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Nina Reilly #11
Case of Lies
No one writes legal suspense like Perri O’Shaughnessy. Blending powerful human drama with legal thrills, mystery, humor, and unforgettable characters, the New York Times bestselling author has created a uniquely entertaining series of novels centered around lawyer and single mother Nina Reilly. Now, in a masterful new novel, Nina’s investigation into an unsolved murder takes her on a dark journey strewn with old crimes, bitter truths, and heart-stopping danger.
For Nina Reilly, the mountain town of Lake Tahoe is home. It’s where she forged a successful career as a tough, resourceful attorney–and raised her teenage son, Bob, alone. Back from a stint in Monterey, where her love life took a tumble, Nina has returned to her Tahoe law office with her old friends Sandy Whitefeather and Sandy’s son, Wish. It isn’t long before she has a new client whose wife was shot and killed during a casino-district robbery two years before. The police have no suspects, and the robbery victims, three students, lied about their identities and are hiding outside California and the reach of the court.Two of the witnesses have fled to a village not far from the home of Bob’s father, Kurt Scott, in Germany. As Nina tries to unravel the mystery of one violent Tahoe night, a harrowing journey begins–one that takes her from the dark underworld of Tahoe’s casinos to the halls of a prestigious East Coast university to Europe and an emotional reunion with Kurt.
As old feelings are rekindled, Nina’s case turns violent. Everyone has something to hide–the brilliant but unstable mathematics student who has made an astonishing discovery, the owner of a motel where the shooting took place, and the shooter, who has turned the whole case into a gigantic lie.
Filled with all the rich drama, stunning surprises, and ingenious twists we have come to expect from this incomparable storyteller, Case of Lies will grab you from the very first page and never let you go as it speeds to its incredible conclusion.
For Nina Reilly, the mountain town of Lake Tahoe is home. It’s where she forged a successful career as a tough, resourceful attorney–and raised her teenage son, Bob, alone. Back from a stint in Monterey, where her love life took a tumble, Nina has returned to her Tahoe law office with her old friends Sandy Whitefeather and Sandy’s son, Wish. It isn’t long before she has a new client whose wife was shot and killed during a casino-district robbery two years before. The police have no suspects, and the robbery victims, three students, lied about their identities and are hiding outside California and the reach of the court.Two of the witnesses have fled to a village not far from the home of Bob’s father, Kurt Scott, in Germany. As Nina tries to unravel the mystery of one violent Tahoe night, a harrowing journey begins–one that takes her from the dark underworld of Tahoe’s casinos to the halls of a prestigious East Coast university to Europe and an emotional reunion with Kurt.
As old feelings are rekindled, Nina’s case turns violent. Everyone has something to hide–the brilliant but unstable mathematics student who has made an astonishing discovery, the owner of a motel where the shooting took place, and the shooter, who has turned the whole case into a gigantic lie.
Filled with all the rich drama, stunning surprises, and ingenious twists we have come to expect from this incomparable storyteller, Case of Lies will grab you from the very first page and never let you go as it speeds to its incredible conclusion.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
29 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Perri O'Shaughnessy
55 books278 followersPerri O’Shaughnessy is the pen-name for two people, Pamela and Mary O’Shaughnessy, sisters. The authors' pseudonym is an homage to Perry Mason, the man who never met a guilty client, and a melding of their two first names, Pamela and Mary. O’Shaughnessy is their paternal family name.
They are the authors of eleven bestselling Nina Reilly novels as well as a collection of short crime fiction, Sinister Shorts.
They are the authors of eleven bestselling Nina Reilly novels as well as a collection of short crime fiction, Sinister Shorts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
November 20, 2009
This series just keeps getting more and more stupid. And yet, I feel compelled to keep reading them because I have to know what happens to these characters.
November 1, 2017
(2014) I really liked this despite the flaws. I found it very gripping and liked the characters who were mostly convincing. There were a few plot holes and all the PhD level Maths was way over my head and definitely not needed for the plot but, that apart, a very enjoyable book and one I looked forward to coming back to each time. And starting the series on number 11 didn't affect my enjoyment!
(Re-read this in October 2017. Still liked it but slightly less so this time as the Maths talk was just boring for me and I didn't see why it needed to be there in such detail. And the flaws were a little more annoying this time. Would give it 3 Stars now. But still liked the characters and found it well written. Will look for more books in this series.)
(Re-read this in October 2017. Still liked it but slightly less so this time as the Maths talk was just boring for me and I didn't see why it needed to be there in such detail. And the flaws were a little more annoying this time. Would give it 3 Stars now. But still liked the characters and found it well written. Will look for more books in this series.)
March 17, 2025
The three MIT graduate students had come to Lake Tahoe to rip off the casinos and maybe get a little skiing in. They succeeded in applying their uber math-nerd skills to enhance their bank accounts and do serious damage to the casino’s bottom line. While they celebrated their good fortune, someone robbed them, and they witnessed the apparent robber shoot a woman on a hotel balcony. She had seen too much. The 38-year-old pregnant teacher had witnessed the robbery, and she died because of it. The students don’t want publicity, and they refuse to testify to what they saw.
Nina Reilly takes the case when it is about to runout because of the time between the killing and the settlement. The pregnant teacher’s husband had become a drunken shell of his former self, but a young friend of Nina’s begs Nina to take the case and help.
Nina’s decision to reopen the case starts a chain of events that lead to multiple murders and one of the most twisted endings I’ve seen from these authors.
The authors get you inside the head of one of the grad students, and his explanations of arithmetic esoterica was way more than I needed, but I’m the guy who can barely use a calculator—the one who breaks out in hives at the very thought of numbers. You may find those pages more interesting than I did.
This captured my attention on a late Sunday night and into a sleepless Monday morning. There are domestic things happening to Nina that will be more interesting to you if you’ve read the previous books in the series.
Nina Reilly takes the case when it is about to runout because of the time between the killing and the settlement. The pregnant teacher’s husband had become a drunken shell of his former self, but a young friend of Nina’s begs Nina to take the case and help.
Nina’s decision to reopen the case starts a chain of events that lead to multiple murders and one of the most twisted endings I’ve seen from these authors.
The authors get you inside the head of one of the grad students, and his explanations of arithmetic esoterica was way more than I needed, but I’m the guy who can barely use a calculator—the one who breaks out in hives at the very thought of numbers. You may find those pages more interesting than I did.
This captured my attention on a late Sunday night and into a sleepless Monday morning. There are domestic things happening to Nina that will be more interesting to you if you’ve read the previous books in the series.
September 3, 2020
3.5 stars. This book is #11 in the Nina Reilly legal series, published in 2005. Just like me to buy a book and then find out it's near the end of the series. But it was a good garage sale buy.
Nina Reilly practices law in Lake Tahoe. She takes a case involving a wife killed during a motel robbery. Three witnesses vamoosed and the shooter has not been found. After taking the case, Nina is trying to figure out why she has become a target. I was trying to figure that out too.
I liked the author's writing style and I liked Nina. I can tell I've missed a lot of the backstory on characters in previous books. I had no trouble following this story but I would like to go back and read earlier books. What I didn't like was all the mathematics wrangling in the book. I thought it bogged down the story and should have been told in a simpler manner. I hope to see more of dog Hitchcock.
Nina Reilly practices law in Lake Tahoe. She takes a case involving a wife killed during a motel robbery. Three witnesses vamoosed and the shooter has not been found. After taking the case, Nina is trying to figure out why she has become a target. I was trying to figure that out too.
I liked the author's writing style and I liked Nina. I can tell I've missed a lot of the backstory on characters in previous books. I had no trouble following this story but I would like to go back and read earlier books. What I didn't like was all the mathematics wrangling in the book. I thought it bogged down the story and should have been told in a simpler manner. I hope to see more of dog Hitchcock.
January 11, 2024
I really like this legal thriller series. However, I think it is hard for an author to keep every book in a series like this at the same level. This particular book does not measure up to some of the others in my opinion.
February 26, 2009
A robbery, the murder of a pregnant schoolteacher, followed by the disappearance of three witnesses – all take place at a Lake Tahoe motel and lead to a wrongful death suit. Time is running out on the case and there has been no significant progress; the previous attorney wants out. Nina Reilly takes over the case of the bereaved spouse, at the personal request of the victim’s niece.
Her first action is to locate the witnesses – three brilliant math students – and she tracks two of them to Boston. When she finds the third in an island near Seattle, she has a plan.
But then more people start turning up dead, and all indications are that the man who robbed the students at the motel is responsible. As more facts surface, it becomes clear that money alone was not the motive – one of the students has a secret notebook in which he has recorded his work on a significant mathematical proof, and coincidentally, a large corporation in Seattle wants the notebook.
But the more Nina Reilly investigates, the more twisted become the facts. Soon, nothing is as it seems. And in a final confrontation between the alleged killer and her client, a whole new array of facts unfold. Only one man will still be standing in the end, and what she learns after it is over will blow Nina Reilly’s mind.
“Case of Lies” is compelling, exciting, and suspenseful storytelling that highlights still another Nina Reilly escapade.
I deducted one star after some of the plot points failed to add up to a plausible conclusion. Overall, however, I found the character Nina Reilly as engaging as usual.
Her first action is to locate the witnesses – three brilliant math students – and she tracks two of them to Boston. When she finds the third in an island near Seattle, she has a plan.
But then more people start turning up dead, and all indications are that the man who robbed the students at the motel is responsible. As more facts surface, it becomes clear that money alone was not the motive – one of the students has a secret notebook in which he has recorded his work on a significant mathematical proof, and coincidentally, a large corporation in Seattle wants the notebook.
But the more Nina Reilly investigates, the more twisted become the facts. Soon, nothing is as it seems. And in a final confrontation between the alleged killer and her client, a whole new array of facts unfold. Only one man will still be standing in the end, and what she learns after it is over will blow Nina Reilly’s mind.
“Case of Lies” is compelling, exciting, and suspenseful storytelling that highlights still another Nina Reilly escapade.
I deducted one star after some of the plot points failed to add up to a plausible conclusion. Overall, however, I found the character Nina Reilly as engaging as usual.
December 28, 2007
One of a series about a California Lawyer, who does well on the job, but sure doesn't have a clue about her personal life. This novel sparked my interest because the principal characters involved in the story were mathmaticians. The author(s)present math theory in such away that it seems fascinating, stimulating and like it actually can make a difference in our lives. Who woulda thought! Author also does a great job of portraying the Lake Tahoe community.
October 26, 2011
I liked it! To be truthful, I finished this a couple days ago and forgot to review it, and don't have time now, but I remember I liked it! It's a well established series and I know I began back in 2003ish so if I enjoyed it I'd have more to read -- I'll add the next in the series for sure. Nina Reilly is a very relatable woman, with every day problems like the rest of us - the only difference is the exciting legal cases she takes on. Two thumbs up!
July 27, 2013
Pretty good but I didn't always love the actions of the protagonist. She's a lawyer in Tahoe that's dragged her son a couple of places while she tries to figure her life out but doesn't think he should be uprooted to see his Dad in Germany. There was also a large number of people murdered and it didn't really fit the crime. There was a lot of high level math in the book as well as card counting.
August 2, 2015
#11 in the Nina Reilly series.
Nina Reilly breaks up with Paul and returns to Lake Tahoe. Her masseuse asks her to look into a claim of negligence her uncle filed against a local motel in the death of his wife during a robbery. The case leads Nina to Boston and Germany, where she stays with Bob's father, and into the esoteric world of higher mathematics. Wish Whitefeather is her new investigator.
Nina Reilly breaks up with Paul and returns to Lake Tahoe. Her masseuse asks her to look into a claim of negligence her uncle filed against a local motel in the death of his wife during a robbery. The case leads Nina to Boston and Germany, where she stays with Bob's father, and into the esoteric world of higher mathematics. Wish Whitefeather is her new investigator.
August 27, 2013
This book is in the legal suspense category. I liked the main character and seem to think I have read some of these before. However, none are listed in my good reads books. Had me hanging to the end. Lost multiple characters along the way. If you are into numbers, especially primes, this would be the book for you. However you don't have to be into numbers to read and enjoy it.
September 25, 2013
This complex murder mystery involves some MIT math whizzes that witness a crime. If you're interested in esoteric number theories and the Reimann hypothesis about prime numbers you'd really like this book :)
March 22, 2016
I thought some of the Math talked about in the early chapters was more info than we needed about a character until it all tied together making it one heck of a great story. I have like the books and at first I was not so sure, then it became one of the best. I need patience some times.
March 20, 2017
An interesting read, got pulled into the story, learned something about math science, enjoyed the familar settings in Lake Tahoe area. Slightly disappointed at the unlikely plot lines explaining the reasons for some of the murders.
March 12, 2020
Four MIT students form card-counting gang and travel around the country to win money. At a stop in Lake Tahoe they are robbed at a cheap motel, and an innocent bystander is apparently killed by the robber. The students leave town immediately and do not assist in the police investigation. The husband of the bystander sues the motel owner for negligence, but the suit languishes for two years until Nina takes the case just before it is to be dismissed. Through careful investigation, Nina and Wish locate the students, but someone murders two of them and Nina's client seems to be next.
Nina determines that nothing is what it appears to be. The object of the robbery was not money, but one of the student's journal which contained the solution to an advanced mathematical problem. There are several long passages about advanced mathematics throughout the book, which are meaningless to the average reader of murder mysteries.
Events take place in Nov-Dec and there are lots of references to the Christmas season, so this should qualify as a cozy Christmas mystery.
Nina determines that nothing is what it appears to be. The object of the robbery was not money, but one of the student's journal which contained the solution to an advanced mathematical problem. There are several long passages about advanced mathematics throughout the book, which are meaningless to the average reader of murder mysteries.
Events take place in Nov-Dec and there are lots of references to the Christmas season, so this should qualify as a cozy Christmas mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
This book was interesting-- better than average-- but not great.
Why?
It is a lawyer book where 99% of the lawyer stuff is done out of the courtroom.
Still, it has some interesting moments. The author introduces the reader to some heavy math theory, which causes a bit of mis-direction for a time. When the case is solved, it is primarily because a witness decides to offer a key piece of evidence.
I've read several in this series and enjoy them-- but really feel like the lead character is a selfish and heartless female. She's had multiple lovers and the reader is left with the impression that she is some sort of damaged goods to lose those wonderful guys over and over and over.
However, the mystery in this one is decent-- even if the author takes a bit too much time dealing with the theoretical mathematical materials--
Why?
It is a lawyer book where 99% of the lawyer stuff is done out of the courtroom.
Still, it has some interesting moments. The author introduces the reader to some heavy math theory, which causes a bit of mis-direction for a time. When the case is solved, it is primarily because a witness decides to offer a key piece of evidence.
I've read several in this series and enjoy them-- but really feel like the lead character is a selfish and heartless female. She's had multiple lovers and the reader is left with the impression that she is some sort of damaged goods to lose those wonderful guys over and over and over.
However, the mystery in this one is decent-- even if the author takes a bit too much time dealing with the theoretical mathematical materials--
January 3, 2018
I had forgotten how much I enjoy this author. Humor and compassion all wrapped up in one book. Plus a great plot with great characters. Nina takes on a 2 year old case where a woman was killed by a stray shot, accidently, during a robbery. She does it as a favor to her masseuse, who is a niece to the killed woman. The three robbery victims have something to hide too, and all flee the scene before the police arrive. Suddenly, people start to die all around Nina. She ends up going to Boston, and to Germany, trying to find answers. You will like this book.
October 21, 2017
This is a good entry in the Nina Reilly series. She files a wrongful death suit against a hotel and is soon embroiled in murder. In pursuit of the truth she journeys to the East Coast and then to Germany. If you don't like math, avoid this like the plague. If you understand prime numbers and can handle math theory, just enjoy. Recommended to Nina Reilly devotees.
May 13, 2020
Just finished this 11th novel in the Nina Riley series (13 total) and I loved it. The O’Shaughnessy sisters have done it again. This story is very well written with vivid characters and a plot line that keeps you turning pages. Set in California and Washington state this story contains intrigue, casino gambling and mathematics! Highly recommend this one.
June 18, 2018
Kind of a slow-starter for me but it finished pretty strong. The story involves math students so there was quite a few sections regarding the theories of mathematics that was like reading a text book so I initially had trouble getting into the real story. Not a bad read but far from great too.
July 27, 2023
Overall a good escape from reality, even if it got a wee bit far-fetched in the second half. I don't see rational human being doing some of the things these characters do---but hey: fiction.
VERDICT: 3 to 3+ stars overall, if you don't mind a few eye rolls along the way.
VERDICT: 3 to 3+ stars overall, if you don't mind a few eye rolls along the way.
August 7, 2017
Someone threw this book down on a bench and left it there, so I picked it up. Disdain for littering aside, I kind of understand why this woman tossed it and walked away.
August 20, 2017
Not great literature but enjoyable
October 13, 2017
It was good but too much math stuff! I guess it was necessary but too much. Good mystery.
March 8, 2018
A better than average murder/lawyer mystery. Easy to read with an interesting and well-designed plot, the story also features a significant dose of advanced mathematics. What's not to like?
May 24, 2020
Always enjoy Nina Reilly and her cases. This one was a bit out of my league with all the theoretical math. Still a good story.
July 19, 2022
Interesting murder mystery with a fair amount of mathematics thrown into the mix.
February 1, 2023
Wayyyy too much math for me! Nina is a hot mess in this book, but it is leading in a new and interesting direction.
August 20, 2023
Want to read more.
October 30, 2023
I love this series but was not as fond of this book as it had a lot of information about math, my worst subject in school and something I found frustrating and boring!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews