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The Liar's Treasure
From the acclaimed author of
Beyond Risk
and
The Crown Conspiracy
, hailed as a “wild ride” by
Library Journal
, comes an action-packed adventure about a mysterious diary and a thrilling, high-stakes treasure hunt.
Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries-old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.
To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe-trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.
Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.
Romantic suspense perfect for fans of Susan May Warren, Dani Pettrey, and Fern MichaelsA clean, contemporary adventure with an international treasure hunt plot, a theme of mother-and-daughter relationships, and a dash of romanceBook 2 in the Speranza Team seriesIncludes discussion questions for book groups
Camille Abernathy ignored rumors of The Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it . . . until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. Growing up in New Orleans, such tall tales were as common as beignets and gumbo. But when Camille’s teenage daughter, Cass, posts pictures of a centuries-old diary her uncle gave her, she unwittingly attracts dozens of treasure hunting fanatics who are convinced Cass and the diary can lead them to a valuable cache.
To keep her daughter safe, Camille enlists the help of Speranza, a secret society always ready to help women in need. Together, they set out on a globe-trotting journey to find The Liar’s Treasure while also investigating a suspicious death related to Camille’s childhood friend. The deeper they dig, the more they suspect it’s all connected.
Chasing clues from New Orleans to Italy to the Bahamas, Camille and her friends receive unexpected assistance—and unwanted competition—from a handsome treasure hunter from Camille’s past. Then Cass is kidnapped, and finding the treasure truly becomes a matter of life and death.
Romantic suspense perfect for fans of Susan May Warren, Dani Pettrey, and Fern MichaelsA clean, contemporary adventure with an international treasure hunt plot, a theme of mother-and-daughter relationships, and a dash of romanceBook 2 in the Speranza Team seriesIncludes discussion questions for book groups
368 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2026
11 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Connie Mann
15 books229 followersConnie Mann loves taking readers on heart-pounding, suspense-filled adventures featuring strong, determined women who fight for what they believe – and for those they love. Her Speranza Team novels center around a modern-day secret society of women who travel the globe helping other women, especially those trying to make the world a better place.
Connie is also the author of the Florida Wildlife Warriors series, the Safe Harbor series, Angel Falls and Trapped. She has won several writing awards and loves encouraging writers through mentoring and writing workshops.
Connie has been a USCG-licensed boat captain for 20 years and gets to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is as much fun as it sounds. She is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle through education and entrepreneurship.
She and her husband love spending time with family and friends and exploring new places, especially if they involve water and boats. Visit Connie online at www.conniemann.com and sign up for her newsletter for all the latest news.
Connie is also the author of the Florida Wildlife Warriors series, the Safe Harbor series, Angel Falls and Trapped. She has won several writing awards and loves encouraging writers through mentoring and writing workshops.
Connie has been a USCG-licensed boat captain for 20 years and gets to introduce Florida visitors to dolphins and manatees, which is as much fun as it sounds. She is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle through education and entrepreneurship.
She and her husband love spending time with family and friends and exploring new places, especially if they involve water and boats. Visit Connie online at www.conniemann.com and sign up for her newsletter for all the latest news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 3, 2025
Another exciting adventure with the talented women of the Speranza team! This book was a nonstop action-filled trip around the world for the group, as they hunted an elusive ancient treasure, and worked to solve a mystery.
"We have to put feet to our faith."
Women helping other disadvantaged women was again an underlying thread of their mission. Keeping on the move ahead of their enemies was dangerous and sometimes created ethical dilemmas. The backstory of the Book of Days and the treasure connected to pirates, old families and historic sites made it interesting. It felt like an Indiana Jones type of story.
A quick-paced read with strong bonds of friendship, family and faith. A little bit of clean romance tops it off. Recommend! 5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
"We have to put feet to our faith."
Women helping other disadvantaged women was again an underlying thread of their mission. Keeping on the move ahead of their enemies was dangerous and sometimes created ethical dilemmas. The backstory of the Book of Days and the treasure connected to pirates, old families and historic sites made it interesting. It felt like an Indiana Jones type of story.
A quick-paced read with strong bonds of friendship, family and faith. A little bit of clean romance tops it off. Recommend! 5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
July 20, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. It's been too long since I've read a book by Connie Mann and this was so good. This was a thrill a minute roller coaster of a ride about a treasure hunt that took the characters around the world. Very original and interesting. I didn't realize this was the second book in a series but it was enjoyable as a stand alone. Now I will read the first one. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐
This second book in the Esperanza Team series was so action packed right from the very beginning.I am so pleased that I had the opportunity to review it.
Others have likened it to the National Treasure movie and I completely agree with that assessment. I would also add a bit of Charlie's Angels in there. it's fun to read a story with secret societies and strong women characters. I like the bond that the Esperanza team have and how they work together.
There is some romance, but it is pretty light, a few kisses There are also faith elements throughout the storyline. There were a few times where I felt the story was a bit over the top, but it didn't stop me from enjoying it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Connie Mann is quickly becoming a favorite author for Christian suspense stories.
This second book in the Esperanza Team series was so action packed right from the very beginning.I am so pleased that I had the opportunity to review it.
Others have likened it to the National Treasure movie and I completely agree with that assessment. I would also add a bit of Charlie's Angels in there. it's fun to read a story with secret societies and strong women characters. I like the bond that the Esperanza team have and how they work together.
There is some romance, but it is pretty light, a few kisses There are also faith elements throughout the storyline. There were a few times where I felt the story was a bit over the top, but it didn't stop me from enjoying it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Connie Mann is quickly becoming a favorite author for Christian suspense stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Liars Treasure is the first book I've read by this author. This story had it all, intrigue, treasure hunters, kidnapping and even a little romance.
Camille had always heard about The Liars Treasure but figured it was just a rumor, until someone targets her daughter. With the help of her friends of the Speranza Society and Lucas a man from her past, can they figure out the clues in time to save her daughter?
This book certainly kept me on my toes and turning pages!
Camille had always heard about The Liars Treasure but figured it was just a rumor, until someone targets her daughter. With the help of her friends of the Speranza Society and Lucas a man from her past, can they figure out the clues in time to save her daughter?
This book certainly kept me on my toes and turning pages!
November 26, 2025
The Liar’s Treasure is a smash hit!! Connie Mann pulled out all the stops in the second book of her Speranza Team series. There was so much action jumping off the page, danger in the air and a nice dash of romance. Loved this mystery and this team of women crusaders putting faith in action. I highly recommend this fabulous book!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
July 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It gives National Treasure vibes, but with pirates. A cursed book, a secret society of bad a** women and treasure hunters. What more could you ask for?
February 7, 2026
I love books with some kind of treasure hunting aspect to the plot. This was a fun one, with plenty of international travel, a team of competent women, and a fast pace that made this a very quick read (I read the bulk of it in a single day).
The writing style was quick and snappy and drew me into the story immediately. The prologue set the stage for a very interesting story and I could not turn the pages fast enough.
I liked following each of the narrators and the segments from the villain’s perspective added some tension.
This is the second book in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. (Book one in the series follows another member of the Speranza Team).
I liked watching the team of women put the clues together and I liked getting to know their different strengths and weaknesses and what each one brought to the table. Some of the clues they managed to piece together were fairly obscure and it got a little repetitive in spots (there were a few too many car chases) but overall I thought this was well done. The part I liked the least was the romance unfortunately. I was expecting a team up between them, but he was fairly antagonistic toward her for most of the book. He was okay, but definitely didn’t charm me as a male lead.
Definitely would recommend if you like treasure hunting books.
The writing style was quick and snappy and drew me into the story immediately. The prologue set the stage for a very interesting story and I could not turn the pages fast enough.
I liked following each of the narrators and the segments from the villain’s perspective added some tension.
This is the second book in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. (Book one in the series follows another member of the Speranza Team).
I liked watching the team of women put the clues together and I liked getting to know their different strengths and weaknesses and what each one brought to the table. Some of the clues they managed to piece together were fairly obscure and it got a little repetitive in spots (there were a few too many car chases) but overall I thought this was well done. The part I liked the least was the romance unfortunately. I was expecting a team up between them, but he was fairly antagonistic toward her for most of the book. He was okay, but definitely didn’t charm me as a male lead.
Definitely would recommend if you like treasure hunting books.
January 26, 2026
Wow, what a great book! This thrill ride takes off from page one and doesn’t slow down. The Liar’s Treasure is an intense, high-paced, danger-filled, treasure hunt with several different stories expertly entwined together. It is a highly engaging and entertaining read! Connie Mann does a fantastic job of drawing you in and keeps the pages turning through the whole story. I couldn’t put it down and I highly recommend it! I was able to read an early readers copy and the opinions given on this review are unbiased and my own.
July 21, 2025
Review: Sorry dear followers of this writers works. I just could not get into it. I am not a fan of overly descriptive passages and inner-ruminative excessiveness. I am not into a supposedly "Strong Woman" that belongs to a female society of righteous doo-gooders, constantly crushing and blushing around a hunky man. It just didn't fit with the story line.
The writing is not bad, although there are passages you have to overlook as the logical progression is lacking. And why stoopid Cass is allowed to flourish and create the basis for the story line is beyond me. As a plot vehicle, stupidity may be convenient but is scant in regard.
DNF
The writing is not bad, although there are passages you have to overlook as the logical progression is lacking. And why stoopid Cass is allowed to flourish and create the basis for the story line is beyond me. As a plot vehicle, stupidity may be convenient but is scant in regard.
DNF
March 10, 2026
The Liar's Treasure by Connie Mann will take readers for a ride as the Speranza Team hunt for each individual piece to this treasure. I love the non-stop action across Europe, to the Caribbean, and back to America before returning to Florence, Italy. Mann does a good job at keeping the villain's identity a secret, which is a huge plus for me. I love to be taken for surprised when the villain is actually revealed. Mann does include a little bit of romance, but nothing too over the top. A spark of interest that was from the past and moved forward into the current situation that might be explored deeper later. I like the idea of the treasure hunt. I love how the characters were featured in the Crown Conspiracy, and then we get to see another lady tell her story. Mann really does not throw the character's personal faith into the story. There are prayers once in a while when they are in a sticky situation, but nothing over the top. I love the characters and how Mann makes them completely relatable. Overall, The Liar's Treasure is a fascinating team of remarkable women on the hunt to seek justice with treasure. I recommend this book and the first one if readers have not read it yet.
I received a complimentary copy of The Liar's Treasure by Connie Mann from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of The Liar's Treasure by Connie Mann from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
February 15, 2026
This is the first book I have read in the Speranza Team series. But I enjoyed it so much that I will go back and read the first one as well as any future books to be released. I want to get to know the background story of the characters in The Liar’s Treasure. This is an intense rollercoaster ride through the pages. They are filled with strong capable women with a variety of talents that make them an asset to the team. A bit of romantic entanglement but it only adds to the emotional drama. As others have expressed, this is a wonderful combination of National Treasure and Charlie’s Angels. I love the opportunity to work the pieces or the puzzle to locate the treasure. This is an edge-of-your seat nail biting adventure in the pages. Put this one on your to-be-read list. It will be a journey that will have you flipping through the pages as far as possible! I cannot wait for the next adventure with The Speranza Team.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an invigorating read! This well written book will definitely keep your attention as it takes you to different places and times. The Liar’s Treasure is the first book that I have read by Connie Mann. It is treasure hunting at its finest! Main characters and mother/daughter team Camille and Cass, work hard to figure out the clues to finding all parts of the highly convented treasure. Cass is careful to keep the much sought after diary safe, which was given to her by her uncle. However Camille must call in the help of the Speranza Team to help keep her daughter safe. I highly recommend this book!
An early copy of the ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
An early copy of the ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 22, 2026
4.5 stars
“… we have to put feet to our faith. Faith is easy when you’re standing on familiar ground.“
The Speranza Team series by Connie Mann has completely sucked me in. It’s like all the best parts of shows and films like The Italian Job, Leverage, Alias, Charlie’s Angels and National Treasure – all of which are some of my faves to binge watch – but with a natural faith thread as well. So it’s no surprise that The Liar’s Treasure had me glued to the page just as much as The Crown Conspiracy did (with occasional breaks to fan over a swoony kiss or two because… Lucien. Whew.)
In fact, let’s just get this out of the way right now: Lucien is yummy. He’s got a Louisiana drawl and an ever-ready wink, and he kisses like a pirate. (And no, I can’t describe for you how a pirate kisses, you’re just going to have to trust me.) He’s a bit of a rascal sometimes but he’s a genuine hero when it counts. Think Ty Porter from Becky Wade’s Meant to Be Mine as an Indiana-Jones type character instead of a rodeo cowboy – and add in a little more ‘tortured soul’ soldier and a dash of Jack Sparrow … and you’ve got Lucien. He’s the perfect amount of swoonlicious distraction in this novel, while still letting Camille shine as the kick-butt heroine she is in her own right.
And on that note, I absolutely LOVE the idea of the Speranza team, a longstanding secret society of women always at the ready to help other women in need. These ladies are a force to be reckoned with, and author Connie Mann writes them with layered backstories, vibrant personalities, and some crazy-mad fight skills that always leave me in awe and inwardly applauding. Whether they’re running for their lives from the bad guys, trying to lose a tail through the streets of one international city or another, engaged in hand-to-hand combat, throwing amazing kicks, rappelling off the side of a building, pulling off clever disguises (or an ingenious con), or sword-fighting (yes, you read that correctly), they have some truly cinematic scenes in The Liar’s Treasure that I loved reading. Not to mention the treasure hunt itself, the puzzles to solve, the mysterious murders that are piling up, and the fact that Camille’s teenage daughter Cass is in danger (thanks to her reckless uncle). All of it is so intriguing. This story definitely held me hostage until I’d finished it – yes, in one sitting, because I could not put it down.
Bottom Line: Do you love high-octane international adventure, clever mysteries, treasure hunts, and strong heroines who rescue each other (and can absolutely hold their own in a fight)? Then The Liar’s Treasure (and the whole Speranza Team series) by Connie Mann is going to be right up your alley. It’s a pulse-pounding thrill ride across multiple countries with a formidable team of women fighting for justice and hunting secret artifacts. Their sisterhood adds depth to the story, as do the subtle-but-meaningful faith threads, and having a roguishly charming hero along this time certainly didn’t hurt. (Those emotion-driven kisses… swoon!!) I loved hanging out with Camille, her mom, her daughter, piratey Lucien, and the Speranza team (Hank, Mercy, Sophie, etc.) as we all raced around the globe together to find The Liar’s Treasure before the bad guys did. Can’t wait for the next one!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“… we have to put feet to our faith. Faith is easy when you’re standing on familiar ground.“
The Speranza Team series by Connie Mann has completely sucked me in. It’s like all the best parts of shows and films like The Italian Job, Leverage, Alias, Charlie’s Angels and National Treasure – all of which are some of my faves to binge watch – but with a natural faith thread as well. So it’s no surprise that The Liar’s Treasure had me glued to the page just as much as The Crown Conspiracy did (with occasional breaks to fan over a swoony kiss or two because… Lucien. Whew.)
In fact, let’s just get this out of the way right now: Lucien is yummy. He’s got a Louisiana drawl and an ever-ready wink, and he kisses like a pirate. (And no, I can’t describe for you how a pirate kisses, you’re just going to have to trust me.) He’s a bit of a rascal sometimes but he’s a genuine hero when it counts. Think Ty Porter from Becky Wade’s Meant to Be Mine as an Indiana-Jones type character instead of a rodeo cowboy – and add in a little more ‘tortured soul’ soldier and a dash of Jack Sparrow … and you’ve got Lucien. He’s the perfect amount of swoonlicious distraction in this novel, while still letting Camille shine as the kick-butt heroine she is in her own right.
And on that note, I absolutely LOVE the idea of the Speranza team, a longstanding secret society of women always at the ready to help other women in need. These ladies are a force to be reckoned with, and author Connie Mann writes them with layered backstories, vibrant personalities, and some crazy-mad fight skills that always leave me in awe and inwardly applauding. Whether they’re running for their lives from the bad guys, trying to lose a tail through the streets of one international city or another, engaged in hand-to-hand combat, throwing amazing kicks, rappelling off the side of a building, pulling off clever disguises (or an ingenious con), or sword-fighting (yes, you read that correctly), they have some truly cinematic scenes in The Liar’s Treasure that I loved reading. Not to mention the treasure hunt itself, the puzzles to solve, the mysterious murders that are piling up, and the fact that Camille’s teenage daughter Cass is in danger (thanks to her reckless uncle). All of it is so intriguing. This story definitely held me hostage until I’d finished it – yes, in one sitting, because I could not put it down.
Bottom Line: Do you love high-octane international adventure, clever mysteries, treasure hunts, and strong heroines who rescue each other (and can absolutely hold their own in a fight)? Then The Liar’s Treasure (and the whole Speranza Team series) by Connie Mann is going to be right up your alley. It’s a pulse-pounding thrill ride across multiple countries with a formidable team of women fighting for justice and hunting secret artifacts. Their sisterhood adds depth to the story, as do the subtle-but-meaningful faith threads, and having a roguishly charming hero along this time certainly didn’t hurt. (Those emotion-driven kisses… swoon!!) I loved hanging out with Camille, her mom, her daughter, piratey Lucien, and the Speranza team (Hank, Mercy, Sophie, etc.) as we all raced around the globe together to find The Liar’s Treasure before the bad guys did. Can’t wait for the next one!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 8, 2026
In Connie Mann’s book “The Liar’s Treasure” which is book 2 of “A Speranza Team” series, Camille Abernathy will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter, Cass, safe. When Cass posts on social media about a centuries old diary that is in her possession, Camille’s mother’s instincts are pushed to the limit. She enlists the help of her friends and colleagues of the Secret Speranza Society. Together they track down the clues and figure out what they mean to keep Cass safe from ruthless treasure hunters.
This book is a fast paced, edge of your seat book that I didn’t want to put down. A few of the situations were a little far fetched, but this is fiction and it definitely helped the storyline move forward. It’s encouraging to see a group of self-sufficient and capable women join together to help other women and right wrongs. What was even more encouraging was that this was a group that has been in fictional existence for an extremely long time (several centuries). I liked that legends of medieval Italy with the stories of the la Borgia’s and poison use were believably woven into this book. I also liked that Christian elements were present in this story, but they weren’t heavy-handed or preachy. There is a good vs evil theme throughout the book with good winning in the end. Anyone who enjoys a women’s themed mystery suspense with a touch of romance will like this book.
I wish to thank Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it in NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheLiarsTeasure
#TyndaleHousePublishers
#NetGalley
#StrongWomen
#MysterySuspense
#Romance
#GoodVSEvil
This book is a fast paced, edge of your seat book that I didn’t want to put down. A few of the situations were a little far fetched, but this is fiction and it definitely helped the storyline move forward. It’s encouraging to see a group of self-sufficient and capable women join together to help other women and right wrongs. What was even more encouraging was that this was a group that has been in fictional existence for an extremely long time (several centuries). I liked that legends of medieval Italy with the stories of the la Borgia’s and poison use were believably woven into this book. I also liked that Christian elements were present in this story, but they weren’t heavy-handed or preachy. There is a good vs evil theme throughout the book with good winning in the end. Anyone who enjoys a women’s themed mystery suspense with a touch of romance will like this book.
I wish to thank Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it in NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheLiarsTeasure
#TyndaleHousePublishers
#NetGalley
#StrongWomen
#MysterySuspense
#Romance
#GoodVSEvil
March 10, 2026
Y’all! This book was so good! I loved The Crown Conspiracy, the first book in this series, and have been looking forward to the sequel for a while now. It did not disappoint. I loved it! It was so great to spend some more time with the Speranza Team.
While the prologue is set in the 1700s in Spain, the rest of the book is set in the present, and it really set the stage and hooked me immediately.
There was a lot going on and a lot of people to follow, but it didn’t take me long before I was able to keep up with everything and everyone.
This was an incredibly compelling read. It was very fast-paced and hard to put down. There was a race against time as the hunt for the Book of Days and the Liar’s Treasure heated up. The action and suspense kept ramping up till the exciting conclusion.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I hope there are many more Speranza Team novels to come!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
While the prologue is set in the 1700s in Spain, the rest of the book is set in the present, and it really set the stage and hooked me immediately.
There was a lot going on and a lot of people to follow, but it didn’t take me long before I was able to keep up with everything and everyone.
This was an incredibly compelling read. It was very fast-paced and hard to put down. There was a race against time as the hunt for the Book of Days and the Liar’s Treasure heated up. The action and suspense kept ramping up till the exciting conclusion.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I hope there are many more Speranza Team novels to come!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
February 25, 2026
I have no idea how I got a copy of this a month before the release date (it’s not an ARC), but I’m all for book surprises.
Pirate story, buried treasure, and a little redemption/forgiveness arc in there. I think I liked the Crown Conspiracy a little better just because it wasn’t quite as complicated, but I still look forward to more Speranza tales in the future!
Pirate story, buried treasure, and a little redemption/forgiveness arc in there. I think I liked the Crown Conspiracy a little better just because it wasn’t quite as complicated, but I still look forward to more Speranza tales in the future!
March 10, 2026
If I could watch this as a movie, I would LOVE it. Reading it, however, was not so fun. I just couldn't engage.
I love the premise of a historical legacy of a bunch of bad-A women saving the world one challenge at a time. I felt like the characters had good distinct personalities considering how much suspense plot was also a part of the story. The light romance thread was good. But the plot did not suck me in and I skimmed a lot of the book to get to the happy ending.
I love the premise of a historical legacy of a bunch of bad-A women saving the world one challenge at a time. I felt like the characters had good distinct personalities considering how much suspense plot was also a part of the story. The light romance thread was good. But the plot did not suck me in and I skimmed a lot of the book to get to the happy ending.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“‘You have been deemed a liar. You proclaim your desire to do good in this world, yet you sin under cover of darkness. The price for your transgressions is death.’”
Just like its predecessor, The Crown Conspiracy, The Liar’s Treasure reads like a movie! It’s a thrill ride from start to finish as Mann takes us from New Orleans to Italy to Germany and the Bahamas on a dangerous treasure hunt.
There is some overlap in characters from the first book as it is a Speranza Team Novel, but where The Crown Conspiracy focused on Sophie and Lise, this one centers on team member Camille and her daughter Cass.
The Speranza team is made up of all women— a centuries old ‘organization’ of women specializing in secretly helping women and children.
Of course, with a global adventure of danger and treasure, the team comes to her aid and we get Sophie, with her forging, thieving, and lock-picking skills, Mercy, the nun with the medical expertise, and Hank, the vehicular expert/driver/pilot/MacGyver person back in action.
Picasso is their research/tech gal but apparently she had recently undergone some surgery related to her mysterious scars and was unavailable to help. Considering there is not much time spent on this in the book, I would assume it might related to whatever story comes next. I like the continuity in the series and threads that continue in other books, so if it is actually not part of anything, I’ll probably be annoyed because why else include it here. If it’s not going to be anything in the future, then they should have just had Picasso helping them. So let’s hope it’s foreshadowing!
Sidenote: I’m not sure what Camille’s niche/role in the group is… She is a photographer but I don’t think that was her special set of skills. Is it fighting? Fill me in.
The Crown Conspiracy happened in the art world. The Liar’s Treasure happens in the ‘pirate’ world! Like The Crown Conspiracy, the book begins with a prologue that takes place in the 1700s. On a ship. Where pirates encounter a book carried by a girl. It supposedly judges motives of whoever touches the book (harking back to the biblical account of Ananias and Sapphira who lied about their money). Those unworthy to handle the book and the treasure it points to, fall over dead. Which is exactly what happens to one particular pirate, right before the girl jumps overboard and escapes with the book.
Fast forward to present day when Camille’s daughter, Cass, is given an old pirate diary from her treasure-hunting, indebted to mobsters uncle, Marcel. Because she’s a teen, she obviously posts pictures of it on Instagram unwittingly leading all kinds of dangerous treasure hunters to their doorstep to intercept the diary which allegedly contains clues to where the Book of Days (the judging book) and the Liar’s Treasure can be found.
They spur into action and Camille is torn between wanting to be with Cass to keep her safe and needing to lead people away from Cass and make sure the treasure doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Unfortunately, Camille’s mother, Octavia (who also works for Speranza and is tasked with watching over Cass) makes a really dumb decision to meet someone 'with information’, takes Cass, and of course walks right into a trap and Cass is kidnapped. The stakes are even higher for Camille as her motivation is now finding the treasure to get her daughter back.
Because there were so many different groups of people going after them and the book, it was a little challenging knowing who was with who and what their motives were.
The secondary plot that gets woven in is a school friend of Camille’s, Jolie, who needs help. She works at a non-profit organization that has water projects building wells in other countries. One of her colleagues was suspected of poisoning one of their newest wells in Romania and then is found murdered.
Mann connects this plot with the treasure part, and there ends up being a Liar’s Trial at the NPO’s summit which is the climax of the book. But the connection between the well situation and the treasure situation felt a little tenuous and distracting. The epilogue wrapped up some of the loose ends but not really in the most satisfying way.
As with The Crown Conspiracy, The Liar’s Treasure has to have it’s own romantic plot line. We already got Sophie and Mac’s story (Mac does have a short cameo in this book so we know they are still a thing).
Now we have Camille and Lucien. Camille’s first husband, JT, was killed while deployed in the military. Lucien was best friends with JT in high school and feels responsible for his death, believing he convinced him to join the military.
Apparently Camille and Lucien shared a kiss back in high school while Camille was still with JT. It’s been years now— JT died right before Cass was born— but feelings are rekindled for Camille and Lucien. Oh yeah, Lucien is in the mix because his family most likely descended from pirates and they’re after the Liar’s Treasure. Actually both Camille’s and Lucien’s family believe have a aright to the book because they descended from the original family who owned the Book of Days.
Thus Lucien is partially forbidden love because he is also their opposition in locating the treasure. Lucien’s loyalty to his grandpa seems at odds with his feelings for Camille and wanting to keep Cass (JT’s daughter) safe, and he has to work through that tension.
Plus ANOTHER side plot— I guess this book had more layers than I thought— is this vigilante person who has taken it upon themself to exact justice on those who are corrupted and hiding their ‘sins’, lying about their virtue. That person said the quote I put at the beginning of this review right before he killed them.
The showdown between all the different parties occurs at the Liar’s Trial when all is revealed.
It’s a lot to pack into a book so some parts get a little lost or are hard to follow, but I bet if I read it through a second time, more things would come together— just like watching a layered movie again.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the teenager-ruining-things-by-posting-stuff-online-and-texting-her-friends trope or of Octavia’s decision to meet for information as if they really needed any, but for the most part I was fine with how the story played out.
I enjoyed the different settings of the book— New Orleans is a fun starting point. And then we go global— I like to read about real places and what they have to offer.
I’ve been to Florence and walked up to the very top of the Duomo so that was a nostalgic reference for me.
Some other things that caught my attention:
The Moon Church of Oradea in Romania that has a mechanism in its spire that tracks the phases of the moon. It reminded me of the astronomical clock I saw in Prague last fall that is featured in Dan Brown’s newest book, The Secret of Secrets.
There was reference to Florence in the 1500s and a ring of women who used poison to get rid of their husbands. I think this is a disputed historical claim, but it did remind me of the premise of Sarah Penner’s book, The Lost Apothecary, if that interests you.
The Heidelberg Castle in Germany that has the world’s largest wine barrel. They talked of a dance floor on top of it and it helped to google this because I was having a hard time picturing what was described in the book. My research says it was rarely used to actually store wine so I’m not sure how much of what was included in this book was legend or historical fact.
I think some readers have read this as a standalone and thought it worked that way, but I do think it would be helpful to read The Crown Conspiracy first to understand more about the team and how it works.
I wouldn’t say the faith theme is super overt but the phrase ‘putting feet to my faith’ was prevalent. I do like the idea that our faith is not a passive thing but an active thing— that we are called to live it out, not wait around for stuff to happen. That we often need to step out in faith even when things are unsure.
Now, did these characters HAVE to find the treasure and put their faith into action in that way? I’m not so sure. I guess once Cass was kidnapped and they needed to solve the murder of Jolie’s coworker before more people were hurt, then it became a necessity, but the beginning part of this journey seemed a little dicey in that regard.
Nonetheless, I appreciate a good clean, exciting story that emphasizes faith and family while we’re out gettin’ the bad guys. Plus the whole treasure hunt for the Speranza team was not financially driven which was good too.
Recommendation
All in all, I love the Speranza team and seeing their varied skills at work. I love the action-packed writing style. There were a few parts that were hard to follow and not all the layers fit together as nicely as I would have liked, but this was still a really enjoyable read and a series I’ll continue to read!
The more books we get in this series, the more full each character will be. There are a lot of possibilities for this series to expand so I’m excited to see where else Connie Mann decides to take it!
[Content Advisory: No swearing or sexual content, some violence— it’s not every day a nun bashes a guy with an altar piece]
**Received a copy via Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
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Just like its predecessor, The Crown Conspiracy, The Liar’s Treasure reads like a movie! It’s a thrill ride from start to finish as Mann takes us from New Orleans to Italy to Germany and the Bahamas on a dangerous treasure hunt.
There is some overlap in characters from the first book as it is a Speranza Team Novel, but where The Crown Conspiracy focused on Sophie and Lise, this one centers on team member Camille and her daughter Cass.
The Speranza team is made up of all women— a centuries old ‘organization’ of women specializing in secretly helping women and children.
Of course, with a global adventure of danger and treasure, the team comes to her aid and we get Sophie, with her forging, thieving, and lock-picking skills, Mercy, the nun with the medical expertise, and Hank, the vehicular expert/driver/pilot/MacGyver person back in action.
Picasso is their research/tech gal but apparently she had recently undergone some surgery related to her mysterious scars and was unavailable to help. Considering there is not much time spent on this in the book, I would assume it might related to whatever story comes next. I like the continuity in the series and threads that continue in other books, so if it is actually not part of anything, I’ll probably be annoyed because why else include it here. If it’s not going to be anything in the future, then they should have just had Picasso helping them. So let’s hope it’s foreshadowing!
Sidenote: I’m not sure what Camille’s niche/role in the group is… She is a photographer but I don’t think that was her special set of skills. Is it fighting? Fill me in.
The Crown Conspiracy happened in the art world. The Liar’s Treasure happens in the ‘pirate’ world! Like The Crown Conspiracy, the book begins with a prologue that takes place in the 1700s. On a ship. Where pirates encounter a book carried by a girl. It supposedly judges motives of whoever touches the book (harking back to the biblical account of Ananias and Sapphira who lied about their money). Those unworthy to handle the book and the treasure it points to, fall over dead. Which is exactly what happens to one particular pirate, right before the girl jumps overboard and escapes with the book.
Fast forward to present day when Camille’s daughter, Cass, is given an old pirate diary from her treasure-hunting, indebted to mobsters uncle, Marcel. Because she’s a teen, she obviously posts pictures of it on Instagram unwittingly leading all kinds of dangerous treasure hunters to their doorstep to intercept the diary which allegedly contains clues to where the Book of Days (the judging book) and the Liar’s Treasure can be found.
They spur into action and Camille is torn between wanting to be with Cass to keep her safe and needing to lead people away from Cass and make sure the treasure doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Unfortunately, Camille’s mother, Octavia (who also works for Speranza and is tasked with watching over Cass) makes a really dumb decision to meet someone 'with information’, takes Cass, and of course walks right into a trap and Cass is kidnapped. The stakes are even higher for Camille as her motivation is now finding the treasure to get her daughter back.
Because there were so many different groups of people going after them and the book, it was a little challenging knowing who was with who and what their motives were.
The secondary plot that gets woven in is a school friend of Camille’s, Jolie, who needs help. She works at a non-profit organization that has water projects building wells in other countries. One of her colleagues was suspected of poisoning one of their newest wells in Romania and then is found murdered.
Mann connects this plot with the treasure part, and there ends up being a Liar’s Trial at the NPO’s summit which is the climax of the book. But the connection between the well situation and the treasure situation felt a little tenuous and distracting. The epilogue wrapped up some of the loose ends but not really in the most satisfying way.
As with The Crown Conspiracy, The Liar’s Treasure has to have it’s own romantic plot line. We already got Sophie and Mac’s story (Mac does have a short cameo in this book so we know they are still a thing).
Now we have Camille and Lucien. Camille’s first husband, JT, was killed while deployed in the military. Lucien was best friends with JT in high school and feels responsible for his death, believing he convinced him to join the military.
Apparently Camille and Lucien shared a kiss back in high school while Camille was still with JT. It’s been years now— JT died right before Cass was born— but feelings are rekindled for Camille and Lucien. Oh yeah, Lucien is in the mix because his family most likely descended from pirates and they’re after the Liar’s Treasure. Actually both Camille’s and Lucien’s family believe have a aright to the book because they descended from the original family who owned the Book of Days.
Thus Lucien is partially forbidden love because he is also their opposition in locating the treasure. Lucien’s loyalty to his grandpa seems at odds with his feelings for Camille and wanting to keep Cass (JT’s daughter) safe, and he has to work through that tension.
Plus ANOTHER side plot— I guess this book had more layers than I thought— is this vigilante person who has taken it upon themself to exact justice on those who are corrupted and hiding their ‘sins’, lying about their virtue. That person said the quote I put at the beginning of this review right before he killed them.
The showdown between all the different parties occurs at the Liar’s Trial when all is revealed.
It’s a lot to pack into a book so some parts get a little lost or are hard to follow, but I bet if I read it through a second time, more things would come together— just like watching a layered movie again.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the teenager-ruining-things-by-posting-stuff-online-and-texting-her-friends trope or of Octavia’s decision to meet for information as if they really needed any, but for the most part I was fine with how the story played out.
I enjoyed the different settings of the book— New Orleans is a fun starting point. And then we go global— I like to read about real places and what they have to offer.
I’ve been to Florence and walked up to the very top of the Duomo so that was a nostalgic reference for me.
Some other things that caught my attention:
The Moon Church of Oradea in Romania that has a mechanism in its spire that tracks the phases of the moon. It reminded me of the astronomical clock I saw in Prague last fall that is featured in Dan Brown’s newest book, The Secret of Secrets.
There was reference to Florence in the 1500s and a ring of women who used poison to get rid of their husbands. I think this is a disputed historical claim, but it did remind me of the premise of Sarah Penner’s book, The Lost Apothecary, if that interests you.
The Heidelberg Castle in Germany that has the world’s largest wine barrel. They talked of a dance floor on top of it and it helped to google this because I was having a hard time picturing what was described in the book. My research says it was rarely used to actually store wine so I’m not sure how much of what was included in this book was legend or historical fact.
I think some readers have read this as a standalone and thought it worked that way, but I do think it would be helpful to read The Crown Conspiracy first to understand more about the team and how it works.
I wouldn’t say the faith theme is super overt but the phrase ‘putting feet to my faith’ was prevalent. I do like the idea that our faith is not a passive thing but an active thing— that we are called to live it out, not wait around for stuff to happen. That we often need to step out in faith even when things are unsure.
Now, did these characters HAVE to find the treasure and put their faith into action in that way? I’m not so sure. I guess once Cass was kidnapped and they needed to solve the murder of Jolie’s coworker before more people were hurt, then it became a necessity, but the beginning part of this journey seemed a little dicey in that regard.
Nonetheless, I appreciate a good clean, exciting story that emphasizes faith and family while we’re out gettin’ the bad guys. Plus the whole treasure hunt for the Speranza team was not financially driven which was good too.
Recommendation
All in all, I love the Speranza team and seeing their varied skills at work. I love the action-packed writing style. There were a few parts that were hard to follow and not all the layers fit together as nicely as I would have liked, but this was still a really enjoyable read and a series I’ll continue to read!
The more books we get in this series, the more full each character will be. There are a lot of possibilities for this series to expand so I’m excited to see where else Connie Mann decides to take it!
[Content Advisory: No swearing or sexual content, some violence— it’s not every day a nun bashes a guy with an altar piece]
**Received a copy via Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
THE LIAR’S TREASURE by Connie Mann is the magnificent story of Camille Abernathy as she concedes to the fact that the Liar’s Treasure may actually exist after it puts her daughter in the crosshairs of treasure-hunters. She will use all accessible means to protect Cass. Will it be enough!
Camille is a member of Speranza, a secret society that helps women in need. She enlists the members help after Cass, unaware of the danger, posted photos from a diary her uncle had given her on Instagram putting her instantly in danger when the treasure-hunters think she has the needed clues to direct them to the much-sought-after treasure. When Camille’s childhood friend is murdered, could the two things be connected?
Octavia Tucker Benoit, Cass’s grandmother and a formidable New Orleans society matron, will protect her granddaughter with all her means and her life. Even if it means changing all appearances and privileges and disappearing, with the help from the society and a long list of friends, from sight of those out to kidnap or harm Cass.
Lucien Broussard had been best friends with J.T., Camille’s husband. He was the one that talk J.T. into joining the military with him. Unfortunately, J.T. didn’t come home when Lucien did. He hadn’t seen Camille in two years. Fulfilling Pop’s dream of having the diary in his hand ends up having him search for the same things as Camille. Who will find them first?
Marcel, Camille’s brother, was the one to give Cass the diary, for what he thought was safe keeping. With henchman out to find him in order to make him make good on debts, Marcel is in great need of finding the treasure. To buy time, he’s sold copies of the diary. Time is running out for Marcel.
With repeated threats on Cass, can constant moving and being alert be enough to keep her safe? Can the Speranza find out who’s killing their members and why? Can they successfully work on projects while trying to figure out the clues to finding all the parts of the treasure? Will friendship win out over competition or will the desire to fulfill a loved one’s dream stand in the way? Is there possibly a way for both? Will the legend of wanting the treasure for unscrupulous reasons led to disaster for any greedy ones finding it?
THE LIAR’S TREASURE is a book you will find impossible to put down as you try to figure out the clues alongside the characters. Connie Mann gives us a story of competition, superstition, good-vs-evil, commandry, mystery, suspense, family, friendship and forgiveness. It all adds up to THE LIAR’S TREASURE emphatically being a FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend! While part of the A Speranza Team series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book.
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TheLiarsTreasure #ASperanzaTeam #ConnieMann
Camille is a member of Speranza, a secret society that helps women in need. She enlists the members help after Cass, unaware of the danger, posted photos from a diary her uncle had given her on Instagram putting her instantly in danger when the treasure-hunters think she has the needed clues to direct them to the much-sought-after treasure. When Camille’s childhood friend is murdered, could the two things be connected?
Octavia Tucker Benoit, Cass’s grandmother and a formidable New Orleans society matron, will protect her granddaughter with all her means and her life. Even if it means changing all appearances and privileges and disappearing, with the help from the society and a long list of friends, from sight of those out to kidnap or harm Cass.
Lucien Broussard had been best friends with J.T., Camille’s husband. He was the one that talk J.T. into joining the military with him. Unfortunately, J.T. didn’t come home when Lucien did. He hadn’t seen Camille in two years. Fulfilling Pop’s dream of having the diary in his hand ends up having him search for the same things as Camille. Who will find them first?
Marcel, Camille’s brother, was the one to give Cass the diary, for what he thought was safe keeping. With henchman out to find him in order to make him make good on debts, Marcel is in great need of finding the treasure. To buy time, he’s sold copies of the diary. Time is running out for Marcel.
With repeated threats on Cass, can constant moving and being alert be enough to keep her safe? Can the Speranza find out who’s killing their members and why? Can they successfully work on projects while trying to figure out the clues to finding all the parts of the treasure? Will friendship win out over competition or will the desire to fulfill a loved one’s dream stand in the way? Is there possibly a way for both? Will the legend of wanting the treasure for unscrupulous reasons led to disaster for any greedy ones finding it?
THE LIAR’S TREASURE is a book you will find impossible to put down as you try to figure out the clues alongside the characters. Connie Mann gives us a story of competition, superstition, good-vs-evil, commandry, mystery, suspense, family, friendship and forgiveness. It all adds up to THE LIAR’S TREASURE emphatically being a FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend! While part of the A Speranza Team series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book.
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TheLiarsTreasure #ASperanzaTeam #ConnieMann
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Yes! I have been waiting for the second book in the Speranza Team series, and the anticipation was absolutely worth it! THE LIAR’S TREASURE delivers an even wilder ride than the first book. More unforgettable escapes and clever schemes. Disguises, counterfeiting, or whatever was needed in the situation kept me guessing about what would happen next. Chases in alleyways, historic cathedrals, and caves around the world had me on the edge of my seat. I found myself cheering as the team navigated each twist and turn, wishing there was a real secret society of women righting wrongs with such swashbuckling flair and grappling hook finesse.
THE STORY: Camille ignored rumors of the Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it … until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. But when her teenage daughter unwittingly posts images of a mysterious centuries-old diary—a reckless gift from Camille’s estranged brother—the past comes roaring back with lethal consequences. The social media posts chum the treasure hunter waters and bring out the modern-day pirates. To keep her daughter safe, she enlists the help of her team, the Speranza—an ancient secret international society ready to help women in need. The deeper they dig for the treasure, the more bodies are discovered. The team chases clues around the world and fights against time as Camille’s daughter is held for ransom and the treasure is inches from their grasp. Will they be there in time?
5 STARS BECAUSE: This story made me want to jump right into the action and join the Speranza Team’s adventures! I felt that breathless suspense as the team raced against time to save a young girl from danger, and their camaraderie and loyalty to one another made me root for them even more. From New Orleans to Italy to Europe to pirate islands, these ladies are not only searching for treasure—they’re fighting for justice and each other, making this an exhilarating and deeply engaging read. The Liar’s Treasure is a propulsive, emotionally charged adventure of loyalty, forgiveness, and courage to face the truth—no matter how perilous the journey.
I received an ARC from Tyndale for my honest review.
THE STORY: Camille ignored rumors of the Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it … until someone put a target on her daughter’s back. But when her teenage daughter unwittingly posts images of a mysterious centuries-old diary—a reckless gift from Camille’s estranged brother—the past comes roaring back with lethal consequences. The social media posts chum the treasure hunter waters and bring out the modern-day pirates. To keep her daughter safe, she enlists the help of her team, the Speranza—an ancient secret international society ready to help women in need. The deeper they dig for the treasure, the more bodies are discovered. The team chases clues around the world and fights against time as Camille’s daughter is held for ransom and the treasure is inches from their grasp. Will they be there in time?
5 STARS BECAUSE: This story made me want to jump right into the action and join the Speranza Team’s adventures! I felt that breathless suspense as the team raced against time to save a young girl from danger, and their camaraderie and loyalty to one another made me root for them even more. From New Orleans to Italy to Europe to pirate islands, these ladies are not only searching for treasure—they’re fighting for justice and each other, making this an exhilarating and deeply engaging read. The Liar’s Treasure is a propulsive, emotionally charged adventure of loyalty, forgiveness, and courage to face the truth—no matter how perilous the journey.
I received an ARC from Tyndale for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
** “You know as well as I do that something can happen to us at anytime, anywhere. But not unless it has first passed through God’s hands.” **
Connie Mann continues her intense Speranza Team series with “The Liar’s Treasure,” a story of putting feet to our faith.
Camille Abernathy is thrown into a journey to find the elusive Liar’s Treasure, a special book and series of treasure items rumored to reveal the holder’s true intentions. If they are true and pure, treasure will be revealed; if they are selfish, the holder will find certain death.
Joining forces with members of Speranza, a centuries-old secret society working to restore hope in the world, they face adventure and even death to find the treasure and Camille’s daughter Cass who is being used as bait. Mercy, a nun and nurse; Hank, a mechanic and pilot; Picasso, tech wizard; and Sophie, art gallery owner and art forger, all use their different skills to find success in their quest.
Will they find the treasure in time? Will they figure out who is working against them? Will they all remain safe? And does the treasure truly have its rumored powers?
Once again, Mann does an incredible job of creating a fast-paced story with constant action and many twists and turns, taking the reader all over the world on a danger-filled journey. She also fills “The Liar’s Treasure” with several great themes, like finding the motive in someone’s heart; God allows our trials but will be with us every step of the way; God is the God of impossible; “we have to put feet to our faith”; and always seek out “speranza,” which means hope.
Fans of Clive Cussler’s “Fargo” series and TV series like “Alias,” as well as stories with strong female characters fighting for what is right, will love “The Liar’s Treasure,” which is due out March 10.
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Connie Mann continues her intense Speranza Team series with “The Liar’s Treasure,” a story of putting feet to our faith.
Camille Abernathy is thrown into a journey to find the elusive Liar’s Treasure, a special book and series of treasure items rumored to reveal the holder’s true intentions. If they are true and pure, treasure will be revealed; if they are selfish, the holder will find certain death.
Joining forces with members of Speranza, a centuries-old secret society working to restore hope in the world, they face adventure and even death to find the treasure and Camille’s daughter Cass who is being used as bait. Mercy, a nun and nurse; Hank, a mechanic and pilot; Picasso, tech wizard; and Sophie, art gallery owner and art forger, all use their different skills to find success in their quest.
Will they find the treasure in time? Will they figure out who is working against them? Will they all remain safe? And does the treasure truly have its rumored powers?
Once again, Mann does an incredible job of creating a fast-paced story with constant action and many twists and turns, taking the reader all over the world on a danger-filled journey. She also fills “The Liar’s Treasure” with several great themes, like finding the motive in someone’s heart; God allows our trials but will be with us every step of the way; God is the God of impossible; “we have to put feet to our faith”; and always seek out “speranza,” which means hope.
Fans of Clive Cussler’s “Fargo” series and TV series like “Alias,” as well as stories with strong female characters fighting for what is right, will love “The Liar’s Treasure,” which is due out March 10.
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Connie Mann delivers a fast-moving, adventurous suspense novel with The Liar's Treasure, blending family secrets, history, danger, and an irresistible treasure hunt into a story that rarely slows down. From the opening pages, the novel pulls readers into a mystery tied to the legendary Book of Days and a centuries-old connection to pirates, hidden clues, and high-stakes pursuit. Between a secret soiciety, globe-trotting settings, suspicious deaths, and multiple people chasing the same prize, there was always something happening to keep the tension high.
Camille is a protagonist worth rooting for — capable, deeply human, and driven by a mother's fierce love that grounds the story even when the action reaches a fever pitch. Her teenage daughter Cass walks the line between frustrating and surprisingly resourceful in ways that feel completely true to her age, and the tension between them gives the novel an emotional core that kept me invested beyond just the mystery itself. Mann populates the rest of the cast just as thoughtfully, including the formidable women of Speranza — one of the coolest secret society concepts I've come across in a while — and a swaggering, roguishly charming treasure hunter named Lucien who also is from Camille's past.
The story moves across multiple continents and each location feels purposeful rather than just glamorous backdrop. What intrigued me most was the way the historical elements were woven into the present-day suspense, making the mythology surrounding the Book of Days feel especially rich and compelling. With so many factions hunting the same prize, the momentum rarely lets up, and the twists land with real impact.
This is the kind of propulsive, cinematic read that's easy to devour in a weekend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Camille is a protagonist worth rooting for — capable, deeply human, and driven by a mother's fierce love that grounds the story even when the action reaches a fever pitch. Her teenage daughter Cass walks the line between frustrating and surprisingly resourceful in ways that feel completely true to her age, and the tension between them gives the novel an emotional core that kept me invested beyond just the mystery itself. Mann populates the rest of the cast just as thoughtfully, including the formidable women of Speranza — one of the coolest secret society concepts I've come across in a while — and a swaggering, roguishly charming treasure hunter named Lucien who also is from Camille's past.
The story moves across multiple continents and each location feels purposeful rather than just glamorous backdrop. What intrigued me most was the way the historical elements were woven into the present-day suspense, making the mythology surrounding the Book of Days feel especially rich and compelling. With so many factions hunting the same prize, the momentum rarely lets up, and the twists land with real impact.
This is the kind of propulsive, cinematic read that's easy to devour in a weekend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this read! It was a fantastic sequel to The Crown Conspiracy (equally worth reading). Nonstop action from start to finish, intriguing characters, worldwide travel--what more could one ask for?
I do recommend reading the two books in order, as this one builds on characters introduced in the first book (though they are basically separate plots).
I was especially convicted by the challenge to put boots to one's faith. Hard to do sometimes, but necessary to grow as a person and in my faith!
The book combines three of my favorite things--books, art, and history! Fans of "National Treasure," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "White Collar," Erin Bartels' The Lady with the Dark Hair, Katherine Reay's The English Masterpiece, and Kimberly Brock's The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare will undoubtedly enjoy this story (and vice versa).
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I do recommend reading the two books in order, as this one builds on characters introduced in the first book (though they are basically separate plots).
I was especially convicted by the challenge to put boots to one's faith. Hard to do sometimes, but necessary to grow as a person and in my faith!
The book combines three of my favorite things--books, art, and history! Fans of "National Treasure," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "White Collar," Erin Bartels' The Lady with the Dark Hair, Katherine Reay's The English Masterpiece, and Kimberly Brock's The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare will undoubtedly enjoy this story (and vice versa).
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2026
Cassie Abernathy unwittingly has made herself a target when she posts on social media about an old journal that she received from her uncle. Camille, Cassie’s mom, must keep her safe because treasure hunters and guardians of the secrets of the journal will stop at nothing to keep the treasure.
Lucien Broussard’s family has been associated with Camille’s family for centuries and the two of them even went to the same high school. So, it’s no surprise that he and Camille are on a race to find the treasure. Will they work together or will Lucien go on his own to retrieve the treasure for his own? Seeing their relationship change added depth to the story and put a smile on my face.
I loved the fast-paced and action-filled story of discovering clues as to the journal’s location. The secret women’s Speranza Team had a feeling of Mission Impossible with the ingenuity and resources of its members. You never knew where around the globe the next clue would take Camille and her “sisters”.
danger
suspense
Book of Days
faith thread
shoelace bracelets
killers
historical clues
clean romance
I recommend this for readers of romantic suspense. You’re sure to be swept along in the adventure of locating missing pieces of the treasure, thwarting villains, and rescuing people. It is the second book in the Speranza series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Favorite quote:
“… we have to put feet to our faith. Faith is easy when you’re standing on familiar ground.”
I received a copy of the book through the Launch Team Geek and NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Lucien Broussard’s family has been associated with Camille’s family for centuries and the two of them even went to the same high school. So, it’s no surprise that he and Camille are on a race to find the treasure. Will they work together or will Lucien go on his own to retrieve the treasure for his own? Seeing their relationship change added depth to the story and put a smile on my face.
I loved the fast-paced and action-filled story of discovering clues as to the journal’s location. The secret women’s Speranza Team had a feeling of Mission Impossible with the ingenuity and resources of its members. You never knew where around the globe the next clue would take Camille and her “sisters”.
danger
suspense
Book of Days
faith thread
shoelace bracelets
killers
historical clues
clean romance
I recommend this for readers of romantic suspense. You’re sure to be swept along in the adventure of locating missing pieces of the treasure, thwarting villains, and rescuing people. It is the second book in the Speranza series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Favorite quote:
“… we have to put feet to our faith. Faith is easy when you’re standing on familiar ground.”
I received a copy of the book through the Launch Team Geek and NetGalley. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
March 14, 2026
Thank you to Connie Mann, Tyndale and NetGalley for allowing me an eARC of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Camille Abernathy has grown up in New Orleans hearing about the Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it, but not really believing it. When her daughter posts pictures of a dairy that her uncle gifted her that is connected to the treasure it puts her life in danger. Camille pulls in the secret society of women from all over the world of which she is a part of to help her find the treasure and keep her daughter safe. Lucien Broussard is the best friend of Camille’s late husband and he also wants to find the treasure. They must work together to find it and keep Cass safe.
I enjoyed this book, but I don’t think I liked it as much as liked the first Speranza book. As a Louisiana girl, I enjoyed the fact that parts of the book were set in New Orleans. Other parts of the book were hard to follow because they moved from country to country. There were also so many player (characters) that sometimes it became difficult to remember who was who. I don’t think romance is the main idea of this book, which is good because I certainly didn’t find the romance story line completely believable. As I said, I didn’t dislike this book, but I do think the first book was overall a better book.
If you like books with strong women and world travel, then you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for a book that has super strong faith content you might not like this one.
#TheLiarsTreasure #NetGalley
Camille Abernathy has grown up in New Orleans hearing about the Liar’s Treasure and her family’s connection to it, but not really believing it. When her daughter posts pictures of a dairy that her uncle gifted her that is connected to the treasure it puts her life in danger. Camille pulls in the secret society of women from all over the world of which she is a part of to help her find the treasure and keep her daughter safe. Lucien Broussard is the best friend of Camille’s late husband and he also wants to find the treasure. They must work together to find it and keep Cass safe.
I enjoyed this book, but I don’t think I liked it as much as liked the first Speranza book. As a Louisiana girl, I enjoyed the fact that parts of the book were set in New Orleans. Other parts of the book were hard to follow because they moved from country to country. There were also so many player (characters) that sometimes it became difficult to remember who was who. I don’t think romance is the main idea of this book, which is good because I certainly didn’t find the romance story line completely believable. As I said, I didn’t dislike this book, but I do think the first book was overall a better book.
If you like books with strong women and world travel, then you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for a book that has super strong faith content you might not like this one.
#TheLiarsTreasure #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Liar's Treasure" by Connie Mann was a wild treasure hunt throughout New Orleans, the Bahamas and multiple places in Europe full of danger and intrigue. The Speranza team is a team of mostly women from all walks of life that help women throughout the world. This book is the 2nd in the series and I did read the first but feel that the reader could jump right into this story without the background of the first one. Though I do recommend readers go check that one out too if they like this one.
This book has 3 generations of women as some of the central characters, the Speranza team and a lot of really "bad guys" trying to steal the treasure for personal gain, whereas the Speranza team just wants to keep it safe from those who seek to profit and hold the treasure for themselves. This book is fast paced with many twists and turns along the way.
There is some romance, though the main character Camille is very reluctant at first and the romance is not central to the story at all. This book has a Christian faith element to it and many of the sites visited by the characters are churches and convents.
I'm looking forward to book 3 and can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
Thank you to Tyndale House publishers and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a review or positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book has 3 generations of women as some of the central characters, the Speranza team and a lot of really "bad guys" trying to steal the treasure for personal gain, whereas the Speranza team just wants to keep it safe from those who seek to profit and hold the treasure for themselves. This book is fast paced with many twists and turns along the way.
There is some romance, though the main character Camille is very reluctant at first and the romance is not central to the story at all. This book has a Christian faith element to it and many of the sites visited by the characters are churches and convents.
I'm looking forward to book 3 and can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
Thank you to Tyndale House publishers and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a review or positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy
4.5 stars
"Time to put the next phase of his plan in place. And show these meddling women who they were dealing with."
Time was of the essence. Camille Abernathy, along with the other members of her elite secret Speranza team are tasked with locating what was known throughout the world of treasure hunters as "the liar's treasure"; items dating back centuries, believed to hold the power of discernment, delivering a death sentence upon those deemed as disingenuous. The stakes become exponentially higher when Camille's daughter innocently exposes one of the items, putting herself squarely in the crosshairs of international villains.
Help arrives in a variety of ways; putting "feet to her faith", learning that there is more to a beloved grandmother than meets the eye, and trusting someone from her past whom Camille desperately wants to believe has her best interests at heart, and there is certainly a tremendous amount of heart beating inside Lucien Broussard.
This impressive story reads like an action film on steroids, a blend of National Treasure meets Raiders of the Lost Ark. The plot is complex but comprehensible, the heroines are strong, courageous and skilled in their areas of expertise, and although the hero may not grab the spotlight very often, when he does . . . it's a sight to behold. An altogether thrilling addition to what every reader will "hope" is an ongoing series.
"Time to put the next phase of his plan in place. And show these meddling women who they were dealing with."
Time was of the essence. Camille Abernathy, along with the other members of her elite secret Speranza team are tasked with locating what was known throughout the world of treasure hunters as "the liar's treasure"; items dating back centuries, believed to hold the power of discernment, delivering a death sentence upon those deemed as disingenuous. The stakes become exponentially higher when Camille's daughter innocently exposes one of the items, putting herself squarely in the crosshairs of international villains.
Help arrives in a variety of ways; putting "feet to her faith", learning that there is more to a beloved grandmother than meets the eye, and trusting someone from her past whom Camille desperately wants to believe has her best interests at heart, and there is certainly a tremendous amount of heart beating inside Lucien Broussard.
This impressive story reads like an action film on steroids, a blend of National Treasure meets Raiders of the Lost Ark. The plot is complex but comprehensible, the heroines are strong, courageous and skilled in their areas of expertise, and although the hero may not grab the spotlight very often, when he does . . . it's a sight to behold. An altogether thrilling addition to what every reader will "hope" is an ongoing series.
August 7, 2025
"The Liar's Treasure" is a Christian suspense/thriller. It's the 2nd book in a series but works as a standalone. The Speranza are a diverse group of talented women who help other women in need. Camille's a part of this group, but now she's the one needing help. Camille's teenaged daughter posts a page from a pirate's journal that mentions the treasure. A relative wants the journal, an old love interest of Camille's wants the treasure to pay his father's debts, someone wants it to find out who's stealing from a charity, and a professional thief just wants to have it.
The Speranza decided to find the treasure. The relative and the old love interest occasionally helped the women when facing danger, but they stole from them once the danger was over. Though the Speranza had the major clues and the treasure had been successfully hidden for 300 years, these other treasure hunters somehow managed to show up any time our group found something important, increasing the danger and difficulty.
The characters were engaging and reacted to events in realistic ways. The team of women used their intelligence, talents, and determination to creatively overcome all obstacles. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The Speranza decided to find the treasure. The relative and the old love interest occasionally helped the women when facing danger, but they stole from them once the danger was over. Though the Speranza had the major clues and the treasure had been successfully hidden for 300 years, these other treasure hunters somehow managed to show up any time our group found something important, increasing the danger and difficulty.
The characters were engaging and reacted to events in realistic ways. The team of women used their intelligence, talents, and determination to creatively overcome all obstacles. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in this winning novel by Connie Mann. The second installment in the Speranza Team series is just as good as the first and I didn’t want to sleep. I kept telling myself just one more page—page after page.
This treasure hunt is perfect, and had me reminiscing about my childhood when I dreamed of finding the X that marked the spot, and having adventures far from home.
Camille and her daughter, Cass are hunting for a family heirloom that just might lead them to the Liar’s Treasure, if it doesn’t lead them into trouble first. If they can survive traveling the globe, competing with over zealous treasure hunters, and uncover the clues, they might just find what they’re looking for.
As usual this book is tightly plotted with interesting characters that pull you right into the action with them, and I like the mother/daughter dynamic between Camille and Cass. There’s something for everyone with intrigue, suspense, and danger, but there may be a little romance along the way.
Connie Mann is a go to author for me and I love, love, love this series. An enthusiastic five stars. I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy courtesy of Tyndall Fiction through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.
This treasure hunt is perfect, and had me reminiscing about my childhood when I dreamed of finding the X that marked the spot, and having adventures far from home.
Camille and her daughter, Cass are hunting for a family heirloom that just might lead them to the Liar’s Treasure, if it doesn’t lead them into trouble first. If they can survive traveling the globe, competing with over zealous treasure hunters, and uncover the clues, they might just find what they’re looking for.
As usual this book is tightly plotted with interesting characters that pull you right into the action with them, and I like the mother/daughter dynamic between Camille and Cass. There’s something for everyone with intrigue, suspense, and danger, but there may be a little romance along the way.
Connie Mann is a go to author for me and I love, love, love this series. An enthusiastic five stars. I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy courtesy of Tyndall Fiction through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.
March 10, 2026
One thing I've learned about Connie Mann is that she doesn't mess around when it comes to action or suspense. This book didn't take long to plunge me straight into its tightly woven intensity, keeping me on the edge of my seat right up until I turned the final page. I intended to take a few days to read The Liar's Treasure. I finished it the same day I started reading. Each time I tried to put it down, something would happen that kept me turning pages. I had to know what would happen next!
The Liar's Treasure combines greed, faith, ancient legend, mother-daughter relationships, a cache of potential villains, priceless artifacts, and a secret group of women dedicated to coming to the aid of other women in need. It all meshes together in a compelling race across the globe littered with historical clues, surprising twists, life or death encounters, and the potential for an unexpected romance. I couldn't put it down.
The Liar's Treasure is book two in Connie Mann's Speranza Team series. It can absolutely be enjoyed on its own but if you prefer to get to know the women of the team from the beginning, you may want to read book one, The Crown Conspiracy, first. I highly recommend both.
The Liar's Treasure combines greed, faith, ancient legend, mother-daughter relationships, a cache of potential villains, priceless artifacts, and a secret group of women dedicated to coming to the aid of other women in need. It all meshes together in a compelling race across the globe littered with historical clues, surprising twists, life or death encounters, and the potential for an unexpected romance. I couldn't put it down.
The Liar's Treasure is book two in Connie Mann's Speranza Team series. It can absolutely be enjoyed on its own but if you prefer to get to know the women of the team from the beginning, you may want to read book one, The Crown Conspiracy, first. I highly recommend both.
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