Deadly Lies

Detective Grant and Ruby #3

by Ann Girdharry

Time is running out…

When six-year-old Emily and four-year-old Lisa are abducted from their grandparents’ house, Detective Grant and criminal profiler Ruby Silver race against time to find them.

As they dig into the personal lives of the parents’, they discover shocking secrets. It seems Jack and Alice have not been honest with each other nor with the police. And then there’s the grandparents, who have their own fair share of enemies.

Everyone comes under scrutiny. But when the team home in on a suspect, a murder throws the investigation into turmoil.

Is there betrayal within Grant’s team? Or within the family? With the parents desperate and one of the little girls dangerously ill, time is running out. Treachery and lies threaten to tear the family apart and nothing is as it seems…

Who is responsible for the abduction and why?
And could the answers lie closer to home than anyone ever imagined?

What readers are saying –

'One of the best crime thrillers I have read this year!'

'...could not put this down and finally turned the last page in the wee hours. Yes this book is that good!'

‘A 100% must read’

‘Great characters. Great story.’

‘a real nail-biter… with a great twist…’

‘The author hooks you right "out of the starting gate" and doesn't let you go… This was an enthralling read, with a unique plot and wonderful characters.’

Grab your copy today!

Genres: Crime

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2021

About the author

Ann Girdharry writes crime thrillers and psychological suspense.

She's a Kindle Storyteller Award Finalist 2022 and her debut novel was an ERIC HOFFER Book Award Finalist.

Here are a few fun facts -

I love to travel and I've lived in the USA, Norway, UK and France.

One of my passions is gardening and another is Krav Maga self-defence.

You can connect with me -

Via my website
http://www.girdharry.com

On Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AnnGirdharry...

My Reader's Group
Be the first to know about my new releases by joining my Reader's Group.
(No spam, I promise! ) - details on my website.

Titles

I Know You Saw Her
The Couple Upstairs
The Woman in Room 19

Deadly Motives
Deadly Secrets
Deadly Lies
Deadly Silent

Good Girl Bad Girl
London Noir
The Beauty Killers

Reviews

[Ellie Spencer (catching up from hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded down from roughly 4.5 stars ⭐️

Deadly Lies returns to the lives of Detective Grant and Psychologist Ruby as they race to find two young girls who were kidnapped whilst staying at their grandparents. Can they track them down before it’s too late?

This is the first book that I have read in this series and it works perfectly well as a standalone. Although it has made me want to go back and read the books that I have missed! I’ve been feeling a little deflated with crime/detective novels recently and this book reminded me exactly why I love them! Near the end, the tension was getting to me so much that I was literally sat on the edge of my seat with my leg shaking! I just had to release some of my nervous energy somehow!

I did have to suspend my belief slightly on a few occasions, some things just seemed to be so unlikely to happen in reality. However, the research Ann had put into this book shone through. As a forensic psychology student I often notice glaring issues in these kinds of books, things that just would not happen. But Ann avoided many of these and highlighted the issues with some types of forensic evidence which I loved! I connected to many of the characters, especially Delaney who I had a real soft spot for! This has reignited my love for detective novels and thrillers!

I would recommend this to any fans of crime novels, but please be aware that children are involved in this case, which may be triggering for some. I want to thank Ann Girdharry for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

DEADLY LIES (Detective David Grant Book #3) by Ann Girdharry is the newest addition to this outstanding British police procedural/mystery series featuring DCI David Grant and his team. While the crime in this book is self-contained and the book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order due to the progression of the main characters personal stories.

In the early morning hours, six-year-old Emily and four-year-old Lisa are kidnapped from their grandparent’s home.

Detective Grant and his team are called to the scene. The grandfather has been taken to the hospital and dies of a heart attack while the grandmother tells the officers everything she can remember. When the parents of the little girls show up, it is immediately apparent to the team that there are problems in this family. Grant once again asks criminal psychologist Ruby Silver to assist on the case.

A ransom is demanded and in the proof of life video it becomes apparent that Emily is seriously ill. The clock is ticking to find and save the little girls as Grant and his team deal with family secrets, lies and possible treachery within their own team.

I have been anxiously waiting for this third book in the Detective Grant series and I was not disappointed! This is a great group of characters. The plot is full of realistic police work detecting clues and sifting through the red herrings and lies. As the stakes rise, so does the pace and tight timeline. The ending surprised me with the twist in the kidnapping accomplice and I always love when that happens. This third book ends almost like a trilogy, by bringing together all the dangling threads from the previous books, but it also opens a new pathway for more books with some of this team in a new setting.

I highly recommend this book, the entire series and anything written by this author!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEADLY LIES is the third book in a new crime thriller series by best-selling author Ann Girdharry. Having read and loved the first novel Killer Motive, followed by Deadly Secrets, I was anxious to continue with the series. While this novel can be read as a standalone, I would recommend starting with book one for clarity and content. The series features Detective David Grant and a top criminal profiler, Ruby Silver. This police procedural is enhanced by providing the reader with greater insight into the mind and motive of a killer. This fascinates me, and I feel that this novel will be well received and appeal to a wide audience range.

Novels in the Detective David Grant Series Include:

Deadly Motives or previous title Killer Motive (Book 1) -2019
Deadly Secrets (Book2) -2020
Deadly Lies (Book 3) -2021

This novel revolves around the kidnapping of two young sisters: six-year-old Emily and four-year-old Lisa who were abducted from their grandparent’s house. Time is running out and DCI David Grant and his team (DS Diane Collins, DS Tom Delaney and DS Steve McGowan) along with top criminal psychologist Ruby Silver race against time to find them.

There are few suspects but the family have their fair share of enemies and when they receive a ransom demand from the kidnapper, secrets from the past come to light. The family while getting the ransom money together, demands proof of life.

Who would abduct two young little girls and why?

Then a murder throws the investigation into an uproar as treachery and lies threaten to tear the family apart.

This is a fast-paced plot with lots of twists and turns. The characters are relatable and believable, and DCI Grant interaction with his team is totally engaging with the characters coming alive on the page.

The story was really enjoyable and well written. Highly recommended! Many thanks to the author for my digital copy.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six-year-old Emily and 4-year-old Lisa are abducted from their grandparents' home where they were spending the night. Hearing something downstairs. the grandparents see a man running with the children to a van. The grandfather valiantly tries to stop the man ... unfortunately he was not successful, and ultimately had a heart attack which killed him.

Detective David Grant and Psychologist Ruby Silver start an investigation. They start with the family, and immediately red flags are waving. Grant is certain that the father, especially, is keeping secrets .. but are they concerning his children or something else?

Ultimately they discover that the family does have enemies and when there is a demand for ransom, some of those secrets come to light. The answers that Grant is looking for may be a lot closer than they think. How much time do they have to save these children?

DEADLY LIES is well-written, filled with twists and turns, a real page-turner. The suspense starts on the very first page and maintains a high level lasting until the final unexpected conclusion. The characters are cleverly drawn and secondary characters lend an air of credibility. Suspects are varied .. and many. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone, however, I do recommend reading the books in order.

Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series with Detective Grant and his team and criminal psychologist Ruby Silver.
Two little girls are abducted in the middle of the night from their grandparents' house causing shockwaves in the family.
Their parents soon arrive at the house and Alice is distraught that her children have been taken.
As the investigation gets underway there’s more than one secret revealed and it’s clear some people are lying to cover their actions.
A ransom demand is received and when their parents ask for proof of life, it’s clear one if the girls is very unwell so they need to get her back quickly.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[H Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Lies. But who is lying?

I cannot comment enough on how much I enjoyed reading this next instalment featuring DCI Grant.  I was totally engrossed in the story from the beginning. 

Little Lisa and Emily are sleeping at their grandparents house whilst parents Jack and Alice Glover are at a dinner party. During the night there's a noise suggesting someone is in the house.. There's a struggle. There's a knife. There is blood. There's a body on the ground. There are two empty beds. The children are gone.

DCI Glover and his colleagues are brought in to find the children. Time is a crucial factor - take too long and they will die. But who has taken the children? Why? What enemy's did the family have? Who is telling lies? Will the children survive? And will DCI Grant resign?

What an emotional rollercoaster. Plenty of plot twists to keep me turning pages. I always love an unexpected curve ball, and this ends with a brilliantly massive one.   

If you're a fan of police drama, mystery and intrigue I recommend this book.

The author s ent me an advance reader copy of this book and I am delighted to leave this positive review.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good addition to this excellent series.

When two little girls are abducted from their grandparents' home in the middle of the night, Detective David Grant doesn't hesitate to call in psychologist Ruby Silver to assist. As his team begin to dig into the family they find more than they bargained for and, as a ransom demand arrives, secrets from the past rear up, Can Grant's squad get to the bottom of things in time to save Emily and Lucy?

This is an author who focuses very much on the crime and the subsequent investigation and this is a complicated, twisty case; I really struggled to work out who was behind the kidnap of the sisters and it definitely came as a bit of a shock when it was all done and dusted. There are hints of professional relationships among the police personnel but it's very much on the peripheral as the investigation is definitely the priority. With the case all completely wrapped up, there is a hint that there will be a fourth book to follow and I look forward to finding out what David Grant gets up to next. A well-written crime novel and one I'm happy to give 4*.

[Caroline Kerdouci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child abduction is at the epicentre of Deadly Lies, the new crime thriller featuring DI David Grant and his team and as with any case of this nature time is of the essence if the police are to end this family’s worst nightmare and bring matters to a satisfactory and safe conclusion. In the middle of the night, six year old Emily and her four year old sister Lisa Glover are snatched from their grandparents home, Joan and Ronnie Hardman woken by noise from the intruder. Although desperately trying to thwart the kidnapper’s attempt, their heroics aren’t enough to prevent the abduction and so DI Grant, at the behest of his superior Angela Fox is tasked with leading the investigation. Once parents Alice and Jack become aware of the fact their young daughters lives are at the mercy of goodness knows who, the gravity of the situation sinks in. Why have the Glovers been targeted,have this family made enemies of people, through their business transactions to warrant such behaviour and what harm could befall the two captured innocent little girls? Inevitably as the team dig deep into the personal lives of husband and wife and those closest to the family, cracks start to appear in Alice and Jack’s marriage, unearthing a bounty of secrets and lies that reveal a multitude of potential suspects and motives. Everyone comes under close scrutiny ranging from neighbours, to former au pairs, work colleagues past and present at the family firm, Hardman construction and anyone else who may have a personal axe to grind against this family. This kind of storyline naturally whips up a maelstrom of emotions so as the investigation rapidly progresses I felt anxious, hopeful, tense, fascinated and perplexed.

Now this IS what you call an edge of your seat crime thriller!! I’m a pretty harsh critic when it comes to books of this genre because so often certain aspects whether it be characterisation, holes in the plot line or a general feeling of implausibility end up lowering my overall impression, leaving me disappointed. I’m so happy that this author, new to me, has allowed me to cast aside my current disillusionment with crime novels in the shape of the well paced, edgy and nerve wracking Deadly Lies. Ann Girdharry has struck the perfect balance between suspense, tension and intrigue with a believable storyline and good characterisation. Although I’ve read this as a standalone, I am now eager to catch up on the previous books in the series, featuring DI Grant and the rest of his team and that’s mainly due to liking pretty much every member, bar the odd one or two who are investigating this latest case of child abduction. By divulging enough personal background information in relation to individual personnel, creating tensions within the group dynamic to engage my interest without detracting from the case, she gave me a difficult to put down storyline that I could really sink my teeth into. The addition of the subplot concerning possible police corruption sits nicely alongside the main event; finding Emily and Lisa alive and well. There’s a natural urgency to the narrative, inevitable given the type of case David Grant is dealing with, which does make your heart race whilst all the time making stabs in the dark as to the identity of the kidnapper(s). All the way through I could hear an imaginary clock ticking away in my mind, counting down the minutes and hours that would hopefully lead to a positive result. That this particular case takes place in my own backyard is the icing on the cake!

As I’ve already stated, in a crime novel where police procedure is at the heart of an investigation, I have to feel a connection with the characters charged with solving the crime. Nearing retirement, years of experience is DI Grant’s trump card and I immediately felt I was in safe hands with this reliable, determined and perceptive man at the helm. With criminal psychologist Ruby Silver, a young woman not to be underestimated and the shy but sweet DS Tom Delaney, Grant’s protege, plus the trusted and valued team member Diane Collins on board, the Glovers couldn’t ask for better individuals invested in locating the girls whereabouts and bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice. Hints of a future romance between colleagues adds a more personal touch to these professionals lives and together with a rogue member within the group providing another intriguing strand to the storyline, I found myself completely addicted.

Perhaps my only criticism is that definitely as the author leads you towards a dramatic and nerve shredding conclusion there are a couple of too conveniently coincidental leads, giving the team their much needed breakthrough but in all honesty that didn’t bother me. The sign of a good crime thriller for me is when I’m not reduced to eye rolling and eyebrow raising and this didn’t happen once! My thanks to Ann Girdharry for restoring my faith (even if it doesn’t last that long!!) in the genre and proving there there are still hidden gems to be found amongst all the flotsam and jetsam that claim to be riveting reads. Finding a good crime series is a bit like panning for gold but Deadly Lies is a book I’m more than happy to recommend. With a nice piece of ambiguity as to the future of DI Grant and his team to round off proceedings, I’m already looking forward to the next one in the series. Much appreciation as always to Bloodhound books for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[LORRIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

This was a fantastic. Figured it out, just realized that we can totally different direction. Ending of it it was absolutely amazing and

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books I didn’t want to put down until I knew what the ending was. It is the first book I’ve read by this author although the 3rd in the series. This was definitely able to be read as a stand-alone, although I would now like to read the previous in the series. Well written, but most of all flowed so well it was easy to read.

Briefly, Detective David Grant and psychologist Ruby Silver are on a case looking for two young girls, sisters aged 4 and 6, who have been kidnapped whilst staying with their grandparents. The kidnapper has little empathy for the children and their well being doesn’t matter to him, but his female accomplice is worried for them. When a ransom demand is received the kidnapper insists that the girls mother Alice delivers the money. How did the kidnapper get into the house to take the girls? What family secrets are going to come to light? Will the girls be found in time?

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me fully engrossed until the final page and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good police procedural thriller. 5*

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two young sisters are snatched from the home of their grandparents in the middle of the night Detective Grant and his team are dispatched to the scene. With emotions running high the family is now faced with gruelling task of waiting for communication from the abductor. But the longer they wait the more dire the outcome appears to be. As accusations start to fly the family unit is on the brink of collapse as dark secrets slowly come to the surface.

This is the third book in the Detective Grant series – or perhaps more accurately, the Detective Grant and Ruby Silver series as she plays such an integral part in the team dynamics. I couldn’t put this down! It was a fantastically told story with believable characters. I’ve been a fan of this series and can’t wait to see where everyone ends up in the next book.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two small girls are kidnapped from their grandparents house and DCI Grant and his team are on it immediately however there are a few family secrets being kept from them and so hindering the investigation and with every lost minute the girls lives are placed in more jeopardy.
This is the third book in the series and reads well as a standalone however I would advise reading the others too as they are great stories as well. Fast paced ( I read this in one day!) and with lots of things happening to keep you on your toes, wondering if the team will get to the girls on time. We also have some corruption going on behind the scenes along with the usual office politics which occurs everywhere and brings a reality to the book. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is the 1st book by this author that I've read and what a great introduction!

The store revolves around the abduction of 2 young girls from their grandparents house and the investigation that ensues by Grant and his team, including psychologist Ruby Silver.

The story starts immediately with the abduction and the pace doesn't let up throughout. There are different viewpoints used throughout the book which usually I'm not a fan of, but it totally worked in this case and didn't bother me at all. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Lies by Ann Girdharry is the perfect thriller, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than 12 hours. The plot is very fast moving with lots of twists and turns, many of which are impossible to see coming. The characters are relatable and believable, and the author does a great job of wrapping up all of the loose ends by the time the book finishes. Can’t wait to read more of her work!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Leanne Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and another superb 5* read.

The story centres on the kidnapping of two young sisters and the race the find them. Grant also needs to figure out exactly who played a part in their kidnapping and why. DCI Grant is such a fantastically written character, and his interactions especially with his team Ruby, Diane and Tom are wonderful.

I think this series would make a gripping new TV crime thriller, it certainly has the storylines and characters to make it a huge success. I cannot rate this series highly enough.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to be able to read this book, the third in the series as I had previously read the other two. The police involved in solving this crime are DCI David Grant and DS Fox helped by Ruby Silver a psychologist. In this book the story starts as 2 young children are staying with their grandparents and are them kidnapped.
With having grandchildren of my own this story straightaway captured my attention. The story moves on apace. Will they get the children back or will they have died?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very intense story about two little girls who get kidnapped by someone and taken from their grandparents' house. Their grandfather dies trying to save them and then it is up to the police to find them. Many things are revealed about the family and what they have done not only to their own family members but to others. But when the police discover that the blood left at the house is one of the girls, can they find them before it is too late? The police need something or someone to break this case wide open but the clock is ticking! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Liz T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be given an ARC of Deadly Lies by Bloodhound Books.
Although it is the third book in the David Grant and Ruby Silver series I read this as a stand alone story and in no way did this affect my enjoyment of the book.
I found it extremely difficult to put this book down and read it in one day. It is a fast paced crime thriller with great characters and it had me at the edge of my seat. It left me wanting to read more by this author!
Thank you Ann Girdharry and Bloodhound Books.

[Preeti Chauhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two young girls are abducted from their grandparents home , even while the elderly grandparents fought tooth and nail to save their girls.

The clock is ticking away for the captive girls while DCI Grant and his team of Ruby, Tom, Dianne are running around for clues .The plot thickens with the unraveling of the philandering father ,the neurotic mother , a rogue business partner and a sexy Nanny.

The pace slackens after the first few exciting chapters but all in all this sure is a page turner and you will love it !

[Carol Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have enjoyed written by this author.

The opening chapter really engages the reader creating questions you want answers to. The characters are developed enough to be engaging and believable. The plot twists and turns well, meaning it was very difficult to put down. Any questions that could have left the tale unbelievable were effectively answered through the chapters taking the reader to a different time. A great crime thriller.

[Abi_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fast paced thriller that kept my attention throughout! I read it within a few hours so it was definitely a good book! I found the characters interesting with a lot of different personalities and back stories but none that took away the attention of the main storyline!

I couldn't guess the ending and did not pick up on any clues throughout the book which would have given it away too easily. The story was really enjoyable and well written. Highly recommended!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadnt read the other books in the series but for me it didnt seem to matter that much. The characters and the plot just took me on a journey. I loved all the red herrings and then how it all came together.

I am not going to give a plot summary this is a book you should read and absorb rather than researching before hand. Just go with it, it is a roller coaster.

I was given an advance copy by Bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well written police procedural with characters that you love and the odd one or two you hate lol, always makes for a good read when there is a character who irked you and got under your skin. This was quite a fast paced storyline with something happening all the time, if it wasn’t for starting the book late at night I’m sure I would have read it in one sitting. I won’t re-write the storyline in my review as I believe the job of the blurb is to draw you in and grab your interest.

[Casey Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! The action started instantly and I couldn’t put it down. I read this as a stand-alone and had no issues with it. There are a lot of characters but it doesn’t turn into a mess of trying to figure out who is who. It’s well written and deserves to be on your TBR! But don’t take too long to get to it because you won’t want to put it down. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Jeni Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, fast paced book that made me not want to put it down once I hit the breaking point. So many characters with good back stories, betrayal and confused innocence. Keeps you guessing as to what is around every turn. Although, have you ever read a book that was so familiar you feel you've read it before? For me, this was one of those books. Was this republished or was it a movie plot? My mind wonders....either way, still a good book and worth the read.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I began reading this, I was unaware it was the 3rd book featuring Detective Grant and psychologist Ruby Silver, but that didn't make it difficult to read. I found myself caught up in the story, and the 'will they or won't they' race to find Emily and Lucy. I found it difficult to put down, and read the whole book over a weekend. This is the first book I've read by Ann Girdharry, however it won't be the last. I like her style and pace of writing, and enjoyed the excitement in her words.

[Lorrainet.Brettbtinternet.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grant and Ruby team up again. This time an abduction is centre to the plot.
This book gripped me from page one !! An emotional roller coaster of a read. Love the twists and turns of this story. Ann has again written a fantastic gripping story. This Author never fails to write thrilling books.
I do hope DCI Grant does not retire. We need him and Ruby Silver to carry on solving crimes.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book comes out April 20 and I was fortunate to receive an early reader copy. This is an excellent read. It has many twists and keeps you guessing who was the accomplice to this evil man. With children involved in the story, you have a hard time putting the book down. I enjoyed the lead characters and will read more of her earlier books with them.

[Keisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner from the beginning. Page one kicks off the most intense search for missing kids. A family riddled with secrets they would do anything to keep buried. This book is a part of a series but it reads also as a stand alone. This gave me Law & Order vibes which I rather enjoyed. Plenty of twists and turn. A great read!

[Faye Ridpath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me right from the start.

It kept me guessing right until the end.

It was a real nail biter.

I did not realize that this is the third book in a series, but I don't feel you need to have read the other books to be able to follow along with this one.

Thank you Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.