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DS Imogen Grey #5
Truth or Die
Their darkest secrets won’t stay buried forever…
The butchered body of a professor is found in a private office of Exeter University. It is the first in a spate of horrific murders that shakes the city to its core.
Who would target a seemingly innocent man, and why? DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles turn to his students for answers, but their investigation turns up no leads. Someone must know more than they’re letting on…
As the body count rises, the police have to look into the past to uncover the person responsible before it’s too late.
But are they brave enough to face up to the truth?
The butchered body of a professor is found in a private office of Exeter University. It is the first in a spate of horrific murders that shakes the city to its core.
Who would target a seemingly innocent man, and why? DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles turn to his students for answers, but their investigation turns up no leads. Someone must know more than they’re letting on…
As the body count rises, the police have to look into the past to uncover the person responsible before it’s too late.
But are they brave enough to face up to the truth?
Unknown Binding
First published July 11, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
August 28, 2019
Complicity
I’ve been a fan of Katerina Diamond since her debut novel, The Teacher, but I believe Truth or Die is her most accomplished work to date. Katrina is not one to wilt away from graphic murder scenes and there’s plenty in this book along with a multi-layered plot that is full of surprises. Nothing is ever as it first seems and there is something deeper than the obvious murders that lurk in the background.
The personal relationship between Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles is developed in an enthralling thread in its own right. This is the fifth book in the series and to do the relationship justice it has taken 5 books to get them both to this particular point. They are extremely close friends that have a tenacious loyalty to each other stemming from lifesaving incidents and shared secrets. Could intimacy develop further or is the fear of losing each other as friends enough to force a distance on their feelings. This is a relationship that isn’t played casually by the author but with thought and careful emotional context.
When a University professor is found with his head brutally smashed in, our two detectives are drawn into another dark twisty criminal investigation. After another 3 University Professors are found brutally murdered and a number of students have died mysteriously from accidents or suicide, there is a disturbing realisation that they are all connected. There is something naggingly familiar with all murder scenes except one and when a message is passed to them saying
The plot is compelling and its complexity is perfectly pitched to keep you guessing while not getting too clever to lose you completely. This is a real talent from Katerina to achieve this level of entertainment, mystery and suspense.
I would highly recommend this book and I’d like to thank Katerina Diamond, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
I’ve been a fan of Katerina Diamond since her debut novel, The Teacher, but I believe Truth or Die is her most accomplished work to date. Katrina is not one to wilt away from graphic murder scenes and there’s plenty in this book along with a multi-layered plot that is full of surprises. Nothing is ever as it first seems and there is something deeper than the obvious murders that lurk in the background.
The personal relationship between Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles is developed in an enthralling thread in its own right. This is the fifth book in the series and to do the relationship justice it has taken 5 books to get them both to this particular point. They are extremely close friends that have a tenacious loyalty to each other stemming from lifesaving incidents and shared secrets. Could intimacy develop further or is the fear of losing each other as friends enough to force a distance on their feelings. This is a relationship that isn’t played casually by the author but with thought and careful emotional context.
When a University professor is found with his head brutally smashed in, our two detectives are drawn into another dark twisty criminal investigation. After another 3 University Professors are found brutally murdered and a number of students have died mysteriously from accidents or suicide, there is a disturbing realisation that they are all connected. There is something naggingly familiar with all murder scenes except one and when a message is passed to them saying
They deserved it. Three down, one to go. P.Imogen and Adrian know who is responsible for the murders of the Professors. They also know that with, P, it’s personal and calculated. The Professor-killer is someone they dealt with in earlier books of the series and they’re being asked a difficult question again. How far would you go to obtain justice against a merciless and cynical criminal network? Would you step aside and allow a serial killer to take them out? Imogen and Adrian acknowledge they must stop the killer but they also know that creeping underneath is a hidden, menacing group that is surreptitiously orchestrating a deadly criminal game.
The plot is compelling and its complexity is perfectly pitched to keep you guessing while not getting too clever to lose you completely. This is a real talent from Katerina to achieve this level of entertainment, mystery and suspense.
I would highly recommend this book and I’d like to thank Katerina Diamond, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
June 9, 2019
4.5
Well written, dark, gripping and fast-paced! Katerina Diamond never disappoints!
I love Imogen and Adrian, their chemistry and their ups and downs. I love the gruesomeness of the plot and its twists and turns. I love the fact I wasn’t able to guess the identity of the culprit till the end.
A university professor is brutally murdered in his own office. A student he had been sponsoring has committed suicide months before. Is there a connection between the two deaths? Why was the professor killed and why in such a hideous manner?
The police begin their diggings and questionings and when another professor is murdered at the same university, they realize the murders could have been committed by a serial killer and if they could find a connection between the victims, they would be able to unearth the motive and eventually identify the culprit.
Thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
Well written, dark, gripping and fast-paced! Katerina Diamond never disappoints!
I love Imogen and Adrian, their chemistry and their ups and downs. I love the gruesomeness of the plot and its twists and turns. I love the fact I wasn’t able to guess the identity of the culprit till the end.
A university professor is brutally murdered in his own office. A student he had been sponsoring has committed suicide months before. Is there a connection between the two deaths? Why was the professor killed and why in such a hideous manner?
The police begin their diggings and questionings and when another professor is murdered at the same university, they realize the murders could have been committed by a serial killer and if they could find a connection between the victims, they would be able to unearth the motive and eventually identify the culprit.
Thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
August 16, 2019
This was a great thriller. Detectives Adrian and Imogen will find themselves in a twisted game. How many they are in it? I found nice characters and a good plot. Thank you Netgalley for this nice book.
April 28, 2019
Katerina Diamond is one of my favourite authors and I was delighted to get a copy of her new book Truth Or Die, the fifth book featuring DS Imogen Grey & DS Adrian Miles.
A professor and been found brutally murdered at the university and several students have died in mysterious accidents. Imogen and Adrian are sent to investigate.
This book had me hooked from the first page. Another excellent thriller from this author. I can't wait for her next book.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A professor and been found brutally murdered at the university and several students have died in mysterious accidents. Imogen and Adrian are sent to investigate.
This book had me hooked from the first page. Another excellent thriller from this author. I can't wait for her next book.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2019
"sometimes the past comes back to kill you" Truth or Die is book 5 in the DS Imogen Grey series. While this can be read as a stand alone I would highly suggest you read the previous books to get the history of this team. As always Katerina Diamond has written a great police procedural with graphic murders and a complicated story. This time there is also a lot going on in the lives of the detectives. It is an enthralling read that I powered through wanting to see how it was going to end.
The bodies are piling up at Exeter University. Grey and Miles are called to the horrific scene of the murder of a professor in his rooms. He seems to be an innocent man, well liked and popular. Who would want him dead and why? And this is not the first - or last murder of people involved with the university. It is a race against time to stop the killer before the strike again.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
The bodies are piling up at Exeter University. Grey and Miles are called to the horrific scene of the murder of a professor in his rooms. He seems to be an innocent man, well liked and popular. Who would want him dead and why? And this is not the first - or last murder of people involved with the university. It is a race against time to stop the killer before the strike again.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
July 9, 2019
DS Grey & Miles #5
Dr Morris was found in his University office with his head bashed in. DA Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles have been sent to investigate. But they find no one willing to talk. There has been a series of deaths among the students and tutors. As the investigation progresses, they soon realise that there is a familiarity to the deaths.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I did not want to put down. This book is not for the faint hearted as its full of gore. There is also a lot going on in the book. It has plenty of twist and turns. I like the chemistry between Grey and Miles. I don't think this book can be read as a standalone as it makes references back to other books in this series. A very well written police procedural. I read this book in one sitting.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Katerina Diamond for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dr Morris was found in his University office with his head bashed in. DA Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles have been sent to investigate. But they find no one willing to talk. There has been a series of deaths among the students and tutors. As the investigation progresses, they soon realise that there is a familiarity to the deaths.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I did not want to put down. This book is not for the faint hearted as its full of gore. There is also a lot going on in the book. It has plenty of twist and turns. I like the chemistry between Grey and Miles. I don't think this book can be read as a standalone as it makes references back to other books in this series. A very well written police procedural. I read this book in one sitting.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Katerina Diamond for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2019
4 stars but with some reservations.
The book started well with a university student climbing Exeter Cathedral and filming himself doing so; after a while you realise that students are committing random acts and obviously the author being Katerina Diamond things rapidly become dark and twisty. I really like the premise of the book (won’t spoil!) and the storytelling is well paced going backwards and forwards from a few months prior to the usual mayhem in Exeter with Miles and Grey in the thick of it. Their friendship shines through the story and that is positive too. I am pleased that some previous characters that I like reappear in the story but as ever you are left at the end with a puzzle that may or may not be resolved in future books.
Now to the reservations. The end of the previous book left one character clinging to life and its barely mentioned in this one???? After the dramatic end in this one in which Miles is caught in a very dangerous, life threatening situation I feel the dialogue between Grey and him is casual to say the least and it didn’t feel right.
One the whole a good, dark read with the usual twists and turns.
The book started well with a university student climbing Exeter Cathedral and filming himself doing so; after a while you realise that students are committing random acts and obviously the author being Katerina Diamond things rapidly become dark and twisty. I really like the premise of the book (won’t spoil!) and the storytelling is well paced going backwards and forwards from a few months prior to the usual mayhem in Exeter with Miles and Grey in the thick of it. Their friendship shines through the story and that is positive too. I am pleased that some previous characters that I like reappear in the story but as ever you are left at the end with a puzzle that may or may not be resolved in future books.
Now to the reservations. The end of the previous book left one character clinging to life and its barely mentioned in this one???? After the dramatic end in this one in which Miles is caught in a very dangerous, life threatening situation I feel the dialogue between Grey and him is casual to say the least and it didn’t feel right.
One the whole a good, dark read with the usual twists and turns.
July 14, 2019
Review to come
February 7, 2022
"He hit the ground, his head cracking against the pavement. He was facing west and he could see his phone on the grass pointing up at the rose window. It wasn't even capturing this moment. He was dying and no one would even see it."
Absolutely loved this one from the very first page. I do love a "will they or won't they" romantic friendship, I admit I have a soft spot for those. It was great to see some characters from a previous book and seeing a continuation of their story.
Once again, a brilliant book.
Absolutely loved this one from the very first page. I do love a "will they or won't they" romantic friendship, I admit I have a soft spot for those. It was great to see some characters from a previous book and seeing a continuation of their story.
Once again, a brilliant book.
July 20, 2019
I do love this series but am a little out of sync – I’ve read all except for book 3 (The Angel) – we are now on book 5 and here the story appears to refer more to events which I’ve missed, although for anyone else who hasn’t read that one, or indeed other books, don’t worry – this one can be read on its own.
The story begins with a young student’s death and as you would expect from this author, the death toll never lets up! For those that like their crimes a little on the gory side, have no fear, your wish is catered for! The story centres around a university where an increasing amount of murder victims provides Grey and Miles with one of their most baffling and testing cases yet. In addition, Miles is personally implicated in a crime with potentially devastating consequences.
One thing I love about this pairing is the way the working relationship between the two detectives has grown over the series. They are both complex personalities and at their core are damaged, but the trust and reliance they place on each other really comes through. Both are struggling with their own personal losses but they do really care for each other and have each other’s backs. This book focuses more on their personal relationship and it will be interesting to see where the author goes next with this.
Some aspects might take a little more convincing if you want to be really very picky but nonetheless I was absolutely glued to this. The ultimate reasons behind the crimes were absolutely sickening. The dynamics of the investigation team – including Gary, the IT genius makes the police procedural part interesting and, add into the mix possibly one of the most sympathetic serial killers in fiction and you have an engrossing and thoroughly entertaining crime thriller. I can’t wait for the next one and in the meantime I’m going to make sure I catch up with book 3 and see what I’ve missed!
The story begins with a young student’s death and as you would expect from this author, the death toll never lets up! For those that like their crimes a little on the gory side, have no fear, your wish is catered for! The story centres around a university where an increasing amount of murder victims provides Grey and Miles with one of their most baffling and testing cases yet. In addition, Miles is personally implicated in a crime with potentially devastating consequences.
One thing I love about this pairing is the way the working relationship between the two detectives has grown over the series. They are both complex personalities and at their core are damaged, but the trust and reliance they place on each other really comes through. Both are struggling with their own personal losses but they do really care for each other and have each other’s backs. This book focuses more on their personal relationship and it will be interesting to see where the author goes next with this.
Some aspects might take a little more convincing if you want to be really very picky but nonetheless I was absolutely glued to this. The ultimate reasons behind the crimes were absolutely sickening. The dynamics of the investigation team – including Gary, the IT genius makes the police procedural part interesting and, add into the mix possibly one of the most sympathetic serial killers in fiction and you have an engrossing and thoroughly entertaining crime thriller. I can’t wait for the next one and in the meantime I’m going to make sure I catch up with book 3 and see what I’ve missed!
August 18, 2019
I did enjoy this overall, but thought it wasn’t as good as the other books in the series that I have read by this author. I just felt that it wasn’t as intense and there weren’t many surprises or twists compared to the others. I wasn’t surprised when everything was revealed and just thought it lacked a little bit of drama.
December 14, 2020
This is the fifth book in an excellent police procedural series.
The plot is full of twists and turns. I loved the way in which the author explored the ever more complicated relationship between Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey. It took somewhat of a turn in the last book, both of them seeking solace in each others company, albeit completely platonically. But with the chemistry between them, it makes for a heady mix and it is almost inevitable that a lot of this book is spent examining this dynamic..
Not for the faint hearted or easily shocked. The murders in this range from the simple to the grotesque, and the victims from the manipulative to the spineless. The book also explores the idea of how easy it might be to manipulate young minds, those who have a fractured past or underprivileged upbringing, something which is, regrettably, believable.
The plot is full of twists and turns. I loved the way in which the author explored the ever more complicated relationship between Adrian Miles and Imogen Grey. It took somewhat of a turn in the last book, both of them seeking solace in each others company, albeit completely platonically. But with the chemistry between them, it makes for a heady mix and it is almost inevitable that a lot of this book is spent examining this dynamic..
Not for the faint hearted or easily shocked. The murders in this range from the simple to the grotesque, and the victims from the manipulative to the spineless. The book also explores the idea of how easy it might be to manipulate young minds, those who have a fractured past or underprivileged upbringing, something which is, regrettably, believable.
September 3, 2019
I've been a fan of the D.S. Grey and Miles books since being bowled over by the first book in the series, The Teacher. Unfortunately for me I haven't yet read book 3, The Angel, which sees the introduction of some characters who make a reappearance in this book. It didn't disadvantage me too much, and you can definitely read Truth or Die as a standalone, but I did feel like I had missed out on a great back story so it has spurred me on to read The Angel as soon as possible.
With such multi-dimensional and established characters as D.S. Imogen Grey and D.S. Adrian Miles, Katerina Diamond writes one hell of a police procedural. Add to that her dark and twisted imagination and you are guaranteed a crime thriller you will never forget. Often grisly in its level of detail, one particular method of murder is spine-tinglingly chilling but there's a pun attached to the victim's name which did make me smirk.
There's almost a dual storyline running through Truth or Die with Grey and Miles getting a little more up close and personal as well as chasing down a killer of students and professors at Exeter University. These murders aren't random by any means and Grey and Miles discover that there's a dark and disturbing game afoot. Can they catch the ringleader before more bodies turn up? I certainly couldn't read fast enough to find out!
I deliberated a bit over my rating for this one; as a standalone I would rate it 4 out of 5, but as part of the series I have no doubt that it would scoop the full 5 stars. I now want to read the whole series all over again to see what I've missed and to revisit Grey and Miles from the start.
Fast paced and gripping, Truth or Die is another outstanding page turner from Katerina Diamond that sees the D.S. Imogen Grey series go from strength to strength.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
With such multi-dimensional and established characters as D.S. Imogen Grey and D.S. Adrian Miles, Katerina Diamond writes one hell of a police procedural. Add to that her dark and twisted imagination and you are guaranteed a crime thriller you will never forget. Often grisly in its level of detail, one particular method of murder is spine-tinglingly chilling but there's a pun attached to the victim's name which did make me smirk.
There's almost a dual storyline running through Truth or Die with Grey and Miles getting a little more up close and personal as well as chasing down a killer of students and professors at Exeter University. These murders aren't random by any means and Grey and Miles discover that there's a dark and disturbing game afoot. Can they catch the ringleader before more bodies turn up? I certainly couldn't read fast enough to find out!
I deliberated a bit over my rating for this one; as a standalone I would rate it 4 out of 5, but as part of the series I have no doubt that it would scoop the full 5 stars. I now want to read the whole series all over again to see what I've missed and to revisit Grey and Miles from the start.
Fast paced and gripping, Truth or Die is another outstanding page turner from Katerina Diamond that sees the D.S. Imogen Grey series go from strength to strength.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 9, 2021
I'm so happy that Adrian and Imogen finally decided to follow their feelings - I wasn't sure at first but it's such a beautiful relationship! I love how this book is linked to the first (The Teacher) - Parker was a very interesting murderer, killing those who hurt him/ trying to hurt Abby.
I love how this story has kept the opening for another Parker/Abby return. His murders are shocking but so intriguing. I hate how I was hoping he would manage to escape! He's just such an interesting character!
The 'game' was a really interesting story too, professors playing on the student vulnerability and manipulating to committing both small and large illegal acts! It all linked together and the story came together amazingly!
Another amazing book! I'm just gutted I only have one more in the series left to read, while waiting for the next to be released!
I love how this story has kept the opening for another Parker/Abby return. His murders are shocking but so intriguing. I hate how I was hoping he would manage to escape! He's just such an interesting character!
The 'game' was a really interesting story too, professors playing on the student vulnerability and manipulating to committing both small and large illegal acts! It all linked together and the story came together amazingly!
Another amazing book! I'm just gutted I only have one more in the series left to read, while waiting for the next to be released!
October 19, 2019
Warning- Spoilers! A really well written thriller with a lot of intensity & realistic detail (a little too realistic for me at times). It does stand alone up to a point but I felt as if I were on the back foot the whole time not having read the preceding books in the series. Doing so would definitely have helped me to understand the relationship between the two main characters and also all the background information on Parker & how he fitted in to the ingenious plot. I would love to see this as a TV series it would be awesome, edge of your seat stuff. As a book it’s good but the ending was a little disappointing - who starts discussing their holiday plans seconds after witnessing a suicide ? Apart from that, it’s gripping stuff but my advice would be to read the others first to get the full effect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
The DS Imogen Grey series is one of my all time favorites and Truth or Die has been one of my most anticipated books of the year. Katerina Diamond once again came through with a compelling mystery that kept me glued to the pages.
Truth or Die felt like a little bit of a departure from the previous books in the series. The POVs were almost exclusively from Imogen and Adrian. There are a few chapters from a couple of other characters, but they were not as prominent as I have come to expect. This didn’t bother me at all, though. I love Adrian and Imogen and in some of the other books I felt like I didn’t get enough from them. I also thought their personal lives took more of a leading role than they have in the past. While their character development has always been strong, whatever was going on in their personal lives often bled into the central mystery, but it seemed more separate this time around. However, I was on board with it because there are DEVELOPMENTS in their relationship.
While I have loved Dean, his relationship with Imogen was always on borrowed time. In the most recent book, Adrian and Imogen’s partnership and friendship started to evolve into something more. In this book, we really dive into their complicated feelings and I was here for it. I already feel like I’m being too spoilery with even mentioning it, but it’s a large part of the book and as a long time fan of the series, I was extremely invested in it.
The mystery was well done, if not quite as intricate or dark as I might have expected. It wasn’t really built in a way that there would be big twists and reveals, but it was well plotted and intriguing. It also links back to a case from a previous book, which I really enjoyed. There is an added layer of Adrian wrestling with the gray areas of the sins of his past. My dear, sweet Adrian often makes a lot of stupid decisions, but his heart is always in the right place. That doesn’t mean there isn’t consequences for him and those around him, though, and I liked seeing him coming to terms with that. There was also a storyline having to do with false rape accusations that I felt was pretty relevant to what’s going on it the world today.
Overall, I really enjoyed Truth or Die. Though it was a little different than what I have come to expect from Diamond, it was still a compelling mystery with great character development that I could barely put down. Each book in this series just further solidifies it’s status as one of my favorites and I can’t wait for the next one!
Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars
The DS Imogen Grey series is one of my all time favorites and Truth or Die has been one of my most anticipated books of the year. Katerina Diamond once again came through with a compelling mystery that kept me glued to the pages.
Truth or Die felt like a little bit of a departure from the previous books in the series. The POVs were almost exclusively from Imogen and Adrian. There are a few chapters from a couple of other characters, but they were not as prominent as I have come to expect. This didn’t bother me at all, though. I love Adrian and Imogen and in some of the other books I felt like I didn’t get enough from them. I also thought their personal lives took more of a leading role than they have in the past. While their character development has always been strong, whatever was going on in their personal lives often bled into the central mystery, but it seemed more separate this time around. However, I was on board with it because there are DEVELOPMENTS in their relationship.
While I have loved Dean, his relationship with Imogen was always on borrowed time. In the most recent book, Adrian and Imogen’s partnership and friendship started to evolve into something more. In this book, we really dive into their complicated feelings and I was here for it. I already feel like I’m being too spoilery with even mentioning it, but it’s a large part of the book and as a long time fan of the series, I was extremely invested in it.
The mystery was well done, if not quite as intricate or dark as I might have expected. It wasn’t really built in a way that there would be big twists and reveals, but it was well plotted and intriguing. It also links back to a case from a previous book, which I really enjoyed. There is an added layer of Adrian wrestling with the gray areas of the sins of his past. My dear, sweet Adrian often makes a lot of stupid decisions, but his heart is always in the right place. That doesn’t mean there isn’t consequences for him and those around him, though, and I liked seeing him coming to terms with that. There was also a storyline having to do with false rape accusations that I felt was pretty relevant to what’s going on it the world today.
Overall, I really enjoyed Truth or Die. Though it was a little different than what I have come to expect from Diamond, it was still a compelling mystery with great character development that I could barely put down. Each book in this series just further solidifies it’s status as one of my favorites and I can’t wait for the next one!
Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars
August 10, 2019
Truth Or Die by Katerina Diamond @katerinadiamondauthor
Thank you to @avon_books #partner for sending me this copy in exchange for my honest review!
All books which I have read by Katerina were absolutely amazing reads and this novel is no different. This time a professor at the university is brutally murdered and the amazing DS duo must solve the crime.
Truth or Die is part of the crime series and can be also read as stand alone. Even if I love this series as much as possible I have not had time to read two books from the series yet. I won't tell you which ones because I strongly believe that the crime is connected with one of the cases in one of these books!
Even if I didn't read the connected book I enjoyed this one very much. Also, I was very pleased with the background story 😍 (who read this series knows who I ship 😅). The end wasn't shocking but definitly satisfying. I have rated the book 4 stars and can't wait for next part!!!!
Thank you to @avon_books #partner for sending me this copy in exchange for my honest review!
All books which I have read by Katerina were absolutely amazing reads and this novel is no different. This time a professor at the university is brutally murdered and the amazing DS duo must solve the crime.
Truth or Die is part of the crime series and can be also read as stand alone. Even if I love this series as much as possible I have not had time to read two books from the series yet. I won't tell you which ones because I strongly believe that the crime is connected with one of the cases in one of these books!
Even if I didn't read the connected book I enjoyed this one very much. Also, I was very pleased with the background story 😍 (who read this series knows who I ship 😅). The end wasn't shocking but definitly satisfying. I have rated the book 4 stars and can't wait for next part!!!!
July 11, 2019
Truth or Die by Katerina Diamond is the 5th in the Imogen Grey detective series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DS Imogen Grey has put her past behind her and settled into her new precinct. She has even learned to trust her partner DS Adrian Miles. They have become friends. Although they don’t always play by the rules, they are both top-notch detectives. They have even come to trust their new boss, DCI Mira Kapoor. Imogen is still struggling with her love life, and Miles is grieving a loss.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
There is a game going on between some university professors. To earn “points”, they are black-mailing students into performing a number of escalating stunts/crimes. Even Adrian becomes a victim of their behavior, and he will have to face the lies head-on. However, now both students and professors are dying. It appears there is someone else out there controlling the shots.
In addition to the controller of the game, a voice from the past has inserted himself into finding the players, and he is bent on revenge. Even though he is a serial killer, Imogen and Adrian had let Parker go before, when he had saved both Imogen’s life and that of Adrian’s son. They may now regret that action, as he is intent on killing all the members of the game. The police will have to find the participants before Parker does. But if caught, Adrian will have to arrest Parker, but his empathy for the man, and the repercussions to his own career will make that difficult.
A new team member, DI Matt Walsh has joined the team, and the verdict is still out as to how good a fit he will be.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Imogen and Adrian is becoming confusing, as their friendship takes another turn, as both look to move from their pasts.
My Opinions:
I am definitely loving this series, and although I am not a romance reader, I don’t mind the relationship between Imogen and Adrian. Although it may not last, it seems to be a natural progression for them at this time.
I loved how Parker and Abby returned in this book, as I had figured we weren’t done with that pair yet. The relationship between Adrian and Parker is interesting.
As always, there was a lot of action in this book, and suspense built throughout. The graphic descriptions were typical for this author, and only added to the gripping plot, which is a little dark.
Please read the series in order. There is no way you could understand the relationships between characters without the background.
Okay, as I have stated before, I still don’t understand why this isn’t considered the “Grey and Miles” series??? Adrian is as big a part of every book as Imogen….Somebody????
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 11, 2019
The butchered body of a professor is found in a private office of Exeter University. It is the first in a spate of horrific murders that shakes the city to its core. Who would target a seemingly innocent man, and why? DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles turn to his students for answers, but their investigation turns up no leads. Someone must know more than they’re letting on. As the body count rises, the police have to look into the past to uncover the person responsible before it’s too late.
The description for this says it all really, gripping and gory. Diamond once again has produced a high-intensity, exhilarating read that will have you completely gripped by it. Secondly, there is of course enough gore to last all year, as I always write reviewing this series of books, be warned of the graphic, gory scenes, this is once again not for the faint-hearted, Diamond made my stomach turn once or twice which is unusual, but as always, it is there for the plot and not just for shock factor.
Once again, I found myself loving this book but I loved it for the plot that focused on Imogen and Adrian more than the investigation side. The investigation actually lost its way part way through and became a bit stale and dull. However, Diamond writes some very big developments for Imogen and Adrian, developments that are great both for them and the reader. Some have been a long time coming and it was fantastic to see Diamond include them and I loved following them on this new adventure.
As I have mentioned the plot loses it way after the half-way mark. I lost interest a bit, got confused as to what was going on and found it a bit jumble to be honest. However, I say battle through this because you will come out the other side where once again, Diamond ramps everything right back up to finish on a high.
‘Truth or Die’ is another deliciously gory, dark and twisted tale that has some fantastic character developments to accompany a plot that sadly, does lose its way at times. If you are a fan of Imogen and Adrian then read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy.
The description for this says it all really, gripping and gory. Diamond once again has produced a high-intensity, exhilarating read that will have you completely gripped by it. Secondly, there is of course enough gore to last all year, as I always write reviewing this series of books, be warned of the graphic, gory scenes, this is once again not for the faint-hearted, Diamond made my stomach turn once or twice which is unusual, but as always, it is there for the plot and not just for shock factor.
Once again, I found myself loving this book but I loved it for the plot that focused on Imogen and Adrian more than the investigation side. The investigation actually lost its way part way through and became a bit stale and dull. However, Diamond writes some very big developments for Imogen and Adrian, developments that are great both for them and the reader. Some have been a long time coming and it was fantastic to see Diamond include them and I loved following them on this new adventure.
As I have mentioned the plot loses it way after the half-way mark. I lost interest a bit, got confused as to what was going on and found it a bit jumble to be honest. However, I say battle through this because you will come out the other side where once again, Diamond ramps everything right back up to finish on a high.
‘Truth or Die’ is another deliciously gory, dark and twisted tale that has some fantastic character developments to accompany a plot that sadly, does lose its way at times. If you are a fan of Imogen and Adrian then read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy.
June 30, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy of Truth or Die, the fifth novel to feature Exeter based DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles.
When Dr Morris is found in his university office with his head bashed in Grey and Miles are sent to investigate. What they find is a twisted web of interconnecting relationships where no one is talking. As the body count rises they find that someone from their past has an equal interest in their investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed Truth or Die which is an exhilarating read with plenty of twists and turns, a high body count and a good set piece at the end although I was disappointed with the result which seemed like a bit of a cop out. It is, however, a much more engrossing read than its predecessor, The Promise, which I found very disjointed. The novel is told mostly from the detectives’ perspective with some side trips into a third party’s exploits over the past six months. Normally I prefer a straightforward single point of view narrative but this third view is excellent, giving the reader a wider read and more information on a complicated scenario than they would have got from the investigation alone. It all fits together seamlessly. When I put the book down I found myself itching to get back to it to see what was coming next.
I like Grey and Miles who are smart, dedicated detectives. There is a fair amount of the personal in this novel and I’m not quite sure what to make of it as it doesn’t entirely ring true to me. I thought the concentration on Miles’ emotional quandary was good with his guilt driving his actions. Guilt doesn’t always make sense but it’s understandable. Grey I can’t get a read on as a personality.
Truth or Die is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Dr Morris is found in his university office with his head bashed in Grey and Miles are sent to investigate. What they find is a twisted web of interconnecting relationships where no one is talking. As the body count rises they find that someone from their past has an equal interest in their investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed Truth or Die which is an exhilarating read with plenty of twists and turns, a high body count and a good set piece at the end although I was disappointed with the result which seemed like a bit of a cop out. It is, however, a much more engrossing read than its predecessor, The Promise, which I found very disjointed. The novel is told mostly from the detectives’ perspective with some side trips into a third party’s exploits over the past six months. Normally I prefer a straightforward single point of view narrative but this third view is excellent, giving the reader a wider read and more information on a complicated scenario than they would have got from the investigation alone. It all fits together seamlessly. When I put the book down I found myself itching to get back to it to see what was coming next.
I like Grey and Miles who are smart, dedicated detectives. There is a fair amount of the personal in this novel and I’m not quite sure what to make of it as it doesn’t entirely ring true to me. I thought the concentration on Miles’ emotional quandary was good with his guilt driving his actions. Guilt doesn’t always make sense but it’s understandable. Grey I can’t get a read on as a personality.
Truth or Die is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 6, 2019
The Imogen Grey & Adrian Miles series by Katerina Diamond is one of my favorite procedurals out there. Although I began reading from #2, I did go back and read the first one as well a few years ago. This is a series that has never disappointed me, in fact, the first book is my least favorite one. And this last entry was another winner in my opinion.
The case was pretty fascinating, and although you knew some of the players, you don’t really know what’s exactly going on until the very end. It was a complex web of lies, evil and cruelty. Of course, I absolutely loved it. Some aspects of the mystery reminded me of Charlie Donlea’s THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN.
I really think you should read the other books in the series before you pick up this one. Both the case and the relationship between Miles & Grey are heavily influenced by the previous novels, so you might be a bit lost. Also, I was glad that their relationship had some real development in this book. We caught a glimpse of what it could be in THE PROMISE, but we saw the full potential here.
I want to make clear that I am not a fan of romance and I do not really enjoy romantic suspense either, I always want the focus to be on the mystery and the murders. But I have to admit… I’ve grown to love Imogen and Adrian and I really feel that Katerina Diamond is an excellent writer, so she could sell me anything she wants to write.
I really enjoyed this book and I recommend this series to any crime fans out there. It’s an excellent one and you’re missing out! 💙
The case was pretty fascinating, and although you knew some of the players, you don’t really know what’s exactly going on until the very end. It was a complex web of lies, evil and cruelty. Of course, I absolutely loved it. Some aspects of the mystery reminded me of Charlie Donlea’s THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN.
I really think you should read the other books in the series before you pick up this one. Both the case and the relationship between Miles & Grey are heavily influenced by the previous novels, so you might be a bit lost. Also, I was glad that their relationship had some real development in this book. We caught a glimpse of what it could be in THE PROMISE, but we saw the full potential here.
I want to make clear that I am not a fan of romance and I do not really enjoy romantic suspense either, I always want the focus to be on the mystery and the murders. But I have to admit… I’ve grown to love Imogen and Adrian and I really feel that Katerina Diamond is an excellent writer, so she could sell me anything she wants to write.
I really enjoyed this book and I recommend this series to any crime fans out there. It’s an excellent one and you’re missing out! 💙
July 16, 2019
When a professor’s face is bludgeoned to death at their local University campus, DS Imogen Grey and her partner, DS Adrian Miles are put on the case to find the gruesome murderer. Imogen and Adrian get a lead from a local student, but her involvement leads to a false rape accusation toward Adrian, making their case messier than expected.
Then more professors are being picked off one by one, each murder more bloody than the last. And several student suicides are now being examined not as tragic deaths, but cold-blooded murder.
Unexpectedly, this case has a link to one Imogen and Adrian have worked on before. A familiar serial killer is on the loose yet again—but why? He went into hiding after their last encounter and he’s come back to punish truly evil people. But why do these professors deserve death and what are they doing that could be labeled as heinous?
The more Imogen and Adrian investigate this string of murders, the more they realize there’s more at stake than just the faculty and students of the University—their lives are on the line as well.
Truth or Die by Katerina Diamond is the 5th book in the DS Imogen Grey crime series. A lot of detective/crime thriller series can be read as a part of the series, but also as standalones, since each novel usually focuses on separate crimes with one constant (the same detective). Unfortunately, that was not the case with Truth or Die. I felt a bit left out at some points, like maybe I should have read the previous books first. But at the same time, there was just too much going on here. It’s told in the third person, which I find problematic when we’re dealing with a large cast of characters. We are hopping back and forth between each character without a seamless transition. We see the serial killer, both detectives and several other characters. So with that many perspectives, it was hard for me to follow along and connect to each person. The storyline was also extremely unlikely and improbable, which isn't a favorite for me in regard to crime series. I like the murders and circumstances to be realistic, even if extremely gruesome and severe. I don’t think I’ll be going back and reading the first 4 books in this series, but I'm happy I gave this author a try. 2/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Katerina Diamond for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Then more professors are being picked off one by one, each murder more bloody than the last. And several student suicides are now being examined not as tragic deaths, but cold-blooded murder.
Unexpectedly, this case has a link to one Imogen and Adrian have worked on before. A familiar serial killer is on the loose yet again—but why? He went into hiding after their last encounter and he’s come back to punish truly evil people. But why do these professors deserve death and what are they doing that could be labeled as heinous?
The more Imogen and Adrian investigate this string of murders, the more they realize there’s more at stake than just the faculty and students of the University—their lives are on the line as well.
Truth or Die by Katerina Diamond is the 5th book in the DS Imogen Grey crime series. A lot of detective/crime thriller series can be read as a part of the series, but also as standalones, since each novel usually focuses on separate crimes with one constant (the same detective). Unfortunately, that was not the case with Truth or Die. I felt a bit left out at some points, like maybe I should have read the previous books first. But at the same time, there was just too much going on here. It’s told in the third person, which I find problematic when we’re dealing with a large cast of characters. We are hopping back and forth between each character without a seamless transition. We see the serial killer, both detectives and several other characters. So with that many perspectives, it was hard for me to follow along and connect to each person. The storyline was also extremely unlikely and improbable, which isn't a favorite for me in regard to crime series. I like the murders and circumstances to be realistic, even if extremely gruesome and severe. I don’t think I’ll be going back and reading the first 4 books in this series, but I'm happy I gave this author a try. 2/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Katerina Diamond for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2020
I've read the previous novels and enjoyed them all, this book was disappointing. Too much of the book concentrated on the relationship between Imogen and Adrian, what they were thinking about each other what they were going to do, not going to do, how it would affect their work and not enough time on the case. The end was so rushed and from my perspective didn't give a satisfactory explanation of the case. Don't think the author could decide whether she was writing a romance novel or a crime novel.
July 28, 2019
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me overall!! Loved the return of Parker and the premise of the novel as a whole! The Teacher is my favourite novel in the series to date and this book echoes the first in many places. However, I did find the ending to be slightly rushed, which slightly let the book down for me! But looking forward to seeing what happens to DS Miles and DS Grey next! 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2019
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages -
Publisher - Avon books
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
‘All hail the new Queen of Crime’ Heat magazine
Their darkest secrets won’t stay buried forever…
The butchered body of a professor is found in a private office of Exeter University. It is the first in a spate of horrific murders that shakes the city to its core.
Who would target a seemingly innocent man, and why? DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles turn to his students for answers, but their investigation turns up no leads. Someone must know more than they’re letting on…
As the body count rises, the police have to look into the past to uncover the person responsible before it’s too late.
But are they brave enough to face up to the truth?
My Review
When a professor is found brutally murdered and butchered, Imogen and Miles are on the case and turn to the students for information. As more people die the team have to pull it together to see what they have in common and someone must know more than they let on. Fling into the mix additional pressure when an accusation is cast all whilst Imogen and Miles try and ignore their blooming feelings.
So this is book five in the series and up to this point I would have said you could pick up any of the others as standalone I would advise reading the previous books before this one. There has been so much happened in the previous books that I think you need all of the back story to appreciate this instalment and all that has gone before.
There is a lot of history in this one, particularly between the officers so aswell as death, investigation, police procedural there is a lot of focus on the personal side of those characters. Particularly Imogen as she is dealing with grief, bereavement and family matters.
I really liked the pace of this one, a death quickly, the investigation but more personal stuff before it gets into the brutality we have come to know from Diamonds killers. Not for the faint hearted, I do think she creates some fabulous multi layered tellings and Truth of die is no exception. I cannot wait for book 6 to see what is in store next, 4.5/5 for me this time. If you have loved the first 4 books, clear your schedule as you won't want to put this one down.
Pages -
Publisher - Avon books
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
‘All hail the new Queen of Crime’ Heat magazine
Their darkest secrets won’t stay buried forever…
The butchered body of a professor is found in a private office of Exeter University. It is the first in a spate of horrific murders that shakes the city to its core.
Who would target a seemingly innocent man, and why? DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles turn to his students for answers, but their investigation turns up no leads. Someone must know more than they’re letting on…
As the body count rises, the police have to look into the past to uncover the person responsible before it’s too late.
But are they brave enough to face up to the truth?
My Review
When a professor is found brutally murdered and butchered, Imogen and Miles are on the case and turn to the students for information. As more people die the team have to pull it together to see what they have in common and someone must know more than they let on. Fling into the mix additional pressure when an accusation is cast all whilst Imogen and Miles try and ignore their blooming feelings.
So this is book five in the series and up to this point I would have said you could pick up any of the others as standalone I would advise reading the previous books before this one. There has been so much happened in the previous books that I think you need all of the back story to appreciate this instalment and all that has gone before.
There is a lot of history in this one, particularly between the officers so aswell as death, investigation, police procedural there is a lot of focus on the personal side of those characters. Particularly Imogen as she is dealing with grief, bereavement and family matters.
I really liked the pace of this one, a death quickly, the investigation but more personal stuff before it gets into the brutality we have come to know from Diamonds killers. Not for the faint hearted, I do think she creates some fabulous multi layered tellings and Truth of die is no exception. I cannot wait for book 6 to see what is in store next, 4.5/5 for me this time. If you have loved the first 4 books, clear your schedule as you won't want to put this one down.
July 19, 2019
Really good book but you must have at least read the first book to understand fully what is going on but nice short chapters and fast paced
July 17, 2019
Loved this latest installment. Bringing the past, present and future together. Really loved it. Highly recommend! 5 Star *****!
November 4, 2019
Having never read a book by Katerina Diamond, I wasn’t aware that Truth or Die is part of an ongoing series and this is book No:5
The blurb on the front or back also doesn’t lead you to know this, so reading parts of the book were a bit confusing when referring to past events that tie in with this book.
An overall good book, but it could have been maybe 5* if I’d read the others.
You could read this as a stand alone as the storyline is good, but the references may annoy you.
A group of students and lecturers are being murdered, but why and by who?
It all leads to a strange group who get thrills from recruiting students who didn’t quite get the grades to enable them to go to university, but with a certain lecturer as their mentor they get in and then they are embroiled in climbing the dare ladder by doing another dare that is more sinister than the last.
But who is behind it all and why?
A very fast paced, page turner of a book.
The blurb on the front or back also doesn’t lead you to know this, so reading parts of the book were a bit confusing when referring to past events that tie in with this book.
An overall good book, but it could have been maybe 5* if I’d read the others.
You could read this as a stand alone as the storyline is good, but the references may annoy you.
A group of students and lecturers are being murdered, but why and by who?
It all leads to a strange group who get thrills from recruiting students who didn’t quite get the grades to enable them to go to university, but with a certain lecturer as their mentor they get in and then they are embroiled in climbing the dare ladder by doing another dare that is more sinister than the last.
But who is behind it all and why?
A very fast paced, page turner of a book.
February 15, 2020
Another absolute corker from Katerina! What a book! I was so hooked and engrossed in the story....I am a big Imogen Grey fan and I love her relationship with Miles....I read this so quickly as it was so easy to read and absolutely loved it!! The storyline was quirky and I couldn't work it out, but it kept me guessing and eager to get to the end to see. I think that if you've not read these then you should, these books never disappoint.
August 19, 2023
1.5 stars. It was a good plot idea but I feel like it was executed in a very dull way. I had to force myself to keep reading at moments. Plus the ending felt incomplete.
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