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DCI Helen Lavery #2
The Truth Will Out
Eva is horrified when she witnesses an attack on her best friend. She calls an ambulance and forces herself to flee Hampton, fearing for her own safety. DCI Helen Lavery leads the investigation into the murder. With no leads, no further witnesses, and no sign of forced entry, the murder enquiry begins. Slowly, the pieces of the puzzle start to come together. But as Helen inches towards solving the case, her past becomes caught up in her present. Someone is after them both. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want. And as the net starts to close around them, can Helen escape her own demons as well as helping Eva to escape hers?
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
107 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Jane Isaac
45 books348 followersJane Isaac is married to a retired detective and they live in rural Northamptonshire, UK with their dogs, Bollo and Digity.
Jane is author of three bestselling detective series: DCI Helen Lavery, DI Will Jackman (based in Stratford upon Avon), and DC Beth Chamberlain (a Family Liaison Officer). She also writes standalone suspense novels.
Her books have been nominated as best mystery in the 'eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards' and selected as 'Thriller of the Month' by E-thriller.com.
Jane loves to hear from readers and writers. You can reach her via her website at www.janeisaac.co.uk where you can join her Readers' Club for information on new releases.
Jane is author of three bestselling detective series: DCI Helen Lavery, DI Will Jackman (based in Stratford upon Avon), and DC Beth Chamberlain (a Family Liaison Officer). She also writes standalone suspense novels.
Her books have been nominated as best mystery in the 'eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards' and selected as 'Thriller of the Month' by E-thriller.com.
Jane loves to hear from readers and writers. You can reach her via her website at www.janeisaac.co.uk where you can join her Readers' Club for information on new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 19, 2019
This is the second outing for DCI Helen Lavery in the fictional setting of Hampton. I hadn’t read the first book but was keen to read this ahead of meeting the author at book event later this month.
I enjoyed the fiction created. The police team and Lavery’s influence over them as their boss; against the problems of senior managers everywhere who desperately want to remain hands on. In addition the author stretches her ability to maintain a work/life balance by making her a single parent with two teenage boys.
I liked the multi-layered plot and different points of view that gave more scope for the story to unfold. It opens the reader to drug trafficking, gangland shootings and the worst of organised crime. You can identify more readily with the situation as it appears two “innocent” women are caught up in an illegal smuggling operation that goes wrong with life changing results. The story explores “normal” peoples’ reactions caught up in serious crime; why it isn’t so straightforward as approaching the Police to help especially when you have some guilt and a good deal to hide.
The reasons for, and the physiology why people get involved in criminality is also scrutinised as an ingredient of this engaging police procedural and action based thriller. Criminals are not presented as all bad and perhaps the Police themselves are less than capable, sometimes with intent, (corruption) and in the desire to manage the news and balance budgets. The thought that perhaps financial implications (in an age of austerity), hold back an investigation, where a cheap neat solution can be found is chilling to this reader.
This book satisfies on a number of levels and demonstrates that Jane Isaacs has a bright future ahead of her as a crime writer.
I enjoyed the fiction created. The police team and Lavery’s influence over them as their boss; against the problems of senior managers everywhere who desperately want to remain hands on. In addition the author stretches her ability to maintain a work/life balance by making her a single parent with two teenage boys.
I liked the multi-layered plot and different points of view that gave more scope for the story to unfold. It opens the reader to drug trafficking, gangland shootings and the worst of organised crime. You can identify more readily with the situation as it appears two “innocent” women are caught up in an illegal smuggling operation that goes wrong with life changing results. The story explores “normal” peoples’ reactions caught up in serious crime; why it isn’t so straightforward as approaching the Police to help especially when you have some guilt and a good deal to hide.
The reasons for, and the physiology why people get involved in criminality is also scrutinised as an ingredient of this engaging police procedural and action based thriller. Criminals are not presented as all bad and perhaps the Police themselves are less than capable, sometimes with intent, (corruption) and in the desire to manage the news and balance budgets. The thought that perhaps financial implications (in an age of austerity), hold back an investigation, where a cheap neat solution can be found is chilling to this reader.
This book satisfies on a number of levels and demonstrates that Jane Isaacs has a bright future ahead of her as a crime writer.
September 25, 2014
Firstly, thank you to the author, Jane, publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy.
The Truth Will Out is my first book my Jane Isaac and I'm happy to say won't be my last.
An enjoyable read that got off to a cracking start and remained fast and adventurous all the way through. Likeable characters and atmospheric settings from London to Scotland were well captured culminating in a satisfying ending. Have to say I didn't see one bit coming, at all!! I was quite gutted. Naughty character! - say no more!!
All in all, a good pacy read that I would recommend.
Enjoy!
The Truth Will Out is my first book my Jane Isaac and I'm happy to say won't be my last.
An enjoyable read that got off to a cracking start and remained fast and adventurous all the way through. Likeable characters and atmospheric settings from London to Scotland were well captured culminating in a satisfying ending. Have to say I didn't see one bit coming, at all!! I was quite gutted. Naughty character! - say no more!!
All in all, a good pacy read that I would recommend.
Enjoy!
August 5, 2016
Detective Chief Inspector Helen Lavery learnt a valuable lesson from her late father, James, a well-respected detective in his own right, when he said: Don't get upset or afraid with the death threats of an acrimonious criminal on trial. It is only the ‘shallow thoughts of a condemned man.’ But was he right?
She became as successful as he in her profession, while raising her two sons, Matthew and Robert, on her own, after her husband's death ten years earlier. Life was busy, but uncomplicated for her. She was well-known as an assiduous detective in the Hampton Branch of the Homicide and Serious Crime Squad. Her colleagues were trustworthy and hardworking: Superintendent Jenkins, Sergeant Sean Pemberton. However, the same could not be said of Detective Inspector Dean Fitzpatrick. He knew how to play her like a violin and she could not resist falling in love with his melodies. That was a few years ago, and she never forgave him. And now he was back to solve a case in which they would collide as well as corroborate and things are not going well at all.
So much changed insidiously for all of them. The past, instead of the present, was now more relevant than ever before. It predicted the future and everyone is caught off guard, so to speak.
Eva Carradine and Naomi Spence were best friends since early childhood. There was no reason for either one of them to ever distrust the other. They had a bond stronger than family. But then Eva witnessed an assault on her best friend and sharing a dangerous secret with her friend, she took off, trying to get as far away as possible. Some people were in hot pursuit, with the police not quite on par with her involvement yet.
For those of you who enjoy the different British detective series on television and love murder mysteries, like I do, will appreciate this fast-moving, entertaining, light-read. However, it is serious enough to be noted, but not hitting the horror- or nightmare zones in any way.
The story revolves around two murders, with every person related to it having to deal with unresolved issues from their past before the case could be solved. Even the criminals had their stories to tell. Relationships would be tested, between family, friends and work colleagues. The situation demanded of everyone to personally reconsider their motives, action as well as decisions to end the tragedy. I am not giving away any clues!
Like all books, the beginning is slow, introducing all the characters, the scenario, and the plot. But then it picks up pace and before you know it, you're zoning in on Hampton, England and growl for any interference, such as a ringing telephone, or even the cat jumping through the window! I felt like hanging a 'for heaven's sake, do not disturb!'-sign on my closed door, even though I had a strong suspicion of the outcome!
Legend Press has never disappointed in their choice of new authors. I received this book through NetGalley for review. And enjoyed it. It is a well-written murder mystery for female readers. Definitely not chic-lit.
She became as successful as he in her profession, while raising her two sons, Matthew and Robert, on her own, after her husband's death ten years earlier. Life was busy, but uncomplicated for her. She was well-known as an assiduous detective in the Hampton Branch of the Homicide and Serious Crime Squad. Her colleagues were trustworthy and hardworking: Superintendent Jenkins, Sergeant Sean Pemberton. However, the same could not be said of Detective Inspector Dean Fitzpatrick. He knew how to play her like a violin and she could not resist falling in love with his melodies. That was a few years ago, and she never forgave him. And now he was back to solve a case in which they would collide as well as corroborate and things are not going well at all.
So much changed insidiously for all of them. The past, instead of the present, was now more relevant than ever before. It predicted the future and everyone is caught off guard, so to speak.
Eva Carradine and Naomi Spence were best friends since early childhood. There was no reason for either one of them to ever distrust the other. They had a bond stronger than family. But then Eva witnessed an assault on her best friend and sharing a dangerous secret with her friend, she took off, trying to get as far away as possible. Some people were in hot pursuit, with the police not quite on par with her involvement yet.
For those of you who enjoy the different British detective series on television and love murder mysteries, like I do, will appreciate this fast-moving, entertaining, light-read. However, it is serious enough to be noted, but not hitting the horror- or nightmare zones in any way.
The story revolves around two murders, with every person related to it having to deal with unresolved issues from their past before the case could be solved. Even the criminals had their stories to tell. Relationships would be tested, between family, friends and work colleagues. The situation demanded of everyone to personally reconsider their motives, action as well as decisions to end the tragedy. I am not giving away any clues!
Like all books, the beginning is slow, introducing all the characters, the scenario, and the plot. But then it picks up pace and before you know it, you're zoning in on Hampton, England and growl for any interference, such as a ringing telephone, or even the cat jumping through the window! I felt like hanging a 'for heaven's sake, do not disturb!'-sign on my closed door, even though I had a strong suspicion of the outcome!
Legend Press has never disappointed in their choice of new authors. I received this book through NetGalley for review. And enjoyed it. It is a well-written murder mystery for female readers. Definitely not chic-lit.
January 24, 2016
OMG what a fantastic start to a book!
Two women using Skye to communicate with each other after work, one just having come home, had her tea and switched the PC on.............then.........OMG.
I was thinking of it from the other person's point of view too, she's watching all of this, horrendous.
This book kept me well and truly hooked. I was entertained for several hours by Jane Isaac as she wrote cleverly and fluently page after page.
I loved the hint of a little romance there from of old! really made the main DI humane.
I can't speak highly enough of this read, if you want to get lost in a plot.......this is the one.
Thank you to Legend Press for a copy of this to read and review
Two women using Skye to communicate with each other after work, one just having come home, had her tea and switched the PC on.............then.........OMG.
I was thinking of it from the other person's point of view too, she's watching all of this, horrendous.
This book kept me well and truly hooked. I was entertained for several hours by Jane Isaac as she wrote cleverly and fluently page after page.
I loved the hint of a little romance there from of old! really made the main DI humane.
I can't speak highly enough of this read, if you want to get lost in a plot.......this is the one.
Thank you to Legend Press for a copy of this to read and review
February 19, 2014
Publication Date: April 1st 2014
Eva is horrified when she witnesses an attack on her best friend. She calls an ambulance and forces herself to flee Hampton, fearing for her own safety. DCI Helen Lavery leads the investigation into the murder. With no leads, no further witnesses and no sign of forced entry, the murder enquiry begins. Slowly, the pieces of the puzzle start to come together. But as Helen inches towards solving the case, her past becomes caught up in her present. Someone is after them both. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want. And as the net starts to close around them, can Helen escape her own demons as well as helping Eva to escape hers?
So having read and very much enjoyed the first novel in the series – An Unfamiliar Murder – I was delighted to see the follow up novel and leap back into the world of Helen Lavery.
The thing I love most about these stories is the realistic twist – Helen Lavery is everywoman, single mother to two teenagers, juggling home life and work life and often failing to manage well (know that feeling!) she is intellligent, creative, flawed in the way we all are and therefore there is an absolute belief as you are reading in everything she is doing.
This instalment finds her tracking a killer and dealing with office politics in a case that may come closer to home than she expects.
Once again the mystery element is well imagined, but in the way that I love its all about the characters really – a little like Sophie Hannah, Jane Isaac gives us more than just her police characters to follow – at the heart of the book is also somebody caught up in events beyond their control – and that is also compelling. In this case its Eva, witnessing an attack on her friend, she holds some of the keys to the mystery.
It is a beautifully flowing book, highly enjoyable especially for mystery lovers and all in all exactly what I hoped for! Now I’m heading into chronic impatience mode for more, as usual.
As far as additions to that great genre of crime fiction goes this is one to watch – hopefully it will be a long running series and it has definitely already hit my “must read” list. Did so from the very first book in fact….
Happy Reading Folks!
Review for “An Unfamiliar Murder can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Eva is horrified when she witnesses an attack on her best friend. She calls an ambulance and forces herself to flee Hampton, fearing for her own safety. DCI Helen Lavery leads the investigation into the murder. With no leads, no further witnesses and no sign of forced entry, the murder enquiry begins. Slowly, the pieces of the puzzle start to come together. But as Helen inches towards solving the case, her past becomes caught up in her present. Someone is after them both. Someone who will stop at nothing to get what they want. And as the net starts to close around them, can Helen escape her own demons as well as helping Eva to escape hers?
So having read and very much enjoyed the first novel in the series – An Unfamiliar Murder – I was delighted to see the follow up novel and leap back into the world of Helen Lavery.
The thing I love most about these stories is the realistic twist – Helen Lavery is everywoman, single mother to two teenagers, juggling home life and work life and often failing to manage well (know that feeling!) she is intellligent, creative, flawed in the way we all are and therefore there is an absolute belief as you are reading in everything she is doing.
This instalment finds her tracking a killer and dealing with office politics in a case that may come closer to home than she expects.
Once again the mystery element is well imagined, but in the way that I love its all about the characters really – a little like Sophie Hannah, Jane Isaac gives us more than just her police characters to follow – at the heart of the book is also somebody caught up in events beyond their control – and that is also compelling. In this case its Eva, witnessing an attack on her friend, she holds some of the keys to the mystery.
It is a beautifully flowing book, highly enjoyable especially for mystery lovers and all in all exactly what I hoped for! Now I’m heading into chronic impatience mode for more, as usual.
As far as additions to that great genre of crime fiction goes this is one to watch – hopefully it will be a long running series and it has definitely already hit my “must read” list. Did so from the very first book in fact….
Happy Reading Folks!
Review for “An Unfamiliar Murder can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 11, 2024
Setting: 'Hamptonshire', England; modern day.
This is the second book in the police procedural series featuring DCI Helen Lavery.
At the start of the book, a woman Skyping with her best friend, Naomi, sees her attacked in her home on webcam - she calls for an ambulance but then goes on the run due to the secret the pair have been trying to keep.
Meanwhile, Helen and her team are trying to solve a couple of cold case shootings of young men in a local council estate known as The Warren. But, when a young woman is found shot dead in her home, Helen's team is diverted onto the new case - until the regional murder squad get involved and Helen must face up to Dean Fitzgerald, with whom she had been having a relationship until discovering he was still married. Dean's presence makes life very awkward for Helen!....
This was a really good continuation of the series, indeed I liked it better than the third one - and also liked the Q&A with the author at the end. The story was quite hard-hitting, with elements of gang violence, domestic and sexual abuse, drug addiction and police corruption all featuring. Looking forward to reading the next in this series - 9/10.
This is the second book in the police procedural series featuring DCI Helen Lavery.
At the start of the book, a woman Skyping with her best friend, Naomi, sees her attacked in her home on webcam - she calls for an ambulance but then goes on the run due to the secret the pair have been trying to keep.
Meanwhile, Helen and her team are trying to solve a couple of cold case shootings of young men in a local council estate known as The Warren. But, when a young woman is found shot dead in her home, Helen's team is diverted onto the new case - until the regional murder squad get involved and Helen must face up to Dean Fitzgerald, with whom she had been having a relationship until discovering he was still married. Dean's presence makes life very awkward for Helen!....
This was a really good continuation of the series, indeed I liked it better than the third one - and also liked the Q&A with the author at the end. The story was quite hard-hitting, with elements of gang violence, domestic and sexual abuse, drug addiction and police corruption all featuring. Looking forward to reading the next in this series - 9/10.
August 15, 2014
The Truth Will Out – Oh Yes It Will
The Truth Will Out by Jane Isaac is my first date with DCI Helen Lavery and I wasn’t disappointed, I found The Truth Will Out as easy to read and very enjoyable. I am not sure what other reviewers were expecting calling it predictable, so were all the Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple and Poirot books.
Eva sees her best friend Naomi attacked why Skyping with her and calls an ambulance and decides it is best to get away from Hampton. While Eva escapes from Hampton she is afraid of what has happened since their holiday to Milan. We are given flash backs to events that have lead to Eva running for her life.
DCI Helen Lavery is called out to the murder of Naomi Spence but there seems no reason for her to be killed or any evidence on how the murderer got in and out of her home. Things do not help when Lavery finds out that Naomi’s ex-boyfriend has been a person of interest in drug trafficking but no charges ever brought.
During her investigation Lavery bumps in to a colleague who happens to be a former boyfriend who happens to be in the Station to assist her and her team. Lavery starts to question things when the investigation seems to be wound down as being solved. There is something wrong but Lavery just cannot put her finger on what it is, even though that will place her in the way of danger.
The great thing about DCI Helen Lavery she is not the usual defective detective but a well rounded normal person. The book also tackles some quite sensitive issues amongst the modern police force, among them being Police corruption, drug trafficking and domestic abuse and I believe they are reflected fairly in the book.
Jane Isaac has written an excellent crime novel with The Truth Will Out that is a great shortish novel with only 288 pages, so there is no bulking the story out, and no wasted words. Jane Isaac has well researched this novel and I very much doubt it will disappoint other than you will have to wait until DCI Jane Lavery’s next outing.
The Truth Will Out by Jane Isaac is my first date with DCI Helen Lavery and I wasn’t disappointed, I found The Truth Will Out as easy to read and very enjoyable. I am not sure what other reviewers were expecting calling it predictable, so were all the Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple and Poirot books.
Eva sees her best friend Naomi attacked why Skyping with her and calls an ambulance and decides it is best to get away from Hampton. While Eva escapes from Hampton she is afraid of what has happened since their holiday to Milan. We are given flash backs to events that have lead to Eva running for her life.
DCI Helen Lavery is called out to the murder of Naomi Spence but there seems no reason for her to be killed or any evidence on how the murderer got in and out of her home. Things do not help when Lavery finds out that Naomi’s ex-boyfriend has been a person of interest in drug trafficking but no charges ever brought.
During her investigation Lavery bumps in to a colleague who happens to be a former boyfriend who happens to be in the Station to assist her and her team. Lavery starts to question things when the investigation seems to be wound down as being solved. There is something wrong but Lavery just cannot put her finger on what it is, even though that will place her in the way of danger.
The great thing about DCI Helen Lavery she is not the usual defective detective but a well rounded normal person. The book also tackles some quite sensitive issues amongst the modern police force, among them being Police corruption, drug trafficking and domestic abuse and I believe they are reflected fairly in the book.
Jane Isaac has written an excellent crime novel with The Truth Will Out that is a great shortish novel with only 288 pages, so there is no bulking the story out, and no wasted words. Jane Isaac has well researched this novel and I very much doubt it will disappoint other than you will have to wait until DCI Jane Lavery’s next outing.
August 7, 2014
I love a good police procedural and this falls into that category. I flew through the pages quickly, wanting to know what Eva was really fleeing from. The story unfolds from the points of view of the police investigation on the murder of Naomi, with DCI Helen Lavery leading the case and Eva as she flees and moves further away from the crime scene.
Lavery is a great protagonist, she is determined to do the job properly, no matter what high level policing politics may come into play, but she does it calmly and with presence of mind, with the feel of a real police investigation happening.
Lavery also juggles a home life as many cops do, but the pressure is ramped up and the stakes are high as a murderer refuses to be held to account for their actions. By the last third of the book, I really couldn't stop reading. Isaac has created a real cop, with a real life, and real bad guys that just won't stop. A brilliant read.
Lavery is a great protagonist, she is determined to do the job properly, no matter what high level policing politics may come into play, but she does it calmly and with presence of mind, with the feel of a real police investigation happening.
Lavery also juggles a home life as many cops do, but the pressure is ramped up and the stakes are high as a murderer refuses to be held to account for their actions. By the last third of the book, I really couldn't stop reading. Isaac has created a real cop, with a real life, and real bad guys that just won't stop. A brilliant read.
January 20, 2015
I received an epub version of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was a good read, a good first effort from Jane Isaac. The main character, DCI Helen Lavery, is a single mom and daughter of a police hero that had previously placed the main bad guy in jail. Overall, the characters were believable and likable, and the plot was well-thought out.
The writing was pretty strong, but the number of flashbacks in the early and middle part of the book, while necessary, slowed the plot down somewhat. I'm not sure there is another way to reveal the required backstory, and the flashbacks did add to the overall tension.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys British police procedurals, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
This was a good read, a good first effort from Jane Isaac. The main character, DCI Helen Lavery, is a single mom and daughter of a police hero that had previously placed the main bad guy in jail. Overall, the characters were believable and likable, and the plot was well-thought out.
The writing was pretty strong, but the number of flashbacks in the early and middle part of the book, while necessary, slowed the plot down somewhat. I'm not sure there is another way to reveal the required backstory, and the flashbacks did add to the overall tension.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys British police procedurals, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
April 4, 2016
A bearable enough read with likeable enough characters although we don't see very deeply into any of them. A quickly wrapped up ending with a pretty bland last couple of pages. Not very well edited ~ there's a difference between past and passed, senseless title and a truly dreadful line, "when the detective met her earlier she felt like a fish, stranded in a rock pool when the tide receded ". Pardon?
May 13, 2014
This is a fast read that picks up in the second half. The outcome is predictable and over explained. On the plus side the main character is a likable, strong, widowed mother and there is potential for the series. Unfortunately, there are many likable, strong female DCI series to choose from that have already reached said potential.
Provided by publisher
Provided by publisher
January 27, 2016
Drawing you into its pages from its shock opener, this book will keep you gripped throughout. Although I somewhat guessed the ending, it still managed to hold my attention, as I read into the small hours, although I have to be honest and say that I felt there were a couple of weaknesses within the plot and the ending was somewhat rushed and out of sight. Overall though, a good page-turner.
June 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this and would read more of this series.
I was wary to start with as the actual book had a weird feel (as in the thickness of the paper, it felt like a pre release) so this threw me!
It felt a weak start but really grew on me
I like the main character and the relationship she had with her team. The character felt very real and not too exaggerated
I was wary to start with as the actual book had a weird feel (as in the thickness of the paper, it felt like a pre release) so this threw me!
It felt a weak start but really grew on me
I like the main character and the relationship she had with her team. The character felt very real and not too exaggerated
September 29, 2020
An enjoyable read from start to finish - remaining full of twists and suspense throughout. The characters were well written and felt believable - particularly the strong female lead DCI.
March 2, 2014
I would like to thank the publisher through NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of The Truth Will Out by Jane Isaac.
Legend Press, the publisher of The Truth Will Out, seems to promote many debut authors who have been recognized as having talent, as so far, I have been consistently impressed with the results.
The Truth Will Out, which is actually the second book in a crime series by author Jane Isaac (but the first published in the UK), is a compelling mystery with a likeable heroine.
The Truth Will Out follows DCI Helen Lavery, single mother and passionate police officer, as she investigates the murder of a young woman named Naomi in Hampton, England. The investigation has a unique beginning, which hooked me into the plot immediately. The mystery that follows is a quick read, as I was drawn to Helen as a character. Helen cares deeply about the human aspect of her job, as well as trying to be a good single mother to two teenage boys. For me, the vulnerability of several of the characters, including Helen herself, made me really care about what would happen to them.
I also appreciated the fact that The Truth Will Out is not excessively graphic or violent. It reminds me of the novels of Denise Mina, or Mo Hayder, but without their gruesome brutality and dark tone. Those novels make me feel like the world is a horrible place, while this novel makes me feel like the world is a place in which horrible things happen. This, for me, is a slight, but crucial, difference.
Ultimately, The Truth Will Out, despite having some pretty unsavory criminals, was a novel that left me feeling hopeful, and with the sense that there are decent people in the world.
I would recommend this novel to fans of author like Elly Griffiths, or anyone who enjoys a mystery novel that has a strong focus on characters, rather than being an intricately plotted whodunit. The Truth Will Out is not a gritty crime novel, nor is its main strength the plot. But it is an enjoyable read, one that can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
I will look forward to finding out what adventures DCI Helen Lavery encounters in the next book in this series, both in her duties with the police, and her challenges as a mother.
Legend Press, the publisher of The Truth Will Out, seems to promote many debut authors who have been recognized as having talent, as so far, I have been consistently impressed with the results.
The Truth Will Out, which is actually the second book in a crime series by author Jane Isaac (but the first published in the UK), is a compelling mystery with a likeable heroine.
The Truth Will Out follows DCI Helen Lavery, single mother and passionate police officer, as she investigates the murder of a young woman named Naomi in Hampton, England. The investigation has a unique beginning, which hooked me into the plot immediately. The mystery that follows is a quick read, as I was drawn to Helen as a character. Helen cares deeply about the human aspect of her job, as well as trying to be a good single mother to two teenage boys. For me, the vulnerability of several of the characters, including Helen herself, made me really care about what would happen to them.
I also appreciated the fact that The Truth Will Out is not excessively graphic or violent. It reminds me of the novels of Denise Mina, or Mo Hayder, but without their gruesome brutality and dark tone. Those novels make me feel like the world is a horrible place, while this novel makes me feel like the world is a place in which horrible things happen. This, for me, is a slight, but crucial, difference.
Ultimately, The Truth Will Out, despite having some pretty unsavory criminals, was a novel that left me feeling hopeful, and with the sense that there are decent people in the world.
I would recommend this novel to fans of author like Elly Griffiths, or anyone who enjoys a mystery novel that has a strong focus on characters, rather than being an intricately plotted whodunit. The Truth Will Out is not a gritty crime novel, nor is its main strength the plot. But it is an enjoyable read, one that can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
I will look forward to finding out what adventures DCI Helen Lavery encounters in the next book in this series, both in her duties with the police, and her challenges as a mother.
July 9, 2015
"Naomi, what is it?" She whisked back to face Eva. "There's somebody in the house... "A flash in the distance … the hand … a movement flashed over the Skype box on the screen before it went blank …"Naomi! " What should she do? Call an ambulance? The police? No! Not the police. Definitely, not the police … an ambulance.
Only a week ago Eva and Naomi had been travelling back through France to the ferry port, after a free holiday in Milan. A holiday that had had been offered in return for delivering the car they were driving back to the UK. As they are driving back, they have problems with the car window and when the garage they take it to, takes off the door panel to fix it, they find several brown parcels tucked into the door casing. In a quandary, they decide that their only option is to risk bringing it into the country, as they fear they won’t be believed if they tell the police the truth. Only a week - now Naomi has been attacked and Eva is on the run.
Naomi’s case is allocated to DCI Helen Lavery, who finds herself landed with a puzzling case with no leads, and the added complication of the involvement of the cold case team led by DI Dean Fitzpatrick, with whom she has history.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was plausible and kept me gripped. I liked the way the story developed, with the full picture gradually unfolding as the narrative alternated between Helen’s story and Eva’s. The plot concentrates as much on the characters involved, as the how and why of the crimes, which makes for a more enjoyable read. DCI Lavery in particular is a very believable character. Thankfully she doesn’t adhere to some of the stereotypical portrayals of female detectives, and she has a warmth and empathy, that is engaging. She lives with her mother and two teenage sons and juggles her job with her family life, not always successfully, something that many readers can immediately identify with. Although this is the not the first appearance of DCI Lavery, it is her first in the UK and I hope it will not be the last.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley for review purposes.
Only a week ago Eva and Naomi had been travelling back through France to the ferry port, after a free holiday in Milan. A holiday that had had been offered in return for delivering the car they were driving back to the UK. As they are driving back, they have problems with the car window and when the garage they take it to, takes off the door panel to fix it, they find several brown parcels tucked into the door casing. In a quandary, they decide that their only option is to risk bringing it into the country, as they fear they won’t be believed if they tell the police the truth. Only a week - now Naomi has been attacked and Eva is on the run.
Naomi’s case is allocated to DCI Helen Lavery, who finds herself landed with a puzzling case with no leads, and the added complication of the involvement of the cold case team led by DI Dean Fitzpatrick, with whom she has history.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was plausible and kept me gripped. I liked the way the story developed, with the full picture gradually unfolding as the narrative alternated between Helen’s story and Eva’s. The plot concentrates as much on the characters involved, as the how and why of the crimes, which makes for a more enjoyable read. DCI Lavery in particular is a very believable character. Thankfully she doesn’t adhere to some of the stereotypical portrayals of female detectives, and she has a warmth and empathy, that is engaging. She lives with her mother and two teenage sons and juggles her job with her family life, not always successfully, something that many readers can immediately identify with. Although this is the not the first appearance of DCI Lavery, it is her first in the UK and I hope it will not be the last.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley for review purposes.
April 1, 2014
The Truth Will Out by Jane Isaac is the second book in a crime series by the author who received wide recognition for her debut novel An Unfamiliar Murder, which was nominated as best mystery. Jane Isaac was also runner-up ‘Writer of the Year 2013’ with The Writers Bureau.
The Truth Will Out is a gripping story about a single mother of two young boys who also doubles up as police officer, DCI Helen Lavery, who is single-mindedly pursuing the murder case of a young woman named Naomi. Jane Isaac created a strong character in Helen who is intelligent and passionate about her work, and like many of us who has her own flaws. The investigation into the murder has been meticulously executed with every police procedural followed to the letter. There is mystery, suspense, drama and action all over the book.
While the novel is intricately designed, it is a character-driven story with Helen Lavery shuffling between her profession as a police officer and her duty as a mother, at times, believably failing on both fronts. What is apparent as you browse through the pages of the book is the sheer brilliance of the author who writes a distinctly flowing book which is tough to put down.
The Truth Will Out is a gripping story about a single mother of two young boys who also doubles up as police officer, DCI Helen Lavery, who is single-mindedly pursuing the murder case of a young woman named Naomi. Jane Isaac created a strong character in Helen who is intelligent and passionate about her work, and like many of us who has her own flaws. The investigation into the murder has been meticulously executed with every police procedural followed to the letter. There is mystery, suspense, drama and action all over the book.
While the novel is intricately designed, it is a character-driven story with Helen Lavery shuffling between her profession as a police officer and her duty as a mother, at times, believably failing on both fronts. What is apparent as you browse through the pages of the book is the sheer brilliance of the author who writes a distinctly flowing book which is tough to put down.
February 5, 2015
For those who love a detective series, the books featuring DCI Helen Lavery are highly recommended. The opening chapter is quite scary, Eva witnesses an attack on a friend and has to flee in fear of her own life. With no idea if her friend is safe and not knowing who her to trust she is very isolated.
Helen is very likeable, strong character. Single parent to two teenage boys and forced to work with an ex partner who she once trusted she is determined to find Eva and solve the case.
It's good to read about Helen's home life as well as her professional one. Guilt over not being able to be there more, dependency on a parent in helping raise her family and still missing her husband.
I'm glad that I have read these books in order, nothing is revealed about the previous case but I always feel it's better when reading about family life.
I have very much enjoyed both books so far in this series and I hope there will be another one soon.
Helen is very likeable, strong character. Single parent to two teenage boys and forced to work with an ex partner who she once trusted she is determined to find Eva and solve the case.
It's good to read about Helen's home life as well as her professional one. Guilt over not being able to be there more, dependency on a parent in helping raise her family and still missing her husband.
I'm glad that I have read these books in order, nothing is revealed about the previous case but I always feel it's better when reading about family life.
I have very much enjoyed both books so far in this series and I hope there will be another one soon.
July 6, 2014
Jane Isaac's book is about people - we are shown strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams. This is particularly true for the central character Helen, and because of this the reader is interested not only in the 'whodunnit' aspect but also in the more personal story of the single mother/police officer. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next Lavery case!
August 2, 2016
“Everything's going to be okay.”
“What if it's not?”
Suddenly, she turned. For a split second she halted, her head inclined.
“Naomi, what is it?”
She whisked back to face Eva. “There's somebody in the house...”
A great start to the book. Great characters especially D CI Lavery.
Fast paced and a good read. Will definitely read more.
“What if it's not?”
Suddenly, she turned. For a split second she halted, her head inclined.
“Naomi, what is it?”
She whisked back to face Eva. “There's somebody in the house...”
A great start to the book. Great characters especially D CI Lavery.
Fast paced and a good read. Will definitely read more.
March 1, 2014
I received this as an early read via NetGalley. I really enjoyed this! I particularly like UK mystery/thrillers for their fresh (for me) approach to characters and dialogue and this was no exception. I'll be looking for more by Jane Isaac!
April 25, 2014
Compelling.....
This book was gripping from the very first page, impossible to put down and I didn't guess the twist!
Thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to the next.
This book was gripping from the very first page, impossible to put down and I didn't guess the twist!
Thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to the next.
January 6, 2016
This book will grab you from the start and draw you in until the last pages, plenty of twists at a great fast pace.
November 30, 2025
4 stars for me.
Eva is on the run,she saw her friend being attacked and now she fears they will come for her.
DCI Helen Lavery leads the investigation into the murder of Naomi,lots of the case cooming together,and her old flame Detective Inspector Dean Fitzpatrick comes to help with investigation.
Will Eva survive life on the run?
Will Helen solve the case?
It was quick and engaging crime thriller,the twist at the end shocking.I really liked Helen,her work and passion as DCI ,and her private life as a mother of teenagers,with a complicated love life.It shows her life from a POV of a woman who's trying to do her best for her sons and at work that is often dangerous.The case was interesting and the ending surprising,I did not expect that.My first book by this author and going back to read first in the series,want to know Helen and her story better.
Thank you dp publisher for my copy,my review is honest and my own.
Eva is on the run,she saw her friend being attacked and now she fears they will come for her.
DCI Helen Lavery leads the investigation into the murder of Naomi,lots of the case cooming together,and her old flame Detective Inspector Dean Fitzpatrick comes to help with investigation.
Will Eva survive life on the run?
Will Helen solve the case?
It was quick and engaging crime thriller,the twist at the end shocking.I really liked Helen,her work and passion as DCI ,and her private life as a mother of teenagers,with a complicated love life.It shows her life from a POV of a woman who's trying to do her best for her sons and at work that is often dangerous.The case was interesting and the ending surprising,I did not expect that.My first book by this author and going back to read first in the series,want to know Helen and her story better.
Thank you dp publisher for my copy,my review is honest and my own.
March 7, 2020
I read books 1 and 2 in about a week and really enjoyed them. Both books were Kindle Unlimited books (in the United States at least) which I appreciated
I like DCI Helen Lavery. She is a widow with two teenage boys. She didn't become a police officer until her husband was killed in a helicopter crash. She needed to have a job and her father had been a police officer. She and her mother share a home so that her mother can help her with her sons. I like seeing her personal life as well as her professional life.
I gave both books four stars though I liked book 1 a little better than book 2. Book 2 had several events that I felt were a little too convenient. However, I still liked it and want to read the third book which was published during Autumn 2019.
I like DCI Helen Lavery. She is a widow with two teenage boys. She didn't become a police officer until her husband was killed in a helicopter crash. She needed to have a job and her father had been a police officer. She and her mother share a home so that her mother can help her with her sons. I like seeing her personal life as well as her professional life.
I gave both books four stars though I liked book 1 a little better than book 2. Book 2 had several events that I felt were a little too convenient. However, I still liked it and want to read the third book which was published during Autumn 2019.
March 25, 2019
Wow.. this book was amazing now definitely need to find the rest of Jane Issacs books.
DCI Helen Lavery is a police officer who has learnt a lot from her late father. Being a widow and mother of 2 boys who also lives with her mum hasn’t always had life easy but she is certainly a very strong and likeable character in this book.
On a case where everything matches but nothing fits, it all seems to point the right way but then something comes along and sends her in another direction. Using gut instinct and trusting herself and her values works and helps her succeed.
Eva is someone who is trying her best to stay alive and not know who to trust after seeing her best friend get attacked over Skype... not knowing the truth but relying on herself and her instincts to concentrate and survive.
There is always that one character that sucks you in but you know is too good to be true and you need to watch yourself around them.
This book has it all and those last 100 pages certainly flew past I couldn’t put this book down and even had the ‘Oh No’ said out loud a few times.
Loved it and would recommend it.
DCI Helen Lavery is a police officer who has learnt a lot from her late father. Being a widow and mother of 2 boys who also lives with her mum hasn’t always had life easy but she is certainly a very strong and likeable character in this book.
On a case where everything matches but nothing fits, it all seems to point the right way but then something comes along and sends her in another direction. Using gut instinct and trusting herself and her values works and helps her succeed.
Eva is someone who is trying her best to stay alive and not know who to trust after seeing her best friend get attacked over Skype... not knowing the truth but relying on herself and her instincts to concentrate and survive.
There is always that one character that sucks you in but you know is too good to be true and you need to watch yourself around them.
This book has it all and those last 100 pages certainly flew past I couldn’t put this book down and even had the ‘Oh No’ said out loud a few times.
Loved it and would recommend it.
April 2, 2014
'The Truth Will Out' was for me the much anticipated second novel from the author Jane Isaac. I thoroughly enjoyed her début novel 'An Unfamiliar Murder' and am pleased to say that as much as I enjoyed her first, this one was even better.
Gripping and suspenseful it kept me hooked from the very beginning and is, without a doubt one of the best books I have read in a while. A page turner from the start, I loved being re-immersed into the drama-filled police world of DCI Helen Lavery, who balances being a single mother of teenage boys along with solving criminal cases while also trying to deal with her own personal dilemma's. Ms Isaac has written a well rounded character who from the onset, will have you identifying with her on a very human level.
The novel begins when Eva witnesses her best friend Naomi being attacked on screen in front of her while they Skype together and when she sees no other option, goes on the run and into hiding. Add to the plot drug smuggling and murder, a psychopath, a little bit of romance on the side and a detective who will not stop until she gets to the truth, you have a story that will keep you reading late into the night.
I had much praise for Ms Isaac's first novel but I believe she has really come into her own with this second one. She has proved herself an accomplished author who I have no doubt will develop a strong following if she hasn't already, and I for one am thoroughly looking forward to her next novel as well as reading a whole lot more on the crime and intrigue in the world of DCI Helen Lavery.
Gripping and suspenseful it kept me hooked from the very beginning and is, without a doubt one of the best books I have read in a while. A page turner from the start, I loved being re-immersed into the drama-filled police world of DCI Helen Lavery, who balances being a single mother of teenage boys along with solving criminal cases while also trying to deal with her own personal dilemma's. Ms Isaac has written a well rounded character who from the onset, will have you identifying with her on a very human level.
The novel begins when Eva witnesses her best friend Naomi being attacked on screen in front of her while they Skype together and when she sees no other option, goes on the run and into hiding. Add to the plot drug smuggling and murder, a psychopath, a little bit of romance on the side and a detective who will not stop until she gets to the truth, you have a story that will keep you reading late into the night.
I had much praise for Ms Isaac's first novel but I believe she has really come into her own with this second one. She has proved herself an accomplished author who I have no doubt will develop a strong following if she hasn't already, and I for one am thoroughly looking forward to her next novel as well as reading a whole lot more on the crime and intrigue in the world of DCI Helen Lavery.
May 30, 2017
I couldn't get on with this, at all. There were too many unlucky happenings (no charger with new phone, didn't buy a charger, battery dead at key moment, losing a mobile phone at crucial moment) for me to take this book seriously. And the author's tendency to sum up afterwards events that we should have been reading about for ourselves as they happened, I found very annoying. It felt as if she just ran out of steam at times and decided not to bother writing the plot but to précis it for the reader later. This took away so much of the suspense and tension that the novel should have had. The main character, Helen Lavery, was well written and convincing as was her deputy, Pemberton, but the other characters weren't fleshed out enough for me to engage with them as real people and I ended up not really caring what happened to them - in fact, when a major character died, it had no effect on me. Not recommended.
On a technical level, I listened to the audiobook version of this and the narrator left rather a lot to be desired. Though she had a lovely speaking voice she made frequent mistakes (tripping over words, mispronouncing words, placing the emphasis on the wrong syllable ("second ment for secondment"), confusing "quiet" with "quite" and "wander" with "wonder", not carrying over verbs from the end of one line to the next, etc). This led to my waiting for the next error rather than concentrating on the actual text. I was surprised that the publishers allowed this to go out with so many errors; it was as if this was an uncorrected first draft.
On a technical level, I listened to the audiobook version of this and the narrator left rather a lot to be desired. Though she had a lovely speaking voice she made frequent mistakes (tripping over words, mispronouncing words, placing the emphasis on the wrong syllable ("second ment for secondment"), confusing "quiet" with "quite" and "wander" with "wonder", not carrying over verbs from the end of one line to the next, etc). This led to my waiting for the next error rather than concentrating on the actual text. I was surprised that the publishers allowed this to go out with so many errors; it was as if this was an uncorrected first draft.
March 6, 2018
I made the mistake of thinking this was a standalone but it's actually the second in a series and I haven't read the first! And I won't.
By no means a bad book but it's just not me. Perhaps I would enjoy it more at a different time or in a different mindframe.
But I got to 50% and thought - simultaneously - "Halfway through? But it's not really got going yet!" and "Only halfway through - I feel like I've been reading it for ever!"
And then, the prose started to leap off the page at me, but not in a good way. In just one passage over a couple of pages I highlighted
I thought "Nah. I can't be bothered". I had got halfway through the book and none of the characters had engaged me, and I realised I wasn't that bothered to find out how it ends.
So, tata.
By no means a bad book but it's just not me. Perhaps I would enjoy it more at a different time or in a different mindframe.
But I got to 50% and thought - simultaneously - "Halfway through? But it's not really got going yet!" and "Only halfway through - I feel like I've been reading it for ever!"
And then, the prose started to leap off the page at me, but not in a good way. In just one passage over a couple of pages I highlighted
his phone scattered haphazardly to his side;
She paused fleetingly;
He picked up the phone, pressed a digit and cast it aside.
I thought "Nah. I can't be bothered". I had got halfway through the book and none of the characters had engaged me, and I realised I wasn't that bothered to find out how it ends.
So, tata.
April 10, 2014
My View:
Give this book a little time and you will find yourself wrapped up in a moving, engaging and down to earth police procedural with a heroine who defies the crime fiction hero stereotype; she is not an alcoholic, she doesn’t have anger issues or wallow in self-pity and self-hate rather she is strong, resourceful, and intuitive, she is widowed, a working mother, a great police officer and a woman with feelings and passions. I really enjoyed the strong character development, the complex narrative and the faint odour of corruption that is woven into this script.
You know you have enjoyed a book when you turn the last page and are disappointed there is no more to follow! I hope that we do not have to wait too long for the third book in the DCI Helen Lavery series to hit our shelves (there is going to be a third book isn’t there?).
Give this book a little time and you will find yourself wrapped up in a moving, engaging and down to earth police procedural with a heroine who defies the crime fiction hero stereotype; she is not an alcoholic, she doesn’t have anger issues or wallow in self-pity and self-hate rather she is strong, resourceful, and intuitive, she is widowed, a working mother, a great police officer and a woman with feelings and passions. I really enjoyed the strong character development, the complex narrative and the faint odour of corruption that is woven into this script.
You know you have enjoyed a book when you turn the last page and are disappointed there is no more to follow! I hope that we do not have to wait too long for the third book in the DCI Helen Lavery series to hit our shelves (there is going to be a third book isn’t there?).
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