What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Jen Garner #1
Perfect Lie
Jen Garner’s picture-perfect family life hides a dark secret and a darker past.
And when the body of a woman is found face down in a foot of water near Jen's home, Detective Chris Jackson is called in to investigate.
He’s shaken to find similarities to an unsolved murder from the year before. The one case he can’t forget.
As Jen begins receiving strange gifts, she is dragged into the investigation. Is the past finally catching up with her?
But she has no idea how fast the perfect life can unravel . . .
Or how far she’ll go to keep it.
And when the body of a woman is found face down in a foot of water near Jen's home, Detective Chris Jackson is called in to investigate.
He’s shaken to find similarities to an unsolved murder from the year before. The one case he can’t forget.
As Jen begins receiving strange gifts, she is dragged into the investigation. Is the past finally catching up with her?
But she has no idea how fast the perfect life can unravel . . .
Or how far she’ll go to keep it.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2020
94 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Claire Sheldon
6 books32 followersClaire lives in Nottingham with her family, a cat called Whiskers and a dog called Podrick.
She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and as a result of the disease had to reduce her hours working in insurance for an Insolvency Insurer. This spare time enabled her to study a creative writing course which inspired her to write her debut, Perfect Lie.
When Claire isn't working she enjoys reading crime novels and listening to music – the band Jimmy Eat World is her biggest muse! Claire is also an avid reader and book blogger. The inspiration for her novels comes from the hours spent watching The Bill with her grandparents and auntie; then later, Spooks and other detective programmes like Inspector Morse, A Touch of Frost and Midsomer Murders.
She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and as a result of the disease had to reduce her hours working in insurance for an Insolvency Insurer. This spare time enabled her to study a creative writing course which inspired her to write her debut, Perfect Lie.
When Claire isn't working she enjoys reading crime novels and listening to music – the band Jimmy Eat World is her biggest muse! Claire is also an avid reader and book blogger. The inspiration for her novels comes from the hours spent watching The Bill with her grandparents and auntie; then later, Spooks and other detective programmes like Inspector Morse, A Touch of Frost and Midsomer Murders.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 14, 2021
Jen Garner had been happily married for the past ten years with two beautiful children when first an unidentified woman was discovered brutally murdered, then Jen began to receive strange gifts with no cards to say who they were from. She was a daily runner, training for an upcoming marathon and the morning she knew she was being followed, her paranoia hit the highest level it could. Her husband, Trent, basically laughed it off saying no one could catch up with her, therefore no one was following her. But the last item she received was the final straw…
The team from London had been following the drugs case for a long time. Undercover agents had been deep inside for those same years. But were things coming to a head? With Lisa Carter back on the scene, she and Max were determined to remove the streets of the vile predators once and for all. But could they? Would they?
Perfect Lie is the debut novel for author Claire Sheldon and it was a gritty, fast paced, twisty psychological thriller. I did remove a star rating because An enjoyable read, Perfect Lie is a great opener for the Lisa Carter Files series of which I have #2 waiting in the wings. Recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The team from London had been following the drugs case for a long time. Undercover agents had been deep inside for those same years. But were things coming to a head? With Lisa Carter back on the scene, she and Max were determined to remove the streets of the vile predators once and for all. But could they? Would they?
Perfect Lie is the debut novel for author Claire Sheldon and it was a gritty, fast paced, twisty psychological thriller. I did remove a star rating because An enjoyable read, Perfect Lie is a great opener for the Lisa Carter Files series of which I have #2 waiting in the wings. Recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2022
Jen Garner is an interesting mix. To all appearances, she is a perfect stay at home mum involved with her kids and their school. But what happens when Jen starts receiving strange gifts and then Jen’s settled domestic life is disrupted when her past finds her? And where has she disappeared to? Police suspect her husband James. But is there more to her disappearance? The reader sees Jen is drawn back into her old life in the effort to uncover a murderer. Jen resolves to find who is responsible for the murder of detective Chloe Seaward. But will that put her future with James and the children at risk? It may even mean risking her life in the quest to uncover the murderer. Drugs also play a big part in this story.
On the whole I liked her husband James although sometimes the behaviour and sudden anger bursts from James seemed a bit inexplicable. also liked his parents who help out after Jen goes missing. I really liked detective Chris and his persistence and gut reaction towards James. I enjoyed incidents where her two children Alex and Melanie, make brief appearances. They are cute, and there are some other interesting characters and some who are not what they seem.
I had a few issues though with names, females Jen, Julie, Jodie and Jess and June not to mention James. I felt like telling the author to get out of the Js. I am amazed that an editor didn't pick this up and suggest some names needed to be changed. To compound matters, then among the detectives there is Chris and Clive. Again less similar names would have worked better. My other problem was some of the writing. Some sentences seemed awkward grammatically. At times it rather sounded like someone whose first language is not English. Those issues aside it was quite an engaging read that kept me interested.
This is the first book in a series which should please a lot of readers. Enjoyable despite the issues mentioned. And just maybe it suffered a bit for me after coming straight after another stunning book I had just finished. So willing to give this author and another book a go at some point. This is her debut book. I read the paperback edition not the kindle version.
On the whole I liked her husband James although sometimes the behaviour and sudden anger bursts from James seemed a bit inexplicable. also liked his parents who help out after Jen goes missing. I really liked detective Chris and his persistence and gut reaction towards James. I enjoyed incidents where her two children Alex and Melanie, make brief appearances. They are cute, and there are some other interesting characters and some who are not what they seem.
I had a few issues though with names, females Jen, Julie, Jodie and Jess and June not to mention James. I felt like telling the author to get out of the Js. I am amazed that an editor didn't pick this up and suggest some names needed to be changed. To compound matters, then among the detectives there is Chris and Clive. Again less similar names would have worked better. My other problem was some of the writing. Some sentences seemed awkward grammatically. At times it rather sounded like someone whose first language is not English. Those issues aside it was quite an engaging read that kept me interested.
This is the first book in a series which should please a lot of readers. Enjoyable despite the issues mentioned. And just maybe it suffered a bit for me after coming straight after another stunning book I had just finished. So willing to give this author and another book a go at some point. This is her debut book. I read the paperback edition not the kindle version.
June 19, 2020
Wow!! A brilliant debut by author Claire Sheldon which twerked by thriller-y heart into strange rhythms as excitement coursed through me.
The story started innocuously with Jen receiving flowers and other odd gifts along with a condolence letter. A body found in the village with the infinity tattoo got the police with DI Chris to start their investigation. The plot deepened when Jen's life was thoroughly shattered with the last gift...
I couldn't believe this was a debut by the author; the writing brought out the frission of thrill as I poured through the pages. Each subplot caused me to read faster to get to the truth. The twists came at the right time making me to gasp with wicked mirth. I love it when authors shock me in unexpected ways.
The story was more than a murder mystery where the past was intertwined with their present lives. Told in multiple POVs, it gave be a bird's eye view of all the aspects of the investigation and the interconnections. The author was quite clever in the way she built up the suspense in me.
This was a complete thriller where along with the murder, it had action too. The opening chapter seemed like a family drama, but trust me, this was no such thing. It was a complete rocking ride where each twist led to further suspense, and I could barely hold on to my dear life.
A thrilling read.
The story started innocuously with Jen receiving flowers and other odd gifts along with a condolence letter. A body found in the village with the infinity tattoo got the police with DI Chris to start their investigation. The plot deepened when Jen's life was thoroughly shattered with the last gift...
I couldn't believe this was a debut by the author; the writing brought out the frission of thrill as I poured through the pages. Each subplot caused me to read faster to get to the truth. The twists came at the right time making me to gasp with wicked mirth. I love it when authors shock me in unexpected ways.
The story was more than a murder mystery where the past was intertwined with their present lives. Told in multiple POVs, it gave be a bird's eye view of all the aspects of the investigation and the interconnections. The author was quite clever in the way she built up the suspense in me.
This was a complete thriller where along with the murder, it had action too. The opening chapter seemed like a family drama, but trust me, this was no such thing. It was a complete rocking ride where each twist led to further suspense, and I could barely hold on to my dear life.
A thrilling read.
June 16, 2020
This is a very well crafted tale. It is a story which starts in a very familiar setting in which Jen is an housewife who loves her husband and family. In a very short space of time her history is brought to meet her present. She takes the only way out but nothing seems to be as it should be. I loved the way the crimes were brought to life, played out and ultimately sorted. It is all the more scary as so subtle. I was lulled into a false sense of security by the opening chapters but then couldn't put it down. The relationships between the characters are very believable and by the time you finish this book you will look at all your relationships closely!
June 7, 2020
This is a fabulous book! My very first review for the publishers and I just could not say otherwise than that it really should be published! The opening does consist of some mild violence, so set the scene, then is straight into Jen's story and adventure!
You will be on a roller coaster of adventure, twists and turns and you will believe, disbelieve and then believe again in the various characters and their loyalty towards Jen.
This is Claire Sheldon's first book, and I sincerely hope to be offered her next to review.
Five stars all the way!
You will be on a roller coaster of adventure, twists and turns and you will believe, disbelieve and then believe again in the various characters and their loyalty towards Jen.
This is Claire Sheldon's first book, and I sincerely hope to be offered her next to review.
Five stars all the way!
June 23, 2020
This is a really good debut thriller. It's well crafted and builds with some great tension. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and twists as you wonder just who can be trusted. I've got a tenancy to try and picture the TV adaption of stories as I read and I could really see this play out in my head. I liked the characters and really like the fact that there will be more of DI Chris Jackson and hopefully Hannah too.
Ok my quibble and I thought about whether to add it but it did annoy me so I have to however, it is minor and just shows you can't please everyone and also that despite reading some dark and nasty books in my time I've finally found the one thing that triggers me and it was nothing that I thought it would: a blatant disregard for governance 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I work in auditing and risk for public sector and the access Jen gets to PC's without a DBS check urgh just no even if she did used to work there 10 years ago and then they gave her a gun! And yes I know that would have delayed the plot by a good 7 weeks! I know I'm being an utter pedant and I normally can suspend belief in anything so I'm finding it hilarious that how much it's bugged me and I certainly wouldn't tell people not to read it just because I'm apparently going a bit bonkers over the proper paperwork. Sorry Claire.
So anyway, rant aside as mentioned it's a great debut and kept me hooked from the moment I started it until the very end. I'm excited to see what Claire does next.
Ok my quibble and I thought about whether to add it but it did annoy me so I have to however, it is minor and just shows you can't please everyone and also that despite reading some dark and nasty books in my time I've finally found the one thing that triggers me and it was nothing that I thought it would: a blatant disregard for governance 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I work in auditing and risk for public sector and the access Jen gets to PC's without a DBS check urgh just no even if she did used to work there 10 years ago and then they gave her a gun! And yes I know that would have delayed the plot by a good 7 weeks! I know I'm being an utter pedant and I normally can suspend belief in anything so I'm finding it hilarious that how much it's bugged me and I certainly wouldn't tell people not to read it just because I'm apparently going a bit bonkers over the proper paperwork. Sorry Claire.
So anyway, rant aside as mentioned it's a great debut and kept me hooked from the moment I started it until the very end. I'm excited to see what Claire does next.
June 17, 2020
Jen has a happy, settled life with her husband and two children, but when she starts to receive odd gifts, flowers and cards anonymously she is worried and scared, someone knows her secret. One day she just walks away and disappears.
Her husband is distraught and reports her missing and the investigation begins. DI Chris Jackson starts the enquiry and uncovers, murders, drugs and so much more…..
I really can’t say much more about the story for fear of spoiling the marvellously twisty and original plot. Perfect Lie is well written with a pace that slowly builds the tale and the tension. Great characters and in depth details of the police, their procedures and the areas of Nottingham and Long Eaton. It’s hard to believe this is Claire Sheldon’s debut novel. I was hooked right from the beginning and loved every minute. A thoroughly engrossing and entertaining read.
Thank you to Claire for an eARC of Perfect Lie. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Her husband is distraught and reports her missing and the investigation begins. DI Chris Jackson starts the enquiry and uncovers, murders, drugs and so much more…..
I really can’t say much more about the story for fear of spoiling the marvellously twisty and original plot. Perfect Lie is well written with a pace that slowly builds the tale and the tension. Great characters and in depth details of the police, their procedures and the areas of Nottingham and Long Eaton. It’s hard to believe this is Claire Sheldon’s debut novel. I was hooked right from the beginning and loved every minute. A thoroughly engrossing and entertaining read.
Thank you to Claire for an eARC of Perfect Lie. This is my honest and unbiased review.
July 25, 2021
Jen Garner is seen as perfect to her friends. Helping organise school plays and accompanying her husband to company dinners. The past is coming to destroy Jen, starting with flowers and a sympathy card... all seeming a mistake, until the final gift turns up, ripping Jen's life apart and forcing her to confront events from 10 years before.
This was absolutely fantastic. This is going to be another book series I need to buy and read - I loved every part of this book. Twists, shocks, emotion - it had everything a good story would possibly need!
This was absolutely fantastic. This is going to be another book series I need to buy and read - I loved every part of this book. Twists, shocks, emotion - it had everything a good story would possibly need!
June 16, 2020
I’m not usually a fan of detective stories but this novel really stands out. Jen is living the life of a normal wife and mother, like many of us. However what is the real truth? The story has so many twists and turns that you won’t see coming but never loses the fact that Jen and her husband are characters we care about and we want to learn the truth. Even the main detectives are interesting characters in their own right. I throughly enjoyed this book and did not want to put it down. Very satisfying ending too! Highly recommend!
April 1, 2021
I read this book in a day. I couldn't put it down from the first page to the last. I had no idea that twist in the tale was coming and then everything was shock after shock after shock to the dramatic conclusion.
I'm stunned this is Claire's debut, it's superb.
I'm stunned this is Claire's debut, it's superb.
June 16, 2020
What a debut! From the get go, this is a book that draws you in with a shocking start and the air of mystery and fear are kept up throughout, and watching how a seemingly perfect life can quickly unravel was fascinating and chilling!
The story revolves around Jen Garner and on the surface she has the perfect life in a perfect village! Always happy to help others, a supportive wife and mother – life is good! But that is about to change when a body is found in the village leading everyone to think it isn’t as safe as once thought. Jen also hears something about the victim which leaves her a little edgy, and then when gifts and cards begin to randomly appear at her house, her initial fears might be realised and life is set to change drastically for her.
DI Chris Jackson is brought in to lead the investigations into the murder and I loved seeing how the story unfolds from both of their perspectives. Little details picked up on by both lead the story to twists and turns galore and I really enjoyed where the narrative takes each character, and those around them!
I was also really excited when the action leads the chase to near where I live so that added an extra element to me! I kept thinking to myself, I know that road!! (The A13 in Basildon/Pitsea!) – I’m easily pleased!!
This was a book full of action and intrigue and the author created some fascinating characters with even more fascinating backstories! It was a really well rounded story that never went over the top and I can’t wait for more from this author in the future!!
The story revolves around Jen Garner and on the surface she has the perfect life in a perfect village! Always happy to help others, a supportive wife and mother – life is good! But that is about to change when a body is found in the village leading everyone to think it isn’t as safe as once thought. Jen also hears something about the victim which leaves her a little edgy, and then when gifts and cards begin to randomly appear at her house, her initial fears might be realised and life is set to change drastically for her.
DI Chris Jackson is brought in to lead the investigations into the murder and I loved seeing how the story unfolds from both of their perspectives. Little details picked up on by both lead the story to twists and turns galore and I really enjoyed where the narrative takes each character, and those around them!
I was also really excited when the action leads the chase to near where I live so that added an extra element to me! I kept thinking to myself, I know that road!! (The A13 in Basildon/Pitsea!) – I’m easily pleased!!
This was a book full of action and intrigue and the author created some fascinating characters with even more fascinating backstories! It was a really well rounded story that never went over the top and I can’t wait for more from this author in the future!!
October 17, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perfect Lie by Claire Sheldon is a really good detective story with a lot of mystery! This is the first book in the series and for me the last. Ok, hear me out!
I am not a fan of traditional detective stories and I am not a fan of series! There were some times when I dived into the next books (I believe book 5 for me was a record but usually 2 or 3) but in general, it is hard to sell me a detective/FBI series.
Why do I choose it if I am not a fan?
I like to challenge myself as some series were truly amazing!
I loved the main plot in this book! The prologue captured my interest and broke my heart same time. I was invested to find, what the hell happened.
There were a lot of investigations going on and a lot of detectives, so there were parts where I was confused about who was who.
Jen Garner living an ordinary life with her husband and children. But then strange things started to happen and looks like someone knows her from times when she led a very different life. Then a body is found in the area and DI Chris Jackson is brought in to lead the murder investigation.
Jen's husband James received a call from school - no one picked up the kids... Jen's phone is off and she is nowhere to be found!
As we know it's always the husband...
Perfect Lie by Claire Sheldon is a really good detective story with a lot of mystery! This is the first book in the series and for me the last. Ok, hear me out!
I am not a fan of traditional detective stories and I am not a fan of series! There were some times when I dived into the next books (I believe book 5 for me was a record but usually 2 or 3) but in general, it is hard to sell me a detective/FBI series.
Why do I choose it if I am not a fan?
I like to challenge myself as some series were truly amazing!
I loved the main plot in this book! The prologue captured my interest and broke my heart same time. I was invested to find, what the hell happened.
There were a lot of investigations going on and a lot of detectives, so there were parts where I was confused about who was who.
Jen Garner living an ordinary life with her husband and children. But then strange things started to happen and looks like someone knows her from times when she led a very different life. Then a body is found in the area and DI Chris Jackson is brought in to lead the murder investigation.
Jen's husband James received a call from school - no one picked up the kids... Jen's phone is off and she is nowhere to be found!
As we know it's always the husband...
April 5, 2021
a considered 4* this starts off gruesome and then goes in an unexpected direction, i dont feel like it kept the pace going throughout but it was a good read
June 16, 2020
This was a debut to be proud of.
The author really manages to keep your attention and to guide you through the murky depths of the story until finally the big fish is captured.
Sometimes when you love them, you have to leave them to protect them even if it’s the hardest thing you ever had to do. You can only hope, when everything is solved, that they understand why and are ready to embrace you again.
This book was just great! I enjoyed everything about it.
The author showed that she is here to stay and I would not mind a series with DI Jackson and his team. You never know. Sometimes wishes are granted. 🙂 5 stars.
Thank you, Claire Sheldon and Ruby Fiction
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The author really manages to keep your attention and to guide you through the murky depths of the story until finally the big fish is captured.
Sometimes when you love them, you have to leave them to protect them even if it’s the hardest thing you ever had to do. You can only hope, when everything is solved, that they understand why and are ready to embrace you again.
This book was just great! I enjoyed everything about it.
The author showed that she is here to stay and I would not mind a series with DI Jackson and his team. You never know. Sometimes wishes are granted. 🙂 5 stars.
Thank you, Claire Sheldon and Ruby Fiction
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
August 24, 2023
Happily married Jen has a secret past that remains well-hidden until a close friend and colleague is brutally murdered. Fearing she will be the next victim, she flees to those she knows will protect her, effectively putting her husband in the firing line of accusations about her disappearance.
This author’s debut book shows great promise for the rest of the series and I enjoyed reading this book. I would have liked more suspense, but that’s just a personal preference. On the whole, it is well-written with well-rounded characters, an interesting plot, and enough action to keep turning the pages. Well worth a read.
This author’s debut book shows great promise for the rest of the series and I enjoyed reading this book. I would have liked more suspense, but that’s just a personal preference. On the whole, it is well-written with well-rounded characters, an interesting plot, and enough action to keep turning the pages. Well worth a read.
June 17, 2020
How to describe a thriller without giving away the surprise? This is different from the usual "procedural/legal" type of story and is not really easy to categorise. Finally what came to mind as a description is Sir Walter Scott's saying "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive". You will have to unravel the tangle to discover who is doing the deceiving. Do not let the quietly suburban beginning of this story fool you like it did me. Before I knew it I was reading as fast as I could and then having to go back to check details of the plot that I had missed. As this is the author's first novel I'm hoping there will be others, perhaps with DI Chris Jackson.
May 31, 2020
This is a debut and, in my opinion, a complete success. I really enjoyed meeting the family whose quiet life was about to be disrupted, trying to figure out who could have sent the mysterious "gifts" Jen started to receive, following DI Chris Jackson's enquiry... and other things I can't mention without giving too much away.
For other readers of Ruby Fiction's crime/thriller catalogue, I would particularly recommend this new book to those who enjoyed Sadie Ryan's psychological thrillers (for the "family suddenly in danger" side) and Wendy Dranfield's Dean Matheson series (for the police investigations). Or just anyone who likes those types of novels in general.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For other readers of Ruby Fiction's crime/thriller catalogue, I would particularly recommend this new book to those who enjoyed Sadie Ryan's psychological thrillers (for the "family suddenly in danger" side) and Wendy Dranfield's Dean Matheson series (for the police investigations). Or just anyone who likes those types of novels in general.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2022
What a fantastic debut novel this was. Loved the plot, the characters and the twists and turns. Written so well. So glad it is the start of a series. Can't wait to read book #2.
March 11, 2024
3.5*
Got much better towards the end, found the writing style quite immature though. I did like the main character Lisa/Jen and would be interested in reading the second book just for her character
Got much better towards the end, found the writing style quite immature though. I did like the main character Lisa/Jen and would be interested in reading the second book just for her character
September 2, 2020
Interesting Concept & Intriguing Plot - 3.5 stars
This is a debut novel from author Claire Sheldon. As a writer, I know how hard it is to get a book over the finish line and out into the world, so I’d like to congratulate Claire on reaching this point.
The book tells the story of Jen Garner, who at the start, appears to be living an ordinary life with her husband and children and who runs to keep fit. While she is out running, she has to divert her course due to the police investigating a murder. In addition, Jen starts to receive unexpected items in the post that unnerve her. It is soon revealed that the murder victim is an ex-colleague of Jen’s and we discover that before she settled down with husband James, she led a very different life. But her secrets from the past are about to catch up with her.
I won’t give too much away about the rest of the plot, other than to say the book is well-paced and written from a variety of POVs which add interest to the story. I liked the characters, especially DI Chris Jackson, and I could see him being involved in another plot. Not sure if Claire is writing book two, but I’d definitely like to see more of him.
As well as as being a mystery thriller, the book also focusses on family relationships, and I thought this element was well done.
I’ve given the book a 3.5-star rating as for me; personally, I’d like to have seen more action at the end and potentially a few more red herrings dropped in to throw me off the scent.
Well done, Claire and thanks to you and the publisher for letting me have an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a debut novel from author Claire Sheldon. As a writer, I know how hard it is to get a book over the finish line and out into the world, so I’d like to congratulate Claire on reaching this point.
The book tells the story of Jen Garner, who at the start, appears to be living an ordinary life with her husband and children and who runs to keep fit. While she is out running, she has to divert her course due to the police investigating a murder. In addition, Jen starts to receive unexpected items in the post that unnerve her. It is soon revealed that the murder victim is an ex-colleague of Jen’s and we discover that before she settled down with husband James, she led a very different life. But her secrets from the past are about to catch up with her.
I won’t give too much away about the rest of the plot, other than to say the book is well-paced and written from a variety of POVs which add interest to the story. I liked the characters, especially DI Chris Jackson, and I could see him being involved in another plot. Not sure if Claire is writing book two, but I’d definitely like to see more of him.
As well as as being a mystery thriller, the book also focusses on family relationships, and I thought this element was well done.
I’ve given the book a 3.5-star rating as for me; personally, I’d like to have seen more action at the end and potentially a few more red herrings dropped in to throw me off the scent.
Well done, Claire and thanks to you and the publisher for letting me have an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2020
Jen has a happy marriage, 2 wonderful children and then there is a murder in her hometown which brings the past straight into the here and now.
Jen was an undercover Police Officer, something not even her Husband was aware of, and the dead person was her partner in the force. When strange gifts arrive Jen realises she has to go back to what she knows and find out what happened to her friend and colleague.
If you can get past the fact that it is doubtful whether the Police would waste resources on a case if another division knew about the situation (I won’t elaborate otherwise it may give too much away) or allow someone to walk straight back into an investigation after years out of the force then this is a good read.
I did find it a little predictable but that didn’t take away the excellent writing of police procedures and casework and the characters were believable.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.
Jen was an undercover Police Officer, something not even her Husband was aware of, and the dead person was her partner in the force. When strange gifts arrive Jen realises she has to go back to what she knows and find out what happened to her friend and colleague.
If you can get past the fact that it is doubtful whether the Police would waste resources on a case if another division knew about the situation (I won’t elaborate otherwise it may give too much away) or allow someone to walk straight back into an investigation after years out of the force then this is a good read.
I did find it a little predictable but that didn’t take away the excellent writing of police procedures and casework and the characters were believable.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.
November 2, 2021
What is 'perfect' trying to hide?
Jen Garner tries to be Mother & Wife of the year but what happens when she starts to receive strange gifts in the post....someone is clearly intent on ruining her life.
This didn't do it for me, I sped through it but didn't enjoy it & really wasn't interested in it! I didn't warm to any of the characters & it just felt very 'meh'
Jen Garner tries to be Mother & Wife of the year but what happens when she starts to receive strange gifts in the post....someone is clearly intent on ruining her life.
This didn't do it for me, I sped through it but didn't enjoy it & really wasn't interested in it! I didn't warm to any of the characters & it just felt very 'meh'
November 15, 2021
I liked the concept but of this book, and thought it sounded intriguing. The issues are that I couldn’t believe in the detectives and couldn’t believe in the other main character, it felt too forced and just a bit too unrealistic. I found the whole but at the end a bit messy and over dramatised too, but on the whole it’s a decent murder mystery.
January 3, 2022
A debut novel that gripped me from the first page. This book has many twists that keep you reading and guessing. I definitely recommend you read this book if you love a good mystery. I honestly cannot believe it eas the first book by this author. Its also the part of a series.... so I'm ready to read book 2, A Silent Child next.
June 23, 2022
An OK detective story which held my attention. I felt the gruesome start didn't fit with the rest of the book and was unnecessary. I wanted to know how it ended though, so kept going. I felt a couple of times there were threads that didn't quite add up or finish well. Overall a decent read. Big congratulations to the author on a debut book.
February 7, 2023
This was an okay read, but it really didn’t grab me unfortunately. I found it a bit slow and some of the storyline I found annoying, if I’m honest. I was NOT a fan on Jens character or where that plot went. I felt nothing for the characters, which is always sad 😢 But in saying all that, I did appreciate the ending.
November 2, 2022
I flew through this book, finished it in 1 day.
Perfect Lie had me utterly gripped right from the first page.
I quickly became invested into solving the murders and had no idea of the twists that were coming.
Thoroughly enjoyed this so much that I started book 2 straight away.
Perfect Lie had me utterly gripped right from the first page.
I quickly became invested into solving the murders and had no idea of the twists that were coming.
Thoroughly enjoyed this so much that I started book 2 straight away.
May 17, 2022
I’ve seen a lot of people saying that this book is amazing but personally I found it pretty basic. I lost interest halfway through the book however I had to finish it to start a new book.
April 9, 2023
Fairly stock standard Detective novel. There was lots to enjoy with the mystery of it all at the start, but then it fell off into mediocrity
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews