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Lily Larkin #7
Built on Lies
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26
Some buildings are built on stone… others on secrets.
When amateur sleuth Lily Larkin visits London, she has two things on her mind – spending time with her boyfriend, PC Flynn Grainger, and digging deeper into the mystery of her parents’ deaths.
She doesn’t expect her trip to involve murder. But trouble has a way of finding Lily… even in the big city.
The residents of Flynn’s apartment block are shocked when their landlord, Jeremy Latham, is found dead – crushed beneath his own bookcase. At first, it looks like a tragic accident, until Lily notices inconsistencies among the scattered shelves… and starts hearing unsettling stories about Latham’s so-called generosity.
Drawn into a tangle of rivalries, grudges, and whispered complaints, Lily soon realises that everyone had a reason to want Latham gone. But as tensions rise and lies unravel, she must uncover the truth before the killer decides she’s asking too many questions.
Because in this building, you can’t always trust your neighbours – or your landlord.
When amateur sleuth Lily Larkin visits London, she has two things on her mind – spending time with her boyfriend, PC Flynn Grainger, and digging deeper into the mystery of her parents’ deaths.
She doesn’t expect her trip to involve murder. But trouble has a way of finding Lily… even in the big city.
The residents of Flynn’s apartment block are shocked when their landlord, Jeremy Latham, is found dead – crushed beneath his own bookcase. At first, it looks like a tragic accident, until Lily notices inconsistencies among the scattered shelves… and starts hearing unsettling stories about Latham’s so-called generosity.
Drawn into a tangle of rivalries, grudges, and whispered complaints, Lily soon realises that everyone had a reason to want Latham gone. But as tensions rise and lies unravel, she must uncover the truth before the killer decides she’s asking too many questions.
Because in this building, you can’t always trust your neighbours – or your landlord.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 31, 2026
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Ellis
66 books438 followersHannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I always look forward to a new Lily Larkin mystery, and Built on Lies didn’t disappoint. Hannah Ellis has a real talent for blending cozy mystery elements with clever plotting, and this book pulls you in almost immediately.
Lily curious, observant, and just the right amount of nosy — the kind of amateur sleuth you can’t help but root for. In this story, what starts as a simple visit to London quickly turns into something much more complicated when Lily discovers her boyfriend Flynn’s landlord dead under suspicious circumstances. Of course, Lily can’t resist digging deeper, even when the police seem ready to dismiss the death as a tragic accident.
The apartment building and its quirky mix of neighbors create a perfect little puzzle box of suspects. Each character feels distinct, and I enjoyed slowly learning more about them as Lily starts to question what really happened. The mystery itself is layered with plenty of small clues and subtle details, which made it fun to try to piece things together alongside Lily.
I also liked the balance between the investigation and Lily’s personal life. Her relationship with Flynn continues to develop, and the story touches on deeper questions about her past and her parents’ deaths, which adds an emotional thread running through the mystery.
The pacing felt steady and engaging, with enough twists and suspicious moments to keep me guessing. Ellis writes in a very approachable, easy‑to‑read style, which makes these books perfect when you want an entertaining mystery that still has depth.
Overall, Built on Lies is another strong installment in the Lily Larkin series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with likable characters, intriguing puzzles, and a touch of humor, this series is definitely worth picking up. I’m already looking forward to the next Lily Larkin adventure.
Lily curious, observant, and just the right amount of nosy — the kind of amateur sleuth you can’t help but root for. In this story, what starts as a simple visit to London quickly turns into something much more complicated when Lily discovers her boyfriend Flynn’s landlord dead under suspicious circumstances. Of course, Lily can’t resist digging deeper, even when the police seem ready to dismiss the death as a tragic accident.
The apartment building and its quirky mix of neighbors create a perfect little puzzle box of suspects. Each character feels distinct, and I enjoyed slowly learning more about them as Lily starts to question what really happened. The mystery itself is layered with plenty of small clues and subtle details, which made it fun to try to piece things together alongside Lily.
I also liked the balance between the investigation and Lily’s personal life. Her relationship with Flynn continues to develop, and the story touches on deeper questions about her past and her parents’ deaths, which adds an emotional thread running through the mystery.
The pacing felt steady and engaging, with enough twists and suspicious moments to keep me guessing. Ellis writes in a very approachable, easy‑to‑read style, which makes these books perfect when you want an entertaining mystery that still has depth.
Overall, Built on Lies is another strong installment in the Lily Larkin series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with likable characters, intriguing puzzles, and a touch of humor, this series is definitely worth picking up. I’m already looking forward to the next Lily Larkin adventure.
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March 17, 2026Another eagerly awaited instalment in the Lily Larkin Investigates series brings a new mystery waiting to be solved and more is revelations about Lily's childhood.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Hannah Ellis for the ARC . My review is voluntary.
Lily visits London, to spend time with her boyfriend, PC Flynn Grainger.
Flynn and his neighbours are shocked when their landlord, Jeremy Latham is found crushed to death beneath his own bookcase in what looks suspiciously like a murder.
Although each mystery functions as a standalone story, overarching themes weave through the series, particularly Lily’s investigation into her past and her developing relationship with PC Granger. For this reason, reading the entire Lily Larkin Mysteries collection is highly recommended.
Hannah Ellis writes in a simple but competent style making Built on Lies an accessible and enjoyable read. Much of the book is written in dialogue and the conversational style of the characters is very realistic.
The author has drawn well rounded characters. Lily is likable and realistic character: faults insecurities and all. As the series has gone on we have learnt more about her. Lily's backstory was tacked onto the end of the first few books in the series, but in later books, it’s been woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it feel much more sophisticated.
We are left with a thrilling revelation that changes everything, along with the exhilarating promise of another exciting instalment yet to come.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Hannah Ellis for the ARC . My review is voluntary.
Lily visits London, to spend time with her boyfriend, PC Flynn Grainger.
Flynn and his neighbours are shocked when their landlord, Jeremy Latham is found crushed to death beneath his own bookcase in what looks suspiciously like a murder.
Although each mystery functions as a standalone story, overarching themes weave through the series, particularly Lily’s investigation into her past and her developing relationship with PC Granger. For this reason, reading the entire Lily Larkin Mysteries collection is highly recommended.
Hannah Ellis writes in a simple but competent style making Built on Lies an accessible and enjoyable read. Much of the book is written in dialogue and the conversational style of the characters is very realistic.
The author has drawn well rounded characters. Lily is likable and realistic character: faults insecurities and all. As the series has gone on we have learnt more about her. Lily's backstory was tacked onto the end of the first few books in the series, but in later books, it’s been woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it feel much more sophisticated.
We are left with a thrilling revelation that changes everything, along with the exhilarating promise of another exciting instalment yet to come.
Review of advance copy
Spot-on mix of cozy mystery and romance🔍🏢
The main character Lily Larkin is such an endearingly inquisitive character turned amateur sleuth and in this story in the series her curiosity comes through from the opening pages when she's spying through her boyfriend's apartment door at the comings and goings of the fellow residents of his apartment building in London. Pretty soon she gets sucked into their world and the landlord who ends up dead less than a day after she arrives. I can just visualize Flynn, her police constable love interest, rolling his eyes when he learns how Lily can't keep away from the mystery of the landlord's demise and poking in where she doesn't belong.
This was a breeze to read, great pacing, and with some subplots about Flynn's job prospects and Lily's family history to draw the story away from the landlord mystery every so often to break up the tension. The author throws in some clues that are easy to spot, but they don't take away from the surprising turn of events that lead to solving the mystery. It all worked together so well. Really good, cozy read, with a serving of sweet romance and a loose thread at the end that remains to be dealt with later in the series.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
The main character Lily Larkin is such an endearingly inquisitive character turned amateur sleuth and in this story in the series her curiosity comes through from the opening pages when she's spying through her boyfriend's apartment door at the comings and goings of the fellow residents of his apartment building in London. Pretty soon she gets sucked into their world and the landlord who ends up dead less than a day after she arrives. I can just visualize Flynn, her police constable love interest, rolling his eyes when he learns how Lily can't keep away from the mystery of the landlord's demise and poking in where she doesn't belong.
This was a breeze to read, great pacing, and with some subplots about Flynn's job prospects and Lily's family history to draw the story away from the landlord mystery every so often to break up the tension. The author throws in some clues that are easy to spot, but they don't take away from the surprising turn of events that lead to solving the mystery. It all worked together so well. Really good, cozy read, with a serving of sweet romance and a loose thread at the end that remains to be dealt with later in the series.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy
In London, to visit her boyfriend Flynn, Lily Larkin is drawn into a mystery - how did Flynn's landlord die? With the other tenants acting oddly, Lily's senses are telling her something is off. As Lilly investigates, she realises that the man was rather horrid and everyone in the building has a motive for murder.
