Raybon managed to weave a complicated mystery together without making the ending too obvious. Loved this book! I enjoyed the historical details as well about an African American woman's experience with prejudice and needing to protect herself from the KKK. I had no idea that the KKK had such a large presence in Denver during the 1950's. A book well written!

I really like the characters in this series and the unique way this author tells her stories. They have a sort of understated, classic feel to them that I really enjoy. And they are not at all predictable! I am especially appreciating the way this author presents issues of race in a very balanced, even-handed, truthful way. I'm excited for the next installment in Miss Annalee Spain's story!

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is a review of a great book called "Double the Lies" by Patricia Raybon that will be released on February 7, 2023. It is the sequel to her previous amazing book "All that is Secret", and you really should read that book to understand the story and history of this book. This is a mystery, and I really enjoyed this story so much that I read it in 2 days, because I couldn't put it down! It was so exciting, and I kept turning the pages because I had to see what happened! The author is a Sherlock Holmes fan, and each chapter started with a quote from one of his stories, and it really set the stage for the chapter. I learned some events in history that i didnt know about, plus got a small glimpse of what life was like for a you, African American in Colorado, a free state & after slavery had been abolished, because the story takes place in the 1920's, and how hard it was if you weren't white! It made me sad!! I rate this 5 out of 5 and I highly recommend you read it! It is unpredictable, exciting, and an incredible story that keeps you guessing, and as the climax came, I was completely blown away by who had done it! What a great mystery!!!

The story begins with Annalee Spain, a young African American woman, who left a life as a professor to move to Denver, Colorado to solve her father's murder in the first book, and decides to become a detective, and ends up being asked to on another case of murder that she literally stumbled upon after helping a woman named Rebekah, who she met at the public library, who was crying her eyes out because she and her husband had a fight. Annalee sees her crying, introduces herself, offers to help comfort her, walks her home, and as they walk thru this lady's door, there is her husband dead on the floor. Annalee decides to use her skills to help this lady find out who murdered hee husband, but doesn't bargain on being accused of the murder herself, but that's exactly what happens!

This story takes place in a time when racism was rampant in our nation in the 1920s, and so Annalee has to follow the rules and laws of society which is dangerous for her, but she is not the only one interested in finding Rebekah's husband, and she is secretly contacted by Sargent Ames, a policeman, who know Annalee's reputation for solving murders, and tell her that she must clandestinely help him solve this, because some of his colleagues in the police force are on the payroll of the KKK, and would like to see Annalee go down for this murder because Rebekah told the police Annalee was with her when they found her husband's body. So Annalee is forced to find this killer or be charged with the murder herself. She accepts the challenge, and will follow a rocky road, with many dangers along the way, but she will be helped by a few old friends, and meet some new ones, but you'll have to read it to find out what happens!

Like I said, this was a great mystery, and you will understand it more if you read book 1, "All that is Secret", but I really enjoyed this story a lot!! I couldn't figure out who murdered the guy till it was revealed at the end, and that's the kind of mystery I enjoy, and this was definitely one of those mysteries! I really liked how the character Annalee was not going to let the rules of society, nor the racism due to her skin color, stop her from doing what she felt she was called to do, which was be a detective! She obeyed the laws, but during that time the laws were so unfair to minorities, and when many didnt see Annalee as a person, but judged her by her skin color, all those struggles didn't stop her one bit! I also liked how Annalee didn't use underhanded methods or unlawful methods to solve the crime, and how she relied on the Lord for guidance, and how there were also people in the story who became her friends & helped her solve the case, and they did that because of who she was, not because of her skin color! I thought Annalee's character was very brave, courageous, intelligent, and filled with integrity, and she is the kind of person I'd like to befriend! I was so glad we no longer live under those laws that so greatly hinder minorities as they did in the times of this story, and the message I thought about as I read this book is that we must learn from the past as we move forward, and be careful not judge people based on their skin color, but only on their character! I look forward to reading more of Annalee Spain's adventures, and I also look forward to reading more from Patricia Raybon!!!

"In the cold and dangerous spring of 1924, amateur detective Annalee Spain races the clock to solve the murder of a white barnstorming pilot before the clever Black theologian - a target of the ruthless Colorado Klan - is framed for the crime, and before she is lured by the risky flirtations of the victim's dashing twin brother.

As this second installment of Patricia Raybon's critically acclaimed mystery series opens, Annalee Spain offers her fancy lace handkerchief - a gift from her complicated pastor boyfriend, Jack Blake - to a young woman crying in a Denver public library. But later that night, when police find the handkerchief next to the body of the young woman's murdered husband, Annalee becomes the number one suspect, and her panic doubles when she learns that Jack has gone missing.

With just days to solve the murder before the city's Klan-run police frame her for the crime, Annalee finds herself hunting for clues in the Colorado mountain town of Estes Park. She questions the victim's wife and her uncle, a wealthy Denver banker, at their mountain lodge, desperate for leads. Instead, she finds a household full of suspects and even more burning questions. Who keeps threatening her, why can't she find Jack, and will a dangerous flirtation be her undoing? Her answers plumb the depths of the human heart, including her own, exploring long-buried secrets, family lies, even city politics - all of which could cost the young detective her fledgling love...and perhaps even her life."

Tell me more about this households whose secret depths she must plumb?

I would highly recommend reading the series in order, since I was a bit lost until I did so! I thought that the history was interesting and the mystery kept me guessing. There is an over arching mystery between the books.

I really enjoyed this second book in the Annalee Spain Mystery Series. Annalee continues to be a unique, quirky, likable main character. I enjoy her heart and honesty. This story moved along well with plenty of twists and turns and multilevel interaction between the good variety of interesting characters. The ending was unexpected and makes me anticipate further books in the series. I enjoyed the history woven into the story along with the intrigue and aspects of Annalee’s faith. It is a good book and I look forward to reading more in the series.

I loved this book! The cover is appealing and pretty, too! The main character, Annalee Spain, has a lot of spunk, wit and bravery! Her character is very appealing, too. She lives in Denver in 1924 and is drawn to be a detective to do good in the world. Annalee prays for God to lead her to people who need help. Sometimes she needs help herself, avoiding troublemakers and the Klan. She offers her new handkerchief, given to her by her boyfriend, who is a pastor, to a crying lady. Later this is used as "evidence" when the lady's husband is found killed. Annalee works in her own way to ask questions to discover leads. This is the first book I have read by the author and I look forward to reading more.
I appreciate being given this advanced reader copy from the publisher, Tyndale. The views expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. This is my first foray into Christian mystery/suspense novels and I liked it. The book started off a bit slow but Annalee really grew on me and I was rooting for her.
The author does a fantastic job of building and maintaining tension throughout the novel. I felt the nerves and desperation of the characters and even though the clues were laid out I didn't guess the killer before the reveal. I definitely wished I'd read book one first but this was a solid mystery. I look forward to book three in the series.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions conveyed are my own.

Spiritual Themes
In this book, we see Annalee’s realistic walk with the Lord. Like many Christians, she struggles with trusting God in the scarier moments. But it is in those moments that we get to witness her genuine faith in, and reliance upon, God. For instance, when she simply prays to God for help, she recognizes that this is an honest prayer, and wonders if “[those] are the prayers God answer[s] first. Honest ones.”

And that conclusion certainly makes sense, given the Bible’s emphasis on sincerity in prayers. Jesus decries those who think their gods will listen because they pray long, showy prayers (Matt. 6:7). James discusses the importance of praying with sincerity, though this reference is in the context of doubt (James 1:6). Still, I think it makes sense in Annalee’s context, too, because the fact that she’s asking for help does show that she’s placing her faith in God.

We also see Annalee’s prayer of gratitude, in the last few pages of the book. She thanks God for helping her through a situation. It’s a short prayer, but what I like about it is its simple familiarity. While in some ways, the book is lighter in “spiritual content” than other books that I read, the brief moments of prayer point to the character’s simple dependence on God– and beyond dependence, a friendship with Him. Annalee doesn’t always get everything right, but it’s clear that she recognizes God is with her. And that friendship is beautiful.

I also enjoyed an allusion to Sherlock Holmes believing in God. I have not read all of the SH stories, but Raybon’s books definitely put me in the mood to!

What I Liked
Just as in the first book, quotations from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books are included as epigraphs to begin each chapter. This is something I really enjoy in the Annalee Spain books. Likewise, the detective element, throughout the story, is a lot of fun. I especially like to join Annalee on her undercover investigations, as she enters into the thick of the mysteries. In fact, reading this book reminds me of just how much I enjoy the mystery genre, exemplifying the differences between “mystery” and “suspense.” Plus, it definitely gave me the feel of a Sherlock Holmes book.

The historical elements are well-written. This novel, like the first, is set in the 1920s, amidst the resurgence of the KKK. In Double the Lies, the characters are becoming more aware of the presence of the KKK and of the hold that it is gaining in the community: terrorizing minority groups and banning entrepreneurs from the business world. The KKK is an imminent threat, and the reason Annalee must solve the mystery, throughout the book. Even so, she continues to demonstrate grace and dignity, even when confronting those who have made themselves her enemies.

The plot pacing was great, moving swiftly from one action point to the next, while also spending just the right amount of time on some particularly interesting moments, which I won’t spoil here. I also think the author did a good job of weaving in Annalee’s romance with Jack, while also keeping the mystery tight and engaging.

Character relationships, and not just romantic ones, were also a major point of interest for me, in this book. I enjoyed witnessing the formation of unexpected friendships, including friendships that resembled family connections, like Annalee’s continued relationship with young Eddie, a white orphan. It was also interesting to tag along with Annalee, as she untangled the complicated interactions within and surrounding the Mann and Castle families.

SPOILER FROM BOOK 1:

At the end of the first book, Annalee learns that her parentage is not what she had thought, and part of the plotline in book two has to do with her reaction to this news. I’ve mentioned occasionally that I feel there is such a lack of media representation for people who experience this. Media typically portrays the “new family member” as a problem, rather than considering that person’s perspective. I feel that Patricia Raybon does an excellent job in her treatment of this theme.

Content Notes
As with the first book, there are a number of colloquial uses of the Lord’s name. Romantic content isn’t particularly graphic. There are a few allusions to Annalee “not minding” or “letting him” when Jack holds her closer or longer than necessary.

Recommendation Status
I really enjoyed All That is Secret, the first book of Patricia Raybon’s Annalee Spain series, and Double the Lies is an excellent follow-up. Recommended, in particular, for those who enjoy detective stories in the vein of Sherlock Holmes.

This was my first time venturing into the world of Annalee Spain, and it certainly is a rich one with complex characters, relationships and plot lines. This was an enjoyable read, although the first 50 percent or so did feel quite slow to me. I enjoyed all of the twists and turns of the mystery as well as the different relational dynamics portrayed in the book. All in all, a really fun read and I think many readers will be totally taken by the dauntless Annalee Spain!

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my full and honest review.

This is the second book in this series of detective style themed books from this author that I have read. Detective Annalee Spain is a natural born inquirer. She will hunt down the clues and the suspects without concern for her own safety. I especially like her relationship with God and her inner thought and prayer life. The author will make you fall in love with Annalee Spain.

The reader does not need to read the first book in this series in order to keep up with this plot. It does help to have some back story on her childhood and the people in her life that she cares about when she references them in her thoughts. I do hope the author continues with Annalee Spain solving murders and mysteries in her upcoming books.

This book is suitable for young readers and does not co rain anything explicit. I was given a free copy in exchange for my review.

Double the Lies is the second novel in the Annalee Spain Mystery series. I read Double the Lies without having read the first book in the series. While I certainly didn't know the characters as well as I would have if I'd read the first book, I did feel that it could be read without having read book one.

Overall, Double the Lies was good--but it wasn't great.

I expected the mystery/sleuthing elements to be stronger since that is what the book is marketed as. Yes, Annalee spends the novel trying to solve the mystery. But something about it didn't work quite right. It never really felt like Annalee was getting close to finding the murderer until she found the evidence at the very end. There weren't red herrings or any twists--some of the classic elements of a mystery.

Honestly, Double the Lies was more like a historical novel, with a dash of mystery. And since I went in expecting a mystery, that felt me disappointed.

The love triangle element with Buddy Mann also felt off. Neither Buddy nor Annalee really knew each other, so the sudden attraction between them felt *too* sudden. There also really wasn't a reason given for the attraction between them.

I realize that this review seems pretty negative, so let me state this: Double the Lies isn't a bad novel. It just didn't seem as strong as it could have been, and also wasn't what I was expecting from the blurb. Maybe I went in with slightly wrong expectations since I didn't read the first novel. I don't know.

The author did do a nice job weaving in elements of the time period to help ground the novel. The side characters were also pretty well developed. And I loved the Sherlock Holmes quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

I enjoyed this second in the Annalee Spain mystery series even more than I did the first. The central mystery wasn't as weighted down by Annalee's backstory, although there were hints that the mystery she "hired" to solve actually did have ties to her own story. It seems we'll have to wait for the next in the series to learn more. Again, the most compelling part of the book for me was the historical setting, tying together places I know well, like Estes Park with the racism and KKK activity that were so prevalent in the 1920s.

DOUBLE THE LIES, the sequel to All That is Secret by PATRICIA RAYBON, is an enjoyable and exciting suspense novel in which self appointed detective Annalee Spain, a young coloured professor of theology, is thrust into another dangerous and nail biting case when she walks home from the library with the distraught Rebecca Mann, to find Jeffrey Mann lying in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor.
The story is full of Christian truth and is based on God’s exhortation in Exodus chapter twenty verses thirteen to sixteen: “Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal.Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
There are many of the above “shalt nots” occurring in the various characters’ lives, with both Annalee and her “nice young man” Paster Jack Blake being tempted to stray…..
I partiularly like the way this author writes, her wealth of characters with their various choices and emotions, and the clever plot that keeps us guessing until the end. The story takes place in Denver in 1924 with the KKK and their hatred of coloureds, Jews and Catholics causing huge racial tension, and the laws forbidding mixed marriages in operation.
I highly recommend Double The Lies as a great read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.