The Perfect Lie

Joss Jax Mystery #1

by Cheryl Bradshaw

This is an alternative cover edition of The Devil Died at Midnight. The previous editions can be found here (original cover edition with a clock and road) and here (first ACE with man behind bars).

Alexandra Weston has been telling lies for the last twenty-five years.

Those closest to her think they know her, but they don't. No one does. When Alexandra is found brutally murdered on the last stop of her book tour, fellow colleague Joss Jax steps in to investigate.

Joss's search reveals disturbing details from Alexandra's past, including secrets buried within the pages of her books, and a list of enemies ready to talk about the real Alexandra Weston. Just when Joss believes she's solved the mystery, an unexpected twist rises to the surface, a twist so deadly it changes everyone's lives forever.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks, Crime

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2017

About the author

Cheryl Bradshaw is a New York Times and 11-time USA Today bestselling author writing in multiple genres, including mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, supernatural suspense, and poetry. She is a Shamus Award finalist for best private eye novel of the year, an eFestival of Words winner for best thriller, and has published over fifty books since 2011.

Raised in Southern California, she now lives in North Texas. When she's not writing, she loves jet-setting to new countries, exploring the outdoors, and playing with her grandbabies.

For a free eBook, click here: http://cherylbradshaw.com/get-a-free-...

Book series in order by Cheryl Bradshaw:

Georgiana Germaine (Mystery Series)

1. Little Girl Lost - USA Today Bestseller
2. Little Lost Secrets
3. Little Broken Things
4. Little White Lies
5. Little Tangled Webs
6. Little Shattered Dreams
7. Little Last Words
8. Little Buried Secrets
9. Little Stolen Memories
10. Little Empty Promises
11. Little Hidden Fears

Sloane Monroe Mystery/Thriller Series

0. Silent As the Grave (prequel to series)
1. Black Diamond Death
2. Murder in Mind
3. I Have a Secret
4. Stranger in Town - Shamus Award Finalist
5. Bed of Bones - USA Today Bestseller
6. Hush Now Baby - USA Today Bestseller
7. Gone Daddy Gone - USA Today Bestseller
8. Smoke and Mirrors - USA Today Bestseller

Sloane Monroe Stories - Mystery Novella Series
(with characters from the main series)

1. Deadly Sins: Sloth
2. Deadly Sins: Wrath
3. Deadly Sins: Lust
4. Deadly Sins: Greed
5. Deadly Sins: Envy
6. Deadly Sins: Pride

Sloane & Maddie Peril Awaits - Mystery Series
(Spinoff Series with Sloane Monroe & her sidekick Maddie)

1. The Silent Boy
2. The Shadow Children
3. The Broken Soul
4. The Widow Maker
5. The Familiar Stranger

Addison Lockhart Ghost Mystery Series

1. Grayson Manor Haunting
2. Rosecliff Manor Haunting
3. Blackthorn Manor Haunting
4. Belle Manor Haunting
5. Crawley Manor Haunting

Stand Alone Mystery/Thriller Novels

1. Eye for Revenge - USA Today Bestseller
2. The Perfect Lie
3. Hickory Dickory Dead - USA Today Bestseller
4. Roadkill - USA Today Bestseller

Reviews

[Una Tiers · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book had an intriguing start, few characters were likable by the middle. Weak plot lines, like someone sneaking up and peering through a window were a disappointment. I started this book months ago and set it aside. The start pulled me back to finish.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not previously read anything by this author, although have the first few of her Sloane Monroe series, that I received through Bookbub. This probably started as a standalone, but the GR entry suggests it is now the beginning of another series. It has a lot of high ratings here, and while I'm not quite as enthusiastic, I did enjoy it, and once I got into it, finished it quite quickly.

Alexandra Weston is a true-crime writer who is found dead in a bathroom after a book signing. Years ago, she wrote a best seller about Elias Pratt, a charming young psychopath who was sentenced to death for a series of murders committed during robberies that he apparently did just for kicks. Joss Jax is a younger writer who hosts a TV series about murders, and while visiting New Orleans on a break with her loyal bodyguard, Finch, she drops in to the book signing to meet Alexandra for the first time. Unimpressed with the police investigation, she begins to look into Alexandra's life and finds a range of potential suspects, each with secrets that they might kill to protect.
With flashbacks to both Elias and Alexandra's past, we are shown a different view of each character, and how events back then have led directly to her murder now.

This was a fairly standard murder mystery, and while the plot was nothing special, the book within a book format differentiated it a little. I've probably read too many thrillers for this to stand out. I have a possibly unreasonable antipathy towards journalists in fiction (I don't know any IRL) and put true crime writers in the same basket - the idea that it's OK to ruin lives, break laws, hide things from the police and violate all ethical rules in the pursuit of a story (never mind the truth...) offends me, and Joss is no different. She has a tragic backstory, but this doesn't excuse her behaviour. I liked Finch, and would give her another go, now that she has hopefully dealt with her "poor me" issues.

Overall, this was a competently written light murder mystery, with the conventional reveal in the Agatha Christie style. It's a quick read, not overly drawn out, and while a bit melodramatic towards the end, is satisfying enough. 3.5 rounded up for the perpetrator not being completely obvious too early, and the characters not being all good or all bad. Other readers have rated it positively and I would not let my just above lukewarm review put you off if you like this kind of mystery.

This was published last year, I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhonda Duckworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

.

I love the Sloane Monroe series but for some reason this book just didn't hold my interest like the other books I've read by Cheryl Bradshaw. The style of writing just seemed different and the back and forth from past to present was somewhat distracting. The relationship between Finch and Joss seemed strained and unrealistic at times. Still a fan of Ms Bradshaw and look forward to more Sloane stories.

[Pauline · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book had an intriguing start, few characters were likable by the middle. Weak plot lines, like someone sneaking up and peering through a window were a disappointment. I started this book months ago and set it aside. The start pulled me back to finish.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is really a story within a story. Alexandra Weston is a famous true crime book writer. She is just finishing the last few minutes of her book signing tour, then going home. That is when a weird person comes up and acts rather strangely. He doesn't leave when asked and the security guard at the store does nothing. In steps Joss Jax, she moves the man along. Joss is a fan of Alexandra and notices her very shaky after the man assaults her. Alexandra goes in the bathroom, and never leaves. She is found the next morning dead. Joss decides she needs to find out what happened to her idol. This leads her on many trails that have many other trails to go on. Can Joss figure out who killed Alexandra and why? Why did they kill her agent also? What is the person trying to keep hidden? Read the book to find out. You won't be disappointed. I received ARC of this book. The review is entirely voluntarily done.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/26/2018)!💝

Blurb:
The devil is in the detail.

When true-crime writer Alexandria Weston is found murdered on the last stop of her book tour for The Devil Wakes, a story about the life and death of serial killer Elias Pratt, fellow writer Joss Jax steps in to investigate.

Joss's search reveals disturbing details from Alexandria's past, and a long list of enemies, each with a secret to hide. Just when Joss believes she's solved the mystery, an unexpected twist rises to the surface, a twist so deadly it unearths Elias Pratt from the grave and changes the lives of those who knew him forever.

If you enjoy books by Dean Koontz and Robert Dugoni, you'll enjoy reading Cheryl Bradshaw.

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

What connects a well known murderer and a best selling true crime author?
More than a book.

Alexandra Weston is murdered at a book signing and both journalist Joss Jax and the police search for the killer and a motive. Told via interlinking threads spread over different times, this is an interesting and compelling read.

I really liked how the story was constructed with some chapters set in the past, and others in the present, with a gradual series of 'reveals' about what happened in-between. It has a great cast of characters and is well paced too.

If you're a fan of crime fiction I recommend this book, and it's the first in a series featuring Joss (who has a great back story,) so I'll be reading the second book soon.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

😊

I really liked this book.
An author gets murdered on her last signing on her book tour. A fellow writer and host of a crime show also attends. This 8s their first and last meeting. What ensues is a lifetime of lies and betrayal while uncovering as to why and who murdered Alexandra.
The investigation is more run by Joss Jax, the fellow writer rather than the actual police. She figures it all out even before the police which I guess isn't entirely unbelievable but would have been nice if it was more of a police presence while trying to solve the crime.

[Amit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Osm book

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this as much as I do her Sloane Monroe set of stories nor some of her other books I've read. In parts it seemed a little too farfetched and a lot of it I was pretty confused by. Some of that wasn't helped by one of her chapter headings saying March 3, 1985 when it was another time altogether. !! That had me totally baffled for no reason whatsoever and I almost packed it in then in sheer, bloody annoyance !! If she hadn't been an author already known to me, I would have given up.
I'd wondered why Joss needed a bodyguard but she had such a needless smart mouth on her it was no wonder ! She deserved a thump or two, I thought. I liked Finch and he certainly had his work cut out.
I hate this sort of American English used in the following sentence, "The only question now was what all she'd divulged....." Just sounds backward to me. This sentence made no sense either, "You shouldn't be talking to her to me." A couple of times she writes "mmm....kay" which is peculiar English as well and then this sentence didn't need Finch in it twice, either, "Finch, thinking he was free to do as he pleased, Finch stepped into an aisle in the back row..."
There were some errors. Speechmarks were missed and there was the odd apostrophe mistake but that was it for mistakes like that.
The story jumps around quite a lot with places and times and does confuse a little but did hold my interest, nevertheless. It's not one of her series I'd stick with, however.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joss Jax is a tormented soul, writer and the host of a true crime TV show. In this book you learn what torments her while she's trying to find out who killed Alexandra, another true crime writer on her book tour. It quickly comes out that she was writing another book at the time of her death and somebody doesn't want that one published. Along the way, you learn about Alexandra's secrets, about to be revealed in her new book, a tell all memoir.
The book is told in chapters aligned to what happened 25 years ago between Alexandra and Elias, a man on death row, interposed with the current investigation of Joss piecing together that story and its connection with the current deaths. Because Alexandra isn't the only one who dies. Anybody who might have a copy of that book is being targeted, too.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the characters in this book are so disgustingly selfish and amoral that it is almost nauseating. And most of them are women with the exception of Joss and Loretta Pratt. What this book managed to clearly convey is that Everyone is capable of murder given the right motivation. It will probably take me quite awhile before I will even attempt to read something like this. This is just not my kind of reading thrill. For what it's worth, this is well~written and is truly a page~turner.

[Henriette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm kind of surprised myself that I liked the book this much. The story with the two timelines, Joss doing her investigation and Alexandria in various stages of her life, just drew me in and read the whole thing in one day.

However, I'm the first to admit that the book isn't without flaws. Joss’ motive for investigating isn't entirely clear even after the explanation. And the ending is very weak. As a reader, you know that Alexandria was killed because of the book she was writing. Which we know is kind of a tell-all thing that would hurt not only complete strangers but also people close to her. Which is why everyone Joss meets is so cagey about it.

While I figured out who the killer was, I was never happy with it, because you get the impression that the author wrote things a certain way, not for logic’s sake but to obscure who the killer is.

And then, of course, there is Alexandria's behavior. She is a horrible person and terribly selfish. She wants to publish this book mostly for revenge's sake because she was manipulated without even realizing. In fact, she thought she was the manipulator. Despite that, she has kept a certain secret for twenty years. At no small personal cost. And suddenly she wants to publish that secret, even though it's not necessary for her revenge. And the only justification we’re given is that she realized that another person knew about that secret from the start. Who also kept quiet for twenty years and shows no inclination to do otherwise. The only reason for publishing is that the author needed a motive for murder.

Initially, I would have given a higher rating. The ending, however, is so bad that I deducted.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

True-crime writer Alexandra Weston is relieved that she is at the final stop of her book tour. But then, she is found murdered in the rest room. Her latest book is her rewrite about the life and death of serial killer Elias Pratt, twenty-five years later. It was a rewrite that she did not want to do. If she didn’t agree to the rewrite, the publishers were going to use fellow writer Joss Jax, and Alexandra did not want that either. So, she wrote the book.

Joss is also a television host and her show is on hiatus. So she is visiting New Orleans and also attends the book signing. Joss needs to know why Alexandra is murdered and sets out to investigate. While doing so, Joss is fighting her own demons. Something happened five years ago. She comes close to telling bodyguard and friend Finch, but decides against it and forges ahead with her investigation.

Who really was Elias Pratt, the serial killer that was the subject of these books, as well as the rewrite? What did publishing this new book have to do with Alexandra's murder? Joss is led in several different directions, sometimes wondering which has the most priority. As it seems, everything is leading to secrets. And really, wow! What secrets!

What an excellent read by Cheryl Bradshaw! The suspense is stellar and there is a surprising twist that changes everything. More than one, actually, which leads to a shocking conclusion. I recently became familiar with this talented author and will continue to read her great books.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kobo Writing Life for this review copy.

[Cherry London · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe Joss had a very traumatic past that scarred her for life, it matters not what she did or achieved, it’s a memory that would never die. With her sister getting married to her former brother-in-law, she knows without a doubt that her ex would be at the wedding, so she was very indecisive about attending. It was hard for her when she remembered what she had lost all due to his cheating with her best friend. She was excited about finally meeting one of her favorite authors, whom she idolized by attending her book tour. This help to take her mind off the wedding for a bit, but her excitement became dim when she found out the following morning she was murdered, with a little aid from Alexandra’s agent, who also became victim number two, she began following a trail one that almost got her and her bodyguard/friend Finch killed. A mystery that had it all Love, deceit, revenge, hatred petty vindictiveness and a lot more. A gripping, intriguing, interesting and entertaining book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this author's Sloane Monroe series, so I was really excited to read this new book of her's. Not sure if it's a start to a new series, but I fell so hard for these characters that I really hope it is. This writer is so very talented that her words just flow and the reader is caught up from the very first page. There doesn't have to be a gimmick or a big bang to catch the reader's interest as it's just this author's words that draw you in. This is an original mystery, and since I mostly read mysteries, it's hard for me to come across an original one. The characters are so real and I can picture every one of them in my mind. The dialogue adds a lot to that. This is truly a mystery that I didn't see the ending coming until it was on me and then I was smacking my head, not believing what was right before my eyes. This isn't a cozy mystery but it certainly isn't full of gruesome killing either. It's just a really well written mystery with great characters that will keep you thinking through the whole thing. What could be better than that?

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE DEVIL DIED AT MIDNIGHT by Cheryl Bradshaw this was very different from her Sloane series which I loved. This had a plot within a plot, how she tied it all together was very unique. Makes one ponder if there were traits in the family that came out. Also showed how far a person will go to get a story, being manipulative. The downside was the chapters of conversation with the guy in prison, too many. If this was to become a series, doubt if I would continue, for a darker side to mystery. Overall she did a great job.

[Brenda Treddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow a great and sad thriller

This is one great author.This story had me from the beginning.Great murder writer Alexandra Weston is murdered,.Why and by who is the question that will have you really guessing till the end.Another writer host of a tv murder show is now looking into her death.With her bodygraud Finch by her side.Joss goes all out to find the killer who is trying to stop the truth about a dead killer from coming out.Great unexpected surprise ending.Read all her books you can you will love them.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the unique perspective from which the book is written, an author writing about an author. And this story has many twists and turns, surprises and secrets revealed as the search continues for a killer in the midst. The question is whose secret was so costly that they would kill for it. And it seems as if everyone has a close guarded secret. And even though there were multiple points of view, the story flowed seamlessly. So as always Cheryl has written an awesome suspense that will keep you guessing. Good read

[Jan Funnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authors who aim to write about true crime and expose the aftermath of those crimes and how it affected the lives of those involved even on the periphery all in the name of personal fame and fortune really should pay attention to the harm they may well do to those who were closest to the crimes. The story is a well-crafted, taut murder mystery involving a writer who has made her reputation from exposing real time murder and the harm that she has done and intends to continue doing in the pursuit of personal vanity and of course money.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, fast-paced mystery that grabbed my attention from the very beginning and didn't let go. Writer Joss Jax attends a book signing for fellow writer Alexandra Weston, who is later found murdered in the bookstore bathroom. Joss decides to investigate her death to find out who woukd do this and why. There are quite a few theories and suspects. There are enough twists to keep you guessing throughout. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This was very good! I really liked Joss and Finch. I am hoping this is the start of a new series. It had a really good mystery, I liked that we got a story within a story. I was surprised by the ending, I had it figured all wrong. Good job and e truly hope we see more of Joss and Finch.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil Died at Midnight is a story in a story about a true crime writer on her last book tour. When she is found dead in the bathroom during her last book signing, a fellow writer jumps in to help find out what happened. Will Joss solve the mystery of the murder? This book is full of twists and turns and kept me hooked throughout. A must-read!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a compelling read. Part thriller, part mystery. Alexandra, a well-known true crime novelist, is murdered and her fellow writer Joss Jax is determined to solve her murder. This book switches between the past to the present with the two being very connected. The investigation is thorough and the ending is a surprise but also makes sense. I enjoyed it very much.

[Dorothy Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

You think you know then you don't

From the first page to the last everything keeps changing. This is one book I couldn't guess the ending. Well written with believable characters and intriguing plots that keeps your attention and keeps you guessing. Would recommend this book for anyone who loves a great thriller.

[Morag Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Book

I have a couple of Cheryl Bradshaw books already in my kindle, from one of her series of books. But, the title of this one intrigued me. I can sometimes tell fairly early in a book who the bad guys are. This one kept me guessing right to the end. Really well written book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting Mystery

Author Cheryl Bradshaw writes a riveting crime drama/ mystery. A who done it that will keep you reading, turning the pages to find out what happens next. Well written with characters full of depth. A little switch and bait to keep you off center. I would highly recommend this to mystery lovers.

[Kathy Starling · Rating 5 out of 5]

well worth reading

Thank you Ms Bradshaw. i had forgotten how rewarding it was to read and author that has pride in their work instead of just after the money they will make. Thank you for keeping the professionalism editors and addition staff you have to release a book. you keep me turning the pages eager to find out what happens next.

[Marco Morissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A very good surprises with this book from author Chery Bradshaw with a plot who make us search with her main characters until the very last page! Unbeleivable twists during all the books who keep us on the edge and wants to turn to the next even when to tired! Thanks to the author for sharing! WOW!

[Mcf1nder_sk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read any of Cheryl Bradshaw's work, so I was looking forward to diving into this one, the first in her Joss Jax series. Bradshaw's ability to bring characters to life within a gripping and fast paced story make her one of the best thriller writers today.
.
My Rating: 4.5/5