What do you think?
Rate this book
Logan Cooper #1
Dark Lies
Relax, this won’t be so bad.
After all, this isn’t the first time you’ve died.
She was the girl everyone wanted but no one could have—no one but him. They’d loved each other. Becca’s suicide at age 18 broke Logan. The heartache never fully healed. But nothing could have prepared him for the shock of what came next.
At age 39, Logan Cooper’s hard-earned detective career is hanging on by a mere thread. His rage went too far this time. The department has assigned a psychiatrist, Dr. Webb, to help him unpack his deep-seated anger issues. When a shocking new case brings Logan’s past careening into the present it only adds to the turmoil in his head.
Reluctantly paired with his spunky new partner, Detective Reggie Hawkins, Logan sets off to unravel the mystery of the woman who died twice. The woman he loved. The detectives are led down a twisty trail brimming with secrets. But, as we all know, secrets aren’t forever.
As evidence in the case begins to fall into place, Logan is suddenly left questioning his own sanity. The impossible seems possible and everything becomes more twisted than ever.
Book 1 of the Logan Cooper Series
More books in the
1. DARK LIES
2. CRUEL IRONY
3. DOUBLE EDGED
4. TBA
After all, this isn’t the first time you’ve died.
She was the girl everyone wanted but no one could have—no one but him. They’d loved each other. Becca’s suicide at age 18 broke Logan. The heartache never fully healed. But nothing could have prepared him for the shock of what came next.
At age 39, Logan Cooper’s hard-earned detective career is hanging on by a mere thread. His rage went too far this time. The department has assigned a psychiatrist, Dr. Webb, to help him unpack his deep-seated anger issues. When a shocking new case brings Logan’s past careening into the present it only adds to the turmoil in his head.
Reluctantly paired with his spunky new partner, Detective Reggie Hawkins, Logan sets off to unravel the mystery of the woman who died twice. The woman he loved. The detectives are led down a twisty trail brimming with secrets. But, as we all know, secrets aren’t forever.
As evidence in the case begins to fall into place, Logan is suddenly left questioning his own sanity. The impossible seems possible and everything becomes more twisted than ever.
Book 1 of the Logan Cooper Series
More books in the
1. DARK LIES
2. CRUEL IRONY
3. DOUBLE EDGED
4. TBA
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2023
729 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
October 14, 2023
"Dark Lies: A pulse-pounding crime thriller" is an enthralling and emotionally charged rollercoaster ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story delves deep into the psyche of Detective Logan Cooper, a flawed and complex protagonist haunted by a tragic past. The author skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological tension, creating a captivating narrative that grips the reader from start to finish.
Logan's character development is exceptional, as we witness his struggle with anger issues and the psychological impact of lost love. The dynamics between Logan and his new partner, Detective Reggie Hawkins, provide a refreshing and compelling contrast, adding depth to the story.
The plot is ingeniously crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that will leave readers guessing until the final pages. The author's ability to maintain a relentless pace, coupled with well-placed clues and revelations, ensures that the suspense never wavers.
"Dark Lies" is a masterfully written crime thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre. It showcases the author's talent for creating gripping narratives and compelling characters. Prepare to be engrossed in this gripping tale of secrets, love, and the darkness that lies within us all.
Logan's character development is exceptional, as we witness his struggle with anger issues and the psychological impact of lost love. The dynamics between Logan and his new partner, Detective Reggie Hawkins, provide a refreshing and compelling contrast, adding depth to the story.
The plot is ingeniously crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that will leave readers guessing until the final pages. The author's ability to maintain a relentless pace, coupled with well-placed clues and revelations, ensures that the suspense never wavers.
"Dark Lies" is a masterfully written crime thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre. It showcases the author's talent for creating gripping narratives and compelling characters. Prepare to be engrossed in this gripping tale of secrets, love, and the darkness that lies within us all.
December 15, 2023
4 stars audio and story
September 8, 2022
Five stars is not enough!!! This is one of the best books in my opinion that I have ever read!
The characters and the way the story unfolds had me hooked and captivated. If felt like you were solving the mystery along with Logan and Reggie. Every time I figured something out bam there was another turn and twist. I highly recommend for a great mystery read!!! I had the honor of being the first to read this ARC! I am happy to see that it will be a series!!!!
The characters and the way the story unfolds had me hooked and captivated. If felt like you were solving the mystery along with Logan and Reggie. Every time I figured something out bam there was another turn and twist. I highly recommend for a great mystery read!!! I had the honor of being the first to read this ARC! I am happy to see that it will be a series!!!!
April 4, 2023
Dead Again
A hot tempered cop is shocked to learn his murder victim is the girl he lived growing up. Problem is she supposedly died twenty years earlier. Saddled with a need partner and mandated therapy Logan is determined to find the truth.
Good book. Logan and Reggie are a good team. I identified the killer early on but it was fun to watch it unravel. Looking forward to the sequel.
A hot tempered cop is shocked to learn his murder victim is the girl he lived growing up. Problem is she supposedly died twenty years earlier. Saddled with a need partner and mandated therapy Logan is determined to find the truth.
Good book. Logan and Reggie are a good team. I identified the killer early on but it was fun to watch it unravel. Looking forward to the sequel.
March 20, 2023
This was absolutely amazing and I could not put it down. I love crime stories and this one kept me guessing page after page trying to figure out who it was. Lots of twists and turns and side steps. I had some pieces put together, but it wasn't until close to the end that I finally figured it out. Coop is a great detective and Reg is brilliant too! I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 1, 2023
I have a new author to read and her name is Elliot York. Book 1 of the Logan Cooper series is off to an amazing start. I like to think I am good at guessing “who done it” well, I was wrong, terribly wrong and I was on the edge of my seat reading as fast as I could when the action started. Wow. A roller coaster of a ride. I just love Detective Coop and his partner Reggie. I just love her trying to convert Coop to go vegan! Their chemistry is perfect. Side character like Gregor and Coop’s boss Castilo are great additions to the characters of the book. I cannot wait until the next book in this series comes out. 10 stars!
August 9, 2024
This book started off strong, but progressively became more painful to read. The writing seemed lazy with repeated words throughout paragraphs. Maybe that’s just a pet peeve of mine… Also the “twist” was obvious. I’m very confused how this book is so highly rated. It had potential, but didn’t pan out unfortunately.
December 2, 2024
Dark Lies by Elliot York aims to deliver a modern noir detective story, but it falters under the weight of its own convolutions. The mystery at the heart of the book is built on an increasingly improbable series of coincidences, which undermines any sense of cleverness or satisfaction. Instead of feeling engaged, readers may find themselves questioning the logic of the plot more often than they’re drawn into its twists.
The protagonist, Logan Cooper, is a mix of dark humor and moral ambiguity, but his charm is fleeting. While a flawed main character can be compelling, Logan lacks the depth needed to make him truly likable or relatable. His moments of wit are overshadowed by inconsistent characterization, and the supporting cast doesn’t fare much better, often existing merely to serve the overcomplicated narrative.
The book tries to pay homage to classic detective tropes, but its overuse of red herrings and constant revelations leave little room for genuine suspense or payoff. While the writing occasionally shines in its descriptions and dialogue, these strengths aren’t enough to overcome the lack of a coherent, engaging story. For readers who appreciate tight plotting and strong characters in their mysteries, this one is likely to disappoint.
The protagonist, Logan Cooper, is a mix of dark humor and moral ambiguity, but his charm is fleeting. While a flawed main character can be compelling, Logan lacks the depth needed to make him truly likable or relatable. His moments of wit are overshadowed by inconsistent characterization, and the supporting cast doesn’t fare much better, often existing merely to serve the overcomplicated narrative.
The book tries to pay homage to classic detective tropes, but its overuse of red herrings and constant revelations leave little room for genuine suspense or payoff. While the writing occasionally shines in its descriptions and dialogue, these strengths aren’t enough to overcome the lack of a coherent, engaging story. For readers who appreciate tight plotting and strong characters in their mysteries, this one is likely to disappoint.
December 4, 2025
A real surprise…….
Sometimes the title of a book will prompt me to choose it, sometimes it’s a known author. I don’t remember why I chose this book on kindle , but I’m glad I did!
It’s gritty, starts out with Logan, a cop beating a “suspect” senseless! He just lost it! Said, “suspect” had his two small children in cages, filthy and emaciated and had killed their mother in front of them! As a result of his putting the piece of crap in the hospital, Logan had to see a therapist for anger management.
His second case of the day turns out to be someone he had known and had a relationship years ago. However, this person had supposedly died twenty years ago, how could this be? Finding the killer is his goal, but when he’s kicked off the case, what can he do? The ending will surprise you and I’m really looking forward to the series!
Sometimes the title of a book will prompt me to choose it, sometimes it’s a known author. I don’t remember why I chose this book on kindle , but I’m glad I did!
It’s gritty, starts out with Logan, a cop beating a “suspect” senseless! He just lost it! Said, “suspect” had his two small children in cages, filthy and emaciated and had killed their mother in front of them! As a result of his putting the piece of crap in the hospital, Logan had to see a therapist for anger management.
His second case of the day turns out to be someone he had known and had a relationship years ago. However, this person had supposedly died twenty years ago, how could this be? Finding the killer is his goal, but when he’s kicked off the case, what can he do? The ending will surprise you and I’m really looking forward to the series!
May 7, 2025
Dark Lies by Elliot York totally hooked me from the start. I’m so excited about this new series—Logan and Reggie make such a great team. Watching their relationship shift and grow throughout the book was one of my favorite parts. They’re both sharp, layered characters, and their banter had me smiling more than once.
The story itself is twisty and addictive, with just the right balance of suspense, emotion, and wit. There were moments that had me laughing and others that surprised me in a subtle, clever way. Elliot York’s writing style is clever and smooth—easy to read but packed with depth.
This book made me an instant fan. Can’t wait for the next one—York might just be my new favorite author.
The story itself is twisty and addictive, with just the right balance of suspense, emotion, and wit. There were moments that had me laughing and others that surprised me in a subtle, clever way. Elliot York’s writing style is clever and smooth—easy to read but packed with depth.
This book made me an instant fan. Can’t wait for the next one—York might just be my new favorite author.
May 15, 2023
This is a murder mystery. The first chapter is quite shocking describing the death of a young woman handcuffed to the steering wheel of a car being sunk in the bottom of a lake. The rest of the book is mainly about the detective and his new partner, another young woman.
I really enjoyed the humorous banter between the two detectives. I was a bit disconcerted when the perpetrator was revealed because I didn't quite believe the initial suspicions about this character. However, it was sorted out by the end and made more sense to me. All the loose ends were tied up.
I can recommend this book for lovers of murder mysteries. I would read other books by this author, as well.
I really enjoyed the humorous banter between the two detectives. I was a bit disconcerted when the perpetrator was revealed because I didn't quite believe the initial suspicions about this character. However, it was sorted out by the end and made more sense to me. All the loose ends were tied up.
I can recommend this book for lovers of murder mysteries. I would read other books by this author, as well.
June 14, 2023
Awesome and gripping!
This book is not my usual genre at all. I’m not sure why I bought it really but I am sure glad I did! It lived up to the hype - “pulse-pounding.” I had to stop myself several times from going to the end to uncover the killer. The twists and turns and constant misleading clues we’re driving me crazy. This story of Becca/Ann and Cooper was so sad at times it had me feeling like sobbing. The addition of Cooper’s new partner, Reggie was the perfect complement to the investigation into the mystery of the case. I highly recommend this book.
This book is not my usual genre at all. I’m not sure why I bought it really but I am sure glad I did! It lived up to the hype - “pulse-pounding.” I had to stop myself several times from going to the end to uncover the killer. The twists and turns and constant misleading clues we’re driving me crazy. This story of Becca/Ann and Cooper was so sad at times it had me feeling like sobbing. The addition of Cooper’s new partner, Reggie was the perfect complement to the investigation into the mystery of the case. I highly recommend this book.
May 9, 2025
I enjoyed the book. I found the story rather improbable but if you’re not too hung up on plausibility it’s a good story with likable characters.
One annoying problem. I think the book was originally intended to be entirely in the first person. Then a decision was make to keep the flashbacks in first person but make the present part of the story third person (a good decision). Unfortunately, not all the first person parts that were supposed to become third person did. There are a lot of stray I’s and me’s that should be Logans, he’s or him’s. They are really distracting.
One annoying problem. I think the book was originally intended to be entirely in the first person. Then a decision was make to keep the flashbacks in first person but make the present part of the story third person (a good decision). Unfortunately, not all the first person parts that were supposed to become third person did. There are a lot of stray I’s and me’s that should be Logans, he’s or him’s. They are really distracting.
November 15, 2025
This was my first read by this author and it won't be my last.
I'd been eyeing this one for a while sitting on my TBR and when it moved over into KU I dove right in. In this first in the series we get a deep dive into Logan Cooper and his background. The man has anger issues, and it's no wonder. I was pretty sure who the bad guy was early on, but it was very interesting to watch things unfold.
I'll be moving on to book 2, these characters kind of burrowed in and I think I need to visit with them a bit longer 😉
I'd been eyeing this one for a while sitting on my TBR and when it moved over into KU I dove right in. In this first in the series we get a deep dive into Logan Cooper and his background. The man has anger issues, and it's no wonder. I was pretty sure who the bad guy was early on, but it was very interesting to watch things unfold.
I'll be moving on to book 2, these characters kind of burrowed in and I think I need to visit with them a bit longer 😉
January 23, 2023
Oh man, I was hooked from the very first words! This book is full of twists and turns that you'll never see coming. It's a true mystery till the very end and I love it! Logan is a chacarter you can't help but fall in love with but really it's Reggie that steals the show. This book covers one very intense case that is dark and twisted in all the best ways. I cannot wait to see what book two has in store for our detectives.
March 2, 2023
Love this book!
I really enjoyed this book so much! I read a lot of crime thrillers and this is one of my favorites. The characters of Logan and Reggie were perfect.
I could feel Logan's love and sadness for Becca so much that it brought out so many emotions. Reggie's quirkiness and compassion for others were just as emotional.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. I've pre-ordered the next book and I cannot wait to read it!
I really enjoyed this book so much! I read a lot of crime thrillers and this is one of my favorites. The characters of Logan and Reggie were perfect.
I could feel Logan's love and sadness for Becca so much that it brought out so many emotions. Reggie's quirkiness and compassion for others were just as emotional.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. I've pre-ordered the next book and I cannot wait to read it!
January 15, 2024
Hopefully the rest of my 2024 books are better than this. I suspected the ending twist from the very beginning and I am not trying to brag, it was quite obvious. Reggie’s main character traits were her thick hair, good side profile, and the fact that she’s vegan. Hated the snide comments about Gregor’s diet and I’m sorry what’s so lethal about Logan’s left fist? They just kept throwing that at us, without any explanation.
May 19, 2025
Dark Lies -
This was an Amazon first choice book and was well worth picking. As normally, no plot spoilers from me. The storyline was unusual and around 40% way through the book I thought I had worked out the ending. However, as I continued to read I suspected who the guilty person was. There were parts of the book that I did think were a little slow, but overall it was an enjoyable read. I will download book 2. A 4.75 out of 5 from me.
This was an Amazon first choice book and was well worth picking. As normally, no plot spoilers from me. The storyline was unusual and around 40% way through the book I thought I had worked out the ending. However, as I continued to read I suspected who the guilty person was. There were parts of the book that I did think were a little slow, but overall it was an enjoyable read. I will download book 2. A 4.75 out of 5 from me.
July 15, 2025
Very cute read! I found it highly predictable, I had figured out whodunnit about half way through, and figured out the circumstances surrounded the perp about 3/4 of the way through. I was honestly surprised the detectives took so long to figure it out, but oh well. All my suspicions were mostly correct, but I love guessing correctly!!
The banter between Coop and Reg was hilarious and well written, and I look forward to seeing them work more cases together in the future.
The banter between Coop and Reg was hilarious and well written, and I look forward to seeing them work more cases together in the future.
March 29, 2023
Her final death
A gripping mystery, full of lies, intrigue, twisty characters. The reader keeps wondering through the story who was the killer, even Logan was doubing himself. Only his new partner had faith in his innocence. A totally unexpected ending when all the hidden clues came together. Well done!
A gripping mystery, full of lies, intrigue, twisty characters. The reader keeps wondering through the story who was the killer, even Logan was doubing himself. Only his new partner had faith in his innocence. A totally unexpected ending when all the hidden clues came together. Well done!
April 26, 2023
Dark Lies
At the beginning of this book I started not to finish it, but I am glad I did.
This is about two young kids growing up in a small town and one of them dies.
Twenty years later detective Logan discovers that his friend, Becca did not die years ago.
Page turner, great characters. Good read.
At the beginning of this book I started not to finish it, but I am glad I did.
This is about two young kids growing up in a small town and one of them dies.
Twenty years later detective Logan discovers that his friend, Becca did not die years ago.
Page turner, great characters. Good read.
May 13, 2024
What a ride
I started this book on the heels of one that had been rather disappointing, I won’t say that about this one. The author reached out from page one and grabbed my interest. It was difficult to put down. I gave up many sleeping hours’ to read it. I quickly came to care about the main characters. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I started this book on the heels of one that had been rather disappointing, I won’t say that about this one. The author reached out from page one and grabbed my interest. It was difficult to put down. I gave up many sleeping hours’ to read it. I quickly came to care about the main characters. I look forward to reading more in this series.
May 11, 2025
Quite Satisfying
This is a complex story with lots of twists and turns. The pacing is fast and I'm breathless. The various threads weave together for an intricate tapestry, and the total picture is quite satisfying. This is the first Eliot York book that I've read and I am hooked! On to Book 2!
This is a complex story with lots of twists and turns. The pacing is fast and I'm breathless. The various threads weave together for an intricate tapestry, and the total picture is quite satisfying. This is the first Eliot York book that I've read and I am hooked! On to Book 2!
January 27, 2023
What a story
A complete story of sadness. From a unbelievably horrible childhood, to death, to new struggles came a new and better life and then back into the depth of new evil and death again. Well written. Great interaction of the characters.
A complete story of sadness. From a unbelievably horrible childhood, to death, to new struggles came a new and better life and then back into the depth of new evil and death again. Well written. Great interaction of the characters.
February 21, 2023
Good book
Really like this writers style.Enjoyable read and loved the characters.
I'm looking forward to more from this author .Worst thing is this review requires me to say so many words and I have already said how I feel.
Really like this writers style.Enjoyable read and loved the characters.
I'm looking forward to more from this author .Worst thing is this review requires me to say so many words and I have already said how I feel.
February 28, 2023
Great read.
I enjoyed the characters so much. The descriptions regarding eating habits allowed me to picture them clearly in my mind. Only by process of elimination was I looking in the right direction. Anxious for the next in the series.
I enjoyed the characters so much. The descriptions regarding eating habits allowed me to picture them clearly in my mind. Only by process of elimination was I looking in the right direction. Anxious for the next in the series.
March 16, 2023
simple but lovely
There wasn’t blood and gore. No cereal killers, just refreshing and easy to read. Coop and Reggie’s instant connection kept me wanting more. I loved it and will start the next book NOW
There wasn’t blood and gore. No cereal killers, just refreshing and easy to read. Coop and Reggie’s instant connection kept me wanting more. I loved it and will start the next book NOW
March 30, 2023
Great book!
I read this book in one day! Couldn't put it down. Loved the development of the relationship between Logan and Reggie. Started getting nervous as the frame up became more obvious. Good characters, gripping story line.
I read this book in one day! Couldn't put it down. Loved the development of the relationship between Logan and Reggie. Started getting nervous as the frame up became more obvious. Good characters, gripping story line.
April 2, 2023
Excellent Novel
Elliot York is and excellent intriguing author who creates characters with descriptive intelligence which draw you into their world of events. I look forward to reading more novels written by Elliot York.
Elliot York is and excellent intriguing author who creates characters with descriptive intelligence which draw you into their world of events. I look forward to reading more novels written by Elliot York.
April 23, 2023
The story line plot was impossible to believe.
Who reading this book did NOT know that the killer was the psychiatrist after the first meeting with Logan.
No conclusion to the book . What happens to mad doctor.
Could have been much better.
Will not read any more books of this series.
Who reading this book did NOT know that the killer was the psychiatrist after the first meeting with Logan.
No conclusion to the book . What happens to mad doctor.
Could have been much better.
Will not read any more books of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews