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DI Gus McGuire #2

Uncoiled Lies

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Looking for your new favourite crime mystery series ? Then discover the bestselling DI Gus McGuire cases today. DI Angus McGuire and the team are back and have their work cut out. Murdered prostitutes and a turf war between local gangsters takes the investigation into Bradford’s Immigrant communities where tensions run high. To make matters worse McGuire is juggling an illicit relationship with his boss’s daughter and has fraught family relations. Who is The Old Man? What is the link between three dead prostitutes and a long forgotten murder? Will McGuire and his team get the answers they want or is the uncomfortable truth much closer to home? Unquiet Souls Untainted Blood Uncommon Cruelty Unspoken Truths

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2019

116 people are currently reading
204 people want to read

About the author

Liz Mistry

23 books193 followers
Born in Scotland, Made in Bradford sums up Liz Mistry’s life. Liz uses her experiences of living and working in the inner city to flavour her writing. Her gritty crime fiction police procedural novels set in Bradford embrace the city she describes as ‘Warm, Rich and Fearless’ whilst exploring the darkness that lurks beneath.
Struggling with severe clinical depression and anxiety for a large number of years, Liz often includes mental health themes in her writing. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too.

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5 stars
538 (59%)
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272 (30%)
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66 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Owen Mullen.
Author 27 books192 followers
February 8, 2017
This author's previous book was well worth a read and I'm happy to report the second book is the same. Strong writing. Believable characters and a fast paced plot. No shortage of red herrings and some pretty unsavoury people - in short - just what I was looking for. Gripping is an overused word but for me this book certainly is.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,964 reviews231 followers
January 31, 2017
Uncoiled Lies is the second book following DI Angus (Gus) McGuire. As there is some mention of Gus and his past in this book I think it is advisable to read Unquiet Souls which is the first before reading this one.

I really enjoyed Unquiet Souls and have to admit I was slightly worried how the author would top such a great start to a new series. Well I had nothing to be worried about as not only did she top the first book she has totally smashed it with Uncoiled Lies.

I enjoyed catching up with Gus again. Especially his relationship with his mum and dad. As detective series’ go, I totally love the family bond that seems to never be apparent in a lot of books of the same genre. Think it makes this series stand out from the crowd that’s for sure.

Gus and the team are investigating a series of murders involving prostitutes. Investigating the murders opens a whole new can of worms that none of them could have ever envisioned with serious consequences.

Your heart can’t help but go out to Gus. He hasn’t had much luck in relationships. As much as him and Sadia make a great couple, the fact they are having to keep their relationship a secret due to Sadia’s dad being Gus’s boss, you just know that there are going to be fireworks.

The two story lines of the murders and the relationship between Gus and Sadia totally had me gripped. I was dying to know who was behind these murders and I certainly wasn’t disappointed when it all becomes clear. Through Sadia and Gus’s relationship it makes it very clear how in today’s world religion can make such a huge impact on our lives, and not always in the best way. It certainly makes relationships very taught for everyone involved.

Uncoiled Lies is just brilliant. The author manages to bring something different to the table through her books. She delivers everything I would expect from a crime novel and more. I was totally hooked from beginning to end. By the end she had me crying tears of laughter and joy. This is a book you really need to read for yourself to see just how great it is.

My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Profile Image for Sarah.
910 reviews
July 23, 2024
This is a new author for me; one to watch. I enjoyed this novel more than the first in the series (and maybe less than n° 3?).
Multi-cultural Bradford provides the backdrop for this fast paced detective thriller. I like the characters of Gus McGuire and the members of his team (except the evil racist, Brighton, obviously) so, even though it was rather dark for my taste, I shall look out for the next novel in the series.
Profile Image for Misfits farm.
2,095 reviews86 followers
January 28, 2017
I love the characters in this book. For me a book can have a wonderful story line but if the characters don’t come to life then neither does the book. Characters with life, humour, empathy and even a little pathos. This book has them in just the right amounts so that you “know” the main characters and a little of their background which gives more perspective into how they deal with things. Prostitutes are being murdered. Is there a dodgy “John” in the area or is it a turf war between the two rival pimps? When a third girl gets killed why is the M.O just slightly different? Can Sadia convince her father (who happens to be her boss’s boss) that her relationship is love and that he doesn’t need to sort her life for her? A gritty storyline, an excellent ending and very believable characters. A very well written book.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Profile Image for Pat.
2,310 reviews504 followers
October 16, 2017
4.5 stars. Clever, great characters, gripping.
Profile Image for Clair.
340 reviews
September 6, 2017
I absolutely loved Liz Mistry’s first book, Unquiet Souls so I was looking forward to reading the second instalment and it didn’t disappoint.

I recommend that you don’t embark on reading Uncoiled Lies until you have read Unquiet Souls as there are lots of references to past relationships and the investigation which was the foundation of book one.

Gus his team are investigating the murders of local prostitutes who work for rival gangsters. What appears to be a turf war opens up a massive can of worms which impacts the team’s investigations. The prologue indicates that there will be a historic reference to the story and this doesn’t take long to start to unravel.

Alongside the investigation, Gus is in a secret relationship with a member of his team who happens to also be his bosses daughter. Sadia is clearly in deep with Gus but they are having to keep their relationship a secret due to her father’s believes and their family culture.

Liz Mistry has tackled two very difficult storylines in one go with Uncoiled Lies, first we have the criminal underworld and prostitution as well as how different cultures and religions can imped who someone can fall in love with.

Uncoiled Lies is an extremely complex book, with lots of strands to the investigation which is handled brilliantly by the author. Once again, Liz Mistry has written a book full of twists and turns which grips right through to the very end.
886 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2018
Hats off to Liz Mistry for book two of the DI Gus Mcguire series. It is once again fast paced and very gritty and gruesome. I was unsure of Gus in the first book, a very lovable character and a great DI...but he has been through a lot....was he really ready to move on...has he got what it takes...well it seems he has, for now. You can not help but warm to the man and his team....well most of them. Such a great mixture of personalities all bouncing off each other. Keep the kettle full when you read this book...you will need the caffeine to calm your nerves. I have already moved on to book three - Untainted Blood...I just need to know!! Oh...and just for the record I want to adopt his parents. You will love them or hate them....
Profile Image for Dee Groocock.
1,419 reviews58 followers
October 21, 2018
I have to start by saying that Liz Mistry has done it again! This is the second book in the DI Gus McGuire series and I have been glued to it. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the main characters in this book. Great storytelling by the author, with some tense and powerful scenes that have left me wanting more. I highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Mary Johnson.
1,035 reviews17 followers
February 14, 2017

Another rollercoaster, action packed, murder Mistry! As enjoyable as book one with the known characters building nicely.

Yet again a fascinating insight into multi-cultural Britain that opens doors on those communities (ethnic and religious) that retain former roots for parents that are often challenged by their children's integration.

Ms Mistry manages to produce books that are not just cracking reads but also a social commentary on life.
Profile Image for Alexina.
476 reviews41 followers
February 2, 2017
Uncoiled lies is the second in the DI Gus McGuire series, and although is a great stand alone read, full benefit is given if you read Unquiet Souls first.
Uncoiled lies has layers, plots, sub plots and is mixed well with humour, humanity, diversity, greed, and this is a great balance for the reader of tension and enjoyment, even when reading the darker side of human nature.
Gus and his team are back and working on a case, which they are unsure is the work of a serial killer. To complicate matters Gus and Sadia are keeping secrets from Gus's boss who happens to be Sadia's father.
One of the strongest aspects of this series is Gus' relationship with his family, especially his parents, I love the dynamics this brings to the storylines, I would love to meet his father, he is one of my favourite characters ever.
As well as these complex life issues, Gus is faced with murders of prostitutes, the possibility of gang warfare.
Gus, really does have it all going on. As well as coping with Brighton, who is in training and looking to cause problems for all.
Liz brings Bradford to life within Uncoiled Lies, bringing up tension in many forms. For me it was a captivating read, and I felt so many emotions while reading this book. Family really was at the heart of this story, how we are influenced by them, religion, and who we are tied to by blood and how it affects our choices, or the paths we take in life.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews140 followers
January 16, 2017
Uncoilled Lies by Liz Mistry is a mystery and thriller read.
Murder. Love. Corruption.
DI Angus McGuire and the team are back and have their work cut out. 
Murdered prostitutes and a turf war between local gangsters takes the investigation into Bradford’s Immigrant communities where tensions run high.
To make matters worse McGuire is juggling an illicit relationship with his
boss’s daughter and has fraught family relations.
Who is The Old Man?
What is the link between three dead prostitutes and a long forgotten murder?
Will McGuire and his team get the answers they want or is the uncomfortable truth much closer to home?
Another fantastic read from Liz. I loved unquiet Souls so I knew this would be just as good. Loved Gus. He was my favourite character. I liked sadie too. Full of twists and plots. I do hope there is more to come. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Bloodhound books.
Profile Image for Between The Pages (Gemma M) .
1,360 reviews30 followers
February 4, 2017
I feel like I have been waiting forever for this book to arrive! Uncoiled Lies is the second book in the DI Gus Mcguire series, it can be read as a stand alone but I would urge you to read the first book before this one (Unquiet Souls) so you can familiarize yourself with the characters and the team! I absolutely loved Unquiet Souls so I had high expectations with this book and I was not disappointed at all. I loved it. I was hooked from the first page. Uncoiled Lies is a dark and descriptive crime thriller all readers will love, I promise you. When I opened this book I was greeted with all the familiar characters and the team again and it felt like reuniting with old friends! I have plenty of questions that need answering after reading this story and I hope Liz is busy writing a third book (fingers crossed) as I cannot wait already. A well deserved five stars from me and I would highly recommend this story to you all. Enjoy, I did.
Profile Image for Susan Hunter.
775 reviews
January 29, 2017
Amazing book. Liz Mistry's first book Unquiet Souls was a 5 star read for me, and here we have another, Uncoiled Lies. Absolutely fantastic character created in Gus McGuire. With a brilliant team supporting him. This police/crime thriller set in Bradford is a top notch read. Uncoiled Lies features disturbing elements, plus murders and lies, interspersed with sadness and humour. I highly recommend this book and the series.
Profile Image for Kerry Louise.
5 reviews
March 15, 2020
Excellent story couldn't put it down

The story line is brilliant and gripping. But the authors writing is shocking, words spelt wrong, grammar used in correctly. Some words used were not the right words e.g there and that. Had to keep going back to parts to 're read to make sense of it. Is he getting a new publisher of you have kne , hopefully the next book is better
Profile Image for Jackie Cain.
520 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2018
I found the beginning confusing with all the people introduced to the story. I also found the character of Sadia quite different from her portrayal in the first book. However, then I saw her in more work-related situations and she wasn't that much changed. What I'd seen to start with was Sadia in love so that made sense.

It took me a while to realise that the prologue might actually be a key to what is going on in the future. I noticed that the smell of petrol and smoke drifts through the book but the question is: what does it mean? And, what does it all mean for Sadia's father?

To a certain extent, the book is half very good with some really positive examples of people working together, listening to what people are saying and observing when they seem to clam up or to silence someone else. The interactions of the main team: Gus, Alice, Sadia, John Sampson, the prostitutes and even DSI Hussain and mostly shown in dramatisations and capture the complexity of human relationships. Just occasionally, Liz Mistry tells us what the characters are thinking and that is often repetitive. I don't think we need to be told that Gus is still sensitive on the subject of his ex-wife - just show him reacting when he sees her with her new partner driving away from their apartment complex opposite the police station.

It is the also excessive relating of thoughts that marks the very bad half of the book. It's almost as if she can't quite grasp the negative traits of her invented bad characters so she tries to get inside their minds, which is nasty, but also this slows the book down and could surely be shown to us more effectively. The Old Man's identity is pretty obvious to me but it could have been concealed longer by dramatising his "working" life more, in parallel to the scenes of the other Polish people. And, the Polish killer in fact is shown smiling at moments where only psychopaths would smile. I don't think we need the monologues.

I thought there were interesting parallels between Sadia, struggling with a controlling but loving father, and Serafina, the young Polish girl, with her controlling father. There are some big issues being tackled in the middle of this book - parental rights and family relationships; traditional roles and individual rights. Once again personal motivations are exposing the bad guys to discovery (revenge in the first book and lust and jealousy in this one.)

Overall, I thought it was a good book, perhaps not as honed as the first one and I find echoes of other writers in some of the plotting. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Jane Willis.
181 reviews14 followers
July 29, 2017
DI Gus McGuire is recovering from a difficult case that has left him prone to anxiety attacks, and is having an affair with one of his junior officers - one that needs to be kept very secret as her father is Gus's superior officer AND a devout Muslim who is determined that his daughter will marry within the faith. And his wife has left him - for his sister!
On top of all this it looks as if there is a serial killer on the loose in Bradford, when Gus has to investigate a series of violent murders of local prostitutes working for two rival bosses.
But somebody, somewhere is lying, and it is up to Gus to find out who and where in order to unravel the tangle of interconnected violent crimes.
A well written, fast moving book full of interest and intrigue, giving an insight into the rivalries and conventions of the Bradford underworld. I worked out relatively early in the book who was lying, but the nature of the lie and the truth it was concealing still came as a massive surprise to me.
Is the final sentence good news or bad? Is Gus's mother crying with happiness or sadness? I can't wait for the next book to appear so I can find out.
This is the second book in the series, which I accidentally read before the first, so I am looking forward to catching up on the first and finding out about the earlier case that caused Gus so much trauma.
Profile Image for Bev.
186 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2018
I would recommend reading book 1 before reading any of these books, despite being able to read any of these as standalones my personal opinion is to read them in order as you get to know the characters and how they develop and gel with each other.

This book centres around Gus investigating a series of murders involving prostitutes. At first glance could this be a turf war between two rival gangsters or is it?

The story also continues the side story of the relationship between Gus and Sadie.

I found this book a bit of a slow burner, not sure if this was due to the previous books I’d been reading or whether my reading time wasn’t long enough to be enable me to get hooked into the book quickly enough.

All in all an enjoyable read and the usual red herrings that Liz Mistry inserts into her books was there as normal. I found the twists and turns kept the book interesting and made me keep tapping the pages of my kind to finish the book.
Profile Image for Sandra Leivesley.
972 reviews17 followers
January 16, 2019
Gus and his team are back. This time they are investigating the deaths of several prostitutes in Bradford.

Although this book could be read as a standalone, it is probably best to read the first book in the series, Unquiet Souls. As before this is a cracking police procedural with believable characters. How can anyone not like Gus? I love the relationship he has with his parents and couldn’t help giggling while reading about the Sunday lunch hosted by them. This time there was romance for Gus with Sadia, but there are difficulties because of Sadia’s religion. And there is a new member of the team, the very unlikeable Brighton.

The storyline about murdered prostitutes and gang turf wars is very gritty with lots of different strands which all come together at the end. And oh that last line! Now I really do NEED to read book 3 immediately!

Profile Image for Dave Bate.
153 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2018
To be honest the second book didn’t disappoint, so pleased as sometimes the first book in a series, (albeit a mini one), proves difficult to surpass. I do enjoy this character of DI McGuire and his team of what on the outside appear to be misfits, a lanky streak, a goth, the messiest eater in the world and his beautiful Pakistani girlfriend. Another good storyline but a little easier on the mind, the first one was child trafficking, a difficult subject to deal with, this one is simply about dead prostitutes!
Does Alice Cooper, the goth, die or will she be resurrected in hopefully a third DI Mc novel. Come on Liz let us know. Enjoy.
782 reviews26 followers
January 25, 2017
Having read Liz Mistry's excellent debut Unquiet Souls, I was delighted to receive an ARC of her follow-up Uncoiled Lies courtesy of Bloodhound Books. If Unquiet Souls was a cracking start to the series about DI Gus Mc Guire, this is even better. Liz Mistry writes superbly and conveys a great sense of place, in this case Bradford, as well as great insight into the life and culture of Gus and his family. Although he has a certain amount of baggage, it is refreshing to encounter a detective who likes and respects his fellow officers. Superb!
Profile Image for Books 'n' All  Promotions.
844 reviews40 followers
February 3, 2017
Rating 4.9 stars. Read 12/01/2017-15/01/2017

This is book 2 in the Gus McGuire series and is every bit as gripping as book 1. Although it is stand-alone I would recommend reading book 1 first as it introduces the main characters in more depth.

The book starts with Sadia witnessing a woman burning to death it isn't until much further into the book that the significance of this is made clear and adds to the intrigue.

Sadia and Gus have begun a relationship between books 1 and 2 and is kept secret to prevent Sadia's Dad finding out. The corruption in the Police force is far reaching and with the prejudice thrown in it makes for a difficult time for Gus' team which is not helped by having Brighton added, to the team against Gus' wishes, by Hussain which affects the dynamics of the team.

While the story is not really unique Liz has made it her own by introducing curve balls and very unique, and sometimes disgusting, characters. With curve balls and false leads intermingled with team members trying to curry favour this is a roller coaster ride among the vice of Bradford with some very evil characters thrown into the mix and the ring leader being a total shock I just had to keep reading a little bit more.

Totally gripping and adrenaline pushing this is a brilliant read that I recommend to anyone who likes a good thriller.

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a free version of this book in return for an honest review.

#bloodhoundbooks #thriller #lizmistry #5stars #amreviewing

286 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2018
Although this was an entertaining read which kept me enthralled for hours, it was rather too predictable. I actually made a note less than halfway through naming the killer & the reason. Despite some reasonable attempts to deflect attention I was also able to identify other characters and their role in events a very long time before the denouement.

Even though too much was obvious to me, there was still enough in this story to keep it enjoyable and to hold my attention.
Profile Image for A.J. Griffiths-Jones.
Author 33 books72 followers
April 25, 2019
This second DI Gus McGuire is every bit as captivating as the first. A tangled case of turf wars, Eastern European infiltrators & murdered prostitutes has Gus & the team squeezing every resource to unravel the clues. Throw into the mix a cold case from years ago & you have a thrilling read that keeps you guessing throughout every chapter. Word of warning though, the last chapter in this book brought tears to my eyes & very few authors have the ability to do that. Stunning writing.
816 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2020
The second in this series , it held the attention and raised the blood pressure as did the first .
The characters are interesting and are evolving as the series progresses .
There were some unforeseen incidents in the book and some red herrings .
The plot was involved and well woven with many strands .
The subject matter was again rather unpleasant but dealt with in a way that was not distasteful .
An excellent book .
Profile Image for Annette.
918 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2017
I have read all three books in the series this being book 2, I am just a little bit late with my review. I loved this book, a great police procedural with lots of twist and turns. In my opinion it didn't quite come up to the 5* of the other two books. I do feel a bit mean giving it 4* but will make up for it with my review of the third book.
Profile Image for Andrew Lone.
275 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2017
This is a brilliant follow up to UNQUIET SOUL'S
Someone is trying to cause a turfwar on the gritty streets of Bradford with the murder of ladies of the night from the two gangs that rule shadie Bradford underworld
LIZ MISTRY brings back D.I Gus McGuire and his M.I.T back in this dark thriller in Bradford and can they figure it out before more blood his split
26 reviews
March 29, 2018
Great Storyline, book 2.

The rating given is for the overall storyline ,quality of the crimes involved. Having read book 1, I have found this a great follow up, providing a more in-depth analysis of the detective, his team and family and I loved both books.
Looking forward to future storylines with McGuire and his team. 😀
Profile Image for Stacey Harrell.
125 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2019
A Great Series

I love a good book that starts off running on page 1 and doesn't let up. However, I've learned to enjoy this series that starts off moderate, let's you marinate in the characters and their backgrounds, gradually connecting the dots faster and faster until you're racing toward the end. I am so glad I found this author and the DI Gus McGuire series!
Profile Image for M R B Davis.
709 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2021
An unexpected twist

McGuire gets personally and professionally involved in a series of murders and a few from many years previous. In resolving the tangled web of a immigrant felon and two local rivals he established the culprit in a past murder. The reader suspects the culprit , but an email to McGuire reveals the twist.
Profile Image for Senioreuge.
214 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2022
A bit worried about the state of the local police, second book into this series and a second senior officer falls foul to serious criminal misconduct. with of course the sword of Damocles hanging over another, while a further miscreant is loitering in the wings. All that said I may have a go at one more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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