"An Unreliable Truth" is a captivating murder mystery novel that skillfully weaves an intricate web of suspense and intrigue. From the very first page, the author's ability to create an atmosphere of tension kept me on the edge of my seat.

The plot follows two defense attorneys Dylan & Lily taking in a client who appears to be a delusional schizophrenic as the prime suspect in a horrific murder case. The author's meticulous attention to detail in constructing the crime scene and the subsequent investigation is commendable.

Character development in is both compelling and complex. The main characters are multifaceted, with hidden motives and personal struggles, adding depth to the overall story. Their interactions are laced with suspicion and ambiguity, making it challenging to figure out who is telling the truth & who is not, that kept me guessing until the final pages.

One aspect that truly sets this book apart is the author's ability to deliver a shocking and unexpected twist. Just when I think I have it all figured out, the narrative took a surprising turn. All I can say is WOW!!!

Overall, "An Unreliable Truth” is a highly satisfying murder mystery novel. It is perfect for fans of the genre who enjoy intricate plots, well-developed characters, and twists that keep them guessing until the very end.

Thank you #NetGalley, #AnUnreliableTruth & Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. My review is strictly voluntary.

An Unreliable Truth is the third book in the Desert Plains series but could easily be read as a stand alone since the previous two books are barely mentioned and this one follows a new set of characters.

After really enjoying the previous two books in this series I may have set my expectations too high and that is why I was left feeling very meh about this book. The story follows a team of defense attorneys as they try and save a mentally ill prisoner accused of murdering three people from death row. Overall the story felt very basic and even the ending was confusing and not memorable. I did finish it and it kept my attention but it was a very middle of the road thriller for me.

This was one of my favourite books of last year. I haven’t read the previous books in the series but the author has a great gift in writing stories that will keep you intrigued and those final chapters are at full speed adrenaline rush.
Another masterpiece from a must read author.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy and apologies for this late review

This was a compelling read, but the ending ruined it for me—Holly’s actions seemed out of character and I hated to see her stoop to that.

This is a book that shocked me and I can honestly say that I didn’t see it coming!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

An Unreliable Truth by Victor Methos is third in the Desert Plains series, after A Killer’s Wife and Crimson Lake Road. However, it reads well as a stand-alone novel. Two young couples are camping in an out-of-the-way forest when they are brutally attacked and three of them are murdered. A few miles down the road, Arlo Ward is stopped by police and he is covered in what proves to be the victims’ blood. He admits his guilt and confesses to the brutal murders. He tells police that he is suffering from schizophrenia. The sentence for these crimes could be the death penalty. Dylan Aster and his law partner Lily Ricci believe him to be innocent and feel that, because of his illness, he has confessed to crimes he did not commit in order to be famous and attract attention. The trial is the focus of An Unreliable Truth and it is so well-orchestrated that the readers will find themselves in the jury’s shoes. And you will be shocked! This is a tense thriller and legal drama. This is the second book by Victor Methos that I have had the pleasure to read and I hope there will be many more to come. Highly recommended. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book by Victor Methos! I have become a fan and a repeat reader. Can’t wait to explore more books. The stories are intriguing and leave you guessing.

This was interesting and VERY twisty. I enjoyed the courtroom drama, although it was a departure from the investigation side of the first books in the series. I enjoyed getting more in depth with these characters but I missed the main character from the first 2 books in the series. Overall, a fun read that kept me guessing until the very end!

Ah and here I am yet again reading a book number X in a series without reading the previous ones. And even better, without realising it's not a part of the series.
Tbh I mostly blame netgalley as I swear it's not the first time this is happening, this website (or maybe thats the Publishers fault, let me know) do not state clearly whether the book is part of a series or a standalone.

Anyhoo...
No harm done (at least this time) - you can totally read it without knowing what happened in previous books and thats a huge plus for me. You dont feel like you're missing anything.

I'm not a court procedurals fan, but this one is written very smoothly which makes it a pretty fast read.
The final twist wasn't particulary surprising, but the epilogue made up for this as I enjoyed it very much.

The characters are likable enough, but I wish they were developed better. I mean fine, we have lots of background for both Arlo and Lily, but idk it felt like we're missing something. I'm pretty sure it was their connection that was missing, but I might be wrong. So hear me out, this two people met in uni, became best friends and went into practice together. Sounds reasonable enough. But there was no chemistry between them, no connection, no feeling. They could literally be strangers that are forced to work together (FYI that would actually work better imo).

But besides that, this book is actually pretty sound. It tackles mental illnesses in judicial system, misogyny and it all so very true.

My actual rating is 3.5, as unfortunately lack of main characters connection was a huge put off for me. I also guessed the final twist, which is always super disappointing.
It's not a bad book, and if you asked me whether to read it I'd say go ahead.

Let me begin by saying that you do not need to have read the first two books in the series in order to enjoy this one. The first two focused more on a different character (although these two did make an appearance in book number two, you aren't missing anything in their backstory by not reading it first).

There were moments in the courtroom where I felt the story got bogged down by all of the tedious details that tend to go into those types of things. These were scenes where I found myself losing interest in what was otherwise an engaging story. I also found certain aspects of the overall story to be a bit too.... unbelievable. One example of this being the fact that the prosecution would deliberately keep information from the defense team knowing that if it were found out it could be used to make them look bad in the eyes of the jury. Also the fact that no one seemed to be able to get medical records or anything on Arlo even though he was supposed to be on medication.

Now that being said, there was a lot about this novel that I did enjoy. I enjoyed Dylan's struggle between what he wanted vs. what he thought was best in terms of his family life. I also applauded his desire to stand up for his client when Arlo wanted to fight him every step of the way. It was this story-line that I was most invested in, and honestly this story-line I was most surprised with.

And when I say I didn't see the twists in this one coming? Holy cow. Okay, I mean one I kind of thought was a possibility, but the other? I can only help but wonder if a mention of that outcome will find its way into future books or not.

In case it wasn't clear before, I do enjoy this author, and I can't wait to read more from them!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley for my honest review.

I read a book by Victor Methos a couple of years ago, and came away impressed. I have since read a couple others. This book is another good one! Well written and keeps you wondering how it was going to turn out.

I must say the ending(s) really were surprising and unexpected.

The book also raised a question I have often wondered about--How does a defense attorney approach and handle his profession. At times it must be mind numbing.

I am looking forward to reading more from Mr. Methos.

This was my first book by this author. What a great story! If you like legal, suspense novels, then you will love this. What a plot twist at the end! I totally did not see that coming! This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

A fast paced legal thriller. Bodies slaughtered at a Nevada campground, another victim threw herself off a cliff but survived, and the killer drenched in blood claiming demons told him to. Lawyers lead us in a direction at times one way then another. Especially liked the end justice. Would recommend this book and author.

An Unreliable Truth is the third instalment in the Desert Plains series and the most riveting legal thriller instalment to date. Defence attorney Dylan Aster is approached by a colleague, Jessica Yardley, at Nevada’s Clark County DA’s office who has been asked by a rookie public defender for Jackson County, Oregon, Madeline Ismera, to request Dylan’s assistance in one of her current cases. She had heard about his brilliant trial record - standing at 44 not-guilty verdicts - and believes he can provide her with valuable input in the capital murder case she has been assigned. Arlo Ward, the defendant, is a diagnosed schizophrenic who suffers from crippling delusions and often cannot tell reality from fantasy. He stands accused of the brutal slaying, dismemberment and sexualised posing of the bodies of three young people who had been camping in Coyote Canyon. A fourth victim, Holly Fallows, managed to escape with her life by hurling herself off a cliff as Ward chased her and closed in on her with a knife. She is then taken to the ER for treatment and miraculously survives her injuries. Soon after Ward is pulled over by police for speeding. When accosted he's covered head to toe in blood and immediately confesses to the murders claiming that the devil was using him as a conduit and made him carry out the heinous crimes.

Bizarrely, the murders seem to have been pre-planned as a strategy to drum up media attention for the expose he plans to write detailing everything and leaving the profit he makes to his wife and daughter. But as Dylan and legal partner Lily Ricci meet with Arlo they realise he does not intend on pleading guilty despite his confession and the mountain of evidence stacked against him, and Dylan starts to become concerned he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Can he maintain his stellar trial record? This is a compulsive and enthralling legal thriller from start to finish, and I must admit, I am always glad to see a new premise set in the legal sphere as they seem to be waning and rather scarce these days. It's well written with plenty of sharp twists and red herrings scattered throughout the pages and is peopled by an engaging cast of characters. The courtroom scenes are thrilling to the core as you never know what is going to happen, so it is reflective of the real justice system in many instances, and just as you think you have it all figured out Methos pulls a cunning 360 and knocks you off your perch. A scintillating legal thriller with a decent mystery at its centre and a truly explosive concluding scene that will leave you intensely satisfied, shocked but begging for more. Highly recommended.

So... WOW!! This book is the third in the Desert Plains series from Victor Methos however it follows two of the lesser developed characters from the first part of these books. Dylan and Lily who are young up and coming lawyers in Vegas are on a winning streak in terms of cases but not in terms of money.

An old friend (one you might recognise if you read the first two books) reaches out to Dylan to help one of her friends on a really tricky death penalty case. The duo talk it over and agree to offer some assistance, there is literally nothing in it for them financially but morally they feel they have to take the case.

From the outset the case is off, Arlo Ward a delusional schizophrenic, immediately confesses to killing and mutilating three young victims while they are camping, recounting details that it seems only the killer could know all with a smile on his face - not to mention he is covered in their blood when the police find him. Seems open and shut - however when Dylan investigates further nothing is as it seems and the conviction of a potentially innocent man is now on his shoulders.

The state are out for the death penalty and will not budge, Arlo will not waiver from his confession, a shady brother is in the wings and a wife that refuses to come to the party at all is all just a bit suspicious. When you think you have it figured out though... you don't.

This story hooked me immediately, it was brutal and intense and I could not put it down. I read it at every moment I had and I stayed up way to late at night to finish it because I had to know how it ended. Going into the book I was worried it wouldn't be as good as the first two due to the change in the main characters, I never needed to worry the author made sure that no matter who the story focussed around it was a damn good tale.

I enjoyed the character development, the ups and downs and it was a nice touch to find out a bit of background about Lily and Dylan's personal lives.

Then came the ending WHAT THE HECK.... I was not expecting it, didn't see it coming and could not have guessed it. Then when you think it can't get better it got better for the final sucker punch in the guts.

No spoilers from me - read it, enjoy it and if you haven't read the first two go back and do that, you wont regret it.

I want to thank the author, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

Book Review: An Unreliable Truth (Desert Plains #3) by Victor Methos
Published by Thomas & Mercer, August 17, 2021

★★★★★ (4.5 Stars)

// "...Oh, I just killed four people."

Pulled over for speeding that blood moon night three miles from Coyote Canyon, Arlo Ward almost immediately confesses... //

Jackson County, Northwestern Nevada.

It is an open-and-shut case for Kelly Whitewolf, Jackson County District Attorney.

Ward was covered in blood when he was taken into custody.

He didn't just kill those Coyote Canyon campers. He made them suffer. They had organs missing, one of the victims' hand was cut off, there were limbs missing. And then he posed all of them postmortem - in sexual positions.

He said that he did it and it was fun as he readily, almost giddily confessed.

The court hires Madeline Ismera as public defender, two years out of law school with no experience in capital cases, to plead it out quickly.

-----

But is that confession just too convenient?

Is it an unreliable truth?

Now labeled as the "Werewolf of Coyote Canyon", Arlo Ward stutters with signs of mental disability, walks with a limp and is slight in build for such a physical crime against several victims, one of them with the physique of a football linebacker. Ward couldn't remember where he'd hidden the murder weapons.

He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, the severe type with auditory and visual hallucinations.

The blood moon, he says, called to him and made a demon appear that ordered him to kill and if he didn't do it, he would be destroyed. and seemed to be an attention-getter intent on writing a book, covering the crime of someone else.

There are questions on whether Ward would be competent to stand trial.

And some suspicion of the suspect pulling a fast "Keyser Söze" desert act.

Public Defender Ismera takes recourse to her friend Clark County District Attorney Jessica Yardley, who in turn, requests the best defense lawyers she knows to get involved.

And that is how Las Vegas street lawyers and rising stars Dylan Aster and Lily Ricci join triple-murder suspect Arlo Ward's defense team...

// "Every legal novel I've written is based on a case I actually had."

- Victor Methos //

Beyond plot creativity and great writing, courtroom dramas in Victor Methos' novels have that touch of authenticity - scholarly and educational, with precise applications of Federal and State statutes in each case trial that can only be stem from the author's knowledge and experience on both sides of the justice system, as prosecutor and on the defense side, forged over courtroom battles as a criminal and civil rights defense attorney as well as a Utah district attorney earlier in his career.

Another must-read for Victor Methos and legal thriller fans!

Review based on an ARC from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.

I am an avid fan of this author and have read almost everything he has written. This book was a little difficult for me to stay with in the beginning... but the book was so different and so exciting I'm glad I stayed with it!!! The twists made me double think my own sanity and the premise made me really think about criminal justice. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to be inspired about what is right and what is wrong with right!

Victor Methos has done it again. His latest novel will “reel you in” and make you wonder where the true evil lies in the plot. There are so many things I could say about the book, but so much would spoil the story. The characters are amazing and the prosecution (Kelly) and defense attorneys (Dylan and Lily) are so real you find yourself wanting them both to win. While that can’t happen, the plot is centered around a young man with schizophrenia and the brutal murder of three people with so much life ahead of them along with the attempted murder of one who survives after choosing to jump off a cliff rather than die at the hands of murderer. The actions by the lawyers are brilliant and the ending true to other Victor Methos novels - not what you expect! The book also leaves the option open for a sequel with these characters and I certainly hope there is one! I highly recommend this book.

Did Arlo Ward do it? He's found covered in blood, there are DNA matches, and he's confessed, at length. One problem- a psychiatrist is sure he didn't, that his schizophrenia and desire for attention has taken over, Dylan is persuaded by his partner to take on the case, making for an interesting legal show down. One problem (and it's a big one)= if Arlo didn't kill the two couples, who did? Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. There are some good twists here.

Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to read this book for my honest opinion. If you are a fan of legal thrillers, this is a book you have to pick up.
A triple grisly murder occurs with three victims and a single survivor. The suspect is pulled over just miles from the murder site. It seems like this murder is all wrapped up with a pretty bow, only his public defender believes he is innocent. Dylan and Lily take on the suspect in this case. This is where the story begins!
I have totally fallen in love with Victor Methos and his books. His Desert Plains series will not disappoint you.