Thomas & Mercer Truth and Lies

In Truth and Lies, Caroline Mitchell introduces us to DI Amy Winter of Essex Police. Amy is an intriguing character. What went on in her childhood is horrific, and even though she has been given a new identity and a new family, she still struggles to move on. And everything about her past is about to come back and haunt her when her birth mother, serial killer, Lilian Grimes contacts her from prison. Lilian has never revealed the locations of some of the bodies she and Amy’s father buried. Lilian is now willing to divulge that information, but she will only deal with Amy and Lilian will only reveal the location of the bodies on strict terms.This book did put me in mind of the Moors murders which took place in the 1960s. Caroline Mitchell has created a chilling and an unnerving character in Lillian Grimes. She is a person who doesn’t seem to have any remorse for what she and her husband did all those years ago, in fact, Lilian seems to relish in causing more heartache and suffering for the families left behind. What Lilian appears to want to do now, is cause more torment for Amy. Amy knows that she can’t refuse her mother’s offer as this may be the last chance they get to bring closure for the families. But what is Lilian’s real motive here? Why is it only now that she has decided to reveal the locations of the bodies?Truth and Lies was a really good introduction to this series. Amy is already going through a difficult time when she receives contact from her mother. She has just recently buried her father, who adopted her. But from the moment Amy receives letters from Lillian, she is desperate for her colleagues not to know who her real family is. You can feel the tension as she goes to meet Lillian, and I wondered how long Amy was going to be able to keep this a secret before someone found out.The plot is tense and chilling. While Amy and the police seek to bring closure to the families of the victims of Amy’s parents, another young girl goes missing. And there was a brilliant twist following the young girl’s disappearance that I did not see coming.This is an excellent start to a crime series, and I’m kicking myself that I haven’t got round to reading it sooner. I already have the next book lined up and waiting on my kindle. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Amy’s story.

The way the story builds kept me totally hooked and is a real page turner. I have now read books 2 and 3 in this series and am currently reading book 4. I would recommend the author to all who enjoy crime fiction.

I am always desperate for a new author. I read police procedurals. Authors tend to publish one book a year. So I gave this a try and can’t pit it down. Already ordered book 2 in the series.

The first of the DI winter thrillers and it didn’t disappoint! Good line up of characters, each with their own stories. Great twists to keep you guessing until the end with a good end lead into the next book.

The most exciting, gripping book I’ve read for years. Couldn’t put it down. I’ve already got the next one in the series to read and the third one on pre order. Can’t recommend enough!!!