This series is really character-driven, and the author is a master of this craft. I loved that, in a new setting and away from her friends, Lily has plenty of presence - enough to carry an entire book by herself. I do wish more time had been spent out and about in London, though, as the author is also fantastic at describing the background.
The mystery had me going: I swung from one suspect to another (and sometimes more than one at a time)! When the story finally wrapped up, | said "Well done, you", and Lily really did deserve praise for pulling this investigation off.
This mystery, which also has a romantic bent, is a clean, modern, cosy read. I highly recommend Built on Lies (and also this series). The book can be read as a standalone, but readers will get much more out of reading the series in order as the plot builds.
Thank you to Hannah Ellis and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
This series is really character-driven, and the author is a master of this craft. I loved that, in a new setting and away from her friends, Lily has plenty of presence - enough to carry an entire book by herself. I do wish more time had been spent out and about in London, though, as the author is also fantastic at describing the background.
The mystery had me going: I swung from one suspect to another (and sometimes more than one at a time)! When the story finally wrapped up, | said "Well done, you", and Lily really did deserve praise for pulling this investigation off.
This mystery, which also has a romantic bent, is a clean, modern, cosy read. I highly recommend Built on Lies (and also this series). The book can be read as a standalone, but readers will get much more out of reading the series in order as the plot builds.
Thank you to Hannah Ellis and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
Review of advance copy
The 7th book in the Lily Larkin series is the best yet. Lily is visiting Flynn in London, and starts an investigation when Flynn’s landlord dies. It appears to be a tragic accident, but the more Lily digs when the whole thing seems off, the more she learns about the landlord and other tenants in the building. Everyone seems to have a motive. The characters are very distinctive and well-written.
Lily and Flynn’s relationship is great too, in part because it’s not too lovey-dovey. They genuinely care about each other but have the ups and downs of all long-term relationships.
Lily also finds out more about the fire that killed her parents, and gets a surprise about a family member.
This can be read as a standalone, but I suggest starting at the beginning of the series to learn more about Lily and her life’s journey. Hannah Ellis has written a very fun and moving series. The stories are cozy, but not too cozy. I can’t wait for Lily’s next adventure!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lily and Flynn’s relationship is great too, in part because it’s not too lovey-dovey. They genuinely care about each other but have the ups and downs of all long-term relationships.
Lily also finds out more about the fire that killed her parents, and gets a surprise about a family member.
This can be read as a standalone, but I suggest starting at the beginning of the series to learn more about Lily and her life’s journey. Hannah Ellis has written a very fun and moving series. The stories are cozy, but not too cozy. I can’t wait for Lily’s next adventure!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
LOVED it!!
This is my favorite of the series so far (and I've loved them all).
In this book, Flynn has moved back to London, and Lily goes to visit. While she's there, Flynn's landlord dies. Is it an accident or murder? Lily just can't help herself-she needs to investigate!
She also does some investigation into the death of her parents.
The setting is delightful, the story interesting, the book well written, and the characters are wonderful. I LOVE Lily & Flynn together.
While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll be best to start at the beginning of the series and read in order, if you can. This is usually the case in a series, as there are typically developing stories, characters, and relationships.
I found this to be a very quick and easy read, and am looking forward to the next book!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my favorite of the series so far (and I've loved them all).
In this book, Flynn has moved back to London, and Lily goes to visit. While she's there, Flynn's landlord dies. Is it an accident or murder? Lily just can't help herself-she needs to investigate!
She also does some investigation into the death of her parents.
The setting is delightful, the story interesting, the book well written, and the characters are wonderful. I LOVE Lily & Flynn together.
While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll be best to start at the beginning of the series and read in order, if you can. This is usually the case in a series, as there are typically developing stories, characters, and relationships.
I found this to be a very quick and easy read, and am looking forward to the next book!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Built on Lies was such a fun read for me! It has that cozy mystery vibe, but there’s plenty of tension to keep things interesting the whole time. Lily going to London should’ve been a relaxing trip, but of course that’s not how things go for her. The second the landlord turns up dead, you just know she’s getting involved, and honestly, I wouldn’t want her to stay out of it anyway. She’s so good at picking up on the little details, and I love watching her put everything together. The apartment building setting worked really well too. It felt like everyone had something to hide, and I kept going back and forth on who I thought was behind everything. I also like how the series keeps building Lily’s personal story in the background. The stuff with her parents is starting to feel more important, and it really adds to everything that's going on. This was a quick, easy read that kept me hooked. Definitely one of my favorites in the series so far, and I’m already ready for the next one!
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Advanced Review Copy
I had the chance to read an ARC of Built on Lies by Hannah Ellis, and this mystery kept me hooked the whole way through.
When Lily Larkin travels to London, she quickly finds herself caught up in a suspicious death inside an apartment building full of residents with secrets and complicated relationships. As Lily starts asking questions, it becomes clear that almost everyone has something to hide.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the story slowly revealed new clues and twists while keeping the tension high. The mystery kept me guessing, and the cast of characters made it hard to know who could really be trusted.
If you enjoy mysteries full of secrets, suspects, and unexpected turns, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Thank you to BookSirens and the Author for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Advanced Review Copy
I had the chance to read an ARC of Built on Lies by Hannah Ellis, and this mystery kept me hooked the whole way through.
When Lily Larkin travels to London, she quickly finds herself caught up in a suspicious death inside an apartment building full of residents with secrets and complicated relationships. As Lily starts asking questions, it becomes clear that almost everyone has something to hide.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the story slowly revealed new clues and twists while keeping the tension high. The mystery kept me guessing, and the cast of characters made it hard to know who could really be trusted.
If you enjoy mysteries full of secrets, suspects, and unexpected turns, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Thank you to BookSirens and the Author for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
This is by far the best book in the series and God knows I highly enjoyed each one!
In this seventh book, Flynn's landlord is found dead, no need to say who discovered the body 😂, so, when she starts her sleuthing, all the tenants have strong motives to want the bastard dead, and serves him right.
One thing's sure, this book was filled with tension and expectations. Who's done it? who tried to frame Lily? Is Flynn finally getting the job? and what on earth was that piece of news at the end?
I figured out who did it pretty early, but this didn't keep me from turning pages as fast as I could.
I really am loving how things are turning out for the characters in this series and Can't it be July 10th already?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this seventh book, Flynn's landlord is found dead, no need to say who discovered the body 😂, so, when she starts her sleuthing, all the tenants have strong motives to want the bastard dead, and serves him right.
One thing's sure, this book was filled with tension and expectations. Who's done it? who tried to frame Lily? Is Flynn finally getting the job? and what on earth was that piece of news at the end?
I figured out who did it pretty early, but this didn't keep me from turning pages as fast as I could.
I really am loving how things are turning out for the characters in this series and Can't it be July 10th already?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I've read every book in this series and this one lived up to the rest as exprected.
This novel plays in London instead of the Isles of Scilly, so it has a bit of a different feel to it. I love the way the relationship between Flynn and Lily is progressing and how they handle being apart so much. It also shows a bit more about Lily's personal life and past, which is well included in the mystery.
As far as the mystery goes, there are a lot of suspects and you go along with the elimination and accusations as Lily puts on her sleuthing cap once again.
The ending is both satisfying and mysterious with a big cliffhanger for the next novel.
I loved this book as I did the rest of the series and I hope for more installments!
This novel plays in London instead of the Isles of Scilly, so it has a bit of a different feel to it. I love the way the relationship between Flynn and Lily is progressing and how they handle being apart so much. It also shows a bit more about Lily's personal life and past, which is well included in the mystery.
As far as the mystery goes, there are a lot of suspects and you go along with the elimination and accusations as Lily puts on her sleuthing cap once again.
The ending is both satisfying and mysterious with a big cliffhanger for the next novel.
I loved this book as I did the rest of the series and I hope for more installments!
Review of advance copy
Built on Lies is the newest installment in the Lily Larkin cozy mystery series. There is a change of scenery in this one, when Lily visits her boyfriend Flynn in London. Murder and sleuthing always seem to find Lily; this time the victim is Flynn’s creepy landlord. We meet a wide cast of characters in Flynn’s neighbors, as Lily inserts herself in an investigation. The backdrop is Lily and Flynn’s relationship and Lily’s attempt to learn more about her family history. As usual, this is an entertaining and charming story, and I look forward to the next in the series. With thanks to BookSirens for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
This was an excellent mystery. I was able to easily follow along, and literally enjoyed every minute. I quickly became invested in the characters and needed more . This has all the elements of a great mystery, and I was swept along in an adrenaline haze. Lily became more tenacious and fearless, sometimes to her detriment. Flynn's character is a wonderful protector and partner. The next book seems to bring more precarious and dangerous situations. I can't wait for more. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
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March 25, 2026Who killed the landlord? It was thought to be an accident but was it?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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