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Helen Grace #4
Αν σε πιάσω, καίγεσαι
ΤΡΕΙΣ ΑΝΕΞΕΛΕΓΚΤΕΣ ΠΥΡΚΑΓΙΕΣ
ΦΩΤΙΖΟΥΝ ΤΟΝ ΟΥΡΑΝΟ ΤΗΣ ΠΟΛΗΣ
ΜΕΣ ΣΤΗ ΜΑΥΡΗ ΝΥΧΤΑ.
Και δεν πρόκειται απλώς για μια τραγική σύμπτωση.
Για την επιθεωρήτρια Έλεν Γκρέις αυτές οι πυρκαγιές σηματοδοτούν την εμφάνιση ενός σατανικού δράστη που όμοιό του δεν έχει αντιμετωπίσει ποτέ ξανά στη ζωή της.
Δεν πρόκειται για έναν πυρομανή που αναζητά αρρωστημένες συγκινήσεις, αλλά για κάτι πολύ πιο ανατριχιαστικό: για μια σειρά προσεκτικά εκτελεσμένων δολοφονιών.
Γιατί, όμως, έγιναν στόχος τα συγκεκριμένα θύματα;
Ποιο είναι το κίνητρο του δολοφόνου;
Και ποιος θα είναι ο επόμενος στη σειρά;
Η πόλη όλη μυρίζει μπαρούτι. Ο φόβος, ο τρόμος και η καχυποψία έχουν απλωθεί παντού. Κι αρκεί μια σπίθα μόνο για να καταστρέψει τα πάντα…
Μετά την μεγάλη επιτυχία που σημείωσε η σειρά που ξεκίνησε με το best seller "Α Μπε Μπα Μπλομ", το νέο σκοτεινό και ανατριχιαστικό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα με την επιθεωρήτρια Έλεν Γκρεις να έρχεται αντιμέτωπη με έναν θανάσιμο πύρινο κλοιό, θα σας καθηλώσει.
ΦΩΤΙΖΟΥΝ ΤΟΝ ΟΥΡΑΝΟ ΤΗΣ ΠΟΛΗΣ
ΜΕΣ ΣΤΗ ΜΑΥΡΗ ΝΥΧΤΑ.
Και δεν πρόκειται απλώς για μια τραγική σύμπτωση.
Για την επιθεωρήτρια Έλεν Γκρέις αυτές οι πυρκαγιές σηματοδοτούν την εμφάνιση ενός σατανικού δράστη που όμοιό του δεν έχει αντιμετωπίσει ποτέ ξανά στη ζωή της.
Δεν πρόκειται για έναν πυρομανή που αναζητά αρρωστημένες συγκινήσεις, αλλά για κάτι πολύ πιο ανατριχιαστικό: για μια σειρά προσεκτικά εκτελεσμένων δολοφονιών.
Γιατί, όμως, έγιναν στόχος τα συγκεκριμένα θύματα;
Ποιο είναι το κίνητρο του δολοφόνου;
Και ποιος θα είναι ο επόμενος στη σειρά;
Η πόλη όλη μυρίζει μπαρούτι. Ο φόβος, ο τρόμος και η καχυποψία έχουν απλωθεί παντού. Κι αρκεί μια σπίθα μόνο για να καταστρέψει τα πάντα…
Μετά την μεγάλη επιτυχία που σημείωσε η σειρά που ξεκίνησε με το best seller "Α Μπε Μπα Μπλομ", το νέο σκοτεινό και ανατριχιαστικό αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα με την επιθεωρήτρια Έλεν Γκρεις να έρχεται αντιμέτωπη με έναν θανάσιμο πύρινο κλοιό, θα σας καθηλώσει.
472 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2015
539 people are currently reading
10422 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Arlidge
37 books4,278 followersM.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,407 reviews
January 15, 2018
3.5
Sadly, this is probably my least favorite in the series so far. It was bound to happen, that one of the books in the series would end up lacking for me. On the bright side, my sisters enjoyed it somewhat more than I did.
Helen is back with more trouble blazing her way. An arsonist is torching up seemingly random fires across the city. Each inferno becoming more dangerous. And now lives are being tragically lost. Will Helen and her team track down the killer before he strikes again?
“... despite all the darkness out there, there is goodness too.”
I wasn’t able to connect with this book as much as the previous three. There were pieces to the story that were left hanging. And the ending? Let’s just say it simply didn’t work for me. That’s ok, I still have three more books ahead to get right back on track.
The focus was back on Helen and I loved that. But truly, Charlie is still my favorite character in the series!
So we will be moving forward in our binge of the series.
A Traveling Sister read with Brenda and Susanne!:)
Sadly, this is probably my least favorite in the series so far. It was bound to happen, that one of the books in the series would end up lacking for me. On the bright side, my sisters enjoyed it somewhat more than I did.
Helen is back with more trouble blazing her way. An arsonist is torching up seemingly random fires across the city. Each inferno becoming more dangerous. And now lives are being tragically lost. Will Helen and her team track down the killer before he strikes again?
“... despite all the darkness out there, there is goodness too.”
I wasn’t able to connect with this book as much as the previous three. There were pieces to the story that were left hanging. And the ending? Let’s just say it simply didn’t work for me. That’s ok, I still have three more books ahead to get right back on track.
The focus was back on Helen and I loved that. But truly, Charlie is still my favorite character in the series!
So we will be moving forward in our binge of the series.
A Traveling Sister read with Brenda and Susanne!:)
May 23, 2019
The Helen Grace series continues to impress as Arlidge tackles yet another angle of the psychological thriller. Fire is the most elusive killer, as unpredictable as it is destructive. Sixteen months after her previous serial killer case, DI Helen Grace can only watch the horizon as Southhampton neighbourhoods burn, the black smoke billowing up and leaving eerie calling cards. Three simultaneous fires destroy parts of the city, including a family residence. As Grace and the team work in conjunction with the local fire brigade, the fallout of the blaze claims the life of one and a second clings to life. Grace is determined to find the arsonist and charge them with murder. However, the fire destroys much, including any evidence that might lead Grace towards finding a killer. After three more fires occur the following night, it becomes clear that there are two peripheral fires to distract the authorities and a central blaze, meant to kill, which it does as another residence is targeted and its inhabitant perishes. An eyewitness sighting leads Grace to pull someone into custody, which divides the police and fire teams when they must work together to trap this firebug. Tensions are high and no one can effectively handle the city that teeters on the edge. Grace is also working with a new Detective Superintendent, her third since the series began, and must tailor her work style to accommodate a new managerial approach. The stress of the job forces Grace to continue her unorthodox personal activities, which she hopes to keep away from the press and public eye. A third set of fires creates an alibi for some seen as potential suspects and opens up some new avenues with the discovery of a blog site, whose writer expresses an interest in the fires that is more than passing. Grace scrambles to put it all together while trying to prevent more murders and keep her ever-morphing team together. With an arsonist on the loose, it will only take one spark to give Grace the lead she needs, but all could go up in smoke if she shows her hand too soon. Perhaps the best of the series to date, Arlidge offers readers a wonderful story over which they can obsess.
There is no doubt that Arlidge has mastered the art of the psychological thriller, though does so from as many angles as possible. It would be easy to use the same approach, sadistic killer leaving bodies and awaiting the authorities to catch them, but this cookie cutter approach seems not to interest the author as he pushes the envelope with each publication. The obsessions that fill each novel are not strictly sexual gratification for the unknown subject, but a means of enacting some form of revenge over the helpless victims. This fresh angle contrasts nicely with a changing collection of characters to keep the reader always guessing and forced to adapt to new storylines. Changes both to the team and their overseer makes the dynamic ever-changing, which has its advantages and downsides as well. Small developments in the characters' backstories helps balance out the horrors that fill each short chapter and allows the reader to feel better connected to the larger series. DI Helen Grace continues to evolve in both aspects of her life, showing sides that can only help flesh-out the character for the series reader. She has remained a staple in the series and someone on whom the reader can rely. I can only hope that Arlidge keeps the quick pace exemplified in the series as he writes more in this series. I am always shocked to see where he takes things, never sure what might occur or how to react.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge for yet another entertaining piece, as you forge ahead and keep Helen Grace from becoming too predictable. That said, it is the psychological approach that lures the hapless reader.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
There is no doubt that Arlidge has mastered the art of the psychological thriller, though does so from as many angles as possible. It would be easy to use the same approach, sadistic killer leaving bodies and awaiting the authorities to catch them, but this cookie cutter approach seems not to interest the author as he pushes the envelope with each publication. The obsessions that fill each novel are not strictly sexual gratification for the unknown subject, but a means of enacting some form of revenge over the helpless victims. This fresh angle contrasts nicely with a changing collection of characters to keep the reader always guessing and forced to adapt to new storylines. Changes both to the team and their overseer makes the dynamic ever-changing, which has its advantages and downsides as well. Small developments in the characters' backstories helps balance out the horrors that fill each short chapter and allows the reader to feel better connected to the larger series. DI Helen Grace continues to evolve in both aspects of her life, showing sides that can only help flesh-out the character for the series reader. She has remained a staple in the series and someone on whom the reader can rely. I can only hope that Arlidge keeps the quick pace exemplified in the series as he writes more in this series. I am always shocked to see where he takes things, never sure what might occur or how to react.
Kudos, Mr. Arlidge for yet another entertaining piece, as you forge ahead and keep Helen Grace from becoming too predictable. That said, it is the psychological approach that lures the hapless reader.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 31, 2023
Dupa ce am ghicit "ce e in cutie", "cine moare primul" si "care e mincinosul", am decis sa scriu o singura recenzie despre toate trei. Evident ca, asa cum mi se intampla foarte des, am inceput sa citesc seria cu cel de-al doilea roman, astfel ca in interiorul sau gasisem informatii despre identitatea criminalului din primul roman. :) Acest lucru nu m-a enervat pentru ca m-am obisnuit si pentru ca mai mult ma intereseaza modus operandi si felul in care gandeste criminalul decat cine este el de fapt. M-am putut bucura asadar de primul roman ca si cum nu as fi cunoscut acest detaliu.
Ca parti pozitive pe care le-am gasit in toate cele trei, as mentiona: naratiunea fluida, captivanta care iti mentine interesul pe tot parcursul lecturii, enigme bine inchegate, un personaj principal Helen Grace foarte bine conturat, de cursa lunga, de care te poti atasa ca si cititor. Colegii ei de la sectia de politie sunt de asemenea carismatici si ajungi sa crezi in dramele lor personale.
In toate cele trei romane criminalii in serie sunt foarte inteligenti si autorul reuseste sa ascunda identitatea lor cu dibacie astfel ca sunt sanse sa nu-ti dai seama cine e faptasul pana aproape de final (asta daca nu cititi ca mine).
Mi-a placut foarte mult faptul ca Helen Grace conduce o motocicleta Kawasaki, constructor despre care n-am mai auzit de mult timp; fiind o fana a Moto GP mi-a facut placere sa-mi aduc aminte de vremurile in care le vedeam in curse.
Ca parti negative as semnala faptul ca in toate cele trei romane nivelul de cruzime poate sa fie uneori greu de suportat pentru cititorii sensibili si Helen Grace poate ajunge uneori foarte enervanta deoarece tinde sa se pripeasca in decizii, sa-si acuze colegii fara dovezi suficiente si asta ii aduce multe necazuri pe plan personal pe care nu reuseste sa le gestioneze.
In concluzie seria merita citita si pentru evitarea neplacerilor aveti grija in ce ordine le cititi!
Ca parti pozitive pe care le-am gasit in toate cele trei, as mentiona: naratiunea fluida, captivanta care iti mentine interesul pe tot parcursul lecturii, enigme bine inchegate, un personaj principal Helen Grace foarte bine conturat, de cursa lunga, de care te poti atasa ca si cititor. Colegii ei de la sectia de politie sunt de asemenea carismatici si ajungi sa crezi in dramele lor personale.
In toate cele trei romane criminalii in serie sunt foarte inteligenti si autorul reuseste sa ascunda identitatea lor cu dibacie astfel ca sunt sanse sa nu-ti dai seama cine e faptasul pana aproape de final (asta daca nu cititi ca mine).
Mi-a placut foarte mult faptul ca Helen Grace conduce o motocicleta Kawasaki, constructor despre care n-am mai auzit de mult timp; fiind o fana a Moto GP mi-a facut placere sa-mi aduc aminte de vremurile in care le vedeam in curse.
Ca parti negative as semnala faptul ca in toate cele trei romane nivelul de cruzime poate sa fie uneori greu de suportat pentru cititorii sensibili si Helen Grace poate ajunge uneori foarte enervanta deoarece tinde sa se pripeasca in decizii, sa-si acuze colegii fara dovezi suficiente si asta ii aduce multe necazuri pe plan personal pe care nu reuseste sa le gestioneze.
In concluzie seria merita citita si pentru evitarea neplacerilor aveti grija in ce ordine le cititi!
August 6, 2019
Consumed me from the first strike of the match! I blazed through this one!
Breaking through the throng, he found himself at the bottom of his drive. The sight that met him took his breath away and he suddenly ground to a halt. His entire house was ablaze, huge flames issuing from every window. It wasn’t a fire; it was an inferno.
He found himself moving forward and turned to find his neighbor gripping one of his arms, guiding him gently toward the house. The expression on her face was hideous— a toxic mixture of horror and pity— and it chilled him to the bone. Why was she looking at him like that?
Then Thomas saw him. His boy— his beloved son , Luke— lying on the grass in the front garden. Shaded by the mulberry bush, he lay with his head on the lap of another neighbor , who was talking to him earnestly. It would have been a touching sight were it not for the crazy angles of Luke’s legs, bent nastily back on themselves, and the blood that clung to his face and hands.
“The ambulance is on its way. He’s going to be okay.”
Thomas didn’t know whether his neighbor was lying or not, but he wanted to believe her. He didn’t care what injuries his son had sustained as long as he lived.
“It’s okay , mate . Dad’s here now,” he said as he knelt down next to his son.
The ground around Luke was covered with leaves and branches from the mulberry bush and in an instant Thomas realized that his son must have jumped. He must have leaped from the house and landed in the bush. It probably broke his fall— might even have saved his life. But why was he jumping at all? Why hadn’t he just run out the front door?
“Where’s Mum? And Alice? Luke, where are they, mate?”
For a moment, Luke said nothing, the agony racking his body seeming to rob him of the ability to speak.
“Has anyone seen them?” Thomas cried out, panic rendering his voice high and harsh. “Where the hell are they?”
He looked back at his son, who seemed to be trying to raise himself, in spite of his injuries.
“What is it, Luke?”
Thomas knelt in closer, his ear brushing his son’s mouth. Luke struggled for breath, then through gritted teeth finally managed to whisper:
“They’re still inside.”
********
*Audiobook review*
Liar Liar by M.J. Arlidge is the fourth book in the DI Helen Grace series. The tension is always thick from beginning to end, complete with a juicy cliff hanger, leaving me anxious to listen to the next audiobook as soon as possible!
Narrator, Elizabeth Bower, continues with her trademark 5★ performance, effortlessly bringing individual personalities to each character and accentuating the story into a living reality.
M.J. Arlidge always brings a bounty of talent and originality to his stories, making them addictive and providing the adrenaline rush that readers/listeners crave!
While this book wasn't my favorite of the series, there's no denying the thrill of the chase that DI Helen Grace is so famous for!
Breaking through the throng, he found himself at the bottom of his drive. The sight that met him took his breath away and he suddenly ground to a halt. His entire house was ablaze, huge flames issuing from every window. It wasn’t a fire; it was an inferno.
He found himself moving forward and turned to find his neighbor gripping one of his arms, guiding him gently toward the house. The expression on her face was hideous— a toxic mixture of horror and pity— and it chilled him to the bone. Why was she looking at him like that?
Then Thomas saw him. His boy— his beloved son , Luke— lying on the grass in the front garden. Shaded by the mulberry bush, he lay with his head on the lap of another neighbor , who was talking to him earnestly. It would have been a touching sight were it not for the crazy angles of Luke’s legs, bent nastily back on themselves, and the blood that clung to his face and hands.
“The ambulance is on its way. He’s going to be okay.”
Thomas didn’t know whether his neighbor was lying or not, but he wanted to believe her. He didn’t care what injuries his son had sustained as long as he lived.
“It’s okay , mate . Dad’s here now,” he said as he knelt down next to his son.
The ground around Luke was covered with leaves and branches from the mulberry bush and in an instant Thomas realized that his son must have jumped. He must have leaped from the house and landed in the bush. It probably broke his fall— might even have saved his life. But why was he jumping at all? Why hadn’t he just run out the front door?
“Where’s Mum? And Alice? Luke, where are they, mate?”
For a moment, Luke said nothing, the agony racking his body seeming to rob him of the ability to speak.
“Has anyone seen them?” Thomas cried out, panic rendering his voice high and harsh. “Where the hell are they?”
He looked back at his son, who seemed to be trying to raise himself, in spite of his injuries.
“What is it, Luke?”
Thomas knelt in closer, his ear brushing his son’s mouth. Luke struggled for breath, then through gritted teeth finally managed to whisper:
“They’re still inside.”
********
*Audiobook review*
Liar Liar by M.J. Arlidge is the fourth book in the DI Helen Grace series. The tension is always thick from beginning to end, complete with a juicy cliff hanger, leaving me anxious to listen to the next audiobook as soon as possible!
Narrator, Elizabeth Bower, continues with her trademark 5★ performance, effortlessly bringing individual personalities to each character and accentuating the story into a living reality.
M.J. Arlidge always brings a bounty of talent and originality to his stories, making them addictive and providing the adrenaline rush that readers/listeners crave!
While this book wasn't my favorite of the series, there's no denying the thrill of the chase that DI Helen Grace is so famous for!
January 7, 2018
3.5 Stars* (rounded down).
In “Liar Liar” by M.J. Arlidge, DI Helen Grace and her team are at it again. This time they are investigating a serial arsonist who is intentionally setting fires in different locations 15 minutes apart on the same night. Six fires in a 24 hour period. Some of the fires are set at businesses, some at people’s homes. Lives hang in balance. Is it personal or is it business? Grace, Sanderson, McAndrews and Brooks rush to try and figure it out - and with more fires being set every time they turn around, time is truly of the essence.
DI Grace and DC Brooks are heavily featured here, which was the highlight of this novel for me as you learn more about their relationship and both characters’ strengths and weaknesses. DI Grace’s past haunts her, it makes her heavily flawed, yet oh so human. DC Brooks’s own past stays with her every single day. It affect both how she raises her daughter and her job as a police officer. Both women are tough, resilient and formidable and saving lives is all that matters to them.
“Liar Liar” is the fourth installment in the Helen Grace series and while I enjoyed it, it was my least favorite thus far. I really enjoyed the storyline and was immediately sucked in and was loving every second - the ending however was a complete disappointment for me and just didn’t quite add up. Unfortunately the ending caused me to drop the rating from 4 to 3.5 stars.
This was a Traveling Sister Read with Brenda and Kaceey. I am just LOVING reading this series with them and can’t wait for us to read the next book “Little Boy Blue.”
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 1.7.18.
In “Liar Liar” by M.J. Arlidge, DI Helen Grace and her team are at it again. This time they are investigating a serial arsonist who is intentionally setting fires in different locations 15 minutes apart on the same night. Six fires in a 24 hour period. Some of the fires are set at businesses, some at people’s homes. Lives hang in balance. Is it personal or is it business? Grace, Sanderson, McAndrews and Brooks rush to try and figure it out - and with more fires being set every time they turn around, time is truly of the essence.
DI Grace and DC Brooks are heavily featured here, which was the highlight of this novel for me as you learn more about their relationship and both characters’ strengths and weaknesses. DI Grace’s past haunts her, it makes her heavily flawed, yet oh so human. DC Brooks’s own past stays with her every single day. It affect both how she raises her daughter and her job as a police officer. Both women are tough, resilient and formidable and saving lives is all that matters to them.
“Liar Liar” is the fourth installment in the Helen Grace series and while I enjoyed it, it was my least favorite thus far. I really enjoyed the storyline and was immediately sucked in and was loving every second - the ending however was a complete disappointment for me and just didn’t quite add up. Unfortunately the ending caused me to drop the rating from 4 to 3.5 stars.
This was a Traveling Sister Read with Brenda and Kaceey. I am just LOVING reading this series with them and can’t wait for us to read the next book “Little Boy Blue.”
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 1.7.18.
July 22, 2016
Liar Liar (Helen Grace, #4) is a 2016 NAL publication.
The crime story here is as riveting as ever, but is especially disturbing this time around, because it has an air of authenticity to it, which makes it even more chilling and left me with a real sense of unease, making this a very compelling thriller.
Overall, this is a splendid addition to this outstanding series.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the full review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
The crime story here is as riveting as ever, but is especially disturbing this time around, because it has an air of authenticity to it, which makes it even more chilling and left me with a real sense of unease, making this a very compelling thriller.
Overall, this is a splendid addition to this outstanding series.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the full review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
May 23, 2019
Another great entry in this series. Lots and lots of action and the introduction of a new, very creepy character in the form of Helen's boss. I wonder where that is going to lead!
I think we can count on Helen being able to deal with whatever comes her way, as she does in this book, either by being very smart and in control or, if necessary, by losing it and using her fists. She is a very unusual woman, but interesting and likeable nevertheless.
So, action packed story, interesting characters, short chapters which entice you into reading on and on. All the ingredients for a good thriller. I have the next book lined up and ready to go.
I think we can count on Helen being able to deal with whatever comes her way, as she does in this book, either by being very smart and in control or, if necessary, by losing it and using her fists. She is a very unusual woman, but interesting and likeable nevertheless.
So, action packed story, interesting characters, short chapters which entice you into reading on and on. All the ingredients for a good thriller. I have the next book lined up and ready to go.
October 30, 2017
5 Stars
Brilliant utterly compelling and beautiful and addicting and all the other complimentary words in the universe! After reading some lack luster novels lately, I was worried I was beginning to fall into a reading slump. Overly frustrated with the mediocrity that I have been sifting through. I was tempted to switch up my routine from reading a good book before bed to binge watching Nordic mysteries on Netflix. Luckily my favourite detective series Helen Grace came to my rescue.
Liar Liar is the fourth installment in the gritty British DCI Helen Grace series. My favourite kickass Copper is back rushing against the clock to find a sadistic arsonist that's setting South Hampton ablaze, literally. These fires are on an epic proportion and it soon becomes clear that the fires are targeted towards certain individuals and Helen needs to find out the pattern and quick.
The crime itself was really captivating and unique. I've never really read about arsonists within my murder mysteries before, murder is usually written about in a deep and personal way where the killer is in the room and the victims have chance to fighting back. The act of murder with fire is terrifying, how can you truly pin-point the suspects when they don't even enter the building to kill? The chapters written from the victims perspectives were realistic to the point that I'm going to be checking the batteries in my smoke detectors tonight. Imagine waking up to suffocating smoke and horrendous heat before it's too late to save your life? Burning to death is a brutal way to go and M.J Arlidge doesn't hold his punches captivating the terror and pain the victims go through.
The crime itself is always so well thought out and executed but now that I am 4 books deep into this series a huge component that keeps pulling me back in is Helen Grace and her team (specifically Charlie). Helen Grace and Charlie are just girl squad goals. It's so nice to read about strong females high up in a male dominant profession that have each others back. Charlie being the most outwardly sensitive of the two can always depend on Helen to buck up her spirits and Helen Grace who has some major trust issues can always depend on Charlie to be in her corner.
Usually we have numerous new team members introduced in The Major Incident team in each novel. High turn over rate and all. But in this novel M.J (Is it ok that I call you M.J? I'm feeling close to you) only introduces the one, Detective Superintendent Jonathon Gardam the new head of team. I was glad to see that throughout the novel Helen finally found a superior who wasn't consistently at odds with her. Propelling her up instead of tearing her down due to corruption or jealousy. Less inter-office squabbling let the reader fully immerse themselves in the crime at hand, but I expect this won't last long.
All and all another amazing read by the awesome mind of M.J! I am either out of my reading slump now or about to have one hell of a book hangover doesn't matter, worth it. This book was just what I needed. If you haven't started the Helen Grace series yet may I suggest you get yourself to a book store and get on it! You won't regret it.
Brilliant utterly compelling and beautiful and addicting and all the other complimentary words in the universe! After reading some lack luster novels lately, I was worried I was beginning to fall into a reading slump. Overly frustrated with the mediocrity that I have been sifting through. I was tempted to switch up my routine from reading a good book before bed to binge watching Nordic mysteries on Netflix. Luckily my favourite detective series Helen Grace came to my rescue.
Liar Liar is the fourth installment in the gritty British DCI Helen Grace series. My favourite kickass Copper is back rushing against the clock to find a sadistic arsonist that's setting South Hampton ablaze, literally. These fires are on an epic proportion and it soon becomes clear that the fires are targeted towards certain individuals and Helen needs to find out the pattern and quick.
The crime itself was really captivating and unique. I've never really read about arsonists within my murder mysteries before, murder is usually written about in a deep and personal way where the killer is in the room and the victims have chance to fighting back. The act of murder with fire is terrifying, how can you truly pin-point the suspects when they don't even enter the building to kill? The chapters written from the victims perspectives were realistic to the point that I'm going to be checking the batteries in my smoke detectors tonight. Imagine waking up to suffocating smoke and horrendous heat before it's too late to save your life? Burning to death is a brutal way to go and M.J Arlidge doesn't hold his punches captivating the terror and pain the victims go through.
The crime itself is always so well thought out and executed but now that I am 4 books deep into this series a huge component that keeps pulling me back in is Helen Grace and her team (specifically Charlie). Helen Grace and Charlie are just girl squad goals. It's so nice to read about strong females high up in a male dominant profession that have each others back. Charlie being the most outwardly sensitive of the two can always depend on Helen to buck up her spirits and Helen Grace who has some major trust issues can always depend on Charlie to be in her corner.
Usually we have numerous new team members introduced in The Major Incident team in each novel. High turn over rate and all. But in this novel M.J (Is it ok that I call you M.J? I'm feeling close to you) only introduces the one, Detective Superintendent Jonathon Gardam the new head of team. I was glad to see that throughout the novel Helen finally found a superior who wasn't consistently at odds with her. Propelling her up instead of tearing her down due to corruption or jealousy. Less inter-office squabbling let the reader fully immerse themselves in the crime at hand, but I expect this won't last long.
All and all another amazing read by the awesome mind of M.J! I am either out of my reading slump now or about to have one hell of a book hangover doesn't matter, worth it. This book was just what I needed. If you haven't started the Helen Grace series yet may I suggest you get yourself to a book store and get on it! You won't regret it.
September 30, 2015
This is the 4th book in the DI Helen Grace series by author MJ Arlidge.
Having read and enjoyed the first three books in this series I had high hopes and I got exactly what I expected. A well paced thriller with plenty of action and lots of twists and turns, what more could you ask for. As with all good series the characters are allowed to develop and this is certainly the case here. DI Helen Grace is a complex woman and there is plenty of scope to develop this character further.
In this story DI Helen Grace is faced with a serial arsonist who appears to have no pattern and is they are killing innocent people at a frightening rate. DI Helen Grace is in a race against time to unravel this case before more people are killed.
The book is broken down into short punchy chapters that keep the reader on the edge of their seat trying to guess what is going to happen next. This book is as good as the previous three which were excellent and I am already looking forward to the next case.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Having read and enjoyed the first three books in this series I had high hopes and I got exactly what I expected. A well paced thriller with plenty of action and lots of twists and turns, what more could you ask for. As with all good series the characters are allowed to develop and this is certainly the case here. DI Helen Grace is a complex woman and there is plenty of scope to develop this character further.
In this story DI Helen Grace is faced with a serial arsonist who appears to have no pattern and is they are killing innocent people at a frightening rate. DI Helen Grace is in a race against time to unravel this case before more people are killed.
The book is broken down into short punchy chapters that keep the reader on the edge of their seat trying to guess what is going to happen next. This book is as good as the previous three which were excellent and I am already looking forward to the next case.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
April 26, 2018
I looooooooved it!!!
Reasons why I liked it??? It had me guessing till the very end... Even after the disentanglement of the mystery! The last chapter was amazing.... I can't wait to read more about Helen Grace! This book was a gift and at first it didn't strike me as a bestseller. Until a few days ago I decided to give it a go...and then I couldn't put it down.. I swear, If I wasn't so busy these past few days, I would have finished it in one sitting! Easily read and fast-paced, this book is definitely a page-turner. Another thing I enjoy while reading is short chapters. Lots of short chapters. They accelerate the pace as the mystery unravels! An amazing technique that all writers should use.
Highly recommended!
Reasons why I liked it??? It had me guessing till the very end... Even after the disentanglement of the mystery! The last chapter was amazing.... I can't wait to read more about Helen Grace! This book was a gift and at first it didn't strike me as a bestseller. Until a few days ago I decided to give it a go...and then I couldn't put it down.. I swear, If I wasn't so busy these past few days, I would have finished it in one sitting! Easily read and fast-paced, this book is definitely a page-turner. Another thing I enjoy while reading is short chapters. Lots of short chapters. They accelerate the pace as the mystery unravels! An amazing technique that all writers should use.
Highly recommended!
July 14, 2023
Piromani sunt o specie aparte de infractori, pe lângă faptul că pun în pericol viața altora, distrug bunuri, proprietăți, creaza un adevărat dezastru. Un piroman în serie este subiectul celui de al 4-le volum și nici de această dată nu lipsește tragedia din spatele motivelor sale.
October 23, 2017
Ιδού, ένα πεντάλεπτο απόλυτης αμηχανίας όταν έρχομαι φορτσάτη να γράψω την άποψή μου για το χειρότερο βιβλίο από τα τέσσερα που έχω διαβάσει με την Έλεν Γκρέις και πέφτω πάνω σε κριτικές που το εκθειάζουν. Αφού τσεκάρω ότι δεν κοιτάω κατά λάθος άλλο τίτλο κάθομαι και επιβεβαιώνω βάση του περιεχομένου κάποιων από τις κριτικές ότι όντως μιλάμε για το ίδιο βιβλίο. Και μένω για άλλη μια φορά έκπληκτη να διαπιστώνω ότι τελικά, τα γούστα όντως διαφέρουν.
Μου φάνηκε άνευρο, χωρίς καθόλου ένταση και αγωνία. Μια περιέργεια για το ποιός είναι ο πυρομανής την είχα είναι η αλήθεια, αλλά δεν με απορρόφησε η πλοκή σε κανένα σημείο. Το εκτίμησα πιο πολύ σαν βιβλίο κοινωνικού περιεχομένου, επειδή έχει να περάσει πολύ σημαντικό μήνυμα σχετικά με τον τρόπο που αισθάνονται τα παιδιά που μεγαλώνουν σε οικογένειες αδιάφορες και το πόσο μπορεί να επηρεάσει τον χαρακτήρα και τις πράξεις τους. Επίσης μπορώ να το εκτιμήσω και για το μήνυμα που περνάει σχετικά με τις συνέπειες που μπορεί να επιφέρει το μπούλινγκ στα σχολεία και την ανάγκη για αποδοχή και αγάπη από το περιβάλλον (οικογενειακό και φιλικό).
Όμως, τίποτα από όλα τα παραπάνω δεν συμβάλλει στο να θεωρηθεί ένα μυθιστόρημα ως Αστυνομικό, πόσο μάλλον ως καλό αστυνομικό. Μυστήριο υπήρχε, δεν είχα μαντέψει τον υπαίτιο των πυρκαγιών και μπράβο του που το σκέφτηκε. Και η αιτιολόγηση είναι εντάξει, με κάλυψε, δεν μπορώ να πω. Υπήρχαν και κάποιες σκηνές όπου οι περιγραφές της φωτιάς και των θυμάτων της ήταν αρκετά έντονες. Όμως σε όλη τη διάρκεια της πλοκής δεν αγχώθηκα, δεν "καρδιοχτύπησα", ούτε και φοβήθηκα ότι κάποιος από τους πρωταγωνιστές θα πάθει κάτι. Τους έβλεπα να μιλάνε μεταξύ τους, να παρακολουθούν άτομα, να ανακρίνουν υπόπτους και βαριόμουν. Δεν ξέρω γιατί, είχα και πολύ δουλειά τις μέρες που το διάβαζα και μου πήρε πάνω από βδομάδα να το τελειώσω, ίσως φταίει και αυτό που δε μου άρεσε τόσο.
Τέλος πάντων, δεν είναι και κακό το βιβλίο, απλά συγκριτικά με τα τρία πρώτα της σειράς το βρήκα υποδεέστερο.
Μου φάνηκε άνευρο, χωρίς καθόλου ένταση και αγωνία. Μια περιέργεια για το ποιός είναι ο πυρομανής την είχα είναι η αλήθεια, αλλά δεν με απορρόφησε η πλοκή σε κανένα σημείο. Το εκτίμησα πιο πολύ σαν βιβλίο κοινωνικού περιεχομένου, επειδή έχει να περάσει πολύ σημαντικό μήνυμα σχετικά με τον τρόπο που αισθάνονται τα παιδιά που μεγαλώνουν σε οικογένειες αδιάφορες και το πόσο μπορεί να επηρεάσει τον χαρακτήρα και τις πράξεις τους. Επίσης μπορώ να το εκτιμήσω και για το μήνυμα που περνάει σχετικά με τις συνέπειες που μπορεί να επιφέρει το μπούλινγκ στα σχολεία και την ανάγκη για αποδοχή και αγάπη από το περιβάλλον (οικογενειακό και φιλικό).
Όμως, τίποτα από όλα τα παραπάνω δεν συμβάλλει στο να θεωρηθεί ένα μυθιστόρημα ως Αστυνομικό, πόσο μάλλον ως καλό αστυνομικό. Μυστήριο υπήρχε, δεν είχα μαντέψει τον υπαίτιο των πυρκαγιών και μπράβο του που το σκέφτηκε. Και η αιτιολόγηση είναι εντάξει, με κάλυψε, δεν μπορώ να πω. Υπήρχαν και κάποιες σκηνές όπου οι περιγραφές της φωτιάς και των θυμάτων της ήταν αρκετά έντονες. Όμως σε όλη τη διάρκεια της πλοκής δεν αγχώθηκα, δεν "καρδιοχτύπησα", ούτε και φοβήθηκα ότι κάποιος από τους πρωταγωνιστές θα πάθει κάτι. Τους έβλεπα να μιλάνε μεταξύ τους, να παρακολουθούν άτομα, να ανακρίνουν υπόπτους και βαριόμουν. Δεν ξέρω γιατί, είχα και πολύ δουλειά τις μέρες που το διάβαζα και μου πήρε πάνω από βδομάδα να το τελειώσω, ίσως φταίει και αυτό που δε μου άρεσε τόσο.
Τέλος πάντων, δεν είναι και κακό το βιβλίο, απλά συγκριτικά με τα τρία πρώτα της σειράς το βρήκα υποδεέστερο.
January 11, 2022
In my opinion, this is the best book in the series. Where the third book didn't really strike me, and the first and second book were good, this one was THE BEST. M.J. Arlidge uses short chapters and in the third book, it kinda annoyed me to be switched from person to person and into different situations. I don't know what was different, but in this book, it worked for me. I rushed through!
A longer review can be found at Bite Into books
A refreshing book in this series about the intriguing Helen Grace. Where the first three books felt kinda the same, this book had little details that were different. Instead of feeling rushed, I felt like this was a book with a good, fast pacing. Helen Grace, your not-so-ordinary detective is the superstar in another great book! Like I said, can't wait for the next book. And tell you what; I'll be reading it in July!
A longer review can be found at Bite Into books
A refreshing book in this series about the intriguing Helen Grace. Where the first three books felt kinda the same, this book had little details that were different. Instead of feeling rushed, I felt like this was a book with a good, fast pacing. Helen Grace, your not-so-ordinary detective is the superstar in another great book! Like I said, can't wait for the next book. And tell you what; I'll be reading it in July!
April 24, 2017
Que dizer deste livro? Gostei muito, para variar. Completamente rendida a este escritor e à saga de Helen Grace. Ansiosa pelo próximo livro, sendo que o final deste deixa vontade de começar a ler já o seguinte. Quem gosta de policiais deve ler estes livros, obrigatóriamente
July 18, 2016
3.5 stars
While this wasn't a bad read, I think I have had to come to terms with the fact that it's time to say good bye to Detective Helen Grace and crew...
The beginning started out strong, but lost me mid way. I think with the short chapters (which I typically LOVE) and the add-in of so many characters as well as side stories, there was just too much thrown in to the kitchen sink and ended up distracting me. For some reason I was not able to connect with Helen this time around either. I'm not sure if it was the dominatrix story coming across as a stretch or just the amount of other characters I had to focus on. I did connect with Charlie, but Helen felt flat to me.
There are just too many great police procedural series out there, and I think it's time for me to move on as I have had some issues with the earlier books as well.
It's been a fun ride. Maybe I will check back down the road to see how it all ends for Helen. But most likely not...
My thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While this wasn't a bad read, I think I have had to come to terms with the fact that it's time to say good bye to Detective Helen Grace and crew...
The beginning started out strong, but lost me mid way. I think with the short chapters (which I typically LOVE) and the add-in of so many characters as well as side stories, there was just too much thrown in to the kitchen sink and ended up distracting me. For some reason I was not able to connect with Helen this time around either. I'm not sure if it was the dominatrix story coming across as a stretch or just the amount of other characters I had to focus on. I did connect with Charlie, but Helen felt flat to me.
There are just too many great police procedural series out there, and I think it's time for me to move on as I have had some issues with the earlier books as well.
It's been a fun ride. Maybe I will check back down the road to see how it all ends for Helen. But most likely not...
My thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2023
Vingiuoti tie mano santykiai su M.J. Arlidge ir jo Helena Greis. Vienos jos bylos labai šiaip sau, kitos - super smagiai skaitosi. Ši buvo viena iš jų. Patiko, kad veiksmas vyniojosi super greit, patiko, kad vykdomi nusikaltimai originalūs ir tikrai šiurpinantys, patiko, kad asmeninių tyrėjų gyvenimo aprašymų buvo, bet ne per daug.
Sautamptoną ima siaubti padegėjas. Bet ne šiaip šiukšliadėžes uždegantis, o pleškinantis iš esmės: per vieną naktį tris milžiniški gaisrai pasiglemžią gyvybių. Tyrimas parodo, jog nusikaltimas buvo atliktas profesionaliai, apskaičiuotai ir tikintis maksimalios žalos. Deja, jokių užuominų kieno tai galėtų būti darbas nėra. Ir nors atrodo, kad per kelias valandas padegt kelis milžiniškus namus ir dingt nepastebėtam yra neįmanoma, arba tiesiog blogiwčiui laimė nusišypsojo, bet jis smogia ir antrą kartą. Vėl keli milžiniški gaisrai, vėl sudegę žmonės ir jų gyvenimai.
Išskirtinis M.J. Arlidge bruožas - trumpi, koncentruoti knygos skyriai. Grynai, ilgiausias skyrelis jo knygose kokių trijų puslapių būna :D Ir kone kiekvienas baigiasi užuomina į kažką mįslingo, tai tu nori nenori sau sakai „nu dar vieną skyrių" ir taip vienu ypu perskaitai visą knygą. Man taip ir buvo. Juolab, kad ši tikrai labai patiko: pabaigos nenuspėjau, įtampa išlaikyta iki galo, motyvai nusikaltėlio įtikinami, o ir prie atsakymų rašytojas vedė labai painiodamas ir vis apgaudamas. Kol kas ši ir „Juoda širdis" - labiausiai patikusios autoriaus knygos.
Sautamptoną ima siaubti padegėjas. Bet ne šiaip šiukšliadėžes uždegantis, o pleškinantis iš esmės: per vieną naktį tris milžiniški gaisrai pasiglemžią gyvybių. Tyrimas parodo, jog nusikaltimas buvo atliktas profesionaliai, apskaičiuotai ir tikintis maksimalios žalos. Deja, jokių užuominų kieno tai galėtų būti darbas nėra. Ir nors atrodo, kad per kelias valandas padegt kelis milžiniškus namus ir dingt nepastebėtam yra neįmanoma, arba tiesiog blogiwčiui laimė nusišypsojo, bet jis smogia ir antrą kartą. Vėl keli milžiniški gaisrai, vėl sudegę žmonės ir jų gyvenimai.
Išskirtinis M.J. Arlidge bruožas - trumpi, koncentruoti knygos skyriai. Grynai, ilgiausias skyrelis jo knygose kokių trijų puslapių būna :D Ir kone kiekvienas baigiasi užuomina į kažką mįslingo, tai tu nori nenori sau sakai „nu dar vieną skyrių" ir taip vienu ypu perskaitai visą knygą. Man taip ir buvo. Juolab, kad ši tikrai labai patiko: pabaigos nenuspėjau, įtampa išlaikyta iki galo, motyvai nusikaltėlio įtikinami, o ir prie atsakymų rašytojas vedė labai painiodamas ir vis apgaudamas. Kol kas ši ir „Juoda širdis" - labiausiai patikusios autoriaus knygos.
October 14, 2017
DI Helen Grace are chasing a serial arsonist in this book who has already claimed some lives in six fires during a 24-hour period. There seems to be no connection or common motives between these fires. Helen Grace and her team have to run against time to catch the arsonist before more innocent lives are claimed.
This is the fourth book in the DI Helen Grace series and is as good as the other three. It is a fast-paced thriller with lots of twists and turns with a complete surprise as to who the main culprit was. A compelling read and a great addition to the series.
Many thanks to a Berkley Publishing Group, Goodreads giveaway & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
This is the fourth book in the DI Helen Grace series and is as good as the other three. It is a fast-paced thriller with lots of twists and turns with a complete surprise as to who the main culprit was. A compelling read and a great addition to the series.
Many thanks to a Berkley Publishing Group, Goodreads giveaway & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 2, 2016
If you haven’t read any of the Helen Grace stories, you are missing out on a terrific series! Although a series, each one can be read as a stand-alone, although I always recommend that they be read in order.
DI Grace is such a complicated character, but that is what makes her so intriguing. I have seen her grow since the first book, and even though there are still issues that she deals with, she’s coming to terms about what her life is like now and what she envisions in the future. She’s making friends.. something she’s never allowed herself before.
Six fires over a 24-hour period. People have died horrible deaths. More have been burnt and/or injured in other ways. With no connecting threads and no known motives, Grace and her team are beside themselves.
Panic is rising among the citizens of this community and families of the victims are screaming for justice.
When they finally locate a possible witness, she swears it was one of their own …. One of their own firefighters. But can the witness be trusted? Grace understands how precariously her job rests on handling this as delicately as possible.
It’s a race to the end to prevent any more fires or lose any more lives.
The ending was a surprise … I absolutely did not see that coming. And there is a sub-ending …something that relates very personally to Grace. It’s almost creepy.
5 Stars for the book, 5 Stars for the series.
Many thanks to the author / Berkley Publishing Group / NetGalley / First To Read who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
DI Grace is such a complicated character, but that is what makes her so intriguing. I have seen her grow since the first book, and even though there are still issues that she deals with, she’s coming to terms about what her life is like now and what she envisions in the future. She’s making friends.. something she’s never allowed herself before.
Six fires over a 24-hour period. People have died horrible deaths. More have been burnt and/or injured in other ways. With no connecting threads and no known motives, Grace and her team are beside themselves.
Panic is rising among the citizens of this community and families of the victims are screaming for justice.
When they finally locate a possible witness, she swears it was one of their own …. One of their own firefighters. But can the witness be trusted? Grace understands how precariously her job rests on handling this as delicately as possible.
It’s a race to the end to prevent any more fires or lose any more lives.
The ending was a surprise … I absolutely did not see that coming. And there is a sub-ending …something that relates very personally to Grace. It’s almost creepy.
5 Stars for the book, 5 Stars for the series.
Many thanks to the author / Berkley Publishing Group / NetGalley / First To Read who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
April 3, 2019
Another great book In this series,Helen grace and Charlie on the case of someone starting fires theres not alot of connection between the fires its ends with murder of a innocent family members. looking forward to the next book.
December 12, 2019
I have always loved this series but I can't say this was my favorite. It seemed that the investigation aspect was missing a beat somewhere. They found the suspect that was responsible but then released him (???) What's up with that? He not only had set 4 or more fires where 2 people had died, but he also had tried to kill a police officer when she came to bring him in for questioning. The attack on the police officer alone should have been enough to hold him even if they didn't have enough yet to hold him for the fires. This is not a bad story by any means...just not on the same level with the last three.
March 17, 2025
Dacă ai urmărit până acum seria Helen Grace, știi deja la ce să te aștepți: un thriller alert, crime șocante și o protagonistă cu un trecut tulburător. Cu toate acestea, “Ghici care-i mincinosul” mi s-a părut mai slab față de volumele anterioare, mai ales din cauza faptului că autorul pare să repete anumite elemente narative, fără să aducă ceva cu adevărat nou.
Intriga se desfășoară rapid, iar stilul de scriere rămâne la fel de dinamic, dar tensiunea nu mai atinge aceleași cote ca în primele cărți. Helen continuă să fie un personaj complex, însă relațiile dintre personaje par mai puțin dezvoltate, iar unele momente care ar fi trebuit să fie dramatice nu reușesc să aibă același impact emoțional.
Deși povestea nu este la fel de captivantă ca în primele volume, cartea rămâne o lectură plăcută pentru fanii seriei. Totuși, dacă ai citit celelalte romane, vei observa că Arlidge începe să recicleze anumite teme și conflicte, ceea ce poate reduce din surpriză și suspans. Cu toate acestea, voi continua să citesc seria, în speranța că următoarele volume vor recăpăta prospețimea și complexitatea pe care le-am apreciat la început.
Intriga se desfășoară rapid, iar stilul de scriere rămâne la fel de dinamic, dar tensiunea nu mai atinge aceleași cote ca în primele cărți. Helen continuă să fie un personaj complex, însă relațiile dintre personaje par mai puțin dezvoltate, iar unele momente care ar fi trebuit să fie dramatice nu reușesc să aibă același impact emoțional.
Deși povestea nu este la fel de captivantă ca în primele volume, cartea rămâne o lectură plăcută pentru fanii seriei. Totuși, dacă ai citit celelalte romane, vei observa că Arlidge începe să recicleze anumite teme și conflicte, ceea ce poate reduce din surpriză și suspans. Cu toate acestea, voi continua să citesc seria, în speranța că următoarele volume vor recăpăta prospețimea și complexitatea pe care le-am apreciat la început.
January 24, 2018
Recenzia completă: http://bit.ly/2n9o3hF
„Întunericul îţi poate fi prieten bun.”
Seriile poliţiste au câteva elemente comune: o echipă de investigatori, civili curajoşi şi încăpăţânaţi, cu teorii extravagante sau de domeniul fantasticului, care testează răbdarea forţelor de ordine, criminali în serie, legaţi prin sânge sau prin împrejurări misterioase de o parte din „eroi”, un factor politic (mai mult sau mai puţin dezvoltat) şi o atmosferă sumbră, întunecată, care învăluie acţiunea până la final, până la deznodământul mult aşteptat.
Din fericire, doar M. J. Arlidge o are de partea lui pe inspectoarea Helen Grace. Ştiu că toate personajele sunt unice şi deosebite, în felul lor, dar, după ce citeşti zeci de serii, observi un model specific, acel páttern care îţi produce o senzaţie puternică de déjà vu. Începi să intuieşti identitatea criminalului şi legăturile dintre victime, eşti mai atent la detalii, recunoşti otrăvuri şi metode de tortură, indicii-cheie şi „semnăturile” ucigaşilor.
Intuiţia nu scade din plăcerea lecturii, cât timp stilul autorului rămâne unul incitant, cursiv şi alert. Arlidge mereu te va îndruma pe piste false şi va ţine în umbră o parte din suspecţi, trişând fără ruşine în jocul psihologic ce se formează între autor şi cititor, dar îi vei ierta „scăpările”. De ce? Pentru că el a creat-o pe Helen Grace, care mă impresionează şi mă uimeşte în egală măsură, cu fiecare roman citit.
„Întunericul îţi poate fi prieten bun.”
Seriile poliţiste au câteva elemente comune: o echipă de investigatori, civili curajoşi şi încăpăţânaţi, cu teorii extravagante sau de domeniul fantasticului, care testează răbdarea forţelor de ordine, criminali în serie, legaţi prin sânge sau prin împrejurări misterioase de o parte din „eroi”, un factor politic (mai mult sau mai puţin dezvoltat) şi o atmosferă sumbră, întunecată, care învăluie acţiunea până la final, până la deznodământul mult aşteptat.
Din fericire, doar M. J. Arlidge o are de partea lui pe inspectoarea Helen Grace. Ştiu că toate personajele sunt unice şi deosebite, în felul lor, dar, după ce citeşti zeci de serii, observi un model specific, acel páttern care îţi produce o senzaţie puternică de déjà vu. Începi să intuieşti identitatea criminalului şi legăturile dintre victime, eşti mai atent la detalii, recunoşti otrăvuri şi metode de tortură, indicii-cheie şi „semnăturile” ucigaşilor.
Intuiţia nu scade din plăcerea lecturii, cât timp stilul autorului rămâne unul incitant, cursiv şi alert. Arlidge mereu te va îndruma pe piste false şi va ţine în umbră o parte din suspecţi, trişând fără ruşine în jocul psihologic ce se formează între autor şi cititor, dar îi vei ierta „scăpările”. De ce? Pentru că el a creat-o pe Helen Grace, care mă impresionează şi mă uimeşte în egală măsură, cu fiecare roman citit.
December 29, 2024
A história está bem construída e consegue levar-nos a suspeitar da pessoa errada, mas, até agora, este é o volume mais fraco da série.
Estou curiosa quanto ao destino de algumas personagens, como a jornalista, que é uma verdadeira pedra no sapato da Helen.
#CrimeNaNeve
February 20, 2018
Un bărbat traversează drumul spre casă, copleșit de oboseală și de sorința de a se odihni. Aproape că simți nevoia de a te odihni alături de el. Dar de unde să știe că nu va mai avea niciodată posibilitatea de a se odihni și de a se bucura de casa și familia sa? Când singura problemă este ruta pe care să ajungă mai repede acasă, nici nu bănuiește infernul în care se află propria sa familie.
Doar când ajunge în preajma casei vede flăcările care i-au cuprins casa și el este neputincios… focul este prea mare pentru a putea urca la etaj, unde știe că se aflau soția și cei doi copii ai săi. Dintre ei, doar băiatul se salvează, căci sare de la etaj, rămând cu fracturi severe și o vinovăție profundă, căci i-a fost prea teamă să își caute mama și sora și a ales să sară.
Recenzia mea completa este aici http://www.cititornecunoscut.ro/2018/...
Doar când ajunge în preajma casei vede flăcările care i-au cuprins casa și el este neputincios… focul este prea mare pentru a putea urca la etaj, unde știe că se aflau soția și cei doi copii ai săi. Dintre ei, doar băiatul se salvează, căci sare de la etaj, rămând cu fracturi severe și o vinovăție profundă, căci i-a fost prea teamă să își caute mama și sora și a ales să sară.
Recenzia mea completa este aici http://www.cititornecunoscut.ro/2018/...
May 15, 2017
The Helen Grace series by M.J. Arlidge is a series that never fails to impress and entertain. Every book I have read so far has been great and this one is not an exception. In this, book four, must Helen Grace and her colleagues stop an arsonist that is apparently randomly burning down buildings. But, could it be that there is some kind of plan, or is it just a crazy person that likes to burn down buildings?
The book is a page-turner. My favorite kind of page-turner with intensive short chapters that make you want to read just one more chapter and suddenly have you read half the book. After finishing the book can't I help but think that all this could have been avoided. That all the people that died in this book died because of some people's selfnesses. it's so tragic and it's also hard to write about the book's story since I don't want to spoil the book, so I will just say that Liar Liar is a really good book.
I honestly couldn't figure out who was behind it all, until at the last minute when I started to suspect one person. But, even after that did Arlidge surprise me with an intriguing twist to the story. I like Helen Grace, Charlie and the rest of the team very much and I like how human they all seem with flaws. Helen is very impulsive and I do feel that she is a bit self-destructive.
This has become a favorite series of mine and I love the way M.J. Arlidge write the books. Just don't do what I did and read book two before book one that spoils a bit of the "fun" of reading book one. Trust me, read the book in order.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
The book is a page-turner. My favorite kind of page-turner with intensive short chapters that make you want to read just one more chapter and suddenly have you read half the book. After finishing the book can't I help but think that all this could have been avoided. That all the people that died in this book died because of some people's selfnesses. it's so tragic and it's also hard to write about the book's story since I don't want to spoil the book, so I will just say that Liar Liar is a really good book.
I honestly couldn't figure out who was behind it all, until at the last minute when I started to suspect one person. But, even after that did Arlidge surprise me with an intriguing twist to the story. I like Helen Grace, Charlie and the rest of the team very much and I like how human they all seem with flaws. Helen is very impulsive and I do feel that she is a bit self-destructive.
This has become a favorite series of mine and I love the way M.J. Arlidge write the books. Just don't do what I did and read book two before book one that spoils a bit of the "fun" of reading book one. Trust me, read the book in order.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
May 26, 2016
3.5/5 for this one. As I mentioned before, this case wasn't as compelling to me as the case in the last book. That being said, Arlidge still writes a seriously addictive thriller!!! And the last ~100 pages of this book really were outstanding - it just seemed to me like there was some excess at the beginning. No matter what, I absolutely LOVE Helen Grace. She's such an awesome lady. Full review to come on CBTB!
March 3, 2025
De fiecare dată când citesc o carte din seria Helen Grace, rămân surprinsă. Seria asta pare ca devine din ce în ce mai bună și mai complexă. În acest volum avem de-a face cu un piroman care incendiază case, cu un scop bine ascuns și misterios.
Capitolele sunt scurte iar ritmul e foarte alert, ca de obicei. Nu te lasa sa te plictisesti, iar viata personajelor este și ea complexa, interesantă și misterioasă. Au apărut și personaje noi, iar Charlie revine în forță. Aflăm mult mai multe detalii despre vieților lor private, iar ancheta este întortocheată și minuțioasă. Mi-a plăcut mai mult decât volumul 3 din punct de vedere al acțiunii.
Pare ca păstrează unele tipare, cel puțin cu ucigașii, și chiar sper să se schimbe asta în următoarele volume, pentru ca la un moment dat devine previzibil și plictisitor. Abia aștept să citesc următorul volum! Am citit cartea cu @floryreads și ne-a plăcut sa dezbatem împreună și să încercăm găsirea criminalului.🤭
Capitolele sunt scurte iar ritmul e foarte alert, ca de obicei. Nu te lasa sa te plictisesti, iar viata personajelor este și ea complexa, interesantă și misterioasă. Au apărut și personaje noi, iar Charlie revine în forță. Aflăm mult mai multe detalii despre vieților lor private, iar ancheta este întortocheată și minuțioasă. Mi-a plăcut mai mult decât volumul 3 din punct de vedere al acțiunii.
Pare ca păstrează unele tipare, cel puțin cu ucigașii, și chiar sper să se schimbe asta în următoarele volume, pentru ca la un moment dat devine previzibil și plictisitor. Abia aștept să citesc următorul volum! Am citit cartea cu @floryreads și ne-a plăcut sa dezbatem împreună și să încercăm găsirea criminalului.🤭
November 3, 2016
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Oh, Mr. Arlidge, you have done it once again. The fourth installment of this series is better than the first three. It was filled with twists and turns and kept me guessing until the shocking end.
DI Grace is developing quite nicely. She's such a badass copper but has a soft center for her friends and the victims of the crimes. Helen is definitely someone I would want to have on my side in any kind of trouble that may pop up.
There are a few more books in this series that I need to read but I am looking forward to seeing where they take me on this wonderful journey. I can't wait to see what DI Grace is up to in the coming books.
I recommend this series to anyone who likes police procedurals.
Oh, Mr. Arlidge, you have done it once again. The fourth installment of this series is better than the first three. It was filled with twists and turns and kept me guessing until the shocking end.
DI Grace is developing quite nicely. She's such a badass copper but has a soft center for her friends and the victims of the crimes. Helen is definitely someone I would want to have on my side in any kind of trouble that may pop up.
There are a few more books in this series that I need to read but I am looking forward to seeing where they take me on this wonderful journey. I can't wait to see what DI Grace is up to in the coming books.
I recommend this series to anyone who likes police procedurals.
September 27, 2021
Nu e nicio surpriză să dau 5 stele la alt roman semnat Arlidge 😁
A fost mai bun decât mă așteptam, ca de obicei :))
Am avut iar parte de un criminal interesant.. nu am ghicit nimic (nici n am încercat, știu ca nu trebuie să am încredere în ce îmi zice autorul)
A fost alertă, intensă, tristă, cu multe inside-uri la personajele noastre dragi, pe care deja le știam.
Mi-a plăcut și povestea criminalului daaar am apreciat cel mai mult puterea lui Helen. Este o scenă în care efectiv face accident dar she keep goings😭💪🏻 She is awesome like that.
Nici nu mai zic de final. Wow, wow. De abia astept sa ma apuc de 5 hehe😁
Dacă nu ați început încă seria asta, ce faceti???
P.s. Încă nu au revenit viermii.
A fost mai bun decât mă așteptam, ca de obicei :))
Am avut iar parte de un criminal interesant.. nu am ghicit nimic (nici n am încercat, știu ca nu trebuie să am încredere în ce îmi zice autorul)
A fost alertă, intensă, tristă, cu multe inside-uri la personajele noastre dragi, pe care deja le știam.
Mi-a plăcut și povestea criminalului daaar am apreciat cel mai mult puterea lui Helen. Este o scenă în care efectiv face accident dar she keep goings😭💪🏻 She is awesome like that.
Nici nu mai zic de final. Wow, wow. De abia astept sa ma apuc de 5 hehe😁
Dacă nu ați început încă seria asta, ce faceti???
P.s. Încă nu au revenit viermii.
February 7, 2018
Ghici care-i mincinosul este al patrulea volum din seria Helen Grace. Credeam că am avut timp să mă obișnuiesc cu răufăcătorii și cu tensiunea până acum, dar autorul reușește să mă surprindă și să mă determine să strâng din pumni de fiecare dată. Tensiune, suspans, cruzime, criminali în serie, polițiști corupți, o inspectoare care ascunde multe secrete, presa – a patra putere din stat, pe scurt, un cocktail. Unul menit să te mențină alert și prizonier în lumea construită de Arlidge.
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