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Dreaming Spires Romantic Mysteries #1
The Lying Game
SHE SERVED HER TIME, NOW SHE WANTS TO FIND THE REAL KILLER
Oriana Foster spent thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn't commit.
Now she’s out and returns to her home village in Oxfordshire. She has one goal: to find the real killer of Rollo Seton.
While inside, a mysterious benefactor has put £2 million in trust for her. She uses the money to buy the Manor House in Nether Dene, the tiny village she grew up in.
THE VILLAGE DOESN’T WANT HER BACK
She hires Connor O'Dell, a good-looking bodyguard. He’s there in case things get rough. But it's Lowell Seton, the younger brother of Rollo and the love of Oriana's life, who quickly becomes the greatest danger . . . to her heart.
And when Connor falls for Mercedes Seton, Oriana's former best friend, things threaten to totally fall apart.
THE REAL KILLER WILL STRIKE AGAIN TO PROTECT THEIR SECRETS
Oriana Foster spent thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn't commit.
Now she’s out and returns to her home village in Oxfordshire. She has one goal: to find the real killer of Rollo Seton.
While inside, a mysterious benefactor has put £2 million in trust for her. She uses the money to buy the Manor House in Nether Dene, the tiny village she grew up in.
THE VILLAGE DOESN’T WANT HER BACK
She hires Connor O'Dell, a good-looking bodyguard. He’s there in case things get rough. But it's Lowell Seton, the younger brother of Rollo and the love of Oriana's life, who quickly becomes the greatest danger . . . to her heart.
And when Connor falls for Mercedes Seton, Oriana's former best friend, things threaten to totally fall apart.
THE REAL KILLER WILL STRIKE AGAIN TO PROTECT THEIR SECRETS
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Maxine Barry
36 books24 followersRomance author Maxine Barry is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton. She also writes mystery novels under the pen names Joyce Cato, Jessie Daniels and Faith Martin.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 24, 2026
3 Stars
One Liner: Nice premise; it should have been fleshed out
Oriana Foster returns home to her village thirteen years after she left with her heart broken. She bought the Manor House no one wants. It belonged to the same family that played a role in sending her away. She has a simple plan. She’d buy the house using the fortune from an anonymous benefactor, stay low, find out what really happened on the night Rollo Seton died, and clear her name. Then, she’d leave.
Lowell Seton, Rollo’s younger brother, is convinced Oriana is guilty and will do anything to get back his family home.
Neither of them guessed that their teenage spark would still be strong. Can Oriana find out what happened before the killer strikes again?
The story is told in third-person POVs.
My Thoughts
The premise was rather good, promising a mystery and romance set in a village. The bare bones are nice enough, but since this is a novella, the plot moves quickly.
At the same time, the writing style has an old-world charm that makes the book sound like a historical read. In a way, it is, since there are no mobile phones and such. The narration is slower, but the story moves fast. This combination doesn’t always work, but it flows well once you get used to it.
I don’t know why the premise was limited to a smaller book when it would have worked better as a full-length novel. Instead of being told things about the past and the mystery, we could have seen it in some detail. This would have added the needed depth to the plot and the characters.
The book has two love stories (for the price of one), which is cute. Always happy to get something extra from the deal. The spice is 1.5, maybe, so it is not very detailed.
The third-person POVs are almost omnipresent but also jump from one head to another. Nora Roberts uses the same style, but I know it may or may not suit every reader.
The mystery isn’t really strong because there is not enough space for it to unfurl naturally. My guess was right, though I had to wait to find out the reason. Aligns with the plotline, so that’s a bonus.
To summarize, The Cotswold Manor Mystery has some good moments and is built on a solid premise. I really wish it were expanded into a bigger novel. I’m sure I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffee Books for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
One Liner: Nice premise; it should have been fleshed out
Oriana Foster returns home to her village thirteen years after she left with her heart broken. She bought the Manor House no one wants. It belonged to the same family that played a role in sending her away. She has a simple plan. She’d buy the house using the fortune from an anonymous benefactor, stay low, find out what really happened on the night Rollo Seton died, and clear her name. Then, she’d leave.
Lowell Seton, Rollo’s younger brother, is convinced Oriana is guilty and will do anything to get back his family home.
Neither of them guessed that their teenage spark would still be strong. Can Oriana find out what happened before the killer strikes again?
The story is told in third-person POVs.
My Thoughts
The premise was rather good, promising a mystery and romance set in a village. The bare bones are nice enough, but since this is a novella, the plot moves quickly.
At the same time, the writing style has an old-world charm that makes the book sound like a historical read. In a way, it is, since there are no mobile phones and such. The narration is slower, but the story moves fast. This combination doesn’t always work, but it flows well once you get used to it.
I don’t know why the premise was limited to a smaller book when it would have worked better as a full-length novel. Instead of being told things about the past and the mystery, we could have seen it in some detail. This would have added the needed depth to the plot and the characters.
The book has two love stories (for the price of one), which is cute. Always happy to get something extra from the deal. The spice is 1.5, maybe, so it is not very detailed.
The third-person POVs are almost omnipresent but also jump from one head to another. Nora Roberts uses the same style, but I know it may or may not suit every reader.
The mystery isn’t really strong because there is not enough space for it to unfurl naturally. My guess was right, though I had to wait to find out the reason. Aligns with the plotline, so that’s a bonus.
To summarize, The Cotswold Manor Mystery has some good moments and is built on a solid premise. I really wish it were expanded into a bigger novel. I’m sure I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffee Books for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
May 4, 2020
Oh dear, I was so hopeful this would be as good as the Hilary Greene steries. It started off really well then got more ridiculous as the story progressed. Heaving bosoms, swelling trousers, lustful looks, virginity kept for a long lost love... really? It was very easy to spot the killer early on but the crime faded into insignificance under all the lust! I've never read a mills and boon but I've a feeling it's in the same short of catagory and not for me.
April 9, 2020
This is a romantic suspense by Maxine Barry (aka Faith Martin)
Oriana has been in prison for 13 years after being found guilty of a murder she didn't commit. The story begins with her being released and she begins her mission to find the real murderer.
It is rare that a genre fits a book perfectly but romantic suspense is the perfect fit for The Lying Game. As Oriana employs a bodyguard, Connor, and begins her investigation the reader becomes gripped by the relationships, love, hate and revenge that all play a part in this book.
I liked Oriana from the start she could be embittered by her experience after all she was only 16 when she went to trial so she has lost her teenage years but she comes accross as a person who accepts the hand fate has dealt and regroups to pick up the pieces. One of those pieces is a large amount of money left in trust for her by an unknown benefactor. This unexpected windfall gives her the means to put her plan into action with nothing standing in the way.
Mercedes and Lowell are brother and sister and both were very good friends with Oriana until the fateful day that their brother Rollo was killed and Oriana charged with his murder. Mercedes and Lowell have every reason to hate Oriana but when they come face to face with her they both realise they are now unconvinced of her guilt.
The story moves along and the relationships become entangled with Connor and Mercedes unable to deny the chemistry between them. Lowell and Oriana the couple that should have been but never was and then there is Lowell's girlfriend to add in to the mix.
A very intriguing pageturner.
Oriana has been in prison for 13 years after being found guilty of a murder she didn't commit. The story begins with her being released and she begins her mission to find the real murderer.
It is rare that a genre fits a book perfectly but romantic suspense is the perfect fit for The Lying Game. As Oriana employs a bodyguard, Connor, and begins her investigation the reader becomes gripped by the relationships, love, hate and revenge that all play a part in this book.
I liked Oriana from the start she could be embittered by her experience after all she was only 16 when she went to trial so she has lost her teenage years but she comes accross as a person who accepts the hand fate has dealt and regroups to pick up the pieces. One of those pieces is a large amount of money left in trust for her by an unknown benefactor. This unexpected windfall gives her the means to put her plan into action with nothing standing in the way.
Mercedes and Lowell are brother and sister and both were very good friends with Oriana until the fateful day that their brother Rollo was killed and Oriana charged with his murder. Mercedes and Lowell have every reason to hate Oriana but when they come face to face with her they both realise they are now unconvinced of her guilt.
The story moves along and the relationships become entangled with Connor and Mercedes unable to deny the chemistry between them. Lowell and Oriana the couple that should have been but never was and then there is Lowell's girlfriend to add in to the mix.
A very intriguing pageturner.
April 26, 2021
Oriana Foster has been released from jail after serving 13 years for a murder she did not commit. Now with a secret inheritance she intends to expose the real killer.
An enjoyable crime story though more romance than I actually like in a crime story
An enjoyable crime story though more romance than I actually like in a crime story
April 10, 2020
The lying game by Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry.
Oriana Foster is released from prison thirteen years after being jailed for a murder she didn’t commit. She returns to her home village in Oxfordshire determined to discover the real killer of her boyfriend Rollo Seton. With a secret fortune from an unknown benefactor, and protection by rough and ready bodyguard, Connor O’Dell, Oriana sets out to uncover the truth about the night that Rollo died.
Things get more complicated when Oriana comes face to face with Rollo’s brother, who was the real love of her life, and Connor falls for her former best friend, Mercedes Seton. Meanwhile, could Rollo’s murderer be plotting to claim another victim?
This was a very good read. I do like Faith Martin. Although this one she is using Maxine Barry. I liked some of the characters. I liked the story. 4*.
Oriana Foster is released from prison thirteen years after being jailed for a murder she didn’t commit. She returns to her home village in Oxfordshire determined to discover the real killer of her boyfriend Rollo Seton. With a secret fortune from an unknown benefactor, and protection by rough and ready bodyguard, Connor O’Dell, Oriana sets out to uncover the truth about the night that Rollo died.
Things get more complicated when Oriana comes face to face with Rollo’s brother, who was the real love of her life, and Connor falls for her former best friend, Mercedes Seton. Meanwhile, could Rollo’s murderer be plotting to claim another victim?
This was a very good read. I do like Faith Martin. Although this one she is using Maxine Barry. I liked some of the characters. I liked the story. 4*.
February 21, 2021
We have an about to be released prisoner who, of course, is innocent. Returning to her home locality she meets up with her best friend, Mercedes and her best friend's brother, Lowell. A bodyguard is hired who has a habit of taking off when things are about to happen. Although there is no real indication as to who the real killer is until quite well through the book, I did guess their identify almost from their first appearance. It's the first time in a while that a story has caught my interest quite as early as this one did but having said that there are few surprises and much of the plot is predictable. At one point there is an attack at a birthday party but I couldn't work out what the attacker hoped to achieve by it.
April 6, 2020
More a 3.5. I read this as I had love Faith Martin’s Hillary Greene series of mysteries. This too is written by her under the name of Maxine Barry and the mystery aspect is an intriguing plot. This book has too much of a romance component for me, which seems an interruption in the forward movement of the plot.
August 10, 2024
I enjoyed the mystery but not the sex scenes in this story (but that's personal preference...I skipped over those). The characters were well-defined and suited the plot. There was tension and suspense that enhanced the plot.
A good start to the series in the box set I have.
A good start to the series in the box set I have.
April 19, 2020
Ok but predictable
August 24, 2026
This is the first book in the Dreaming Spires Romantic Mystery series and my first read by this author.
I love a good cosy mystery and if there a romance thrown in there too, all the better.
Now, although I don't read blurbs before reading the book, I did spot the tropes for this and I loved this whole mix up and couldn't wait to dive in.
I loved that we follow this over multiple pov's and also over a dual timeline.
We meet Oriana as she's being released from prison after serving 13 years for the murder of he told friend Rollo.
She's always maintained her innocence despite even her best friends not believing her.
As she leaves, she learns that an anonymous benefactor has left her a fortune, including the manor house back where she used to live and so she returns and decides that she can prove her innocence and rekindle old friendships.
It was great to see this story unfold gradually over the dual timeline.
Each piece of information dropping into place and I couldn't help but try and make my own theories about who and what happened.
The mystery kept me guessing and I really liked the added romance elements that kept the story flowing and progressing nicely.
I really liked Oriana and was rooting for her to be able to solve the case as well as hoping that her friends would let her back into their lives again.
This was an easy read and I really flew through it needing to know how things would end.
Now, I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues and can't wait to read book 2.
I love a good cosy mystery and if there a romance thrown in there too, all the better.
Now, although I don't read blurbs before reading the book, I did spot the tropes for this and I loved this whole mix up and couldn't wait to dive in.
I loved that we follow this over multiple pov's and also over a dual timeline.
We meet Oriana as she's being released from prison after serving 13 years for the murder of he told friend Rollo.
She's always maintained her innocence despite even her best friends not believing her.
As she leaves, she learns that an anonymous benefactor has left her a fortune, including the manor house back where she used to live and so she returns and decides that she can prove her innocence and rekindle old friendships.
It was great to see this story unfold gradually over the dual timeline.
Each piece of information dropping into place and I couldn't help but try and make my own theories about who and what happened.
The mystery kept me guessing and I really liked the added romance elements that kept the story flowing and progressing nicely.
I really liked Oriana and was rooting for her to be able to solve the case as well as hoping that her friends would let her back into their lives again.
This was an easy read and I really flew through it needing to know how things would end.
Now, I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues and can't wait to read book 2.
August 21, 2026
Mystery AND romance? Count me in! This book starts off quickly as you step into Oriana’s Foster’s life as it stands today, 13 years after being convicted of murder. But the real question remains- did she actually do it!? Oriana is on a mission to prove her innocence and maybe even gain back the love of her life. Could both things be possible? Will she need the bodyguard/pretend boyfriend she hires? Is she actually in danger?
This book pops back and forth between about 4-5 POVs and I appreciate that we didn’t have to wait a whole chapter to switch to what someone else was doing. As long as you pay attention, it’s easy to keep up. The book moves quickly and I will say, I stayed up well past my bedtime just to find out how it would end.
It’s a quality cosy mystery with about 2/5 peppers of spice. If you’re on the hunt for a quick mystery- this is your next read.
This book pops back and forth between about 4-5 POVs and I appreciate that we didn’t have to wait a whole chapter to switch to what someone else was doing. As long as you pay attention, it’s easy to keep up. The book moves quickly and I will say, I stayed up well past my bedtime just to find out how it would end.
It’s a quality cosy mystery with about 2/5 peppers of spice. If you’re on the hunt for a quick mystery- this is your next read.
August 19, 2026
Thank you for the ARC of this Joffe books. Firstly: I really enjoyed it, it’s a solid, predictable romance with a decent plot to keep the story moving. I particularly liked the opening when our heroine is released from prison to discover she has inherited millions and a beautiful house in the Cotswolds- from a mysterious benefactor! Only as the plot unravels do we discover the backstory and the characters who informed her past and, eventually, her future. A really satisfy,ING read with characters to love and to hate. My only slight issue is that by the middle of Chapter one I was absolutely sure I’d read this book before- you don’t forget a name like Oriana easily, nor a prisoner inheriting millions. So, my only very slight caveat is that if you buy this - and it’s a great read- just check you haven’t already got it under a different title…possibly Manor House Mystery or similar.
August 19, 2026
Oriana Foster has spent the last thirteen years in prison, convicted for the murder of Rollo Seton. She insists she is innocent and on her release, with the help of a mysterious benefactor, sets out to prove it. She moves back to the village where it all happened, bringing her back into the lives of her two best friend from back then, Rollo’s siblings Mercedes and Lowell, who both believed in her guilt. Can she prove her innocence and rekindle the relationships of the past?
This book is a romantic mystery, and I will say from the outset that this is not my usual genre - the mystery part, maybe, but not the romantic part. However, that said, I did enjoy it. It’s a bit kitschy, and the mystery quite easy to work out, but it’s an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
This book is a romantic mystery, and I will say from the outset that this is not my usual genre - the mystery part, maybe, but not the romantic part. However, that said, I did enjoy it. It’s a bit kitschy, and the mystery quite easy to work out, but it’s an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
August 20, 2026
This was a relatively short but very appealing story, full of fascinating characters and descriptive narrative.
It features Oriana and some close friends from her past when she returns to the village she left thirteen years ago, in order to try to discover what really happened in the past.
She is also anxious to clear her name.
The introduction of an apparent boyfriend in turn brings romance for her long lost best friend, and the whole story has delightful aspects as well as the mystery of the past events.
Despite the darker elements, this is a lovely narrative and very enjoyable.
It features Oriana and some close friends from her past when she returns to the village she left thirteen years ago, in order to try to discover what really happened in the past.
She is also anxious to clear her name.
The introduction of an apparent boyfriend in turn brings romance for her long lost best friend, and the whole story has delightful aspects as well as the mystery of the past events.
Despite the darker elements, this is a lovely narrative and very enjoyable.
August 22, 2026
The Cotswold Manor Mystery by Maxine Barry
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Such a cosy thriller
I loved Oriana! Willed her to get her "happy ever after"
We join Oriana when she is released from prison and finds she has inherited £2.5 million for an anonymous person. She then enbarks on clearing her name, having been in prison for a murder she didnt commit
I did work out who, but not the why!
This book is one to add to your TBR list!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Such a cosy thriller
I loved Oriana! Willed her to get her "happy ever after"
We join Oriana when she is released from prison and finds she has inherited £2.5 million for an anonymous person. She then enbarks on clearing her name, having been in prison for a murder she didnt commit
I did work out who, but not the why!
This book is one to add to your TBR list!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 stars for me.
After serving thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn't committed,Oriana is back in Cotswold Manor to prove her innocence.There's still a lot of people who don't believe her,but now with a money from anonymous donor she hopefully get her justice.
If Oriana didn't kill Rollo,then who did and frame her?
It was a great mystery with romance.I really liked Oriana,she was a geniunely a nice person,and I had a hard time to guess who will want her to take blame.Told from few POV the story was interesting,painful,filled with secrets and romance.Glad I got a chance to read it early,yet another author to my list that I enjoyed.
If you looking for a mystery filled with romance and forgiveness I would recommend this one.
Thank you Joffe Books for arc,my review is honest and my own.
After serving thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn't committed,Oriana is back in Cotswold Manor to prove her innocence.There's still a lot of people who don't believe her,but now with a money from anonymous donor she hopefully get her justice.
If Oriana didn't kill Rollo,then who did and frame her?
It was a great mystery with romance.I really liked Oriana,she was a geniunely a nice person,and I had a hard time to guess who will want her to take blame.Told from few POV the story was interesting,painful,filled with secrets and romance.Glad I got a chance to read it early,yet another author to my list that I enjoyed.
If you looking for a mystery filled with romance and forgiveness I would recommend this one.
Thank you Joffe Books for arc,my review is honest and my own.
August 22, 2026
This cosy crime book ticked all the boxes for me! A gentle crime, a well constructed plot, a romance, what more could you ask for? The plot was unusual and believable as were the characters. I really enjoyed how Oriana and Lowell's romance was a slow burn for them, although very guess able to a reader. Curl up with this and enjoy!
August 19, 2026
A lovely second chance romance with a twisty murder mystery thrown in. Brilliant!
The story opens with a timid young Oriana Foster taking her first steps of freedom after
thirteen years in prison. She was gaoled for a crime she didn’t commit, nobody believed her
at the time of her trial but now she has a mysterious benefactor. Can she prove her
innocence? To do that she has to return to the scene and face the victims brother who is
also the secret love of her life.
A brilliant story line with great characters, this will captivates and thrill from page one
The story opens with a timid young Oriana Foster taking her first steps of freedom after
thirteen years in prison. She was gaoled for a crime she didn’t commit, nobody believed her
at the time of her trial but now she has a mysterious benefactor. Can she prove her
innocence? To do that she has to return to the scene and face the victims brother who is
also the secret love of her life.
A brilliant story line with great characters, this will captivates and thrill from page one
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A cosy and thrilling mystery romance that turned out to be SO much more than I expected.
The mystery kept me guessing, but it was the deeply emotional love story that really captured me.
I loved the traditional, romantic feel of the relationship and the way the intimate scenes were connected to the characters' emotional journey.
I wanted to read faster because I needed to know, but I also wanted to savour the story.
I absolutely loved this one!
To read my full spoiler-free review, check out my blog MoMoBookDiary.
The mystery kept me guessing, but it was the deeply emotional love story that really captured me.
I loved the traditional, romantic feel of the relationship and the way the intimate scenes were connected to the characters' emotional journey.
I wanted to read faster because I needed to know, but I also wanted to savour the story.
I absolutely loved this one!
To read my full spoiler-free review, check out my blog MoMoBookDiary.
August 19, 2026
An intricate tale of unrequited love, greed, jealousy and murder. On release from prison Oriana is determined to clear her name. Her quest soon puts her and her friends in danger. Can she bring the culprit to justice? A book worth reading.
August 20, 2026
Nervous Thriller
A wronged heroine, a pitiless killer, constant twists, and turns…. Very good read! I will read it again. Thanks, Ms. Martin!
A wronged heroine, a pitiless killer, constant twists, and turns…. Very good read! I will read it again. Thanks, Ms. Martin!
August 19, 2026
This book was excellent.
I read it straight through and absolutely loved it!
The plot was great, the characters were sweet and likeable. I enjoyed the double romance arc and the way it kept you hooked until the end.
An easy read good for lovers of crime mysteries with a romantic feel.
Thank you Joffe Books for my early copy ❤️
I read it straight through and absolutely loved it!
The plot was great, the characters were sweet and likeable. I enjoyed the double romance arc and the way it kept you hooked until the end.
An easy read good for lovers of crime mysteries with a romantic feel.
Thank you Joffe Books for my early copy ❤️
April 16, 2020
Faith Martin is one of the best-loved writers of crime fiction and police procedurals writing today, but in The Lying Game – written under the pseudonym of Maxine Barry – she has penned a captivating romantic thriller rich in intrigue, passion, secrets, lies and passion.
Oriana Foster had been just sixteen years old when she had been imprisoned for murder. She has spent the past thirteen years locked up for a crime which she did not commit. Now the time has finally come for Oriana to cast aside the constricting shackles of the justice system that had wrongly prosecuted her and to start her life again. As she steps out of the prison where she had resided for so long, Oriana is determined to clear her name and to find out who had really killed Rollo Seton. Having been informed while in prison that a mysterious benefactor had set her up with a fortune of two million pounds, Oriana heads to the village of Nether Dene, the tiny village where she grew up in, and buys the Manor House. Oriana knows that her buying the Manor House is going to unsettle some people – and she also knows that she has enemies hiding in the shadows waiting for just the right moment to strike…
Oriana knows that she cannot vanquish these dangerous foes alone. She needs somebody to be there to protect her should the need arise, so she hires Connor O’Dell as her bodyguard. The good-looking former soldier had been immediately intrigued by Oriana and although recently the demands of his job have confined him to a desk rather than working in the field, Connor decides to take on this latest assignment to protect Oriana – not least because he has found himself unable to stop himself from thinking about her. Knowing about Oriana’s history and the people who are out to get her, Connor realises that he simply cannot allow himself to be distracted by anything or anyone, but when his head is turned by her former best friend, Mercedes Seton, it looks like life in Nether Dene is about to get even more complicated – and more dangerous…
With Oriana coming face to face with her former lover, Lowell Seton, can Oriana ever find the truth about who really murdered Rollo Seton and find the happiness which she has been denied for so long?
A gripping and enthralling page turner full of glamour, danger and desire, The Lying Game is an exceptional romantic thriller from this immensely talented writer. Maxine Barry is a master at keeping her readers eagerly turning the pages and The Lying Game’s beguiling blend of passion, murder, temptation and suspense is sure to keep them up all through the night eager to find out what happens next.
With wonderfully drawn characters, twists and turns, atmosphere, romance, mystery and action, The Lying Game is pure escapist reading at its best!
Oriana Foster had been just sixteen years old when she had been imprisoned for murder. She has spent the past thirteen years locked up for a crime which she did not commit. Now the time has finally come for Oriana to cast aside the constricting shackles of the justice system that had wrongly prosecuted her and to start her life again. As she steps out of the prison where she had resided for so long, Oriana is determined to clear her name and to find out who had really killed Rollo Seton. Having been informed while in prison that a mysterious benefactor had set her up with a fortune of two million pounds, Oriana heads to the village of Nether Dene, the tiny village where she grew up in, and buys the Manor House. Oriana knows that her buying the Manor House is going to unsettle some people – and she also knows that she has enemies hiding in the shadows waiting for just the right moment to strike…
Oriana knows that she cannot vanquish these dangerous foes alone. She needs somebody to be there to protect her should the need arise, so she hires Connor O’Dell as her bodyguard. The good-looking former soldier had been immediately intrigued by Oriana and although recently the demands of his job have confined him to a desk rather than working in the field, Connor decides to take on this latest assignment to protect Oriana – not least because he has found himself unable to stop himself from thinking about her. Knowing about Oriana’s history and the people who are out to get her, Connor realises that he simply cannot allow himself to be distracted by anything or anyone, but when his head is turned by her former best friend, Mercedes Seton, it looks like life in Nether Dene is about to get even more complicated – and more dangerous…
With Oriana coming face to face with her former lover, Lowell Seton, can Oriana ever find the truth about who really murdered Rollo Seton and find the happiness which she has been denied for so long?
A gripping and enthralling page turner full of glamour, danger and desire, The Lying Game is an exceptional romantic thriller from this immensely talented writer. Maxine Barry is a master at keeping her readers eagerly turning the pages and The Lying Game’s beguiling blend of passion, murder, temptation and suspense is sure to keep them up all through the night eager to find out what happens next.
With wonderfully drawn characters, twists and turns, atmosphere, romance, mystery and action, The Lying Game is pure escapist reading at its best!
August 23, 2020
I love Faith Martin's murder mystery novels so jumped at the chance to read a new series with a strong romance element (and still a cracking mystery to solve!) The books all work as standalone novels but are set in the same location.
Oriana leaves prison after serving a sentence for a murder she did not commit. She is determined to clear her name and hires a bodyguard as she fears her life is in danger from the real killer. She returns to her home village and reconnects with her best friend Mercedes and true love Lowell, siblings to the man she was convicted of killing.
I absolutely loved The Lying Game. Oriana is a determined and passionate woman, focussed on getting justice for herself and the victim's family by discovering the truth.
There was a healthy dash of romance between Oriana and Lowell, and also Mercedes and Connor. Sex scenes were included but they were not overly graphic and fitted into the story naturally.
It is easy to identify the murderer and by the second half we are left in no doubt at all with sections showing us the actions they take to protect themself. However, the motive is not revealed until the very end.
The style of writing is easy to read and the danger that various characters faced felt realistic. The inclusion of the romance brings an extra dimension that made the book even more enjoyable that the usual high standard I expect from this author.
The Lying Game was quite a quick read but then I couldn't put it down so that might be the reason!
Oriana leaves prison after serving a sentence for a murder she did not commit. She is determined to clear her name and hires a bodyguard as she fears her life is in danger from the real killer. She returns to her home village and reconnects with her best friend Mercedes and true love Lowell, siblings to the man she was convicted of killing.
I absolutely loved The Lying Game. Oriana is a determined and passionate woman, focussed on getting justice for herself and the victim's family by discovering the truth.
There was a healthy dash of romance between Oriana and Lowell, and also Mercedes and Connor. Sex scenes were included but they were not overly graphic and fitted into the story naturally.
It is easy to identify the murderer and by the second half we are left in no doubt at all with sections showing us the actions they take to protect themself. However, the motive is not revealed until the very end.
The style of writing is easy to read and the danger that various characters faced felt realistic. The inclusion of the romance brings an extra dimension that made the book even more enjoyable that the usual high standard I expect from this author.
The Lying Game was quite a quick read but then I couldn't put it down so that might be the reason!
July 8, 2025
Oriana Foster, released from prison after 13 years for a murder she didn’t commit, returns to her home village of Oxfordshire to clear her name and find the real killer. A mysterious benefactor has left her two million pounds and she uses the money to buy the Manor House in Nether Dene, the village she grew up in. That’s where everyone else with a connection to the death, including the love of her life/younger brother of the murder victim, still resides.
I picked this up because I’m such a fan of Faith Martin’s other work. My bad for glossing over the “romance” part of “romantic thriller”. Not my favorite kind of read, but I was on the treadmill at the time and didn’t want to pick another book. The book did serve its intended purpose (to keep me occupied at the gym), but I could have done without the romance aspects. Also, there were some detailed intimacy scenes I wasn’t interested in. I’m an adult, I support adults getting busy, it makes the stories more real, but I don’t need to know about Tab A fitting into Slot B and what Part C is doing. I just paged past those.
The book was well-written, with interesting characters, a decent plot that moved along briskly, and well-described locations. I did like Oriana. She had a backbone and didn’t take crap from people, but she was able to retain her humanity through her prison experience. Overall, though, not my cup of tea and I don’t think I’ll read any more after this one. Faith Martin has too many books I do like.
I picked this up because I’m such a fan of Faith Martin’s other work. My bad for glossing over the “romance” part of “romantic thriller”. Not my favorite kind of read, but I was on the treadmill at the time and didn’t want to pick another book. The book did serve its intended purpose (to keep me occupied at the gym), but I could have done without the romance aspects. Also, there were some detailed intimacy scenes I wasn’t interested in. I’m an adult, I support adults getting busy, it makes the stories more real, but I don’t need to know about Tab A fitting into Slot B and what Part C is doing. I just paged past those.
The book was well-written, with interesting characters, a decent plot that moved along briskly, and well-described locations. I did like Oriana. She had a backbone and didn’t take crap from people, but she was able to retain her humanity through her prison experience. Overall, though, not my cup of tea and I don’t think I’ll read any more after this one. Faith Martin has too many books I do like.
July 26, 2020
LOVED this one (I've only got 3 Faith Martin books to go, and I'll have read them all.)
Saved the 'romance' ones till last, because I wasn't sure about them.
Well.....now I am.
I have only one 'issue' with 'The Lying Game'.
The 'sex scenes'.
I'm of a generation (I'm 79) who thinks you can have a wonderful love story, without spelling out the sex stuff. I grew up and well into adulthood watching glorious movies, and reading wonderful books, without it.
But...I know the younger generations love it, so I just 'skipped over' those pages.
This was the first of Faith's books I had to do that with. (and that's been a LOT of books!)
When all is said and done....I was more than happy with the book...both the mystery and the love stories themes.
The characters were great.
Hence...I give this one 5 stars......sex scenes or no sex scenes. ;+)~
Well done Faith Martin! Hurry up a write some more!
Saved the 'romance' ones till last, because I wasn't sure about them.
Well.....now I am.
I have only one 'issue' with 'The Lying Game'.
The 'sex scenes'.
I'm of a generation (I'm 79) who thinks you can have a wonderful love story, without spelling out the sex stuff. I grew up and well into adulthood watching glorious movies, and reading wonderful books, without it.
But...I know the younger generations love it, so I just 'skipped over' those pages.
This was the first of Faith's books I had to do that with. (and that's been a LOT of books!)
When all is said and done....I was more than happy with the book...both the mystery and the love stories themes.
The characters were great.
Hence...I give this one 5 stars......sex scenes or no sex scenes. ;+)~
Well done Faith Martin! Hurry up a write some more!
April 10, 2020
The lying game by Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry.
Oriana Foster is released from prison thirteen years after being jailed for a murder she didn’t commit. She returns to her home village in Oxfordshire determined to discover the real killer of her boyfriend Rollo Seton. With a secret fortune from an unknown benefactor, and protection by rough and ready bodyguard, Connor O’Dell, Oriana sets out to uncover the truth about the night that Rollo died.
Things get more complicated when Oriana comes face to face with Rollo’s brother, who was the real love of her life, and Connor falls for her former best friend, Mercedes Seton. Meanwhile, could Rollo’s murderer be plotting to claim another victim?
This was a very good read. I do like Faith Martin. Although this one she is using Maxine Barry. I liked some of the characters. I liked the story. 4*.
Oriana Foster is released from prison thirteen years after being jailed for a murder she didn’t commit. She returns to her home village in Oxfordshire determined to discover the real killer of her boyfriend Rollo Seton. With a secret fortune from an unknown benefactor, and protection by rough and ready bodyguard, Connor O’Dell, Oriana sets out to uncover the truth about the night that Rollo died.
Things get more complicated when Oriana comes face to face with Rollo’s brother, who was the real love of her life, and Connor falls for her former best friend, Mercedes Seton. Meanwhile, could Rollo’s murderer be plotting to claim another victim?
This was a very good read. I do like Faith Martin. Although this one she is using Maxine Barry. I liked some of the characters. I liked the story. 4*.
August 17, 2025
87 down, 213 to go.
Genre - Thriller
The Lying Game
Oriana Foster returns to her hometown after serving her time for the murder of her boyfriend. Now, she intends to find the actual murderer.
---My Thoughts---
I didn't see the purpose of fake dating if Oriana and Connor didn't fake date. Connor did everything but protect Oriana because he was often with Mercedes.
The second chance friendship with Mercedes was off. Mercedes wasn't someone to be considered as a friend. She didn't know Oriana and Connor were fake dating. She was aware they were in a relationship, yet she went after Connor. That was a weird behavior.
Lowell got on my nerves, I was rooting for someone better for Oriana.
Lessons:
1. Strength can be born out of need.
2. Life forces you to overcome challenges and embrace your full potential.
3. There's a difference between living and existing.
Genre - Thriller
The Lying Game
Oriana Foster returns to her hometown after serving her time for the murder of her boyfriend. Now, she intends to find the actual murderer.
---My Thoughts---
I didn't see the purpose of fake dating if Oriana and Connor didn't fake date. Connor did everything but protect Oriana because he was often with Mercedes.
The second chance friendship with Mercedes was off. Mercedes wasn't someone to be considered as a friend. She didn't know Oriana and Connor were fake dating. She was aware they were in a relationship, yet she went after Connor. That was a weird behavior.
Lowell got on my nerves, I was rooting for someone better for Oriana.
Lessons:
1. Strength can be born out of need.
2. Life forces you to overcome challenges and embrace your full potential.
3. There's a difference between living and existing.
July 31, 2020
I gave the books 4 stars because of the author writing it, whilst I don't mind romance books and do read quite a few inbetween the genre I love the most Crime/Thriller/Mystery.
Unfortunately although the book is well written I did guess who had actually done the killing quite early on which ruined the book for me, but then someone might not.
I have read one of the other books by Maxine Barry and quite enjoyed it, but it is not written as well at she does as Faith Martin.
I think these books under the pen name Maxine Barry should perhaps be read before you read any Faith Martin books - because there is a slight feeling of the story being flat.
But please don't be deterred from reading this book if you are a pure romance reader.
Unfortunately although the book is well written I did guess who had actually done the killing quite early on which ruined the book for me, but then someone might not.
I have read one of the other books by Maxine Barry and quite enjoyed it, but it is not written as well at she does as Faith Martin.
I think these books under the pen name Maxine Barry should perhaps be read before you read any Faith Martin books - because there is a slight feeling of the story being flat.
But please don't be deterred from reading this book if you are a pure romance reader.
March 10, 2023
Because I hate spoilers in reviews, I will be as specific as I can without giving any of the story away.
For some reason, I couldn't connect with the characters in this book like I can with other authors I enjoy reading. It had a beginning, middle, and an end which is why I gave it 3 stars.
While I didn't "feel" the story suspenseful, other readers might. I think that's the crux of my issue with this story: it failed to grab me on an emotional level. I kept reading hoping that it might happen as the story went on, but that didn't happen.
The author has a decent ability to describe a scene, but I felt the wrong things were focused on and I didn't get that suspenseful feeling that the genre implies. I was left with a feeling of "show don't tell".
🙂
For some reason, I couldn't connect with the characters in this book like I can with other authors I enjoy reading. It had a beginning, middle, and an end which is why I gave it 3 stars.
While I didn't "feel" the story suspenseful, other readers might. I think that's the crux of my issue with this story: it failed to grab me on an emotional level. I kept reading hoping that it might happen as the story went on, but that didn't happen.
The author has a decent ability to describe a scene, but I felt the wrong things were focused on and I didn't get that suspenseful feeling that the genre implies. I was left with a feeling of "show don't tell".
🙂
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