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Stella Fall #2
His Other Lie
Stella Fall, still reeling from the trauma of her deceitful fiancé and her failed engagement, has decided to pursue her dreams, follow in her father’s footsteps, and throw herself into law enforcement. Upon graduating from the FBI’s academy, she isf placed in the FBI’s Connecticut field office. It is not long until, by sheer chance, she finds herself assigned to the case of her life—and thrown right back into a world she hoped to never see again—of couples, affairs and high-end suburbia.
A newlywed is found murdered in her bed in her new home, in the town she just moved to with her husband. All seems too picture-perfect in this town for Stella, with the immaculate homes, smiling wives, flaunting of wealth, and obsession with appearances. It is not long until she realizes all is not what it seems.
Who wanted this popular newcomer to town dead? What was the popular card game she attended? What secret are all of these wives hiding?
The case becomes personal for Stella, the memories hitting way too close to home for her. Stirring up her past trauma, she struggles to hang on until she can solve the first big case of her new career. The stakes couldn’t be higher. And the killer is still out there.
Will newly-minted FBI Special Agent Stella Fall be able to tap her brilliant mind and figure out what this town is hiding?
A fast-paced psychological suspense thriller with unforgettable characters and heart-pounding suspense, HIS OTHER LIE is book #2 in a riveting new series that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
A newlywed is found murdered in her bed in her new home, in the town she just moved to with her husband. All seems too picture-perfect in this town for Stella, with the immaculate homes, smiling wives, flaunting of wealth, and obsession with appearances. It is not long until she realizes all is not what it seems.
Who wanted this popular newcomer to town dead? What was the popular card game she attended? What secret are all of these wives hiding?
The case becomes personal for Stella, the memories hitting way too close to home for her. Stirring up her past trauma, she struggles to hang on until she can solve the first big case of her new career. The stakes couldn’t be higher. And the killer is still out there.
Will newly-minted FBI Special Agent Stella Fall be able to tap her brilliant mind and figure out what this town is hiding?
A fast-paced psychological suspense thriller with unforgettable characters and heart-pounding suspense, HIS OTHER LIE is book #2 in a riveting new series that will leave you turning pages late into the night.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2021
549 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
About the author
Ava Strong
149 books223 followersAva Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the MEGAN YORK suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).
An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.
An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 22, 2025
Not good enough to make me give this series - or this author - another chance. I was kind of lukewarm after the first Stella book but had hoped the series would get better.
Here's the kind of deep insight the lead character has and the kind of writing you'll have to wade through to get it: "Oh, my, that menacing man holding a bloody chainsaw might be thinking about causing a hectic massacre here on this luxury estate paid for with shady deals. My psych degree, childhood traumas, and FBI instincts are all screaming."
Okay, so that's obviously not from the book - so not in any way a spoiler! - and maybe the writing is not quite that bad. Not quite but close. This author gets pretty tedious.
The other thing I just do not understand is the obsession with depraved rich people in Connecticut. Nor the special rancor reserved for the rich wives of Connecticut.
Just going out on a limb here, but I'm willing to bet that: 1) there are at least some not-filthy-rich people living in CT who are not victims of human trafficking; 2) there are probably rich wives in every state, not just CT; and 3) it simply cannot be true that all the rich wives in CT belong to cheating clubs.
Here's the kind of deep insight the lead character has and the kind of writing you'll have to wade through to get it: "Oh, my, that menacing man holding a bloody chainsaw might be thinking about causing a hectic massacre here on this luxury estate paid for with shady deals. My psych degree, childhood traumas, and FBI instincts are all screaming."
Okay, so that's obviously not from the book - so not in any way a spoiler! - and maybe the writing is not quite that bad. Not quite but close. This author gets pretty tedious.
The other thing I just do not understand is the obsession with depraved rich people in Connecticut. Nor the special rancor reserved for the rich wives of Connecticut.
Just going out on a limb here, but I'm willing to bet that: 1) there are at least some not-filthy-rich people living in CT who are not victims of human trafficking; 2) there are probably rich wives in every state, not just CT; and 3) it simply cannot be true that all the rich wives in CT belong to cheating clubs.
October 5, 2022
The fact that this book has an average review of over 4 stars blows my mind.
I’m pretty certain the folks who reviewed it have never read a decent mystery/ thriller in their lives.
I’m pretty certain the folks who reviewed it have never read a decent mystery/ thriller in their lives.
September 16, 2022
STELLA IS INTELLIGENT BUT TOO FOOLHEARTY, ACTS WAY TOO FAST IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. HER ACTIONS PUT PEOPLE IN DANGER ALONG WITH HERSELF. SHE MAKES ME SO ANGRY. SAYS SHE'S LEARNED HER LESSON WHEN SHE MESSES UP BUT GOES AND REPEATS THE SAME MISTAKE, MADE BEFORE. THAT ONE MISTAKE ALMOST GOT HER KILLED. I STILL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH HER, I DIDN'T LIKE HER IN THE 1ST BOOK AND STILL DON'T, SHE'S STILL CHILDISH. I GOT BOTH BOOKS 1&2 THEY WERE FREE. SMH! I'LL SAY WHAT STELLA SAYS ALL THE TIME ABOUT THIS SERIES "I PROMISE I WILL LEARN FROM THIS". ;D
January 6, 2022
Worth the purchase
For a quick read this book has a lot of action and before I knew it I was finished with the book. The books are easy to follow, so if you don't read this series one book after the other, you can pick up where you left off. I haven't read any other novels by Ms. Strong I will be reading more of her work.
This series was in my book recommended books from Amazon based on my reading history. I was drawn in by the description of the book, I instantly purchased books one and two. I read both books in one day, once I started reading I needed to read to see how the books ended. I like that book one we were able to get to know Stella and book two we were able to see her start her career. I appreciate that the writing was straight forward and didn't drag on and on.
For a quick read this book has a lot of action and before I knew it I was finished with the book. The books are easy to follow, so if you don't read this series one book after the other, you can pick up where you left off. I haven't read any other novels by Ms. Strong I will be reading more of her work.
This series was in my book recommended books from Amazon based on my reading history. I was drawn in by the description of the book, I instantly purchased books one and two. I read both books in one day, once I started reading I needed to read to see how the books ended. I like that book one we were able to get to know Stella and book two we were able to see her start her career. I appreciate that the writing was straight forward and didn't drag on and on.
December 22, 2021
Stella has joined the FBI and is undergoing training where she has to face her own past and involvement in her fiance's death and solution to that crime. She now faces her peers' evaluation and jealousy as she seems to be doing rather well in the academy and before ending her training she is invited to join her first criminal case (a very similar one to that she was also a victim). She has to prove her willingness to learn and her capacity to add value to the team before she is fully accepted and her contributions are important to solving the crime. The story has a happy ending of sorts, except for the news she discovers buried in her belongings regarding her past!
A good plot with a good developing pace. Good entertainment.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
A good plot with a good developing pace. Good entertainment.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 10, 2024
Chilling Psychological Thriller!
When the very wealthy husband is always away on business, three of their spouses decided to play a very serious game. They were daring each other to make random hook-up’s with men, steal a trophy and report back to the group. Amanda had just moved into this very rich division. She didn’t know anyone but became friends with the neighbors. The three women invited her to their little get togethers. Eventually, they decided to invite her to the game. Amanda didn’t take it well and left the party. The next day Amanda is murdered. The FBI gets called in to solve the murder. Who could’ve done this? What was the motive? Was it the husband? Enjoyed the plot as well as the characters. Wonder what the next book will hold.
When the very wealthy husband is always away on business, three of their spouses decided to play a very serious game. They were daring each other to make random hook-up’s with men, steal a trophy and report back to the group. Amanda had just moved into this very rich division. She didn’t know anyone but became friends with the neighbors. The three women invited her to their little get togethers. Eventually, they decided to invite her to the game. Amanda didn’t take it well and left the party. The next day Amanda is murdered. The FBI gets called in to solve the murder. Who could’ve done this? What was the motive? Was it the husband? Enjoyed the plot as well as the characters. Wonder what the next book will hold.
September 17, 2021
The title is confusing as to what this story will be about
Stella her dad had been a cop, what happened to make him do what he did.
A fiancé a wedding that didn’t happen either for him to stay.
On her own wanting to pass the requirements to be an FBI agent.
The other woman on the team Carrie sabotaged Stella.
Pepper Spray was the hardest test, to open one’s eye, but will save her to do the job later when needed.
Determined to aim the gun and to stop him, till back up came.
She strong, fierce to make a place for herself as an agent.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Stella her dad had been a cop, what happened to make him do what he did.
A fiancé a wedding that didn’t happen either for him to stay.
On her own wanting to pass the requirements to be an FBI agent.
The other woman on the team Carrie sabotaged Stella.
Pepper Spray was the hardest test, to open one’s eye, but will save her to do the job later when needed.
Determined to aim the gun and to stop him, till back up came.
She strong, fierce to make a place for herself as an agent.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
September 30, 2021
Great New Character!
I enjoyed this book. Stella Fall has decided to become an FBI Agent like her father was after the breakup of her engagement. As a character, we see Stella evolve over the course of the book. She struggles with her past and has to overcome it to focus on her first case. When work takes her back to the wealthy suburbs she no longer wanted to be a part of, she works very hard to keep work separate from her personal. I really enjoyed this novel.
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review. **
I enjoyed this book. Stella Fall has decided to become an FBI Agent like her father was after the breakup of her engagement. As a character, we see Stella evolve over the course of the book. She struggles with her past and has to overcome it to focus on her first case. When work takes her back to the wealthy suburbs she no longer wanted to be a part of, she works very hard to keep work separate from her personal. I really enjoyed this novel.
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review. **
August 3, 2022
During the end of her training at the academy to become an FBI agent Stella finds himself being whisp away to FBI hq to help solve a murder similar to her own personal experience.
There are secrets behind closed doors of the rich and elite. When one of the women is murdered Stella, agents Roth and Maxwell investigate to determine whether or not they are dealing with a serial killer. Not only do they have to unravel the mystery of the woman's murder but the secrets that the women are hiding in order to solve the case.
Mystery and suspense will keep you intrigued from beginning to end.
There are secrets behind closed doors of the rich and elite. When one of the women is murdered Stella, agents Roth and Maxwell investigate to determine whether or not they are dealing with a serial killer. Not only do they have to unravel the mystery of the woman's murder but the secrets that the women are hiding in order to solve the case.
Mystery and suspense will keep you intrigued from beginning to end.
January 3, 2025
very interesting story
I’m not usually a fan of border mystery, but I think I’m beginning to realize that a very good writer could write a captivating story about paint drying that could keep me invested for hours. This story was written by a very good author.
Stella is attending FBI training and is called into the field because of her personal experiences with something similar to the case. But she had just had an altercation with an adversarial student that could get her kicked out of school.
I’m not usually a fan of border mystery, but I think I’m beginning to realize that a very good writer could write a captivating story about paint drying that could keep me invested for hours. This story was written by a very good author.
Stella is attending FBI training and is called into the field because of her personal experiences with something similar to the case. But she had just had an altercation with an adversarial student that could get her kicked out of school.
August 6, 2022
2.5 stars
Stella Fall is about to graduate from the FBI academy when, because of possible insights, she is pulled away to help the bureau on a case that has surprising similarities to an experience Stella had when her fiancee was murdered (I am guessing in book 1 of this series).
This was a free download for my Nook, and while the book really stretched incredulity, it was a fast and entertaining one to read while on a road trip.
Stella Fall is about to graduate from the FBI academy when, because of possible insights, she is pulled away to help the bureau on a case that has surprising similarities to an experience Stella had when her fiancee was murdered (I am guessing in book 1 of this series).
This was a free download for my Nook, and while the book really stretched incredulity, it was a fast and entertaining one to read while on a road trip.
January 27, 2025
Interesting story
Stella is in her final week at the FBI academy when she finally gets fed up with the other woman training also and punches her in the stomach. Luckily Stella is called to work a murder before she is reported. Being a high earner neighborhood, the spouses played cards, drank, and entertained each other. The story takes you through a maze until you end up with the killer.
Stella is in her final week at the FBI academy when she finally gets fed up with the other woman training also and punches her in the stomach. Luckily Stella is called to work a murder before she is reported. Being a high earner neighborhood, the spouses played cards, drank, and entertained each other. The story takes you through a maze until you end up with the killer.
March 7, 2025
Definitely A Suspense to Keep You Reading
Stella has quite a lot going on in her life right now. Being and studying at Quantico is the biggest challenge. Going on a case with seasoned FBI agents is a dream come true, or wait, maybe that’s the nightmare. This kept me reading until the end! Exciting, great story and characters. Can’t wait to read what happens in her next cliffhanger book!!
Stella has quite a lot going on in her life right now. Being and studying at Quantico is the biggest challenge. Going on a case with seasoned FBI agents is a dream come true, or wait, maybe that’s the nightmare. This kept me reading until the end! Exciting, great story and characters. Can’t wait to read what happens in her next cliffhanger book!!
July 30, 2022
Cheaters never prosper
A well written story the beginnings of which resembled Silence Of The Lambs , but there the similarity ended . A well thought out story that concentrated on the plot and not superfluous nonsense. The back story was there but t did not overtake
The real story
A well written story the beginnings of which resembled Silence Of The Lambs , but there the similarity ended . A well thought out story that concentrated on the plot and not superfluous nonsense. The back story was there but t did not overtake
The real story
August 3, 2022
A Good Mystery
This was a well constructed and perplexing murder mystery.
It kept me guessing almost to the end.
I enjoyed most of the book a lot.
Unfortunately, in an effort to set up for the next book in the series, the ending of the book was a disappointment.
You could easily skip reading the last chapter and probably be happier for it.
Generally, an entertaining summer read.
This was a well constructed and perplexing murder mystery.
It kept me guessing almost to the end.
I enjoyed most of the book a lot.
Unfortunately, in an effort to set up for the next book in the series, the ending of the book was a disappointment.
You could easily skip reading the last chapter and probably be happier for it.
Generally, an entertaining summer read.
January 13, 2023
Great new book by Ava Strong. Stella Fall is on the verge of graduating from the FBI Academy when she is called to the director's office. Fearful that she has done something wrong, instead Stella is invited to help with a murder investigation. As Stella works on the case, she finds herself immersed in the investigation and more sure than ever that this is the life that she wants.
September 4, 2023
Gripping
An excellent tale of a soon to be graduated female FBI agent. Mere days before her scheduled graduation & possibly receiving her badge, Stella is chosen to work with the New Haven FBI Field Office to solve a grisly murder. If she helps and if she graduates you'll have to read to find out.
An excellent tale of a soon to be graduated female FBI agent. Mere days before her scheduled graduation & possibly receiving her badge, Stella is chosen to work with the New Haven FBI Field Office to solve a grisly murder. If she helps and if she graduates you'll have to read to find out.
August 9, 2024
I do not know about Ava Strong books, this is my 2nd one. I'm not even sure why I continued with Stella series. I usually DNF books that I find mundane or awful, but I finished them both. The story were bad but I cannot leave it alone until the end. I am not a whodunnit fan, and this one's bad and yet there's something that makes you stick to the story till the end, so at least that's something.
January 7, 2025
I finished it, despite myself. The plot was implausible; the FBI is not going to put a trainee in an investigation and let her run on her own. Trying for Clarice Starling vibe that failed. If the redundant internal questions are deleted, the book would be very slim. It read like a book that was quickly churned out,. Skip this one.
February 24, 2025
Fun little romp
(2 1/2). Stella Fall is a tidy little protagonist. I am sure she will develop down the line. The story line here is pretty darn believable, and the way the layers peel back feel a little predictable but are nicely done. This was a freebie that worked out, a formula that does not always happen. Pretty good stuff.
(2 1/2). Stella Fall is a tidy little protagonist. I am sure she will develop down the line. The story line here is pretty darn believable, and the way the layers peel back feel a little predictable but are nicely done. This was a freebie that worked out, a formula that does not always happen. Pretty good stuff.
July 27, 2022
I like how she writes, it kept me turning pages. The style is very much a thriller. The unraveling of the New Haven ladies by Stella Fall is quite the accomplishment. She isn’t a full fledged FBI agent yet she is the key in the solving this murder. Loved it 5
August 10, 2022
GREAT MURDER MYSTERY SERIES
I am liking this series. Stella is an FBI trainee, assigned to help on her first investigation. A murder who-done-it with several suspects and a juicy underlying secret. You’ll love this one!
I am liking this series. Stella is an FBI trainee, assigned to help on her first investigation. A murder who-done-it with several suspects and a juicy underlying secret. You’ll love this one!
August 15, 2022
His other lie
I have not read book 1, so I am not sure if the title of this book refers to previous events. It does not seem to refer to this book. It was an enthralling read, and I did enjoy it.
I have not read book 1, so I am not sure if the title of this book refers to previous events. It does not seem to refer to this book. It was an enthralling read, and I did enjoy it.
April 2, 2023
Stella Fall book 2 by Ava Strong
This is a great read. Even better than the first. I couldn't put it down! Can't wait to read the entire series. Enjoy the way the main character is growing up and using her psychology degree!
This is a great read. Even better than the first. I couldn't put it down! Can't wait to read the entire series. Enjoy the way the main character is growing up and using her psychology degree!
April 21, 2023
Decent Book
Enjoyed reading this book. Characters were just OK.... lead character is a wuss. Very wishy washy.... anyway... the storyline is good. Some parts are edge of your seat suspense ..... and some aren't.
Enjoyed reading this book. Characters were just OK.... lead character is a wuss. Very wishy washy.... anyway... the storyline is good. Some parts are edge of your seat suspense ..... and some aren't.
January 2, 2025
Stella's intuitive.
Nice to see a woman develop a character with intuition strengthen. Stella is admiral person. Will be good FBI agent. Interesting turns in the story to keep you interested.
Nice to see a woman develop a character with intuition strengthen. Stella is admiral person. Will be good FBI agent. Interesting turns in the story to keep you interested.
January 2, 2025
Loved this book
It was very interesting and it got to the point you just couldn't be sure who the murderer was. It certainly was not ask expected. I really enjoyed this book and do recommend it.
It was very interesting and it got to the point you just couldn't be sure who the murderer was. It certainly was not ask expected. I really enjoyed this book and do recommend it.
January 16, 2025
Big aspersions- FBI AGENT !
Coached and recommended to enter FBI ACADEMY trading by a father like person, the journey was full of fast changing events. Well written and most definitely a page turner!
Coached and recommended to enter FBI ACADEMY trading by a father like person, the journey was full of fast changing events. Well written and most definitely a page turner!
January 24, 2025
Hmmmm. Stella is fresh out of FBI training academy and is brought in to a case located where she used to live. She makes rash decisions along the way and almost gets herself and others killed.
Too much, too soon
Too much, too soon
April 1, 2025
Stella is about to finish her FBI training. One week before graduation she is ask to join a case, because of what happened to her ex fiancé and that rich world. This book was better than the first book. Look forward on reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews