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DI Gus McGuire #5
Unspoken Truths
DI Gus McGuire and his team navigate a complex web of intrigue, espionage, and murder. In Bradford, Manchester and on Saddleworth Moor, Gus will be pushed to his physical and psychological limits.
First, a train between Manchester and Bradford is deliberately derailed by a vehicle carrying drugs, then a woman’s tortured body is discovered in Keighley. But when Gus’ brother-in-law goes missing, the investigation becomes personal.
As he battles against the storms of the Beast from the East, Gus must uncover the links between the crimes. as well as the reason behind the disappearance of his brother in law. With the body count increasing, Gus sets his team loose on the Dark Web but how will Gus react when he discovers that things are not as they seem?
Meanwhile, DS Alice Cooper faces extreme danger in prison and, as the evidence mounts against her, Gus and his team’s loyalties are pushed to the limit.
Can Gus stop the blueprint for a deadly bioweapon from falling into the wrong hands? Can he solve a series of murders and track down a psychotic killer?
Never before has Gus faced a test as demanding as this….
Also available in the DI Gus McGuire Series:Unquiet Souls
Uncoiled Lies
Untainted Blood
Uncommon Cruelty
- GenresCrime
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2018
44 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Liz Mistry
23 books193 followersBorn 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 14, 2018
Unspoken Truths is the fifth book in the DI Gus McGuire series and would personally recommend that you at least have read the fourth book before starting this one.
What an opening to a story! A crime book you expect it to be quite dark but this is the authors darkest book yet. The chapters to do with poor Alice in prison were very hard hitting. I had to take my hat off to her for how strong she is even though you can see that her treatment in there is breaking her. It was quite heart wrenching to read it.
Even Gus in this one I was feeling quite sorry for. He has a lot on his plate as it is for things to just get even more complicated. He just seems to be getting hit from every side and life certainly doesn't seem to be getting any easier for him.
I love how the author sets the story along side the beast from the east which gives the story an added coldness as you feel the temperature literally dropping as well as it making things more difficult for the team.
Unspoken Truths is a dark and gripping thriller that will chill you to the core. I think fans are going to love this darker side to the author as there is plenty of shocks and surprises in store, not just for Gus but us readers also. A brilliant crime thriller!
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
What an opening to a story! A crime book you expect it to be quite dark but this is the authors darkest book yet. The chapters to do with poor Alice in prison were very hard hitting. I had to take my hat off to her for how strong she is even though you can see that her treatment in there is breaking her. It was quite heart wrenching to read it.
Even Gus in this one I was feeling quite sorry for. He has a lot on his plate as it is for things to just get even more complicated. He just seems to be getting hit from every side and life certainly doesn't seem to be getting any easier for him.
I love how the author sets the story along side the beast from the east which gives the story an added coldness as you feel the temperature literally dropping as well as it making things more difficult for the team.
Unspoken Truths is a dark and gripping thriller that will chill you to the core. I think fans are going to love this darker side to the author as there is plenty of shocks and surprises in store, not just for Gus but us readers also. A brilliant crime thriller!
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 11, 2019
I can't remember the details, it was a while ago but I've been keeping some notes. My one word summary for this was - taut. It was tautly plotted and utterly, I mean utterly riveting. This is a gem of a series that has not been as widely read as it could have been. I have read all five books but some reviews seem to be missing. Ah well I'm still in catch up mode they may turn up in the process. But do yourselves a favour and check this series out. It would be best to start at the beginning as the character development is ongoing. Cheers.
October 30, 2018
DI Gus McGuire seems really out on his own in a lot of this story. He has lost faith in his friends, the system and himself. I don't blame him either as there is one word that describes what every rotten sod has done to him. He has been betrayed every which way he turns, from friends to colleagues to family. He could have a pity party but there is no-one left to turn up to that. To top it all the horrendous weather is not just the icing on the cake but on everything else including every form of transport too. The Beast of the East has arrived and has no intension of moving on. The only safe place is in doors, unless that is prison.
DS Alice Cooper had been set up and locked up but that wasn't good enough for someone on the outside. Just because she couldn't get out didn't mean that someone else couldn't get at her. Whoa, I still tingle at the thought of it. There is such a feel of pure isolation and abandonment, yes she has friends on the outside but even the best of them have doubts about her. With bent screws and everyone wanting a piece of the copper, any copper, it leaves her with very few options.
This is a truly awesome series that is hard-hitting with its down to the bare knuckle realities that hold no punches, to the banter that makes me chuckle. This is a huge spiders web of many stories which involve corruption, espionage and the dark web with Gus sat at the centre not knowing what to tackle first. This will test him personally more than anything that has happened before and with so many shocks, it will leave him and the team different people when it all ends.
DS Alice Cooper had been set up and locked up but that wasn't good enough for someone on the outside. Just because she couldn't get out didn't mean that someone else couldn't get at her. Whoa, I still tingle at the thought of it. There is such a feel of pure isolation and abandonment, yes she has friends on the outside but even the best of them have doubts about her. With bent screws and everyone wanting a piece of the copper, any copper, it leaves her with very few options.
This is a truly awesome series that is hard-hitting with its down to the bare knuckle realities that hold no punches, to the banter that makes me chuckle. This is a huge spiders web of many stories which involve corruption, espionage and the dark web with Gus sat at the centre not knowing what to tackle first. This will test him personally more than anything that has happened before and with so many shocks, it will leave him and the team different people when it all ends.
October 31, 2018
Ever since I finished book four in the series; UNCOMMON CRUELTY – I knew I HAD to read what happens next!
A great start for me as this book picks up directly after events in the previous book and we are placed right in the centre of ‘The Beast from the East’ which was a very real and deadly snow storm that made it’s way over to England earlier this year. Living so close to where the story is set in Bradford, Liz transported me straight into the action and gave me the same chills I remember!
There are two incidents at the start of this book which pave the way for the story and work perfectly alongside each other. Firstly we delve deeper into Alice’s time in prison and it’s a pretty grim to say the least. Outside factors are playing a part in her suffering and it’s written in such a way that makes the reader uncomfortable, without it being ‘in your face’ and over the top for the sake of the shock factor. Secondly we have the derailment of the train. An incident which opens up a box of scandal, conspiracy and secrets which shocks Gus and his team as they scramble for answers. Both incidents have their place in this book and with the pacing a crime thriller deserves, the reader is taken on a hell of a ride!
Although this book stands on its own as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the previous books in the series. I feel I’m continuing to connect with these characters as their stories progress and I worry whether I’d feel the same going into this book blind.
That said…bring on the next book please! I shall be sat waiting impatiently 🙂
** All reviews over on the P.Turners Book Blog page **
A great start for me as this book picks up directly after events in the previous book and we are placed right in the centre of ‘The Beast from the East’ which was a very real and deadly snow storm that made it’s way over to England earlier this year. Living so close to where the story is set in Bradford, Liz transported me straight into the action and gave me the same chills I remember!
There are two incidents at the start of this book which pave the way for the story and work perfectly alongside each other. Firstly we delve deeper into Alice’s time in prison and it’s a pretty grim to say the least. Outside factors are playing a part in her suffering and it’s written in such a way that makes the reader uncomfortable, without it being ‘in your face’ and over the top for the sake of the shock factor. Secondly we have the derailment of the train. An incident which opens up a box of scandal, conspiracy and secrets which shocks Gus and his team as they scramble for answers. Both incidents have their place in this book and with the pacing a crime thriller deserves, the reader is taken on a hell of a ride!
Although this book stands on its own as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the previous books in the series. I feel I’m continuing to connect with these characters as their stories progress and I worry whether I’d feel the same going into this book blind.
That said…bring on the next book please! I shall be sat waiting impatiently 🙂
** All reviews over on the P.Turners Book Blog page **
October 29, 2018
A tense and gripping thriller
From the first few pages of the book I was plunged into the cold, bleak winter that brought with it the Beast from the East and due to the storytellers skill, I felt the pinch of the bitter winds and the soggy, snow sodden clothes that cling to the skin of the detectives trying to track a killer. I know the area in the book well and it was described so vividly I often felt I was there, on the bleak moors or trudging the city streets. And then there is the story, clever, intricate and at times brutal, that sucked me in to the lives of every character, good and bad. I loved the way they all entwined, and as the story unfolded so did the mystery.
If you are looking for a tense and gripping thriller to see you through the winter nights - this is the one for you.
From the first few pages of the book I was plunged into the cold, bleak winter that brought with it the Beast from the East and due to the storytellers skill, I felt the pinch of the bitter winds and the soggy, snow sodden clothes that cling to the skin of the detectives trying to track a killer. I know the area in the book well and it was described so vividly I often felt I was there, on the bleak moors or trudging the city streets. And then there is the story, clever, intricate and at times brutal, that sucked me in to the lives of every character, good and bad. I loved the way they all entwined, and as the story unfolded so did the mystery.
If you are looking for a tense and gripping thriller to see you through the winter nights - this is the one for you.
October 30, 2018
So this is the fifth in the DI Gus McGuire series I would highly recommend you read the previous book Uncommon Cruelty because there were huge revelations at the end of the book, the fall out carrying over to this one.
Wow I genuinely think this is the most thrilling book in the series so far! There is so much packed into this book! Train crashes, torture, espionage and one of the worst snow storms in British history. Add to that, the fact I’m still reeling from the last book with the loss of one of Gus’s team and the arrest and incarceration of DS Alice Cooper on charges of corruption.
Before I carry on, I will warn those who prefer their crime a little on the lighter side, this may not be the book for you, it’s dark and unflinchingly brutal at times but personally I couldn’t put it down.
Poor Alice really has a rough ride in this book, being threatened, attacked and even Gus losing his faith in her, will she ever clear her name? The only person who shows any faith in her is Compo, the techie geek of Gus’s team who we find out a bit more about and really comes into his own as a character, I feel anyway, as he dives into the dark web to save his friend.
Gus doesn’t fare much better though, not only is he feeling increasingly guilty over Alice, issues from his past crop up in the form of his ex wife Gabriella, who’s brother Daniel goes missing after his fiancée his found dead.
The inclusion of the Beast from the East gave the book that extra air of authenticity which I’ve come to expect from Liz Mistry’s books, creating this almost desolate and dangerous landscape, adding to the tension of the novel.
Unspoken Truths is a brilliant piece of crime fiction which is unflinchingly brutal at times with so many twists and turns that will have you gripped from beginning to end.
Wow I genuinely think this is the most thrilling book in the series so far! There is so much packed into this book! Train crashes, torture, espionage and one of the worst snow storms in British history. Add to that, the fact I’m still reeling from the last book with the loss of one of Gus’s team and the arrest and incarceration of DS Alice Cooper on charges of corruption.
Before I carry on, I will warn those who prefer their crime a little on the lighter side, this may not be the book for you, it’s dark and unflinchingly brutal at times but personally I couldn’t put it down.
Poor Alice really has a rough ride in this book, being threatened, attacked and even Gus losing his faith in her, will she ever clear her name? The only person who shows any faith in her is Compo, the techie geek of Gus’s team who we find out a bit more about and really comes into his own as a character, I feel anyway, as he dives into the dark web to save his friend.
Gus doesn’t fare much better though, not only is he feeling increasingly guilty over Alice, issues from his past crop up in the form of his ex wife Gabriella, who’s brother Daniel goes missing after his fiancée his found dead.
The inclusion of the Beast from the East gave the book that extra air of authenticity which I’ve come to expect from Liz Mistry’s books, creating this almost desolate and dangerous landscape, adding to the tension of the novel.
Unspoken Truths is a brilliant piece of crime fiction which is unflinchingly brutal at times with so many twists and turns that will have you gripped from beginning to end.
October 29, 2018
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I thought that this book was excellent!!
I love this series and I think that this is the best book released in the series to date – it has a brilliant start and it doesn’t stop the pace until the very end!
I loved the suspense and the build up towards the cracking ending! The characters in the book are ones I have come to know and love and I enjoyed how the author has really pushed Gus with this one!
The plot was gripping and the story was a real page turner. I had to know how it would all end and I flew through the book – definitely five stars from me – very highly recommended!!
This is the fifth book in the series and I think to get the most out of this one you do need to have read the previous book, and if you are looking to read the whole series, they do need to be done in order so you don’t get any spoilers – and I would wholly recommend the full series as it is one of my favourites about at the moment!!
I thought that this book was excellent!!
I love this series and I think that this is the best book released in the series to date – it has a brilliant start and it doesn’t stop the pace until the very end!
I loved the suspense and the build up towards the cracking ending! The characters in the book are ones I have come to know and love and I enjoyed how the author has really pushed Gus with this one!
The plot was gripping and the story was a real page turner. I had to know how it would all end and I flew through the book – definitely five stars from me – very highly recommended!!
This is the fifth book in the series and I think to get the most out of this one you do need to have read the previous book, and if you are looking to read the whole series, they do need to be done in order so you don’t get any spoilers – and I would wholly recommend the full series as it is one of my favourites about at the moment!!
November 17, 2019
I loved all this series. The author isn’t afraid to tackle hard subjects and does it without mincing her words. The only downer is the increasing number of spelling and grammatical errors the further through the series you get e.g. Gus seems to live on Marriners Drive and Mariners Drive.
October 29, 2018
Liz Mistry is another author new to me and I thank Bloodhound Books for adding me to the blog blitz for this book. And while it is number five in the series, I was able to read the book without feeling that the others should be read before this one.
Those of us new to the series are introduced to DI Gus Maguire and his team based in Bradford in the north of the UK.
The story quickly moves between Bradford and Manchester, and Nicosia, Cyprus
One of the team, DS Alice Cooper is imprisoned and set upon and badly injured by a group of inmates acting on instructions from Sean Kennedy her nemesis.
Meantime a rural train is deliberately derailed by a car carrying a trunk full of drugs and when a woman's body is found brutally tortured Gus realises that he knows the woman. She is the fiancee of his brother-in-law and incidentally, the brother-in-law is missing. Added to the problems faced by this police team, is the Beast from the East, a deadly winter storm that disrupts everything.
This is a fast-paced novel with a deadly bioweapon being fought over by Romanians, Turks and who knows who else; the body count is mounting and Gus must try to sort out the truth before anyone else is killed, or the weapon is sold to the highest bidder.
I was totally involved with this story. The characters are all believable and well rounded and though there are many of them, it is easy to keep abreast of who is doing what and with whom. The fact that I hadn't read the earlier books in the series was really of no hindrance once I started to read.
I can recommend this book without hesitation, and I thank Bloodhound Books for the opportunity of reading and reviewing it. I'm now off to read some of the others in the series.
Those of us new to the series are introduced to DI Gus Maguire and his team based in Bradford in the north of the UK.
The story quickly moves between Bradford and Manchester, and Nicosia, Cyprus
One of the team, DS Alice Cooper is imprisoned and set upon and badly injured by a group of inmates acting on instructions from Sean Kennedy her nemesis.
Meantime a rural train is deliberately derailed by a car carrying a trunk full of drugs and when a woman's body is found brutally tortured Gus realises that he knows the woman. She is the fiancee of his brother-in-law and incidentally, the brother-in-law is missing. Added to the problems faced by this police team, is the Beast from the East, a deadly winter storm that disrupts everything.
This is a fast-paced novel with a deadly bioweapon being fought over by Romanians, Turks and who knows who else; the body count is mounting and Gus must try to sort out the truth before anyone else is killed, or the weapon is sold to the highest bidder.
I was totally involved with this story. The characters are all believable and well rounded and though there are many of them, it is easy to keep abreast of who is doing what and with whom. The fact that I hadn't read the earlier books in the series was really of no hindrance once I started to read.
I can recommend this book without hesitation, and I thank Bloodhound Books for the opportunity of reading and reviewing it. I'm now off to read some of the others in the series.
October 15, 2018
This is the 5th book in this fantastic series and I am so glad that I started from book one in 2016, I would highly recommend starting from the beginning as there is so much personal and team history packed into each book that you would suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) if you don’t, but each book is such a treat anyway.
Unspoken Truths was quite an emotional roller-coaster for me with DS Alice Cooper still in prison and the awful hardships she is facing, never easy for a copper to be in prison and for Alice, there are some on the outside determined to make her life on the inside as horrendous as possible.
As with each DI Gus McGuire novel there is a terrifying and realistic truth to the story and Unspoken Truths is no different. Dark, thrilling and chilling and you will keep turning the pages to the end
I have loved every book I have read by Liz Mistry and each one is an exciting page turner that keeps me up reading till late at night. Another 5* gem that I highly recommend.
Unspoken Truths was quite an emotional roller-coaster for me with DS Alice Cooper still in prison and the awful hardships she is facing, never easy for a copper to be in prison and for Alice, there are some on the outside determined to make her life on the inside as horrendous as possible.
As with each DI Gus McGuire novel there is a terrifying and realistic truth to the story and Unspoken Truths is no different. Dark, thrilling and chilling and you will keep turning the pages to the end
I have loved every book I have read by Liz Mistry and each one is an exciting page turner that keeps me up reading till late at night. Another 5* gem that I highly recommend.
October 30, 2018
I have a huge confession to make – yes another one. I should have my own confession box at this rate. Anyway back to the point. Although I have all of Liz’s books on my Kindle, I haven’t actually read one of them yet. Blimey oh riley after finishing reading ‘Unspoken Truths’, I now realise just what I have been missing and I can guarantee that the rest of Liz’s books will not be on ‘to be read’ pile for much longer. I absolutely blooming well loved reading ‘Unspoken Truths’ but more about that in a bit.
I couldn’t help but take to Detective Inspector Gus McGuire from the start and I even found myself developing a soft spot for him. He is a career police officer, who has recently been through what sounds like one hell of a traumatic event. I think that he is suffering from PTSD, although he would never admit it. Gus also suffers with stress, anxiety and panic attacks. In a way I empathised with him over his mental health problems because I suffer in the same way. Gus gets on well with most of his team and they are fiercely loyal to him. In the end he sees his team as an extended branch of his family tree and Gus’s mother has taken them under her wing. Gus tries to be a good friend and partner but sometimes his work does take over and he neglects those he loves the most. I definitely think that he needs to look at his work life balance again. Gus is a great detective and if something doesn’t seem quite right to him, he will investigate the matter further until that particular itch has been scratched so to speak. Gus tries to be supportive towards Alice, who is a police officer currently incarcerated in one of Her Majesty’s Prisons but she is proving to be extremely uncooperative and she won’t engage with him, which frustrates him tremendously. Gus soon has another case to take his mind off things but even this case has ramifications for Gus.
Oh my giddy aunt, this was one hell of a rollercoaster ride of a read. The story begins in a way that will remain fresh in my mind for a heck of a long time to come. In fact certain parts of that particular chapter made me wince somewhat. I don’t want to type too much about what happens as I would hate to spoil the book for anybody. The story hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. There were times when I had to stop reading for a moment to get my breath back and allow my heart to settle down a bit. I was addicted to reading ‘Unspoken Truths’ from the first sentence onwards. As soon as I began to read, I just knew that this was one of those books that I would not be able to put down. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not in this case because I was able to shut out all other distractions and keep my focus solely on the book. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hands but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to put the book down and if I did have to put the book down, then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up. The further I got into the book, the quicker the pages were turning. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that the page numbers blurred into one and it seemed to take next to no time to finish the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong, I was pleased to finish the book because I knew how this particular story ended but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the cases and the characters so much that I wanted the book to continue. Reading ‘Unspoken Truths’ felt very much like riding on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. There were certain moments that almost had me hiding behind a cushion or reading through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next.
‘Unspoken Truths’ can be read as a standalone. There are a fair few references to past events and I think that it would be beneficial to read the series in full and in numerical order to learn about what happened previously.
In short I bloody well loved reading ‘Unspoken Truths’ even if certain parts made me wince. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. I can’t wait to see what Liz comes up with next. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. Not to worry because whilst I wait I will content myself with reading the previous four books of the series. I can’t wait to dive in. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I couldn’t help but take to Detective Inspector Gus McGuire from the start and I even found myself developing a soft spot for him. He is a career police officer, who has recently been through what sounds like one hell of a traumatic event. I think that he is suffering from PTSD, although he would never admit it. Gus also suffers with stress, anxiety and panic attacks. In a way I empathised with him over his mental health problems because I suffer in the same way. Gus gets on well with most of his team and they are fiercely loyal to him. In the end he sees his team as an extended branch of his family tree and Gus’s mother has taken them under her wing. Gus tries to be a good friend and partner but sometimes his work does take over and he neglects those he loves the most. I definitely think that he needs to look at his work life balance again. Gus is a great detective and if something doesn’t seem quite right to him, he will investigate the matter further until that particular itch has been scratched so to speak. Gus tries to be supportive towards Alice, who is a police officer currently incarcerated in one of Her Majesty’s Prisons but she is proving to be extremely uncooperative and she won’t engage with him, which frustrates him tremendously. Gus soon has another case to take his mind off things but even this case has ramifications for Gus.
Oh my giddy aunt, this was one hell of a rollercoaster ride of a read. The story begins in a way that will remain fresh in my mind for a heck of a long time to come. In fact certain parts of that particular chapter made me wince somewhat. I don’t want to type too much about what happens as I would hate to spoil the book for anybody. The story hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. There were times when I had to stop reading for a moment to get my breath back and allow my heart to settle down a bit. I was addicted to reading ‘Unspoken Truths’ from the first sentence onwards. As soon as I began to read, I just knew that this was one of those books that I would not be able to put down. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat but not in this case because I was able to shut out all other distractions and keep my focus solely on the book. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hands but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to put the book down and if I did have to put the book down, then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up. The further I got into the book, the quicker the pages were turning. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that the page numbers blurred into one and it seemed to take next to no time to finish the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong, I was pleased to finish the book because I knew how this particular story ended but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the cases and the characters so much that I wanted the book to continue. Reading ‘Unspoken Truths’ felt very much like riding on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. There were certain moments that almost had me hiding behind a cushion or reading through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next.
‘Unspoken Truths’ can be read as a standalone. There are a fair few references to past events and I think that it would be beneficial to read the series in full and in numerical order to learn about what happened previously.
In short I bloody well loved reading ‘Unspoken Truths’ even if certain parts made me wince. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. I can’t wait to see what Liz comes up with next. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. Not to worry because whilst I wait I will content myself with reading the previous four books of the series. I can’t wait to dive in. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
October 30, 2018
My Five Star review of Liz Mistry’s Unspoken Truths published by Bloodhound Books 29th October 2018
How fortuitous for the author that on the very day of publication, the temperature in and around Bradford plunged to minus four, black ice was in proliferance, the weather conditions very similar to those of the Beast from the East to which the book refers. The perfect setting in which to read about the dark web of mystery and heinous crimes which DI Gus McGuire faces in his fifth outing in the series.
Gus is both wary and determined in equal measure, guiding his team (minus Alice, who is in her own hell for the duration of the book) to put a halt to ongoing terror and save the lives of innocent people. Liz Mistry tells it like it is with no holds barred. There is dark humour, reminiscent to me of scenes in the film ‘East is East’,part of the unspoken truths of the title. On the other side of the coin is the darker side of Bradford, normally unseen by the casual visitor, with references to certain streets and areas which have often featured in real life news stories, which adds to the overall bleakness for me. For example, the innocent -sounding Richmond Court is enough to send shock waves through anyone who keeps up to date with crime news stories.
In a post-industrial Bradford seeking to retain the values of differing cultures whilst attempting to move forward to enjoy the diverse opportunities on offer despite the continuing War On Terror, can good triumph over evil?
Wrap up well, take a deep breath and enjoy the journey through Northern Noir of the highest quality. You won’t be disappointed. 
How fortuitous for the author that on the very day of publication, the temperature in and around Bradford plunged to minus four, black ice was in proliferance, the weather conditions very similar to those of the Beast from the East to which the book refers. The perfect setting in which to read about the dark web of mystery and heinous crimes which DI Gus McGuire faces in his fifth outing in the series.
Gus is both wary and determined in equal measure, guiding his team (minus Alice, who is in her own hell for the duration of the book) to put a halt to ongoing terror and save the lives of innocent people. Liz Mistry tells it like it is with no holds barred. There is dark humour, reminiscent to me of scenes in the film ‘East is East’,part of the unspoken truths of the title. On the other side of the coin is the darker side of Bradford, normally unseen by the casual visitor, with references to certain streets and areas which have often featured in real life news stories, which adds to the overall bleakness for me. For example, the innocent -sounding Richmond Court is enough to send shock waves through anyone who keeps up to date with crime news stories.
In a post-industrial Bradford seeking to retain the values of differing cultures whilst attempting to move forward to enjoy the diverse opportunities on offer despite the continuing War On Terror, can good triumph over evil?
Wrap up well, take a deep breath and enjoy the journey through Northern Noir of the highest quality. You won’t be disappointed. 
December 29, 2018
Wow. Liz Mistry has used the weather conditions of last winter to great effect in this tense and wide ranging novel. As a reader I could not only feel the coldness of the season but could also share Gus's frustrations at the way in which the weather hampered his investigations.
I also enjoyed the congruity of the different investigations running at the same time, it's no spoiler to say that some of those investigations prove to be linked as the synopsis tells us that.
As usual Gus is painted as entirely human with all of his strengths and frailties. Unfortunately, in this instance it is his weaknesses which predominate, putting not only himself but also his colleagues in dangerous situations. It is amazing at times that his team stand by him given the perils of being around him. They are however, not afraid to tell him what they think of him and he is not too proud to take it. Gus may be the "face" of this story but the real hero comes in the unlikely form of Compo.
I had to go back to the previous book to remind myself of why Alice is in prison, but be warned, you need a strong stomach to read what comes next.
As the story progresses, the author knits all the strands into a complex tale of intrigue, deception and revenge, and although we think we know who the bad guys are, we are only seeing the top of the tapestry whereas the whole story lies in the tangle of the underside. Be prepared for some surprises.
Another warning: Caveat Emptor - buyer beware, these stories are seriously addictive!
April 19, 2019
I just had to start this straight after finishing book 4, Uncommon Cruelty, although it was a pretty brutal opening section.
After that, we have a scene in a train. It was very nicely done and turned out rather differently from other scenes with trains about which I've read recently. That was a nice change. it is good to see expectations played with - again, just like the earlier book.
The story rapidly develops lots of different aspects, including social events involving Gus, not just work assignments. There is a storyline about the eldest daughter of Gus's friend, Mo, and that is intriguing. Just like real life, some things develop quickly; others more slowly. Through the middle of the story winds the bleak situation of one of the characters and it feels as if it can never be resolved. And, the great storm of 2018, dubbed The Beast from the East, is a key character with its bad weather getting in the way of the investigation as well as in the way of the criminals.
By the end, the different agencies are sharing the spoils. The storm leaves an anti-climax, which feels realistic because it provides a sense of life continuing. I should perhaps be concerned about how the dark web is used but if criminals are going to use it shouldn't the police? I was glad that some evidence was found in a lawyer's office, which corroborated what had been found.
I enjoyed the book very much and it didn't flag ever. I think this is the best one so far. And, having it set during the Beast of the East, which I remember even though it wasn't that bad in London, was very good.
After that, we have a scene in a train. It was very nicely done and turned out rather differently from other scenes with trains about which I've read recently. That was a nice change. it is good to see expectations played with - again, just like the earlier book.
The story rapidly develops lots of different aspects, including social events involving Gus, not just work assignments. There is a storyline about the eldest daughter of Gus's friend, Mo, and that is intriguing. Just like real life, some things develop quickly; others more slowly. Through the middle of the story winds the bleak situation of one of the characters and it feels as if it can never be resolved. And, the great storm of 2018, dubbed The Beast from the East, is a key character with its bad weather getting in the way of the investigation as well as in the way of the criminals.
By the end, the different agencies are sharing the spoils. The storm leaves an anti-climax, which feels realistic because it provides a sense of life continuing. I should perhaps be concerned about how the dark web is used but if criminals are going to use it shouldn't the police? I was glad that some evidence was found in a lawyer's office, which corroborated what had been found.
I enjoyed the book very much and it didn't flag ever. I think this is the best one so far. And, having it set during the Beast of the East, which I remember even though it wasn't that bad in London, was very good.
February 9, 2019
I reached the end of this book this afternoon, and all I could say was wow! This is such a cleverly crafted story, which quickly draws the reader in. When I started reading it I thought there were quite a few things going on and perhaps, it was going to be quite complex, but it rapidly becomes apparent that there is a much bigger picture and everything is linked, at this point I found it hard to put the book down and had a few late nights!
Set during 'the beast from the east' a bad snowstorm, this book is number 5 in the series. It starts with the police investigating the derailing of a train by a car full of drugs left on a level crossing. Next there is the murder of a woman. As Gus starts to investigate, he discovers everything is not as it seems. Hampered by the cold and falling snow outside Gus and his team have to have all of their wits about them and delve deep to find out what is going on.
I have not read the previous books in the series but I did not find that this affected my enjoyment of this one, although it would of been good to know a bit more about the characters, this can easily be read as a standalone. This is a great book which I really enjoyed!
Set during 'the beast from the east' a bad snowstorm, this book is number 5 in the series. It starts with the police investigating the derailing of a train by a car full of drugs left on a level crossing. Next there is the murder of a woman. As Gus starts to investigate, he discovers everything is not as it seems. Hampered by the cold and falling snow outside Gus and his team have to have all of their wits about them and delve deep to find out what is going on.
I have not read the previous books in the series but I did not find that this affected my enjoyment of this one, although it would of been good to know a bit more about the characters, this can easily be read as a standalone. This is a great book which I really enjoyed!
August 10, 2019
unspoken truths more like repetitive truth
so here goes. how many times does the author have to repeat that the couple of days show we had was "the beast from the east" it drove me mad 😠 use a thesaurus there are millions of says to describe a snowstorm. she didn't need to remind us of the name of it every other sentence. it's monotonous and patronising. tell us once or twice and obviously we will remember. we aren't illiterate or we would not be reading the book. another repetitive sentence throughout her books is the word dreads. I have hundreds of black friends and the call it their hair. or another word is locks. why do you think they say dreads constantly? if she said it once she said it a million times. "he run his hands through his dreads" boring and generalizing sentence. I'm not sure I will bother with anymore of her books as it really bothered me the repetitive language she used throughout. why her editor didn't pick up on this I don't know. the stories are ok if you can get past these problems but I think it's too amateur for.me.
so here goes. how many times does the author have to repeat that the couple of days show we had was "the beast from the east" it drove me mad 😠 use a thesaurus there are millions of says to describe a snowstorm. she didn't need to remind us of the name of it every other sentence. it's monotonous and patronising. tell us once or twice and obviously we will remember. we aren't illiterate or we would not be reading the book. another repetitive sentence throughout her books is the word dreads. I have hundreds of black friends and the call it their hair. or another word is locks. why do you think they say dreads constantly? if she said it once she said it a million times. "he run his hands through his dreads" boring and generalizing sentence. I'm not sure I will bother with anymore of her books as it really bothered me the repetitive language she used throughout. why her editor didn't pick up on this I don't know. the stories are ok if you can get past these problems but I think it's too amateur for.me.
July 21, 2019
The brutal and toe curling start to this book had me completely hooked. Poor DI Gus Mcguire has already been through the mill and with the recent death of a close and trusty colleague and the imprisonment of a dear friend and team member Alice Cooper, Gus is feeling the strain, yet more gruesome and soul breaking challenges await him. Things get a little too personal when he finds out about his ex brother-in-laws dealings on an on-going case. A remarkable story of murder, lies, drug dealing and espionage. Gus Mcguire was always sure he knew who to trust and who has his back, but Alice has a few surprises for him, and for the first time he begins to doubt himself. Compo, the team members amusing geeky techno genius excells himself with his computer wizardry and helps crack the case aswell as never giving up on Alice. A brilliant and intriguing plot (as always) with plenty of gore and heart racing moments with an emotional ending. A compelling read and a great series.
October 30, 2018
This is the 5th DCI Gus McGuire book I’ve read and I would recommend reading these in order, not only because they are a fantastic series and it would be a shame for you to miss out on any of the other books, but also because it does help with the back stories of the characters. We join the team in this book following on from the previous book Uncommon Cruelty.
Without giving too much away for those readers that haven’t read the previous books, we join Gus and his team as we come to terms with the loss of two team members for differing reasons.
They are sent to investigate a woman’s murder and find a tortured body. On investigating this it transpires that this could be connected to a train derailment between Manchester and Bradford. Are these two incidents connected? To add to the mix we also have Gus’s EX brother in law who has also goes missing. This means that he has to deal with his sister and his ex wife constantly harassing him as to what Gus is going to do to find him. Added to that and thrown into the mix of investigations they have to deal with the weather that was called “The Beast from The East”, a vicious story that caused chaos and mayhem to the roads and public transport system around the Manchester, Bradford and Saddleworth areas earlier on this year.
We follow the investigations and follow the procedures of a dark web search by the techie geek Compo, with the help of the newcomer Taffy.
It was good to read a Gus McGuire book set in and around Manchester including the train station Manchester Victoria where I travel to and from every week day, along with the remote are of Saddleworth Moors that is not far from my house. This made it even more enjoyable for me as I love books set in and around the areas I know so well.
We also follow Alice Cooper and what is happening to her since the ending of the previous book, some of the descriptions that were used made me wince through the thought of what was happening and the pain that Alice was going through.
It was a different story this time following Gus and the remaining members of his team as they conducted the investigation, and also a little bit more of the back story regarding Alice and her early career before joining Gus. Lots of twists and turns in the book and enough of a mystery to be able to keep you guessing as you were reading.
All in all I found this to be an enjoyable book and found that the majority of the loose ends were tied up nicely. It was nice to see more of Compo and Taffy working together and shows that this could be a nice partnership should they be given the opportunity to work together again.
I am looking forward already to the next book.
Without giving too much away for those readers that haven’t read the previous books, we join Gus and his team as we come to terms with the loss of two team members for differing reasons.
They are sent to investigate a woman’s murder and find a tortured body. On investigating this it transpires that this could be connected to a train derailment between Manchester and Bradford. Are these two incidents connected? To add to the mix we also have Gus’s EX brother in law who has also goes missing. This means that he has to deal with his sister and his ex wife constantly harassing him as to what Gus is going to do to find him. Added to that and thrown into the mix of investigations they have to deal with the weather that was called “The Beast from The East”, a vicious story that caused chaos and mayhem to the roads and public transport system around the Manchester, Bradford and Saddleworth areas earlier on this year.
We follow the investigations and follow the procedures of a dark web search by the techie geek Compo, with the help of the newcomer Taffy.
It was good to read a Gus McGuire book set in and around Manchester including the train station Manchester Victoria where I travel to and from every week day, along with the remote are of Saddleworth Moors that is not far from my house. This made it even more enjoyable for me as I love books set in and around the areas I know so well.
We also follow Alice Cooper and what is happening to her since the ending of the previous book, some of the descriptions that were used made me wince through the thought of what was happening and the pain that Alice was going through.
It was a different story this time following Gus and the remaining members of his team as they conducted the investigation, and also a little bit more of the back story regarding Alice and her early career before joining Gus. Lots of twists and turns in the book and enough of a mystery to be able to keep you guessing as you were reading.
All in all I found this to be an enjoyable book and found that the majority of the loose ends were tied up nicely. It was nice to see more of Compo and Taffy working together and shows that this could be a nice partnership should they be given the opportunity to work together again.
I am looking forward already to the next book.
October 26, 2018
I have followed DI Gus McGuire and his team from the start and book 5 is, in my opinion, the best yet. It is fast paced, cleverly plotted and will keep you up long into the night.
One of the true delights of this book is the atmospheric portrayal of the weather, which becomes almost like a nemesis itself as Gus and the team try and uncover the truth behind a murder close to home. The investigation is thwarted at every turn by the Beast from the East.
Alice, meanwhile, is facing her own hell in prison and is pushed beyond breaking point. The authentic characterisation of the team and the doubts surrounding Alice’s innocence are diligently interwoven within the narrative.
All in all, another outstanding instalment from a very talented author. 5*
One of the true delights of this book is the atmospheric portrayal of the weather, which becomes almost like a nemesis itself as Gus and the team try and uncover the truth behind a murder close to home. The investigation is thwarted at every turn by the Beast from the East.
Alice, meanwhile, is facing her own hell in prison and is pushed beyond breaking point. The authentic characterisation of the team and the doubts surrounding Alice’s innocence are diligently interwoven within the narrative.
All in all, another outstanding instalment from a very talented author. 5*
November 12, 2018
This is the latest in the DI Gus McGuire series. As always, Liz Mistry's characters pop off the page with lively dialogue and a familiarity that makes you root for them.
The novel is well-plotted, with the Beast from the East - the blizzards which hit the UK earlier this year - featuring strongly. Feel the snow on your face and hear the wind howl as Gus and co try are tasked with piecing together the complex web surrounding the murders which have taken place in the Bradford area.
Meanwhile, Alice, my favourite character, is tested to the limit and has to overcome the most horrendous events while she's in prison.
All in all, a gripping read; strong in plot twists, characterisation and setting. Not for the faint-hearted - you have been warned!
The novel is well-plotted, with the Beast from the East - the blizzards which hit the UK earlier this year - featuring strongly. Feel the snow on your face and hear the wind howl as Gus and co try are tasked with piecing together the complex web surrounding the murders which have taken place in the Bradford area.
Meanwhile, Alice, my favourite character, is tested to the limit and has to overcome the most horrendous events while she's in prison.
All in all, a gripping read; strong in plot twists, characterisation and setting. Not for the faint-hearted - you have been warned!
November 25, 2018
Well what can I say, I loved this book, it is intense, thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is cringing in places and can make you want to be sick, especially if you have read the preceding books and have come to love the characters and what they stand for and what they have achieved within the boundaries of the writers imagination.
If you have never read any of Liz Mistry books about Gus then I would advice reading in order, although you dont need to really, because the writer mades good about telling the previous stories within the present tale as she goes along. I just personally think that you should read them all in order to get more into the series.
Highly recommended.
If you have never read any of Liz Mistry books about Gus then I would advice reading in order, although you dont need to really, because the writer mades good about telling the previous stories within the present tale as she goes along. I just personally think that you should read them all in order to get more into the series.
Highly recommended.
January 4, 2019
This is the 5th DI Gus McGuire and I found it thrilling. The characters are great and developing well.
He has to face a chain of goings on from a planned train wreck, a tortured woman whose body is found in Keighley, the disappearance of his brother in law and espionage.
The weather situation is dire, because of the Beast from the East as it has made travelling almost impossible.
With DS Alice Cooper, still in prison, is now in danger.
All of these things are what DI Gus McGuire faces, but it makes for very exciting reading. Roll on book 6.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
He has to face a chain of goings on from a planned train wreck, a tortured woman whose body is found in Keighley, the disappearance of his brother in law and espionage.
The weather situation is dire, because of the Beast from the East as it has made travelling almost impossible.
With DS Alice Cooper, still in prison, is now in danger.
All of these things are what DI Gus McGuire faces, but it makes for very exciting reading. Roll on book 6.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
October 29, 2018
Captivating Characters and Breath-taking Brutality
Liz Mistry weaves her magic once again. Unspoken Truths is my personal favourite in the Gus McGuire series, taking Gus out of Bradford and into the world of terrorism. This case pushes Gus to his limits allowing his fascinating team to shine.
She creates exciting subplots that captivate. Alice, Compo, Taffy … I can’t remember ever reading a novel where I’ve been so emotionally invested in such a wide range of characters.
Liz Mistry is a storyteller par excellence with characters who breathe life - the sheer brutality at times can take your breath away.
Liz Mistry weaves her magic once again. Unspoken Truths is my personal favourite in the Gus McGuire series, taking Gus out of Bradford and into the world of terrorism. This case pushes Gus to his limits allowing his fascinating team to shine.
She creates exciting subplots that captivate. Alice, Compo, Taffy … I can’t remember ever reading a novel where I’ve been so emotionally invested in such a wide range of characters.
Liz Mistry is a storyteller par excellence with characters who breathe life - the sheer brutality at times can take your breath away.
October 29, 2018
Another fabulous and gripping novel from e very talented Liz! I have really enjoyed all 4 of the previous novels with Gus McGuire cracking some very interesting cases in the city of Bradford. Each one has had its own appeal and this was no exception. Lots of twists and turns in the plot, lots of emotion making the end a bitter sweet experience - bitter because there is no more to read and sweet for obvious reasons.
I think this is the best one of the series yet adding new experiences for Gus and for the reader.
You will not want to put it down!
I think this is the best one of the series yet adding new experiences for Gus and for the reader.
You will not want to put it down!
June 13, 2019
Don't you just love it when you find a new book and you love it and then you realise it's part of a series and there's more already out there, just waiting for you to read them? I feel like I've been on an epic adventure with Gus and his team and I love the setting, and the characters, and I love the multi-culturalism, which feels really natural and not forced like it does in some books.
They're great stories - engaging, believable and well-written. Was really sad to get to the end of the last one. What will I do now? Have that slightly bereft feeling...
They're great stories - engaging, believable and well-written. Was really sad to get to the end of the last one. What will I do now? Have that slightly bereft feeling...
October 22, 2018
Another fantastic addition to the DCI Gus maguire series, things are hotting up for several of the characters and the details of the crime are fascinating to. I love reading this series the characters are so vivid that they really draw you in. The city of Bradford itself also shines in all its realism, and it incorporates recent events such as the beast from the east. A solid 5* read for me and I really need to read the next book now for my Mo update.
October 29, 2018
Unspoken Truths is book 5 in the outstanding DI Gus McGuire series. Gus is pushed to the limits in this investigation. He becomes involved in an investigation of murder, missing persons and espionage. Plus, the anguish and worry over a team member.
A nail biting read as Gus is faced with danger. A great investigation team A brilliant plot with shocks at every turn. An excellent thrilling read with humour and emotion interspersed. Can't wait for book 6,
A nail biting read as Gus is faced with danger. A great investigation team A brilliant plot with shocks at every turn. An excellent thrilling read with humour and emotion interspersed. Can't wait for book 6,
November 7, 2018
This series, which has always been good, has reached new heights with the fifth instalment, Unspoken Truths. Liz Mistry is a tremendous writer, and this book, set against a backdrop of the Beast From The East, grips the reader from the very first moment. Gus McGuire is a fascinating cop and he is faced not only with tricky crimes to solve and the worst of the English climate but with the lives of his close colleagues. Already waiting for book 6!
December 9, 2018
I didn’t think this series could get any better, I am delighted to have been proven wrong! This story is very dark and extremely gritty. The way the author writes this story has made me go through many emotions from anger to fear to utter despair and then little nuggets of humour - just brilliantly written. It’s great to have Gus and the team back and Compo is outstanding in this story, it’s great to see him have such a big part & get to see more of his character. Looking forward to reading more in this wonderful series. I highly recommend this book.
March 1, 2019
The Best Yet
I have laughed, had heart palpitations, and cried through this book... a LOT of crying. Alice's plight broke my heart, and each chapter I read about her seemed to end with tears. This book put me through the emotional wringer. Mistry's writing has an unmatched way of pulling you in and wringing you out. I read the first 5 books in this series back to back and am sad to be done. I hope there is a number 6 in the making. I'll be waiting!!
I have laughed, had heart palpitations, and cried through this book... a LOT of crying. Alice's plight broke my heart, and each chapter I read about her seemed to end with tears. This book put me through the emotional wringer. Mistry's writing has an unmatched way of pulling you in and wringing you out. I read the first 5 books in this series back to back and am sad to be done. I hope there is a number 6 in the making. I'll be waiting!!
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