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An Honest Deceit
*A NEW WRITING NORTH READ REGIONAL TITLE*
*LONGLISTED FOR THE GUARDIAN'S NOT THE BOOKER PRIZE*
*WINNER OF ARTS COUNCIL UK LITERATURE AWARD*
* A CRIMEFEST 2017 'BOOK TO DIE FOR'*
*TOP TEN IN NOTES FROM A READER'S BEST BOOKS OF 2016*
'A mesmerising observation of speaking truth to power. I finished it in one night.' Hanna Jameson, author of 'The Last'
'Once I started reading, I could not stop. If I have a criticism to make is that I wish the book were longer. A book of outstanding quality.' Daniela Quaglia, Huffington Post
'This novel would satisfy even the most discerning reader. I was hooked. I loved it.' Ruth Dugdall, bestselling author of The Sacrificial Man and Nowhere Girl
'I’d read another Mankowski in a flash, because I like his writing so much.’ Marsha Skrypuch
When Ben and Juliette's young daughter dies in a tragic accident on a school trip, they begin searching for answers. But will they ever know the truth? What was the role of the teacher on the trip - and are the rumours about his past true? As Ben and Juliette search for the truth and the pressure rises, their own secrets and motivations are revealed.... An Honest Deceit is an intelligent and gripping contemporary psychological thriller that questions not just the motives of others, but the real reasons for discovering the truth.
*LONGLISTED FOR THE GUARDIAN'S NOT THE BOOKER PRIZE*
*WINNER OF ARTS COUNCIL UK LITERATURE AWARD*
* A CRIMEFEST 2017 'BOOK TO DIE FOR'*
*TOP TEN IN NOTES FROM A READER'S BEST BOOKS OF 2016*
'A mesmerising observation of speaking truth to power. I finished it in one night.' Hanna Jameson, author of 'The Last'
'Once I started reading, I could not stop. If I have a criticism to make is that I wish the book were longer. A book of outstanding quality.' Daniela Quaglia, Huffington Post
'This novel would satisfy even the most discerning reader. I was hooked. I loved it.' Ruth Dugdall, bestselling author of The Sacrificial Man and Nowhere Girl
'I’d read another Mankowski in a flash, because I like his writing so much.’ Marsha Skrypuch
When Ben and Juliette's young daughter dies in a tragic accident on a school trip, they begin searching for answers. But will they ever know the truth? What was the role of the teacher on the trip - and are the rumours about his past true? As Ben and Juliette search for the truth and the pressure rises, their own secrets and motivations are revealed.... An Honest Deceit is an intelligent and gripping contemporary psychological thriller that questions not just the motives of others, but the real reasons for discovering the truth.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2016
15 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Guy Mankowski
14 books40 followersGuy Mankowski's biography of Kristen Pfaff from Hole is now available for subscribers at https://iknowhowtolive.substack.com/
The biography No Treble magazined described as 'long awaited'- which Substack certified as a 'bestseller' in February 2025 (a top 30 'Rising in Music Substack) follows volume one of two about Pfaff's life (taking the reader up to her joining Hole). Subscribers to the Substack are also hearing on there unheard songs by Pfaff, excerpts from her journal recordings, unseen photos from her time at the heart of the alt-rock music scene and other media. John Robb (the first journalist to interview Nirvana) said 'This book ultimately places Kristen back in the deserved centre of the narrative.’
Jane Savidge said of it, ‘Mankowski’s brilliant retelling of the extraordinary life of Kristen Pfaff- one of the most important players in the Seattle / Sub Pop scene- is a timely reminder that sometimes the heroes don’t always win and the truth is out there if you look hard enough.’
Mankowski is a Senior Lecturer at Lincoln University, and his agent is Matthew Hamilton at The Hamilton Agency.
The biography No Treble magazined described as 'long awaited'- which Substack certified as a 'bestseller' in February 2025 (a top 30 'Rising in Music Substack) follows volume one of two about Pfaff's life (taking the reader up to her joining Hole). Subscribers to the Substack are also hearing on there unheard songs by Pfaff, excerpts from her journal recordings, unseen photos from her time at the heart of the alt-rock music scene and other media. John Robb (the first journalist to interview Nirvana) said 'This book ultimately places Kristen back in the deserved centre of the narrative.’
Jane Savidge said of it, ‘Mankowski’s brilliant retelling of the extraordinary life of Kristen Pfaff- one of the most important players in the Seattle / Sub Pop scene- is a timely reminder that sometimes the heroes don’t always win and the truth is out there if you look hard enough.’
Mankowski is a Senior Lecturer at Lincoln University, and his agent is Matthew Hamilton at The Hamilton Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 20, 2017
2.5 Stars
I wish I could say I loved this book. Such potential......a tragic accident at a school outing (no spoiler here), a nasty schoolmaster, a last minute chaperone and a fight for justice, but I just did not feel the grief of the parents or find the character interactions believable amidst the uneven writing style.
Interesting storyline for sure, but it just didn't work for me.
Thank you Urbane Publications and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 29, 2017
An Honest Deceit by Guy Mankowski -
The searing pain of loosing a child is seriously unimaginable and I felt very saddened reading the first quarter of this book, just showing me how much emotion the author had put into his writing. As a parent myself I wholeheartedly sympathised with Ben and Juliette at their grief and their determination to expose the truth surrounding their 10 year old daughter Marine's death whilst on a school trip. I found myself championing Ben's cause to fight against Kraver and the 'school board' to have the investigation carried out correctly and imagine every reader would be too.
I haven't read anything by this author before and found his writing in this book very heartfelt and emotive and his prose beautiful. 'An Honest Deceit' will linger with me for a long time and I will probably hug my children a bit longer tonight. Although its a parent's worst nightmare this is a truly wonderful book and I highly recommend. It's obvious an awful lot of research went into this story and I will definitely read more by this author for sure. An emotional 4 stars.
The searing pain of loosing a child is seriously unimaginable and I felt very saddened reading the first quarter of this book, just showing me how much emotion the author had put into his writing. As a parent myself I wholeheartedly sympathised with Ben and Juliette at their grief and their determination to expose the truth surrounding their 10 year old daughter Marine's death whilst on a school trip. I found myself championing Ben's cause to fight against Kraver and the 'school board' to have the investigation carried out correctly and imagine every reader would be too.
I haven't read anything by this author before and found his writing in this book very heartfelt and emotive and his prose beautiful. 'An Honest Deceit' will linger with me for a long time and I will probably hug my children a bit longer tonight. Although its a parent's worst nightmare this is a truly wonderful book and I highly recommend. It's obvious an awful lot of research went into this story and I will definitely read more by this author for sure. An emotional 4 stars.
November 17, 2016
When Ben and Juliette’s daughter dies on a school trip, understandably they want answers. As a parent we trust schools with the well being of our children and to have something like this happen is just unimaginable.
Ben and Juliette are obviously in pieces at the loss of their daughter. Ben realises he has to try and be the stronger one and go back to work and get some stability for his wife in the hope that she will waken from the darkness she is trapped in.
You would have thought that returning back to his teaching job he would have had the full support of the head master. This isn’t the case though and it makes Ben question the actions of the school over his daughters death when some information comes to light.
Kraver, the head master I took an instant dislike to. He is full of self importance and what matters to him most is the name of the school. He sees what happens to Ben’s daughter as a nuisance and tries his best to discourage Ben to take things any further. I really wanted Ben to pound some sense into him as he annoyed me so much.
This is very much a story of David and Goliath in that Ben has to tackle something way much bigger than him. He has to take on the school board and fight for his daughters death to be investigated fully. It is very much a story of suspense and the tension that builds throughout simply took my breath away.
An Honest Deceit is a nail biting and gripping read. It is one man’s fight for justice that has the reader by his side routing for him through out. Fantastic book and can’t recommend it highly enough.
My thanks to Netgalley and Urbane Publications for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Ben and Juliette are obviously in pieces at the loss of their daughter. Ben realises he has to try and be the stronger one and go back to work and get some stability for his wife in the hope that she will waken from the darkness she is trapped in.
You would have thought that returning back to his teaching job he would have had the full support of the head master. This isn’t the case though and it makes Ben question the actions of the school over his daughters death when some information comes to light.
Kraver, the head master I took an instant dislike to. He is full of self importance and what matters to him most is the name of the school. He sees what happens to Ben’s daughter as a nuisance and tries his best to discourage Ben to take things any further. I really wanted Ben to pound some sense into him as he annoyed me so much.
This is very much a story of David and Goliath in that Ben has to tackle something way much bigger than him. He has to take on the school board and fight for his daughters death to be investigated fully. It is very much a story of suspense and the tension that builds throughout simply took my breath away.
An Honest Deceit is a nail biting and gripping read. It is one man’s fight for justice that has the reader by his side routing for him through out. Fantastic book and can’t recommend it highly enough.
My thanks to Netgalley and Urbane Publications for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 27, 2016
Guy Mankowski is a great writer. He has taken on a multiplicity of themes in his 3 previous novels - the difficulty of interpersonal relationships, ballet and post-punk obsession. He is such a gifted writer and uses emotional intelligence in this new novel with such skill and such a deft touch that my previous comparisons to his work and that of Graham Greene and F Scott Fitzgerald are now confirmed. I felt, and believe you will feel a part of the experience in this novel, due to the talent Mankowski employs in the dialogue and through the powerful narrative. A brilliant novel. His best yet.
November 24, 2016
‘Mum where do fish go in the winter’ This is how An Honest Deceit by Guy Mankowski opens. Those words will linger with me for some time and when I walk by the river during this winter I will be thinking of these words again.
This book came as a real surprise as I was not quite sure what to expect. What I will say is that this novel is well thought out and brilliantly written. When a book opens with a quote like that you know something is coming but you are not quite sure what. This is a story of every parent’s nightmare. Now read on.
Ben and Juliette are just normal parents with the normal every day worries that every parent has. When you send your child to school you expect your child to be under the best possible care. Their daughter Marine is off on a school trip but there is an accident and Marine dies. This is the story as told by Ben and the search for the truth as to the death of their daughter while in the care of the school while out on a trip. The grief is that pours out of every page is real and the questions come thick and fast. Something is not right and now the grieving parents want answers and they will not rest until the truth is out. For Juliette she is frozen in shock as you can imagine and nothing can change that. This is threatening to tear the family apart. Ben has to step up and be the strong half of the couple and as well as trying to carry on working he will not give up the fight for the truth despite whatever some people think. What if he is wrong and it was just a desperate tragic accident. Ben refuses to think this way. What of Kraver the school headmaster, the reader will take an instant opinion to him as all he seems to care about is the school’s reputation and wants to deflect Ben from continuing the fight for the truth.
You will come to hope that Ben will succeed in finding out what really happened to his daughter on that fateful day and you urge him on with every turn of the page. Ok I will admit I wanted to thump Kraver if not knock him into the next century. Hidden in the story are corruption and lie after lie ad Ben has to dig deep and fight for an investigation to be launched but at times it seems he is fighting a losing battle but Ben will not give up the fight for Marine. There are times in the book that some readers will find difficult and uncomfortable. The emotions are raw and real.
This is not just good it is brilliant as the story starts to burn away at the reader, questions come thick and fast at times the complexity can get in the way but this just adds to the tension on every page. Guy Mankowski is a real talent for telling a story and keeping the reader guessing right to the very last moments.
I am highly recommending An Honest Deceit as one book that you must read before this year is out. It really is that good. ‘Mum where do fish go in the winter’ will be the words you will remember.
Thank you to Matthew at Urbane Publications for the advanced review copy.
This book came as a real surprise as I was not quite sure what to expect. What I will say is that this novel is well thought out and brilliantly written. When a book opens with a quote like that you know something is coming but you are not quite sure what. This is a story of every parent’s nightmare. Now read on.
Ben and Juliette are just normal parents with the normal every day worries that every parent has. When you send your child to school you expect your child to be under the best possible care. Their daughter Marine is off on a school trip but there is an accident and Marine dies. This is the story as told by Ben and the search for the truth as to the death of their daughter while in the care of the school while out on a trip. The grief is that pours out of every page is real and the questions come thick and fast. Something is not right and now the grieving parents want answers and they will not rest until the truth is out. For Juliette she is frozen in shock as you can imagine and nothing can change that. This is threatening to tear the family apart. Ben has to step up and be the strong half of the couple and as well as trying to carry on working he will not give up the fight for the truth despite whatever some people think. What if he is wrong and it was just a desperate tragic accident. Ben refuses to think this way. What of Kraver the school headmaster, the reader will take an instant opinion to him as all he seems to care about is the school’s reputation and wants to deflect Ben from continuing the fight for the truth.
You will come to hope that Ben will succeed in finding out what really happened to his daughter on that fateful day and you urge him on with every turn of the page. Ok I will admit I wanted to thump Kraver if not knock him into the next century. Hidden in the story are corruption and lie after lie ad Ben has to dig deep and fight for an investigation to be launched but at times it seems he is fighting a losing battle but Ben will not give up the fight for Marine. There are times in the book that some readers will find difficult and uncomfortable. The emotions are raw and real.
This is not just good it is brilliant as the story starts to burn away at the reader, questions come thick and fast at times the complexity can get in the way but this just adds to the tension on every page. Guy Mankowski is a real talent for telling a story and keeping the reader guessing right to the very last moments.
I am highly recommending An Honest Deceit as one book that you must read before this year is out. It really is that good. ‘Mum where do fish go in the winter’ will be the words you will remember.
Thank you to Matthew at Urbane Publications for the advanced review copy.
December 7, 2016
An Honest Deceit, by Guy Mankowski, is a psychological thriller with a theme of domestic noir. It is written in a language that is almost poetic so vivid is the imagery and emotion conjured. It tells a story that had my heart racing and my anger growing as the protagonist battles a corrupt system which is hiding behind due process, determined to protect its own.
Ben and Juliette have worked hard to provide a home for themselves and their two children, Marine and Christian. They met at university where Ben was encouraged to ask Juliette out by his best friend, Philip. Ben subsequently becomes a teacher, a job he enjoys. Philip makes his name as a stand-up comic and moves to a modern flat nearby the couple.
When Marine dies whilst on a school trip their world is blown apart. They are told it was a tragic accident, but the reactions of a few key staff at Marine’s school plant seeds of doubt. Juliette wishes to mourn and move on. Ben determines to fight for the truth. In the process he discovers that this may cost him his job and thereby their home.
Philip uses his contacts to raise public awareness as Ben battles to keep investigations into his daughter’s death open. A new headmaster appears to hold all the cards and resents what he regards as the unnecessary expense of detailed enquiries, and the adverse publicity this can cause. The confrontations that ensue threaten not just Ben’s job but his remaining family. He must dig deep to find the resolve to go on.
The pain of losing a child is unimaginable. The rawness of this hurt is sensitively portrayed yet does not overwhelm the tight progression of the plot. Ben’s choice to grow and then draw on public support makes him enemies who could prevent him ever working again. Juliette questions his loyalty and motives.
This book has a potent depth – it is rare for me to feel so emotionally invested in a story. An impressive and absorbing read.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Urbane.
Ben and Juliette have worked hard to provide a home for themselves and their two children, Marine and Christian. They met at university where Ben was encouraged to ask Juliette out by his best friend, Philip. Ben subsequently becomes a teacher, a job he enjoys. Philip makes his name as a stand-up comic and moves to a modern flat nearby the couple.
When Marine dies whilst on a school trip their world is blown apart. They are told it was a tragic accident, but the reactions of a few key staff at Marine’s school plant seeds of doubt. Juliette wishes to mourn and move on. Ben determines to fight for the truth. In the process he discovers that this may cost him his job and thereby their home.
Philip uses his contacts to raise public awareness as Ben battles to keep investigations into his daughter’s death open. A new headmaster appears to hold all the cards and resents what he regards as the unnecessary expense of detailed enquiries, and the adverse publicity this can cause. The confrontations that ensue threaten not just Ben’s job but his remaining family. He must dig deep to find the resolve to go on.
The pain of losing a child is unimaginable. The rawness of this hurt is sensitively portrayed yet does not overwhelm the tight progression of the plot. Ben’s choice to grow and then draw on public support makes him enemies who could prevent him ever working again. Juliette questions his loyalty and motives.
This book has a potent depth – it is rare for me to feel so emotionally invested in a story. An impressive and absorbing read.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Urbane.
December 8, 2016
This is the third book that I have read of Guy Mankowski's and each one i have enjoyed but An Honest Deceit has really showcased his capabilities as a writer. The emotion, depth of character and attention to detail were bottomless and i was so engrossed in the moments he described that i was really quite moved by them. I really loved this book and what it stands for; i hope more people read it.
June 16, 2018
10 year old Marine dies on a school trip. When her parents question the lacklustre investigation from the school, their very livelihoods are under threat from people with powerful friends. This was an incredibly well-written piece of fiction that highlights what happens when you fight back.
October 15, 2016
This book is a gem of a surprise. Pitted, I believe as a thriller, it is that but it is also so much more. It sits in its own niche and is quite simply brilliant. Literary and bold, it had me turning each page faster than the last. I really felt like I was inside the head of the narrator.
The book starts out with what is believed to be an accident on a school trip. Ben and Juliette's daughter Marine tragically dies. This is not a spoiler, what happens throughout the rest of the story, centres on this event. What ensues is a portrayal of the grief that is ever present and the incredulity that this could have happened to Marine. Narrated by Ben throughout this was an excellent tool to allow the reader to feel closer to his character particularly and his emotions. Although I did find the emotional side of the story a little bit detached. Ben is a bit naive, he struck me as a bit if a perpetual student who finds being an adult tricky at the best of times. He has suddenly found all of these new circumstances thrust upon him.
It becomes clear further on in the story that things are not quite what they seem. This requires Ben to step up and fight for justice. A story of lies and corruption, at times brutal in its telling, are children really safe when they are sent to school? It is about whether or not power naturally goes hand in hand with trust. Ben has to take divisive action and risks ridicule if his gut instincts are not correct. This story also interestingly brings to the light the maelstrom of publicity and social media, its uses and limitations.
This book is spectacular. It burns away with a quiet fury, that doesn't die down until the final page turns. Clever, creative, complex and unforgettable it gets under your skin and itches away. Guy Mankowski is a very talented writer, who has a real skill for the portrayal of the best and worst traits of humanity.
I, for one will definitely be reading his previous novels.
The book starts out with what is believed to be an accident on a school trip. Ben and Juliette's daughter Marine tragically dies. This is not a spoiler, what happens throughout the rest of the story, centres on this event. What ensues is a portrayal of the grief that is ever present and the incredulity that this could have happened to Marine. Narrated by Ben throughout this was an excellent tool to allow the reader to feel closer to his character particularly and his emotions. Although I did find the emotional side of the story a little bit detached. Ben is a bit naive, he struck me as a bit if a perpetual student who finds being an adult tricky at the best of times. He has suddenly found all of these new circumstances thrust upon him.
It becomes clear further on in the story that things are not quite what they seem. This requires Ben to step up and fight for justice. A story of lies and corruption, at times brutal in its telling, are children really safe when they are sent to school? It is about whether or not power naturally goes hand in hand with trust. Ben has to take divisive action and risks ridicule if his gut instincts are not correct. This story also interestingly brings to the light the maelstrom of publicity and social media, its uses and limitations.
This book is spectacular. It burns away with a quiet fury, that doesn't die down until the final page turns. Clever, creative, complex and unforgettable it gets under your skin and itches away. Guy Mankowski is a very talented writer, who has a real skill for the portrayal of the best and worst traits of humanity.
I, for one will definitely be reading his previous novels.
September 27, 2016
I adored this book. Through his prose, Mankowski paints an unaffected and incomparable portrait of longing, loss, and one man's attempt to expose the truth from within. Amongst many other things, this book exposed to me just how much Mankowski possess a truly enviable quality and talent as a young author- daring to address the elephant in the room with a colourfully bold, deeply perceptive, and daring wisdom that I have found to be unlike many contemporary authors to date.
An Honest Deceit is a truly captivating and enthralling novel, with moments of cleverly crafted dark humour brightening the corners of this psychological journey- a journey which is otherwise shrouded in the insincere indiscretions and faults of a Janus-faced society too whitewashed with deceit to face up to accountability.
December 18, 2016
An honest deceit by Guy mankowski is a mystery and thriller and general fiction (adult) read.
When Ben and Juliette's young daughter dies in a tragic accident on a school trip, they begin searching for answers. But will they ever know the truth? What was the role of the teacher on the trip - and are the rumours about his past true? As Ben and Juliette search for the truth and the pressure rises, their own secrets and motivations are revealed.... An Honest Deceit is an intelligent and gripping contemporary psychological thriller that questions not just the motives of others, but the real reasons for discovering the truth.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. I liked Ben he was my favourite character. I liked the ending too. A moving read. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
When Ben and Juliette's young daughter dies in a tragic accident on a school trip, they begin searching for answers. But will they ever know the truth? What was the role of the teacher on the trip - and are the rumours about his past true? As Ben and Juliette search for the truth and the pressure rises, their own secrets and motivations are revealed.... An Honest Deceit is an intelligent and gripping contemporary psychological thriller that questions not just the motives of others, but the real reasons for discovering the truth.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. I liked Ben he was my favourite character. I liked the ending too. A moving read. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
October 3, 2016
A thriller, yes, but Mankowski's writing transcends the genre. The death of a beloved child under mysterious circumstances changes a husband and wife in all the ways to be expected, but when that same husband decides to delve deeper as a way of coming to terms with the tragedy, the novel pivots into unpredictable territory. Nothing about this book is formulaic. I'd read another Mankowski no matter what the topic, just because I like his writing so much.
Thank you, Netgalley for the review e-edition of this novel.
Thank you, Netgalley for the review e-edition of this novel.
September 28, 2016
Thanks to netgallery and the author for a copy of this book.
I found this a difficult book to review as the first half was interesting with great promise. By 50% I was getting really bored and found the story dragged on . I am disappointed as I really thought this story was a real thriller at first. I can only describe this book as a filled balloon slowly deflating . There is a lack of any sort of climax which I was surprised at due to the first few chapters being really good.
I found this a difficult book to review as the first half was interesting with great promise. By 50% I was getting really bored and found the story dragged on . I am disappointed as I really thought this story was a real thriller at first. I can only describe this book as a filled balloon slowly deflating . There is a lack of any sort of climax which I was surprised at due to the first few chapters being really good.
April 13, 2017
I was drawn to this book, not only because Urbane Publications publish amazing books, but because the author currently lives in Newcastle. Irrespective of the way that I came across this book, I am so pleased that I have read it. I even started recommending it part way through, ensuring that my Mam was waiting eagerly in the wings to read it after me. I am actually still very angry at the fictional school every time I think about it, so it just shows the depth of emotions that An Honest Deceit stirred in me. I say stirred, more like whipped up like a whirlpool...do NOT mention Headmaster Paul Kraver to me or my blood pressure will spike!
When Ben and Juliette send their daughter, Marine, on a school trip they had no idea that it would be the last time they ever saw her. As they fight the school to find out what happened, their relationship feels the strain as they come up against one brick wall after another. Will they ever find out the truth or will the school be successful in covering it up?
Ben knows how schools work, he is a teacher at the senior school and was the shining star of 'Educating Bristol'. This is something that Headmaster Paul Kraver clearly resents and he sees an opportunity to take Ben down a peg or two by turning Marine's death into an excuse to investigate Ben's fitness to teach. Paul Kraver is one of those odious people who get jobs because of who they know not what they know. He thinks he is protected by the board of governors and can therefore do what he wants. What he has underestimated, however, is the strength of public emotion. When Ben and Juliette take on the school they have the support of an enraged public behind them. Nothing is more powerful than the voice of the people, especially enraged people.
What an emotional read this was. It wasn't so much that I cared about the characters but I found myself getting more and more angry at the bureaucracy that they came up against. I kept wanting to shout out that a little girl had died, who cares if you could lose your job by speaking out, she lost her life! It's a rather sobering thought as human nature conflicts between helping others and saving your own skin.
An Honest Deceit is an absolutely breathtaking, outstanding and powerful book that hooks you very quickly, so you could quite easily read it in one day. It evoked such strong emotions in me that I had to wait a while before writing my review or it would have ended up being a rant against school bureaucracy and undeserving people in positions of power. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to EVERYONE! Ruth Dugdall said that Guy Mankowski has created a sub-genre in crime fiction and I couldn't agree more. It's something so completely unique to anything I have read before and it will appeal to every reader. Don't miss this one!
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
When Ben and Juliette send their daughter, Marine, on a school trip they had no idea that it would be the last time they ever saw her. As they fight the school to find out what happened, their relationship feels the strain as they come up against one brick wall after another. Will they ever find out the truth or will the school be successful in covering it up?
Ben knows how schools work, he is a teacher at the senior school and was the shining star of 'Educating Bristol'. This is something that Headmaster Paul Kraver clearly resents and he sees an opportunity to take Ben down a peg or two by turning Marine's death into an excuse to investigate Ben's fitness to teach. Paul Kraver is one of those odious people who get jobs because of who they know not what they know. He thinks he is protected by the board of governors and can therefore do what he wants. What he has underestimated, however, is the strength of public emotion. When Ben and Juliette take on the school they have the support of an enraged public behind them. Nothing is more powerful than the voice of the people, especially enraged people.
What an emotional read this was. It wasn't so much that I cared about the characters but I found myself getting more and more angry at the bureaucracy that they came up against. I kept wanting to shout out that a little girl had died, who cares if you could lose your job by speaking out, she lost her life! It's a rather sobering thought as human nature conflicts between helping others and saving your own skin.
An Honest Deceit is an absolutely breathtaking, outstanding and powerful book that hooks you very quickly, so you could quite easily read it in one day. It evoked such strong emotions in me that I had to wait a while before writing my review or it would have ended up being a rant against school bureaucracy and undeserving people in positions of power. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to EVERYONE! Ruth Dugdall said that Guy Mankowski has created a sub-genre in crime fiction and I couldn't agree more. It's something so completely unique to anything I have read before and it will appeal to every reader. Don't miss this one!
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 15, 2016
Please read all of my reviews at http://ultraviolentlit.blogspot.ca!
When Ben and Juliette's young daughter dies tragically on a school field trip, Ben has suspicions that a last minute chaperone may be to blame. He thinks the school is liable, but when he begins to investigate his daughter's death, his job (which happens to be at the same school) is threatened. This begins a public battle with the school board, spilling over into social media and even television.
I thought this book would be more of a thriller, but in fact the pace was very slow. The characters felt cold and detached, and they were often sidetracked by detours in the plot that seemed irrelevant. The story started out strong, but it lacked excitement and a clear climax. Mankowski's writing is good, but I think it would be better suited for a slow, quiet genre.
This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Ben and Juliette's young daughter dies tragically on a school field trip, Ben has suspicions that a last minute chaperone may be to blame. He thinks the school is liable, but when he begins to investigate his daughter's death, his job (which happens to be at the same school) is threatened. This begins a public battle with the school board, spilling over into social media and even television.
I thought this book would be more of a thriller, but in fact the pace was very slow. The characters felt cold and detached, and they were often sidetracked by detours in the plot that seemed irrelevant. The story started out strong, but it lacked excitement and a clear climax. Mankowski's writing is good, but I think it would be better suited for a slow, quiet genre.
This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2016
A book about grief and cover-ups? I was not sure this would be my cup of tea. In fact it turned out to be so much more than that. At times I laughed out loud, and once or twice there were tears. The characters are so well drawn I really felt a part of their lives. This book turned out being much more literary, and rewarding, than I expected.
September 28, 2016
Some interesting points raised about this book. It took me a bit of adjusting to as it focuses on different facets of the story at various points but I found it having an effect on me that must have taken the writer considerable skill. The story builds to a climax that I found overwhelmingly powerful. I want a sequel.
October 11, 2016
You either love this book or you will hate it there isn't an in-between.... I loved it because to me it was like lifetime movie network in a book... a school that doesn't do their job keeping ALL the kids safe on a trip. Who is at fault and what secrets are revealed! great book- received on honest review!
February 11, 2017
Ah this book was quite a sad read and I really felt for Ben & Juliette, the pain of losing a child must be unbearable. A tragic accident and the story is what follows, a quest for justice, are you children safe anywhere? Even at school? It seems not, cover ups and lies and corruption run amok in this book, a great read for all.
September 28, 2016
I'm currently recommending this to friends and family. Actually looked forward to finishing my shifts so I could keep reading.
May 16, 2017
A powerful book with a powerful message written by an author who knows the power of the written word.
August 25, 2017
Captivating story...
The story takes place in the UK, and is about a family seeking the truth about what happened to their daughter, Marine, during a school field trip, which results in her death.
Ben, Marine's father, is a teacher at a well known high school and loves his job. He is well respected by his students and teaching staff.
Unfortunately, the school gets a new headmaster, who is very power hungry and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. His attitude is you do things my way, or it is the highway! No one understands how he got the job as a headmaster when he doesn't even have a teaching background.
When Ben gets the call from his wife that their daughter took a serious fall during a school field trip, he is beside himself with worry. Both Ben, and his wife, Juliette, rushed to the scene only to be told that the police were searching for Marine but had not found her yet. They were told that Marine had fallen from a cliff about 100 feet down. When the police finally found Marine, she was dead. This created a lot of unanswered questions as to how this accident happened.
Ben is told by the headmaster that an enquiry will be forthcoming regarding what actually happened. The school enquiry came back after conducting their investigation that it was simply an accident. Ben does not find this to be acceptable answer and wants the police to investigate the case. The headmaster then tells Ben that he feels that he is not fit to do his job right now and puts him on leave.
There were rumors that the teaching assistant that was brought in at the last minute to help with the field trip had a criminal history of attacking young girls. This rumor was brought to the attention of the headmaster to investigate the situation, which he chose to ignore and hire the man anyway.
The police investigation revealed the same outcome as the school did about it being an accident. This did not set well with Ben, and he expressed this feeling to the headmaster. The headmaster suspends Ben from his duties because of his behavior. The headmaster continues to assassinate Ben's character and trumps up charges as to why he should not get his job back. Ben hires a lawyer to help him as now he has to appear before a formal hearing to decide if he is fit for duty.
To hear all the trials and tribulations that Ben went through, plus, the verdict of the hearing, you need to read the book to get the complete story.
This was the first time that I had read anything by this author, but I thought he did an excellent job in telling the story.
Dianna
Prescott, AZ
The story takes place in the UK, and is about a family seeking the truth about what happened to their daughter, Marine, during a school field trip, which results in her death.
Ben, Marine's father, is a teacher at a well known high school and loves his job. He is well respected by his students and teaching staff.
Unfortunately, the school gets a new headmaster, who is very power hungry and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. His attitude is you do things my way, or it is the highway! No one understands how he got the job as a headmaster when he doesn't even have a teaching background.
When Ben gets the call from his wife that their daughter took a serious fall during a school field trip, he is beside himself with worry. Both Ben, and his wife, Juliette, rushed to the scene only to be told that the police were searching for Marine but had not found her yet. They were told that Marine had fallen from a cliff about 100 feet down. When the police finally found Marine, she was dead. This created a lot of unanswered questions as to how this accident happened.
Ben is told by the headmaster that an enquiry will be forthcoming regarding what actually happened. The school enquiry came back after conducting their investigation that it was simply an accident. Ben does not find this to be acceptable answer and wants the police to investigate the case. The headmaster then tells Ben that he feels that he is not fit to do his job right now and puts him on leave.
There were rumors that the teaching assistant that was brought in at the last minute to help with the field trip had a criminal history of attacking young girls. This rumor was brought to the attention of the headmaster to investigate the situation, which he chose to ignore and hire the man anyway.
The police investigation revealed the same outcome as the school did about it being an accident. This did not set well with Ben, and he expressed this feeling to the headmaster. The headmaster suspends Ben from his duties because of his behavior. The headmaster continues to assassinate Ben's character and trumps up charges as to why he should not get his job back. Ben hires a lawyer to help him as now he has to appear before a formal hearing to decide if he is fit for duty.
To hear all the trials and tribulations that Ben went through, plus, the verdict of the hearing, you need to read the book to get the complete story.
This was the first time that I had read anything by this author, but I thought he did an excellent job in telling the story.
Dianna
Prescott, AZ
March 17, 2018
I heard Guy reading from this book and discussing it during the Read Regional tour. The opening is very slow indeed, despite the hint of what is about to unfold. The evocation of grief and loss is well-handled. “Where do fish go in winter” is reminiscent of Holden’s question about the ducks in The Catcher in the Rye and is employed as a leitmotif throughout. Structurally, it follows the kind of plot points that I’d expect to find and doesn’t overburden the reader with too many characters. The Violet storyline was quite predictable as were the ensuing compromising photographs. The elephant in the room is the kind of cover-up that took place in the Jimmy Savile case, and that dead nonce is mentioned in the text. Overall I give the book 2.5 stars.
I can see why its themes and ambience found favour with a mainstream publisher since it’s the sort of stuff the bourgeois publishing industry churns out ad nauseam. The protagonist, Ben, is a teacher, his partner, Juliette, works for an architect. It’s played out in the usual Aga-centric, comfortable middle-class arena with its grandfather clock, dinner parties, breadsticks and canapés into which tragedy and infidelity suddenly intrude. The daughter is named Marine – I was half expecting Marina as in Shakespeare’s Pericles. The villain is a bit of a pantomime one, a cardboard cut-out, chomping on cigars.
The E book version of An Honest Deceit needs properly editing and proofreading. “I parked my car on the edge of the city, leaving my bag, and I walked, almost as if drugged, towards the lights of the town.” Which is it to be – city or town? It can’t be both. Here are just a few more errors which I happened to notice: “we waited Kraver to make an appearance” “which was just had been built” “less concerns” (the grammatically correct form is “fewer concerns”) “Cranley Wood” becomes “Crawley Wood” “academic near” instead of “academic year” “there now were no words now” “Au Clare De La Lune” which should read “Au clair de la lune.”
As a self-published author, it’s incredible to see an edition of a book infected with so many errors. Give me self-publication any day if this is how sloppy the so-called “professionals” are.
What’s more, it is full of American spellings, e.g. “color” “rumor” “somber” “harbor” and “favor”.
I can see why its themes and ambience found favour with a mainstream publisher since it’s the sort of stuff the bourgeois publishing industry churns out ad nauseam. The protagonist, Ben, is a teacher, his partner, Juliette, works for an architect. It’s played out in the usual Aga-centric, comfortable middle-class arena with its grandfather clock, dinner parties, breadsticks and canapés into which tragedy and infidelity suddenly intrude. The daughter is named Marine – I was half expecting Marina as in Shakespeare’s Pericles. The villain is a bit of a pantomime one, a cardboard cut-out, chomping on cigars.
The E book version of An Honest Deceit needs properly editing and proofreading. “I parked my car on the edge of the city, leaving my bag, and I walked, almost as if drugged, towards the lights of the town.” Which is it to be – city or town? It can’t be both. Here are just a few more errors which I happened to notice: “we waited Kraver to make an appearance” “which was just had been built” “less concerns” (the grammatically correct form is “fewer concerns”) “Cranley Wood” becomes “Crawley Wood” “academic near” instead of “academic year” “there now were no words now” “Au Clare De La Lune” which should read “Au clair de la lune.”
As a self-published author, it’s incredible to see an edition of a book infected with so many errors. Give me self-publication any day if this is how sloppy the so-called “professionals” are.
What’s more, it is full of American spellings, e.g. “color” “rumor” “somber” “harbor” and “favor”.
October 15, 2017
It's easy to criticise a book that is written about your own industry. Having had a career as a teacher and in my latter years consulting on health and safety and risk on school trips this attracted my interest, and I was very impressed by Mankowski's research and knowledge of the profession and in the legal aspects of dealing with the incident. Rather like Magnus Mills becoming a fence builder and a bus driver in order to write his novels I find it hard to believe that Mankowski has never been a teacher.
Ben and Juliette lose their daughter in a cliff fall on a school trip. Ben is a teacher himself and during the aftermath his own job is threatened. The strength of the novel is in the convincing turns the story takes and the characters involved. It is a compelling and well written novel that I can highly recommend.
Ben and Juliette lose their daughter in a cliff fall on a school trip. Ben is a teacher himself and during the aftermath his own job is threatened. The strength of the novel is in the convincing turns the story takes and the characters involved. It is a compelling and well written novel that I can highly recommend.
March 16, 2023
Listened for free on Audible - I wouldn't consider this a suspenseful, psychological thriller. None of those category tags feel truthful. Apart from the misleading labels, the story has moments of beauty in the wake of a tragedy. If the tags had been more accurate, I wouldn't have listened, though the narration is good. It was less about the actual loss and uncovering the truth than the gaslighting the father received for daring to want more answers. The narrative is from the POV of the grieving father, detailing his inner thoughts and witnessing his questionable choices, We are also provided relevant history prior to the current timeline, though it was wordy and generally too long for the length of the book. While not what I was looking for in my next read, the journey wasn't unpleasant and didn't leave loose ends.
February 23, 2017
Many thanks to NetGalley, Urbane Publications and Guy Mankowski for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a good story, after I warmed up to it. Ben and Juliette do what many parents do every day, and that is to send their child to school. They have the hope that their child will be safe, but during a school trip an accident occurs and their child is killed. Their grief leads them to try to find answers for their child’s death. The pain of their loss is truly felt through the author’s words. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I thought this was a good story, after I warmed up to it. Ben and Juliette do what many parents do every day, and that is to send their child to school. They have the hope that their child will be safe, but during a school trip an accident occurs and their child is killed. Their grief leads them to try to find answers for their child’s death. The pain of their loss is truly felt through the author’s words. I would recommend this book to anyone.
January 22, 2023
The description of this book really caught my attention. However, I found it quite dreary to listen to on Audiobook. I almost stopped entirely and deleted it. The majority of this story moves very slow and for such a tragedy (losing a child), I felt no real emotions from the parents. The father seemed more intent on revenge and the mom just seemed to float along in the world. This story could have been so much more. Lack luster writing style that just didn't make much of an impact on my memory.
October 3, 2018
I thought it was ok, but just that. It was plodding along nicely until it got a bit predictable. As soon as Violet appeared on the scene you knew what was gonna happen and when it did I completely went off the main character.
Easy to read, managed it in a day and some great descriptions were read but for me it was lacking in something and was too short. Also a few loose ends needed tying up which didn’t happen.
Easy to read, managed it in a day and some great descriptions were read but for me it was lacking in something and was too short. Also a few loose ends needed tying up which didn’t happen.
October 20, 2022
Puzzling title. There was some deceit, but it was never honest. Also, although I liked the story when the characters were fighting against injustices, it was rather unbelievable that the pedophile so easily avoided discovery after previous convictions and jail time and was able to attack a young girl while chaperoning her class on a field trip. On the plus side, the characters were multifaceted individuals with interesting back stories.
March 26, 2018
While it was a good story and I really enjoyed how bits of it were written, I felt like it was let down by poor editing and this jolted me out of the story on several occasions. That being said, I still look forward to reading his other novels.
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