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Talkeetna #1
Everybody Lies
Alaska's most hated lobbyist is dead. To State Patrol Lieutenant Paul Kitka, it seems simple -- abused wife flees to Alaska, husband follows, she shoots him -- and any Alaskan jury would acquit her. But Candace Marshall says she didn't do it. And it turns out that more than one person in Talkeetna had a grudge against the dead man. All of a sudden the case isn't simple at all.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2013
1089 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Breedlove
113 books92 followersL.J. Breedlove is a former journalist writing about what she knows: complicated people, small towns, big cities, cops, reporters, politicians, assorted bad guys. Mystery novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 24, 2023
Good fast story!
First time reading this author and I’m glad I did. Story was well written, moved along quickly with just the right amount of small humor, angst, secrets, anger, etc., to keep my interest. I really like to read stories about places like Alaska, places I’ll probably never go but are really interesting. (Besides, I really like the warmth of my Sunshine State!) I guessed the ending about two-thirds of the way through but was surprised to see how it came to fruition. All in all, a very good read. Will definitely be watching out for this author again!
First time reading this author and I’m glad I did. Story was well written, moved along quickly with just the right amount of small humor, angst, secrets, anger, etc., to keep my interest. I really like to read stories about places like Alaska, places I’ll probably never go but are really interesting. (Besides, I really like the warmth of my Sunshine State!) I guessed the ending about two-thirds of the way through but was surprised to see how it came to fruition. All in all, a very good read. Will definitely be watching out for this author again!
October 9, 2023
This book kept me up half the night, as I had to finish it, and the end well worth waiting for. I lived in Wasilla for several years, and the descriptions of the countryside were so true to life, We used to fly into Talkeetna for breakfast on Sundays, and the portrayal of the area made me quite homesick!
I will certainly look forward to reading more books by L.J. Breedlove.
I will certainly look forward to reading more books by L.J. Breedlove.
November 9, 2023
Having recently visited Alaska and Talkeetna for the first time, I found the descriptions and the atmosphere of the town engaging. I could visualize what we’d seen and imagine the fictional places included as being a part of this quaint little town. I liked the characters and will continue with the series.
June 21, 2024
Liked it a lot
And now I want to visit a small town in Alaska. Humor and excitement... Perfect combo for me. Two more words required...sigh...
And now I want to visit a small town in Alaska. Humor and excitement... Perfect combo for me. Two more words required...sigh...
September 13, 2021
Yowzer’s
What a great read. The ending was A-One with so much suspense I was nervous reading it. I lived in Anchorage many moons ago and visited many of the areas in the book. It was like remembering the old days.
What a great read. The ending was A-One with so much suspense I was nervous reading it. I lived in Anchorage many moons ago and visited many of the areas in the book. It was like remembering the old days.
October 5, 2023
Well,not everybody.
A great beginning for a series. Exciting and fun. A light lesson in Alaska. The story is very interesting and full of information. It was hard to put it down.
A great beginning for a series. Exciting and fun. A light lesson in Alaska. The story is very interesting and full of information. It was hard to put it down.
May 2, 2024
Loved the book and this author. Thoughtful historical fiction written in a can't put down way. I learned so much along with a good read.
November 9, 2023
When I first came across this book in my Facebook Feed, I was excite to read it. Being an Alaskan, I was eagerly anticipating a story set in the beautiful landscape of my home state, and even more so, in one of my favorite little towns.
I understand that this book is a work of fiction, and I'm willing to give the author that creative freedom. However, what left me disappointed was the author's attempt to infuse real-state information into the narrative. Unfortunately, much of this information is incorrect, almost as if the author didn't take the time to fact-check.
Early in the story, when Dace is at Eagle River Campground, the book states that she's heading to Wasilla, "about 40 miles away." In reality, Wasilla is 45 miles from the center of Anchorage, while the campground is 31 miles from Wasilla.
Having fished along Montana Creek, I have never seen it wide enough to resemble a lake.
The estimated time of death for the murder victim is 1 pm, and it's mentioned that he would have had to start early to reach Talkeetna from Anchorage. The actual drive usually takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours, depending on weather and road conditions.
Furthermore, it should be noted that it's "Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn," not "slippery Dick." Additionally, there's a slight inaccuracy in claiming that there would be a period when the sun doesn't rise in Talkeetna; it's not that far north.
Regrettably, these inaccuracies have left me with little desire to continue reading further into the series.
I understand that this book is a work of fiction, and I'm willing to give the author that creative freedom. However, what left me disappointed was the author's attempt to infuse real-state information into the narrative. Unfortunately, much of this information is incorrect, almost as if the author didn't take the time to fact-check.
Early in the story, when Dace is at Eagle River Campground, the book states that she's heading to Wasilla, "about 40 miles away." In reality, Wasilla is 45 miles from the center of Anchorage, while the campground is 31 miles from Wasilla.
Having fished along Montana Creek, I have never seen it wide enough to resemble a lake.
The estimated time of death for the murder victim is 1 pm, and it's mentioned that he would have had to start early to reach Talkeetna from Anchorage. The actual drive usually takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours, depending on weather and road conditions.
Furthermore, it should be noted that it's "Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn," not "slippery Dick." Additionally, there's a slight inaccuracy in claiming that there would be a period when the sun doesn't rise in Talkeetna; it's not that far north.
Regrettably, these inaccuracies have left me with little desire to continue reading further into the series.
October 11, 2021
Amazing State
Very good read on a amazing State....author captured the feel of it.....wished everyone got chance to experience it. Is amazing place!
Very good read on a amazing State....author captured the feel of it.....wished everyone got chance to experience it. Is amazing place!
June 29, 2022
A great location for a murder mystery. Case escapes for a new life but murder and mayhem follow her to the sleepy Alaska town.
February 11, 2026
This is a straight up mystery/suspense book about a woman who leaves her abusive husband, runs off to remote Alaska, only to find his dead body in her rented room several weeks later. I knew who the culprit was a little more than halfway in, but I wanted to see if I was right, and I was.
I didn't really love Candace or Kitka if I'm honest. The epilogue sealed the deal for me on Candace.
If you decide to read this book, there are several mentions of both domestic violence and suicidal ideation (with a plan). If that's a deal breaker for you, don't read it. If you get aggravated by books that have way too many misspellings and grammar errors, this won't be your bag either.
I did love the remote Alaska setting though. 3 stars
I didn't really love Candace or Kitka if I'm honest. The epilogue sealed the deal for me on Candace.
If you decide to read this book, there are several mentions of both domestic violence and suicidal ideation (with a plan). If that's a deal breaker for you, don't read it. If you get aggravated by books that have way too many misspellings and grammar errors, this won't be your bag either.
I did love the remote Alaska setting though. 3 stars
September 6, 2021
I wasn't sure I would like this when I started it, but by the time I got to the middle (after being detained by a tornado and power outage) I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 13, 2023Variety and a good story
I like the characters - I feel I get small insights into them as the story progresses. I like the small town feel and the flexibility towns people have towards each other's foibles. I like the stama and excitment. I want to read the next one.
I like the characters - I feel I get small insights into them as the story progresses. I like the small town feel and the flexibility towns people have towards each other's foibles. I like the stama and excitment. I want to read the next one.
November 12, 2023
excellent mystery
The book was well written and exciting. The characters were believable, relatable, and interesting. I found myself racing through the pages and had to consciously tell myself to slow down and enjoy the writing. The ending was satisfying and I will be buying the next book.
The book was well written and exciting. The characters were believable, relatable, and interesting. I found myself racing through the pages and had to consciously tell myself to slow down and enjoy the writing. The ending was satisfying and I will be buying the next book.
September 20, 2021
Everybody Lies (Talkeetna Book 1)
This is a great book, it keep me reading way into the night. I did not want to quit before Dace got out of danger. It was all good. The whole book is full of normal people, it made it seem real and I was there the whole time. I want to read more of this series, and see what else the author has written because I know I will like it. You should read it too.
This is a great book, it keep me reading way into the night. I did not want to quit before Dace got out of danger. It was all good. The whole book is full of normal people, it made it seem real and I was there the whole time. I want to read more of this series, and see what else the author has written because I know I will like it. You should read it too.
September 25, 2023
Everybody Lies Book 1
I like the characters the town and will recommend to my friends and the story line was great and believable so that is why I gave it a 5 star. Can't wait for the next book.
I like the characters the town and will recommend to my friends and the story line was great and believable so that is why I gave it a 5 star. Can't wait for the next book.
September 24, 2023
yes they do!!
Great read. Wasn’t sure where it would end up. Glad the leads didn’t get together yet. It would have ruined it. Their personalities wouldn’t have allowed it so soon. The author kept that in mind. Good work!
Great read. Wasn’t sure where it would end up. Glad the leads didn’t get together yet. It would have ruined it. Their personalities wouldn’t have allowed it so soon. The author kept that in mind. Good work!
September 25, 2023
Loved it
I enjoyed the twists and turns of "Everybody Lies". It is a very interesting mix of characters, and it kept me guessing. It made for fun reading.
I enjoyed the twists and turns of "Everybody Lies". It is a very interesting mix of characters, and it kept me guessing. It made for fun reading.
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September 22, 2023Everybody Lies
I started the book and couldn't put it down. Well written, the descriptions were excellent, I could visualize the scenes with no problem. The suspects were many. The ending had me laughing (most women will enjoy this). The perfect ending. Can't wait to start the next book.
I started the book and couldn't put it down. Well written, the descriptions were excellent, I could visualize the scenes with no problem. The suspects were many. The ending had me laughing (most women will enjoy this). The perfect ending. Can't wait to start the next book.
August 16, 2021
Good book. Easy read. Murder mystery with good character development. Enough twists to keep guessing until near the end. No cliffhanger ending, but enough intrigue between two main characters to want to read next in series.
August 9, 2022
Great story!
Good mystery that kept me reading. I've always wanted to see Alaska but got too old before I had the opportunity. But I have the sons who have played and worked in Alaska and through them have heard about the wonders and the wildness of that state. My eyes are dim so this kindle has been a Godsend for me. And now off to get the next story.
Good mystery that kept me reading. I've always wanted to see Alaska but got too old before I had the opportunity. But I have the sons who have played and worked in Alaska and through them have heard about the wonders and the wildness of that state. My eyes are dim so this kindle has been a Godsend for me. And now off to get the next story.
March 30, 2023
Everybody Lies
Loved the story, the setting, the characters. My love of Alaska may color my judgement. #2 is on my list!
Loved the story, the setting, the characters. My love of Alaska may color my judgement. #2 is on my list!
September 22, 2023
best book I’ve read over 50 in last year
This book was great. No dragging on moved quickly. And a great sensational ending. Worth reading be it free or purchased.
This book was great. No dragging on moved quickly. And a great sensational ending. Worth reading be it free or purchased.
September 21, 2023
Excellent story and characters
5 stars for the ability to pull me into the story and make me unable to put it down until the end.
5 stars for the ability to pull me into the story and make me unable to put it down until the end.
October 26, 2023
I enjoyed the book, and having been to Talkeetna, I enjoyed the description of the area.
March 19, 2023
Fantastic!
It's a plus that this author actually lived and worked in the place where her story is told. LJ writes with feeling and imagination. She's a great storyteller with strong characters and a clever plot. Well done!
It's a plus that this author actually lived and worked in the place where her story is told. LJ writes with feeling and imagination. She's a great storyteller with strong characters and a clever plot. Well done!
October 17, 2023
Great adventure!
I've never been to Alaska and now I feel that I have a good sense of the state. I love how the author brought in so many local characters and suspects. It's a really good book, I'm going to send it to my mother, she is a whale reader
I've never been to Alaska and now I feel that I have a good sense of the state. I love how the author brought in so many local characters and suspects. It's a really good book, I'm going to send it to my mother, she is a whale reader
May 14, 2024
Everybody Lies
This is a good mystery story about a woman in Alaska finding her abusive husband dead and she is accused of killing him and now someone is trying to kill her and the killer is apprehended A good read
This is a good mystery story about a woman in Alaska finding her abusive husband dead and she is accused of killing him and now someone is trying to kill her and the killer is apprehended A good read
October 20, 2025
The opening of Everybody Lies hooked me straight away. The author's writing is a lot different to my own, but the chapters, although long, just flow beautifully.
There is definitely enough in the book to keep you guessing. The identity of the accused was who I suspected from early on, but that fact didn't dwindle my enjoyment of the story at all. There were multiple points where the twists made you think you were wrong—it couldn't be... could it?
The author is highly descriptive, and I particularly enjoyed how much dialogue and internal thought was included, which kept me firmly rooted in the characters' perspective. The mystery is definitely strong and kept me wanting to read more right to the end.
I will absolutely be picking up Book 2. Well done, L.J. Breedlove!
There is definitely enough in the book to keep you guessing. The identity of the accused was who I suspected from early on, but that fact didn't dwindle my enjoyment of the story at all. There were multiple points where the twists made you think you were wrong—it couldn't be... could it?
The author is highly descriptive, and I particularly enjoyed how much dialogue and internal thought was included, which kept me firmly rooted in the characters' perspective. The mystery is definitely strong and kept me wanting to read more right to the end.
I will absolutely be picking up Book 2. Well done, L.J. Breedlove!
March 27, 2013
A captivating mystery that will keep you thinking and wondering "who done it?" to the end! Fabulous character development leads you to feel almost as if you're a neighbor living along side them in Talkeetna. If you enjoy a fast paced mystery, curl up with "Everybody Lies" and spend the afternoon with Paul Kitka...you won't regret it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews