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Praise for Luca

'A UK thriller writer who gives giants like Linwood Barclay and Harlan Coben a run for their money.' MARK BILLINGHAM________

If no one believes you, no one will help you…Once hailed as Liverpool’s finest detective, Mark Fletcher brought a serial killer to justice and earned the city’s admiration. But when he's accused of working with Liverpool's most notorious crime family, his legacy is shattered – and so is his life.

Now disgraced and spiralling, Fletcher wakes up in a hotel room with no memory of the last 24 hours… and a dead body beside him.

The evidence says he did it. His instincts say otherwise.

Hunted by the force he once served, Fletcher must uncover the truth – not just to clear his name, but to survive. Because someone wants him silenced, and they’ll stop at nothing to finish what they started…

A gripping thriller where the hunter becomes the hunted – perfect for fans of dark twists, morally complex heroes, and relentless suspense.

416 pages, Paperback

Expected publication December 15, 2026

6 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Luca Veste

25 books498 followers
Luca Veste is a writer of Italian and Liverpudlian heritage, married with two young daughters, and one of nine children. He studied psychology and criminology at university in Liverpool. He is the author of the Murphy and Rossi series, which includes DEAD GONE, THE DYING PLACE, BLOODSTREAM, and THEN SHE WAS GONE.

Part psychological thriller, part police procedural, his books follow the detective pairing of DI David Murphy and DS Laura Rossi. The novels are set in Liverpool, bringing the city to life in a dark and terrifying manner...with just a splash of Scouse humour.

"Astringent and artfully constructed." The Financial Times

"A darkly impressive novel... disturbing and intelligent." The Times

"A chilling début from a writer to watch..." Mark Billingham

"Gripping, unpredictable, genuinely shocking and impossible to put down, Dead Gone is a remarkable début." Steve Mosby

"A twisty, psychological crime debut in a gritty setting: a new favourite for police procedural lovers" Clare Mackintosh

"Tense and darkly playful." Chris Ewan

"A major new talent on the crime scene." Eva Dolan

"Fresh...original." Mel Sherratt

"Original and terrifying." Stav Sherez

He is also the editor of the Spinetingler Award nominated charity anthology 'Off The Record', and co-editor of 'True Brit Grit', also an anthology of short stories for charity.

He is a former civil servant, actor, singer and guitarist (although he still picks it up now and again), and now a full-time writer.

He can be found at www.lucaveste.com and on twitter @LucaVeste

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren.
17 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, I didn’t know which way it was going to go and I was so surprised with the ending. I have definitely been left wanting more of this series!
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,170 reviews100 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 10, 2026
Liar Liar is a taut, propulsive thriller that drops you straight into the wreckage of a man’s ruined life and never lets up. Mark Fletcher, once Liverpool’s golden‑boy detective, is now a pariah — disgraced, discredited, and drowning under accusations that have stripped him of everything he once was. That fall from grace gives the novel its emotional weight, because when he wakes in a hotel room beside a dead body, with no memory of the last twenty‑four hours, you feel the panic and disbelief right alongside him.

The setup is classic but handled with a sharp, modern edge. The evidence is damning, the timeline impossible to piece together, and the force he once served turns on him with chilling speed. What follows is a breathless cat‑and‑mouse chase through Liverpool’s criminal underbelly and its institutional shadows, where Fletcher must rely on instinct, fractured memory, and the remnants of a detective’s intuition to stay alive. The tension comes not just from the danger stalking him, but from the gnawing question of whether he can trust his own mind.

The novel shines in its moral complexity. Fletcher isn’t a clean‑cut hero — he’s bruised, bitter, and carrying the weight of past choices that make him both sympathetic and unpredictable. The city’s most notorious crime family looms over the narrative like a dark tide, and the possibility that Fletcher was framed — or manipulated — adds a delicious uncertainty to every encounter. Each twist feels earned, each revelation tightening the net around him until the truth becomes the only thing that might save him.

There’s a gritty, lived‑in quality to the writing that makes the chase feel immediate: back‑alley tension, institutional betrayal, and the sense of a man fighting not just for justice, but for the right to be believed. The hunter‑becomes‑the‑hunted arc is executed with real finesse, building to a finale that lands with both clarity and impact.

Dark, relentless, and full of razor‑edged suspense, Liar Liar is a gripping ride for readers who love flawed heroes, twisting loyalties, and thrillers that keep you questioning every character on the page.

With thanks to Luca Veste, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
1,192 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 20, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

***Contains Spoilers*** - I couldn't find a way to review it properly without them

This is my first of Luca's books but I have been intrigued ever since I took part in the cover reveal.

I'd read a few books before this that, whilst were okay, were a bit disappointing, so this had a lot of pressure on it to live up to the hype.

It's dark and tense and very atmospheric. We follow a handful of protagonists and whilst they're all morally grey - some closer to morally black - I was interested in their stories and thought they were written well.

Whilst it is a new story, there are apparently cameos from characters in other books and past cases mentioned, which meant I felt a bit on the back foot at times, like I had to read the others to make full sense of it.

I do wonder at times if there was too much going on. There's lots of substories going on, and then we've got his overarching, Godfather, mafia vibe that didn't quite hit the mark.

I am notoriously rubbish at working out the endings of thrillers and whodunnits so I didn't even try with this one, and I didn't feel the need to work it out because I enjoyed the route to get to the reveal. It's a good ending and it promises more to come. It wraps up most of what's gone on previously, but it suggests there's going to be more and it gets you excited for book two - which I am.

My must admit, I was a bit confused. The blurb and cover comments refer to Mark being blamed for everything and everyone thinks he's guilty and he struggled to persuade anyone he's not etc. But I didn't get that. For me, it felt he is worried about other people thinking he's guilty, but for the most part anyway, there's no real evidence of that. It's all in his own head. Which confused me slightly as the story then didn't match what I was expecting.

It's not the best thriller I've ever read, personally there were a few niggles. But I still very much enjoyed it and it had so much going for it. I would recommend it to thriller fans, particularly those that like books set around the criminal underworld. And I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for his other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ceecee .
2,830 reviews2,383 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 24, 2026
Once upon a time, Mark Fletcher is hailed as one of Liverpool’s finest detectives but a mistake made out of concern leads to an accusation of being in the pocket of one of the city’s most powerful and notorious crime gangs,the Bonuccis. His life is on the skids, reputation and home life are gone but it’s going to get a whole lot worse when he wakes in a hotel room next to a dead man with zero memory of how he gets there. The evidence strongly points to him but he knows he didn’t do it and so he has to prove it if he’s going to survive.

This is a well connected, gritty and dark mystery thriller with danger seemingly around every corner, with threats that are tangible and situations that go from bad to worse for Mark. At times there’s a sense of strong claustrophobia his understandable paranoia, and panic are palpable. His scattered thoughts and speculations about his circumstances are done very effectively. Mark is a flawed character but my sympathies head entirely in his direction because his heart is in the right place although he treads a very fine line in order to save himself. Other characters both within the police force and the OCG (Organised Crime Group) feel authentic with shades of Scarface and The Godfather with the latter, probably inevitably! It’s very good on the dynamics within the crime organisation with all its ambitions, envy and menace in plain sight.

Liverpool and its surroundings provide an atmospheric setting and are most effectively in the plot. It’s an immersive, tense, suspenseful and twisty read, feeling like an action movie because there’s never a dull moment. It ramps up towards the end where everything falls into place. To be continued.

Overall, if you’re into thrillers then this is a good, addictive one.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,774 reviews62 followers
April 26, 2026
Okay. So. Confession time. I haven't read Luca Veste's Murphy and Rossi books. There. I said it. I know now, having read Liar Liar, his brand new Liverpool set police thriller, I need to remedy that sometime soon. If, like me, you are a newby to this particular world of policing, then never fear. Whilst there wil be a few names in this book familiar to many, and for whom it will no doubt be a welcome return, this book is self contained and not having been introduced to Murphy in advance was no hindrance. The name was vaguely familiar, and I understand now why, but he is not the star of the show. Not this time around.

The honour here falls to Mark Fletcher, a Detective who achieved some renown for capturing a serial killer but who has now found himself very much on the wrong side of the law. We meet Fletcher very early on in the book in a somewhat compromising situation and are faced with two very clear questions. Just who has (potentially) set him up and why the heck does he think going it alone to prove his innocence weill stand him in greater stead than leaning on the might of his colleagues in the police force to sort out this darkest of puzzles. Well the why of the latter question is answered very quickly, and the more we learn about Fletcher's personal circumstances, the more I understood his desire to go it alone. And, to be fair, it makes for a much better, and more actioned packed, threat laden story as a result.

I really enjoyed this book, tore through it in no time in fact. Police thrillers are one of my favourites when it comes to crime reads and Luca Veste has created a cracking team and a really fascinating case for the start of this series. I was glued to the whole story from the very first page and whilst Fletcher's arrogance in thinking he could outwit the bad guys caused many a raised eyebrow at times, there was a really part of me that was invested in his future and wanted to see him come good, even if I didn't believe he could. Luca Veste pitched his personality, his desperation and determination, just right and had me mentally cheering him on every bit as much as I was branding him a fool and willing him to turn to his friends for help. There are reasons why that is problematic, and it adds tension to an already perplexing and on edge case, but still. Going rogue never works out well for anyone, does it?

I liked the characters in this book, particularly DI Jack Kirkham and DS And Hashem who find themselves in the unenviable position of trying to track down a colleague and former very close friend. I'll admit it took a little time to warm to Kirkham perhaps, but largely because I was rooting for Fletcher and knew that Kirkham's black and white view if the investigation and the rights and wrongs of Fletcher's past were going to put them at odds. that said, I like how the author played this and as the police investigation progresses, there is a moment in time when things turn and my opinions, and theirs, turned with it. They do make for a compelling partnership and I look forward to seeing how this develops over the course of the next few books.

This is a clear crime gang themed story and I was caught unawares at times just how twisted a tale this was. Not everything was as it seemed on the surface and the author pulls more than the odd blinder in the delivery of this case. A story of misdirection and retribution, it had me from the start, stunned me at the end and had me very excited for book two. Definitely recommended and if you are a long term fan of the author from his early days, I think you are going to love this.
Profile Image for Karen.
573 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2026
After the death of a member of a well-known criminal family, Detective Mark Fletcher finds himself suspended from duty, accused of some level of involvement. Life for the detective is spiraling out of control so when he wakes up in a hotel room with no recollection of how he got there and a dead body next to him, survival instincts take over. He knows he didn’t do it, but how can he prove his innocence? With his former colleagues looking for him alongside members of the infamous Bonucci family, can Mark really trust anyone to help him uncover the truth?

Liar Liar is the first in a new series from Liverpool author, Luca Veste, set in his home city. Luca certainly draws on his knowledge of the city and his own Italian heritage to create a tense, gritty thriller which, at times, had me holding my breath. Mark Fletcher is a flawed character who, despite his shortcomings, you want to see succeed. Although I did not agree with some of the decisions he made, you could see how he felt totally isolated, not knowing who he could trust.

Fans of the author’s previous Liverpool series will be thrilled to see a couple of cameo appearances from some very familiar characters. One, in particular, I am really intrigued to see the role they play in future books. The plot is fast-paced and had me hooked right from the start. I was not sure where we would be by the end of the book and was totally blindsided by the ending.

This is Luca Veste at his best and I hope that this is the first of many books to come!
Profile Image for Annette.
877 reviews51 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 8, 2026
I’ve enjoyed Luca Veste’s previous books so I was happy to be able to read “Liar Liar”, his newest one, which is set in the city of Liverpool where many of his earlier novels were based.
Mark Fletcher is a suspended Police officer who has made some bad decisions but when he wakes up in a hotel room next to a dead body with no recollection of how he got there he knows that he is in big trouble. Unsure whether to call his ex colleagues or try and work out what has happened he makes the rash decision to go it alone which sends him running across Liverpool, not knowing whom to trust.
Running out of options and with the city’s biggest crime family on his heels he has to try and solve the murder before the police or the bad guys catch up with him.
This was a fast paced read which drew me in from the very first page and the descriptions of Liverpool really made the city come alive for me.
I liked Mark, a flawed character but someone who was trying to do the right thing. I also enjoyed reading about Jack, Murphy and Hashem, Mark’s former colleagues who were looking into another organised crime murder in one of the the houses owned by the “mafiaesque” family running the underworld of Liverpool. As the two cases coalesce, the story picks up pace and I raced to the end, wondering how it would all pan out for Mark.
The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger and I shall certainly be looking out for the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy
650 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 16, 2026
Liar Liar is the gripping first instalment in the Liverpool Crime Series. Detective Mark Fletcher is at a point where both his career and personal life are beginning to unravel. Suspended from work and struggling to hold things together, Fletcher is a person you quickly find yourself rooting for as he searches for answers to clear his name.
From the start the novel moves at a sharp, fast-paced rhythm that immediately pulls you in. Veste wastes no time in building tension, and with each chapter the stakes rise, creating a gritty, strong crime read that’s hard to put down. It’s also a real treat to see returning characters from earlier reads.
The introduction of the Bonucci family the Italian crime mob adds an extra layer of intrigue and menace, while the Liverpool setting gives the book a strong sense of place. Veste’s talent for character development shines throughout; he creates people you genuinely connect with, making the danger feel all the more real.
A standout element is the dynamic between Murphy and Hashem. Their chemistry is fantastic, and their banter provides welcome moments of lightness amid the darker themes.

Tense, twisty, and packed with surprises especially towards the end.Liar Liar delivers a satisfying conclusion while setting things up perfectly for book two. A great choice for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, character driven crime thriller.
Profile Image for Andrea.
186 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2026
Review of ‘Liar Liar’ by Luca Veste, due to be published on 4 June 2026 by Avon Books UK.

Book 1 of Liverpool Crime Series.

Detective Mark Fletcher has spiralled since he made the wrong decision, crossing a notorious crime family, the Bonucci’s, and getting himself suspended from work. When he wakes one morning in a hotel room he has no recollection of going into, with a dead body next to him, he panics. The evidence points to his involvement, but his gut knows he isn’t capable. Not knowing who to trust or where to go, Mark decides to run and try and clear his name. He finds himself hunted by those colleagues he called friends, the very people who have turned their backs on him. 

This was a stunning start to a new series.  You become completely invested in character outcomes, urging Mark on in his quest for answers.  

Detectives Jack Kirkham and Abs Hashem are well written, torn between helping a friend and following the rules. Set in Liverpool and the surrounding areas, locations are descriptive and up the tension levels. 

This is so much more than a police procedural.  It’s a high octane, dark and tense thriller with edge of your seat and breath holding plotlines. It’s exceptionally good! I can’t wait for the next instalment in this fabulous series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,823 reviews166 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 4, 2026
Liar, Liar by Luca Vester I book 1 in the Liverpool crime series and the first book from the author I have read and Wow what a fantastic introduction to this author.
Detective Mark Fletcher was one of the top detectives in the city of Liverpool until he made a decision that got him suspended.
He wakes up in a hotel room, and he finds himself lying in next to a dead body. He doesn’t remember how he got there or who the person lying dead next to him, but evidence shows that it was him.
He wants to find out what and why he is in this predicament, but he op tr know who to trust. His old work colleagues hasn’t contacted since he has been suspended. And he thinks that he in deep water because something he did to the local crime gang the Bonucci family. He contacts his old friend who Sean to help him. But things don’t go to plan.
This is a tense. gritty, action-packed and fast paced page turner that I couldn’t stop reading. It is fantastic read. The storyline is atmospheric in the setting of Liverpool and has great characters and I was really routing for Mark all the way through. I am excited to see how this series pans out and see what happened to the Bonucci family. 5 stars from me.



Profile Image for Alison Taylor-Muhl.
262 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 16, 2026
It’s been a long time since I read a novel by Luca Veste, so I was keen to get my hands on this latest offering. Like his previous books, this one is set in Liverpool, and his knowledge of the city really shines through – with his vivid descriptions he creates an atmosphere you can almost feel. Liar, Liar is gritty and somewhat dark in places, with ample peril and desperate situations it had me on the edge of my seat. Being the first in a new series, there are a host of fresh characters (and a couple of old favourites…) to get to know. The dominant plotline is fascinating, and I really enjoyed the ‘Godfather’ element with each of the Bonucci family oozing menace and mayhem.

Aligned to the principal plot, there are frequent references to old cases, which whilst interesting, did at times make me feel as though I was missing some vital background knowledge. I wanted more detail particularly in relation to the key characters and their backstories, which are so intrinsic to the plot.

Overall, the book is well written and that cliffhanger ending has me geared up for book two.
Profile Image for Sandie McCormack.
301 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 1, 2026
I have never read any of his books but really liked it I was hooked from the very first page, even good people do bad things it runs right through the heart of the story and makes you question everything you think you know about Mark Fletcher.

Mark Fletcher is a brilliant but flawed,once celebrated as Liverpool’s top detective, seeing him fall from grace and then wake up beside a dead body with no memory is instantly gripping. The story does a great job of pulling you into his confusion and desperation, and I found myself constantly second-guessing what really happened.

The tension builds steadily as Fletcher goes from hunter to hunted. There are plenty of twists along the way, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, something shifts. I especially liked the morally grey edge to the story not just about solving a crime, but about trust, reputation, and how quickly everything can unravel.

If you enjoy crime thrillers with flawed protagonists, dark turns, and a strong sense of suspense, this is definitely worth picking up as it’s going to be a brilliant series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for ARC
Profile Image for ReadandRated.
677 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 18, 2026
4 Stars from me

Mark Fletcher is a respected detective, with a bit of a hero complex. He literally stops at nothing in his quest to help people and bring criminals to justice. 

Unfortunately, despite this, his latest attempts to do good have gone horribly wrong and he finds himself firmly in the murky underworld that he has fought so hard to clean up.

Faced with a series of unwinnable situations, and mortal danger at every turn it is hard to see how he can even begin to convince his old colleagues that he is innocent. Waking up next to a dead body isn't a good look for anyone, let alone a disgrace ex-cop. 

Friends and allies are thin on the ground, whereas enemies and traps seem to be there for him in abundance. This is a fast and exciting read that will satisfy fans of thrillers - it reminded me a little of the early Simon Kernick books - so if that's your bag then I think you'll enjoy this one.

My thanks to the author, Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patricia Williams.
497 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 19, 2026
The bumf for this book suggested it would be right up my street. Set in the north, gritty, police drama that pulls no punches. I should also add it was my first book by Luca Veste. I struggled getting into the book at first as the story jumped about a bit confusing the two detectives for me. The previous high flyer and now disgraced and suspended Mark Fletcher and his colleague and replacement Jack Kirkham.  There were also a lot of characters introduced in the first few chapters which can sometimes be a little overwhelming until they all find their place in the storyline. That said a few chapters in and I was enjoying the gangsters versus cops mind games as each tried to win out over the other. I did feel the story lost purpose a little in the centre and began to ramble but the ending saved it with a couple of good twists. I don't know if I was interested enough to read more in this series but time will tell.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeff.
429 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 27, 2026
Reading the blurb for “Liar Liar”, I knew the premise of having someone wake up by a dead body wasn’t new, but it was where it would go from there that mattered the most. A disgraced officer is the perfect person to face this situation. The premise had me interested. The writing is what hooked me.

Veste takes us on quite the adventure. Especially considering the cops investigating are not exactly quick to presume innocence. But once again, where it goes is what matters. And where Veste takes us had a shocking moment towards the end. I literally did not see that coming. You will know when you read it. It is not one of the popular contrived twists that is so frequent in today’s mystery/thriller genre. No, this one is a natural progression, but you won’t be prepared for it. On top of that, the emotional writing that follows is exquisite. Absolutely superb.

I’m definitely looking forward to the continuation of this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

Profile Image for Claire Bailey.
481 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 25, 2026
Engaging writing, but not fully immersive

I enjoyed the writing style of this book and found it well written overall. The prose was engaging, but not fully immersive. Despite being the first in a series, it often felt as though I had missed earlier instalments. The backstory and context didn’t feel fully grounded, which left me on the back foot rather than naturally immersed in the world.

The pacing was fast, but at the expense of depth. I kept wanting more detail and development, particularly when it came to the characters. Because of this, I didn’t feel a strong connection to any of them, which made it harder to stay fully engaged in the story.

Towards the end, I found myself skim reading as the tension and sense of thrill didn’t quite land for me. I was also surprised by how the story was wrapped up, as it felt somewhat abrupt.

Overall, it was a good read with a strong writing style, but it didn’t quite capture my attention enough to make me want to continue with the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Chelsey Pryce.
280 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 3, 2026
4.25 ☆'s

Thank you to the publishers, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read this book. I recieved a free e-read of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was my first book by this author, and won't be the last! In this one a suspended police officer gets mixed up with the wrong family and has lost the support of his collegues as he fights to prove his innocence. Meanwhile within Liverpools criminal cartel there's a battle between cousins to take the spot as new heir. With two dead bodies, guns going off and people disappearing, this has everything you need to be a fab crime thriller. There were a couple of times where I felt I had missed out on previous storylines with characters from the authors other books. However, this didn't take away from the main storyline. The ending of this one paves the way for book two in the series which I will be eagerly watching out for!
Profile Image for Louise Bookmac82  Mackin.
613 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 4, 2026
Luca Veste was a brand new author for me, not only had I never read anything by him, I'd never heard of him either.

What a fantastic book Liar Liar was!! It drops you right into the action from page 1 and was full of twists and turns but was also a slow gradual story that just kept building. Each time I thought I knew where it was going, I'd be taken in a completely different direction. I read it mostly in big chunks as it was so difficult to put down.

I loved the authors style of writing the descriptions really painted a picture in my mind and brought the story to life for me.

I found the characters likeable, well most of them but there are a few you're not meant to. In particular, the 2 main police officers had good chemistry and an easy way between them.

I'll definitely be looking up Luca Veste's back catalogue as I need to read more by this author.
Profile Image for Kelly.
257 reviews4 followers
April 18, 2026
This was a gripping read from start to finish. I was hooked really quickly and didn’t want to put it down.
The pacing is spot on, it keeps moving without losing you, and I found myself constantly trying to work out what was really going on. Just when I thought I had it figured out, it shifted again.
What stood out most for me was the ending. I genuinely didn’t expect it to go in that direction at all. It completely caught me off guard, which doesn’t happen often.
It’s dark, tense and keeps you questioning everything and everyone.
A really strong thriller that stays with you after you’ve finished. Definitely a 5 star read for me.
Profile Image for Trina Dixon.
1,074 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 2, 2026
One minute Detective Mark Fletcher was being lauded for his efforts in finding a serial killer, the next he's suspended from work after the death of Sofia Bonucci and waking up next to a dead body. Unable to remember how and why he was in the hotel room he endeavours to find out what happened
His ex colleagues are on another case, a body found buried in the garden owned by the Bonucci family. Is it coincidence or is their a link between the 2, and can the Bonucci family be stopped?
This was a fast paced action novel, it was a pulsating tense read. I look forward to more in the series
Profile Image for Sarah Higginbottom.
203 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 8, 2026
Liar Liar is pulse-pounding, gritty, and deeply unsettling. Veste’s writing is as lean and mean as ever. I went in thinking I had the twist figured out by the midpoint—I was dead wrong. If you like your thrillers with a side of moral ambiguity and a breakneck pace, this is your next obsession.

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Luca Veste and Avon Books UK📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Profile Image for Louise.
3,283 reviews68 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 16, 2026
A few chapters in I thought this was part of a series, as our main character Mark has a bit of a history.
It turns out, this is book one in the series.
I enjoyed the two police officers, they had good chemistry.
I also enjoyed Mark and his determination to find the truth.
Not so keen on the crime family though.
A decent read, but I'm not rushing for book 2.


Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
Profile Image for Katie.
14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
March 29, 2026
This is the first book I've read from Luca Veste and it definitely won't be the last. I really liked the writing style and it did keep me intrigued throughout. A couple of parts of the ending didn't really hit for me but I definitely didn't see the twist coming. Overall this was a very enjoyable read.

If you like fast paced thrillers that keep you guessing this one's for you

Huge thank you to the author, Netgalley, and the publisher for the ARC
Profile Image for Chrissie.
908 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 30, 2026
Liar Liar is a gritty crime thriller set in Liverpool and centred on disgraced Detective Mark Fletcher .There is danger round every corner the Italian Crime Mob that rule Liverpool are chasing Mark. I know this is the first book in the series but I did feel that I had missed things from a previous book .At times the plot is suspenseful and exciting with an ending that suggests more is to come .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC
Profile Image for Cheryl Bellingham.
427 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 21, 2026
One moment your top of your game everyone looks to you as a hero and the next your whole world tumbles around you. Can it get any worse for Mark. Well the answer is yes. Mark needs to figure out what happened before his colleagues get involved but is this possible

Really fast past. It kept me on the edge of my seat It certainly did not go the way I thought it would

Really throughly enjoyable read
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews