Twice Upon A Lie

Once Upon a Crime #2

by Nolon King

When he was a child, they erased all record of him from the world. Now he’s returning the favor.

Jim McPherson grew up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, but he gave it all up for the simple life of a police detective. He thought he’d get some distance from his former jet-set friends, but a serial killer is targeting that exact demographic, and he fears his parents might be on the list.

Chelsea Sullivan thought Jim trusted her, but lately, he’s been building walls between them. And she thinks she’s discovered why — he’s ashamed she’s not his social equal, embarrassed to be with her when they meet with his peers. Her biggest case yet, and now she’s fighting him too.

When a renowned psychiatrist tries to counsel them rather than offer assistance in the case, Chelsea and Jim uncover a secret society of powerful people involved in a litany of illegal activities. And if that isn’t bad enough, a rogue agent in their wake.

With such widespread corruption, they don’t know where to turn or who to trust. How can two at-odds detectives stop one driven serial killer when even the most connected men in the city cower in his wake?

Twice Upon A Lie is the second book in Nolon King’s new Once Upon A Crime Trilogy. Start reading your favorite new series today!

Genres: Mystery

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2022

About the author

Nolon King writes smart psychological thrillers designed to leave you on the edge of your seat. His stories are dark, twisty, and often decidedly close to home.

He’s not afraid to explore the darker side of human nature through stories featuring families torn apart by secrets and lies. If you enjoy reading authors like Darcey Bell and Harlan Coban, movies like A Simple Favor and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, or shows like Ozark and Dead to Me, you’ll love Nolon King.

When not writing you will find Nolon drinking black coffee and observing humans in their natural habitats.

Reviews

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chelsea and Jim are a unique team. I loved the raw and or dry humor between the as the work at trying to crack the first clue to the horrible crimes that flank their city. I thought Jim’s parents were absolutely a must have for added characters in the book. They helped keep the comedic moments moving in the book, providing great entertainment every so often in the book. Some characters I thought were written well in the book. This book for me was a good page turner.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice Upon A Lie, the second book in the Once Upon A Crime series, is a great mystery thriller. A serial killer is loose, murdering the elite of society. Detectives Jim McPherson and Chelsea Sullivan will have their hands full trying to solve these cases. Once they find the key, they will learn the true depravity which led to the killer’s need for revenge. I love the interactions between the detectives. It makes for an interesting and enjoyable read. The mesmerizing and engrossing plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns in this suspenseful page-turner. It is a great story and I do look forward to reading the next one in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy from the author via Sterling & Stone Publishers and this is my honest opinion. This is another excellent read in the McPherson/Sullivan series. The crimes are definitely intense, disturbing, and unusual, the characters are realistic and relatable. The relationship between the two detectives grows stronger with each book and they relate to each other as colleagues without the emotional/sexual elements that are so common in stories with a male/female partnership. All of the elements of a good police procedural are here and they ring very true.
As usual, Mr. King's book needs another read-thru by a proofreader or line editor, but the typos aren't so bad or frequent that they interrupt the story flow. I highly recommend this series and can't wait to see what's next.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice Upon a Lie is a story that involves a lack of love, child abuse, a life that is measured against possessions, a person's appearance, revenge, and killings caused by hate. There are so many twists and turns that once you start reading you just don't want to stop. Although in the middle of the story I already knew who the killer was I kept on reading to learn if he would be discovered and go to prison. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am truly enjoying this series. I love the interactions between the two partners as they learn more about each other. I was especially thrilled to read there is a 3 rd book in the series being released in June — wheeee.

As I am finding with Nolon’s writing. Fast paced, keeps you interested and even leaves you wanting more!

I received a free ARC of this particular book for an honest review.

[Denise Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a twisted, disturbing storyline this book has but is wonderfully written! It really gives you a backstory and gives you an understanding of how a serial killer becomes so crazy! Nolon has the ability to immerse you in his stories and have you page turning well into the night!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second story of this series and it was as thrilling and entertaining as the first. I already pre-ordered the next ebook!

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow throughout the book, I feel like the first one was way better. It took me so long to finish because all I was expecting was slow, slow, slow. But I finished it, and the climax wasn’t very interesting. In fact, it was very weird. I hate how Chelsea always is the one who gets kidnapped near the climax, can’t it be Jim for once?

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the five great books I have read this year. So impressed by the story and the writing I now have another three Nolon King books to read. Twice Upon A Lie is a story full of excitement and full of twists and turns... and a great surprise ending. Highly recommended read to all Mystery - Thriller readers and a well-earned five (5) stars. Once again, another excellent Nolon King novel that was hard to put down.