Bloody Scotland, and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.

[Bill Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel wraps up the trilogy rather neatly, and ties up the loose ends from the earlier books in the series…but there’s a great deal of filler along the way. Miller aims for an elevated, literary narrative style…but it often comes across as ponderous and overly ornate. The thriller elements will probably make for a good television series…and no one will really miss the writerly embellishments.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in a series with a reporter as the recurring character, and I have not read the first two--which might have helped some with continuity,
but overall liked this mystery and would read another.
Shona is a reporter, and gets involved with a murder related to a story.

[Knabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn you, Philip Miller! I should not have to spend the last two or three chapters of a noir crying intermittently, some of the tears shed for a spy and not even the one you would think. A beautifully written book, as usual for Miller; it was also unbearably tense in places, yet with heart-stirring moments of pathos. As a leftist, academic, and organizer, I found the apocalyptic developments and pronouncements of this book eerily realistic, like all the fears I repress daily about the future come to life. I already held the Shona Sandison books in high esteem, but this is now a favorite series. I paradoxically hope that the series is over and done with. Simply superb! 5/5 stars.

[David C Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very apocalyptic post-Brexit, post Covid spy novel where Sandison unpeels a right wing conspiracy to control/exploit vulnerable people. A parallel plot, which intersects with Sandison’s investigation at the end, is the rising bitterness of former spymaster Raymond Tallis who realizes his life has been wasted (he and his mudered son feature in The Goldenacre). The novel has a fragmented beginning which draws together as Sandison chases the story. In addition to the plot, there’s a fierce expression of loss as the horizon closes in on us; there’s a spectacular statement of the failures of government and society during Covid.
Also: would be nice if lead characters would pay a little attention to personal security after they poke the bear and bodies start to pile up.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the storyline but found it to be choppy. I didn't feel like I knew enough about the characters

[Chloë · Rating 1 out of 5]

good writing ridiculous plot

Terrible and silly threads that dont add up
To a complete and satisfying conclusion. There are many many better in this genre

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is an ambitious, well written thriller set in post-COVID Britain, where secrets, power, and personal grief collide in unexpected ways. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Shona Sandison, an investigative reporter desperate for her next big story, finds herself entangled in something far more dangerous than she imagined when her reclusive government contact promises her explosive information. Meanwhile, Hector Stricken, her old friend and fellow journalist turned government communications officer, stumbles upon a disturbing, top-secret project code-named Grendel. At the same time, a former MI6 director, living in seclusion and mourning his murdered son, contemplates revenge — unknowingly circling the same dark conspiracy.

Miller’s writing style is immersive and atmospheric, effectively drawing the reader into a Britain riddled with corruption and hidden agendas. The themes of state control, surveillance, and moral compromise are compelling, and the characters are layered, each wrestling with personal dilemmas as they become pawns in a larger game. I have to confess that I struggled to relate to any of the characters, although Shona did grow on me.

However, while the book has moments of brilliance, its pacing is uneven. The multiple perspectives, though rich in detail, sometimes slow the narrative, making it harder to maintain a sense of urgency. Some plot threads are left underdeveloped, and at times, the depth of the political intrigue overshadows character-driven tension. However, it succeeds in creating a chilling, paranoid atmosphere and delivers a thought-provoking look at power and control in modern Britain. Fans of slow-burn political thrillers will appreciate the intricate web Miller weaves — but readers seeking fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat suspense may find it a little too measured.

[Paul Sand · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to read this thanks to its inclusion on the WSJ's best mysteries of 2025 list. The Portsmouth (NH) Public Library didn't have a hard copy, but it was available via Kindle "Overdrive" download.

I didn't care for it much. It's the third book in the author's "Shona Sandison Mysteries" series, and it might have helped to have read the first two.

Shona is an investigative reporter, and here she is on the track of the mysterious "Grendel" project, a very hush-hush scheme that the schemers would prefer to keep under wraps … until it's revealed on their terms. They are (apparently) willing to murder anyone who gets too curious, including Shona. So she has a lot of close calls; a few of the other characters are not as fortunate. There is a subplot with an old spy seeking vengeance for a dead son.

I didn't care for the author's writing style. Goodreads reviewers tell me I'm not alone: "ponderous and overly ornate" … "too slow" … "disjointed" … I snipped out a couple bits:

The rattling tube ride from Notting Hill had been straightforward. The deeper into the city she delved, the more she thought of her last tentative connection with the gallery. A few years previously, she had written a story about a painting which had been given to the people of Scotland by an aristocratic family—Olivia Farquharson’s family. The painting was not what it seemed: instead of being a forgotten masterpiece by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the noted Scottish architect and artist, it was discovered to have been painted by his wife, Margaret.

Zzzzz. And:

It was warm in the car, but she knew it was cold outside.

I used to gripe about the late Sue Grafton adding ponderous, pointless detail to her prose. Reader, this author makes Sue look like Ernest Hemingway.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Diary of Lies’ is the third Shona Sandison mystery and sees her take on the might of the government once again. Although this is a series, you can easily read it as a stand-alone, as I did. The author includes all the relevant information to enable a new reader to pick up the plot lines and run with them.

At first, I wasn’t sure of Shona but she ended up growing on me, due to her determination to ferret out the truth for her story. The narrative around her father was especially well-crafted. As someone whose father also died during COVID, I could thoroughly relate to the feelings of grief and loss.

This was an engaging read and I flew through it in a day. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but maybe that is how to write an authentic portrayal of journalism. You get the story and that’s it. The other characters were well written and maybe there may be more appearances from them in future books.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book and I would be interested in reading further in the series. Let me know if you pick this one up.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Shona Sandison mystery series, I hadn’t read the first 2 but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book but I’d like to go back to the earlier books to find out more.
I really liked the character of Shona and like her commitment to get to the truth. The book builds in suspense and as post Covid it did bring back memories of that time.
There was some very suspicious characters through the book and it kept me guessing as to where it was leading. Although early on when Shona was given an address and told to say the word bondage was quite funny I don’t think I could have done that 😂 but it did show her determination to find out more.
I really enjoyed the flow of the book and the different points of view.
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[Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have now read each of these Shona Sandison mysteries and I recommend them. They lightly call for being read in order but that is not absolutely necessary. Like all detective mysteries, there are the occasional plot problems, but it is not a crisis. Shona is the continuing character and necessary party in each book, but each plot is a bigger force than she is. There is no point to my repeating various plot points; they will reveal themselves as each book proceeds and the writing engages you. I will watch for #4 if and when it appears.

[Tom Godfrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Shona Sandison series, and perhaps this was not the best place to start. Having all the backstory in mind as you go through a series lends new additions a history of how the characters behave, what stays with them and what changes. Not having that makes a big difference here, because the plot itself reads as similar to other storylines, where big business, billionaires, and compliant politicians all conspire to enrich themselves at the expense of everyone else. The actual plan is novel and extreme, but these days anything seems possible.

[Richard Wagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is book three in a series of three. i previously read book two and liked it. this time was different.

i struggled to get into this story, but when i did i really got into it. good writing, interesting characters (except for the main character, Shona Sandison. i liked her even less this go around than in volume two.), and the espionage angle was tantalizing. all my expectations came to naught with an ending that was like falling off a cliff. what a disappointment. did the author just run out of steam? i don't get it.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Diary of Lies by Philip Miller.
A Shona Sandison Mystery book 3.
I didn't realise this was book 3 when I signed up. I loved the cover and I liked the blurb. I wasn't sure about Shona. She grew on me. There were a lot of suspicious characters. I had my suspensions. This took me a few days to read. I don't know if it was the writing style, story, or too many characters. I had to keep putting it down. Having a rest. But it was a good read.

[Anagha Paranjape-Purohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book didn't hold me well during the first part as most of the story seemed disconnected. Once Shona Sandison's story began, the book picked up interest and then it became a page-turner. The end could have been a bit elaborated upon, i felt the closing came too abruptly and the book ended without closing the loops. But overall, the book was very well written with superb imagery of Scotland in the backdrop.

[Mark Maddrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Diary of Lies” is the third book in the Shona Sandison series, it was a decent book but never really gripped me in its story of power and greed. There are multiple narratives going on, including the titular “diary of lies” and I found myself feeling disconnected from all of them. I enjoyed the earlier books where Shona did a lot of reporting work but I didn’t get that as much from this one. There was nothing wrong with this book, but not too much that was great. Truly an okay read.

[Kidlitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grim good read, not to be tackled by the faint of heart or politically right of center - it simply is what it is, a very left-wing dire scream of outrage on the state of affairs in Britain and the world. Shona is a bit dour herself but you would be too if you had to put up with what she goes through here. Life as a freelance journalist never seemed so dangerous.

[Alexander Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many stereotypes

The author is a good writer with vivid in imagery, but the book quickly gets repetitive and tiresome with its stereotypical evil capitalists , secret and corrupt government agencies and ex military gone to the dark side. If you haven’t had enough of these stereotypes, then this is the book for you.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Shona Sandison Mystery series and is both mh first read of the series and also by this author.

 

Sadly for this series, although this case actually worked perfectly well as a standalone read - I definitely felt like I'd have got more from this had I read these in order - especially in terms of the character development.

 

Don't get me wrong, this was still a great read, but I'm pretty fussy when it comes to knowing my characters inside out!

 

I really quite liked Shona, who came across as hugely relatable and believable as a character - even without all the background.

I was a little unsure to start with, but I really liked her "get it done" attitude and determination to get to the bottom of things even knowing that she was putting herself in danger.

 

This storyline was intriguing and held my attention well - I don't read lots of political crime thrillers usually, but I think this was so localised that it didn't overwhelm too much.

 

There were some really dubious characters along the way here and I couldn't work out if they were suspicious or just politicians!

But this did mean it kept me guessing throughout.

 

I love a Scottish setting so this is definitely a series I'll be watching and hopefully I can catch up with the first two books before the next release.

 

[Donna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book very much. Read the second book without having read the first and it was fine. This time I struggled because it seems more of the characters and plot lines from Book 1 make an appearance and I was sometimes perplexed.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5?

[Jeff Carpenter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up on the third page.

[Peter Sidell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puzzles and thrills. A successful woman reporter gets involved in a mysterious story only to discover its terrible truths. A few bodies along the way. Slavery.

[Carrie Nyssen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book -- I found it challenging to follow and I never made a connection with the story or characters. This was the first book I've read from the author -- and maybe I should have read the first two books in the series. That's usually my rule, but I broke it on this book. A great potential plot, I just thought the development of the story fell short.

[M C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby book. #2 in the series. Enjoyable if a bit grim

[jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

fair but not great thriller. Good for Scotland, but a bit confusing at times.

[Joel Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a thriller than mystery, quite dark with a pessimistic view of the world, quite well written.

[Missy MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced, multi viewpoint, spy/journalist/conspiracy story. An enjoyable and engaging read, though it wrapped up too cleanly for my taste.