Clare Mackintosh has something special. I am not a fan of detective novels, but when I first met DC Morgan in The Last Party, I couldn’t get enough. For lack of a better way to put it, I loved how self-destructive and flawed DC Morgan was. She was fun and relatable, so when I heard that we would be meeting DC Morgan again in A Game of Lies, I was truly ecstatic, and Clare Mackintosh did not let me down. A Game of Lies was an absolute blast. DC Morgan somehow stayed the same mess as she was in the first book, but we got to catch a glimpse of a more deeply layered DC Morgan than before. The banter in this book was fun and witty, and I truly hope that there will be a third installment with DC Morgan, because she has to be one of my favorite characters ever.

3.5 stars
I enjoyed catching up with Ffion Morgan! In this installment, a reality TV show contestant goes missing and DC Morgan investigates. Everyone on the show has a secret which means everyone has a motive. My rating is on the lower side because we had so many flashbacks and POV changes that it was distracting. I enjoyed listening to the book with the authentic Welsh accents but it would have made things less confusing to have a male narrator to handle those chapters.

Rating: 3/5 Stars
•
Happy Pub Week!! I requested this book prior to realizing it was the second in a series, though this can be read standalone, so, I had read the first last month and enjoyed it but did love it. I was a bit hesitant on reading this one, but the synopsis of this one sounded promising.
•
A Game Of Lies is told in multiple POVs, just like the first of the DC Morgan series. Once again, there are WAY too many POVs, and that is a lot coming from me. There were way too many characters. Three different detectives, DC Morgans family, on top of the seven contestants and the film crew. I literally couldn't have cared less about any of the characters. I really just wanted to see if DC Morgan got her life together yet.. But she still frustrated me. I think my favorite character out of the entire book was the dog, Dave.
•
The idea of the Exposure show was super controversial, and I really liked where Mackintosh went with that show. I do think that it was a smidge confusing with how the actual show worked, but overall, I got the gist of it. I definitely think that this had potential, I just wish there were less characters. I found the pace to be between slow and steady throughout. The ending was a bit underwhelming. Yes, I liked where it went, but it wasn't shocking like the ending of the first one.
•
Unfortunately, I'm not too sure that this is the author for me, or maybe it's just this series, either way, I'm not too sure I'll follow along with this series. A Game Of Lies was just released this Tuesday. And while I am a total outlier in my thoughts on this book, I think that people are going to love this one! Check this one out! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Clare Mackintosh and Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

A brilliant follow-up to “The Last Party” . I loved how the author wove together the story without losing the integrity of the series .. when does the next release !?

Clare Mackintosh brings her take on reality game shows in her latest book - A Game of Lies. This is the second book in a series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone.

Seven people are the chosen ones that will be vying for a prize of 100,000 pounds that will go to the last one standing. What they're expecting are physical challenges - but what they get is something completely different. The name of the game is 'Exposed' - and it's life changing...

Mackintosh takes us back to a small village in Wales - the setting of the first book. The village is on the dividing line between England and Wales and jurisdiction is sometimes murky. Two investigators are tasked with the case - local copper DC Ffion Morgan and English based DC Leo Brady. I was thrilled to see this pair of coppers again. There's a connection between the two, but neither feels like they can act on their personal feelings. I like the detailed lives Mackintosh has give the two lead characters. The supporting cast is just as interesting. And the contestants? An interesting bunch for sure. And who else is needed? Dave the dog of course.

The setting is well described and I could easily imagine the hills, the water, the forest, the village and the game site.

Now - the crime. There are a lot of choices for the final whodunit. It wasn't easy to suss out the culprit or the method. Twists and turns in the narrative make it even more difficult.

I quite this liked this latest! Hopefully Mackintosh has a third book in the works.

I am enjoying all of the new thrillers with a "game show" going on. The game show element in this book was interesting and combined with the investigation it was a good read. I didn't really get into the first book of this series but I enjoyed the characters and setting of this one, although there were a lot of characters! It kept me interested and I'd definitely read another by this author.

I absolutely adored Clare Mackintosh’s last novel, The Last Party, so was champing at the bit to dive into its sequel, featuring the headstrong DC Ffion Morgan as she deals with policing her small Welsh village of Cwm Coed.

In this sophomore installment of her namesake series, Ffion is ready to cheer on her friend Ceri Jones as the latter competes on a reality show filming on the nearby slopes of Pen y Ddraig. Titled Exposure, the show advertises itself as being an outdoorsy survival competition, with regular people vying for a grand prize of a hundred thousand pounds. Ceri wasn’t the only person thrilled to be selected: six other competitors have joined her in a scenic, if somewhat remote compound just a short drive away from Cwm Coed. Some of the proceedings will be aired live over the show’s fortnight run, with producer and editor Miles Young working long hours to put together recorded footage before the live elimination rounds. Many of those who know Ceri – so essentially everyone in their village – are excited to tune in and watch the debut.

Thus the competitors aren’t the only ones in for a shock when their television host, comely Roxy Wilde, tells them that the competition isn’t really about wilderness survival. The show has dug up a major secret about each contestant, and will potentially expose it to the world unless that contestant can endure three minutes in the confession pod, a narrow, coffin-like structure that will be filled with the corresponding contestant’s worst fear. There are, of course, other ways in which these secrets may be exposed, as Roxy explains the rules of the diabolical game.

At home, viewers watch the seven players cheer at this twist, courtesy of Miles’ clever and deceitful editing. In reality, the contestants are horrified, knowing that this sort of exposure could very well ruin their lives. One of them, Ryan Francis, even goes so far as to elude the cameras and escape the compound, disappearing into the surrounding wilderness. When he doesn’t make his way back to civilization, the local authorities are called in to find him, lest the worst befall him on the potentially hazardous terrain of Pen y Ddraig.

As soon as his wife Jessica hears about his disappearance, she descends on the compound, incandescent with rage. Ryan has had mental health issues, and the couple thought that participating in something outdoorsy would be good for him. Being publicly humiliated like this on national television was not at all what they’d signed up for. Jessica wants filming to stop, even as Miles insists that the show must go on:

QUOTE
“All I’m doing is encouraging people to be their true selves,” Miles says.

“Bullshit. You’re outing people for entertainment. You’re taking away their freedom to choose when to tell their story and who to tell it to. You’re taking something private–something that shouldn’t even <i>be</i> a secret–and you’re making it dirty.”

Ffion imagines Ryan out on the mountain, sick to his stomach with the shame someone else put there. He’s been missing for thirty-six hours and the more time that passes, the less chance there is of finding him alive.
END QUOTE

Unfortunately for the Francises and for Ffion’s peace of mind, the contracts the Exposure contestants signed are ironclad. Much as she’d like to, Ffion can’t shut down the production, even as she and local rescuers search the mountain for Ryan. But this area isn’t solely Welsh territory, and the need to call in the man Ffion has been trying to forget about for months soon becomes pressing. Will involving English DS Leo Brady help speed things along, or just provide Ffion with more complications than the ones she’s already trying to overcome? Worse, what will happen when murder enters the picture?

It’s a little bit of a spoiler to state that Leo does make an appearance here, and that I cheered like a fangirl when he did. He balances out Ffion so well, and their partnership is pure chemistry. I was also a huge fan of new character DC Georgina Kent, who is definitely the brains of their little trio.

Ms Mackintosh is an absolute genius at getting you to care for her characters, even the supporting ones, as she writes them with such verve, insight and humor. Here, for example, Ffion’s long-suffering mother finally has both of her girls home to watch the premiere of Exposure with her:

QUOTE
A wave of emotion washed over Elen: like being homesick even though you’re having a lovely time on holiday. Elen has watched Ffion grow up (although there are times when that progression is debatable), and now it’s Seren’s turn. Elen glances at Ffion and realizes she is watching Seren too, and that her expression says everything Elen’s feeling. The two girls are cut from the same cloth–right down to the untamable hair and the stubborn set of their mouths. <i>Resting bitch face</i>, Seren calls it. Elen refrains from commenting that it can be remarkably mobile, too, in her experience.
END QUOTE

This sort of humor tempers the absolute ghastliness of the bad guys and their awful deeds. The book’s sneak peek into the dirty tactics of reality television makes for an infuriating, illuminating read, contrasting sharply with the courage and solidarity that most of the contestants show in the face of such underhandedness. This balancing of the best and worst of humanity is only part of the reason I enjoy Ms Mackintosh’s writing so much. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see how my beloved characters continue to grow, even as they’re solving crimes and meting out justice on the North Wales border.

3.5 STARS (increased to 4) - Clare Mackintosh is one of my go-to authors for a tense suspense read. Game of Lies is the second book in her DC Morgan series, that occurs 18 months after The Last Party. Detective Morgan's latest case is set around a reality TV show, a missing contestant and loads of deception.

The gist: Seven contestants are thrilled to chosen from the tens of thousands of applicants to compete on the Survivor-like reality TV program set in rural Wales on Pen y Ddraig mountain. Their eagerness soon wavers when they learn that if they aren't successful, it won't be a torch that's snuffed out. Instead, their deepest, darkest secrets will be revealed to millions of viewers.

When a contestant disappears, DC Ffion Morgan is brought in, along with other law enforcement we met in the first book which includes DS Leo Brady who creates personal tension with Ffion. Ffion continues to be an interesting but not always likeable character with her own hefty baggage that complicates things. She doesn't always make the smartest (or believable) decisions for a law enforcement officer, but the repercussions make for an interesting read.

This is a slower paced story that has enough tension to keep readers attention but didn't get to a 'nail-biting' vibe until the very end. I enjoyed how Mackintosh weaves Welsh language, culture and beautiful landscape into her story that features an unpredictable main character, social commentary on reality TV, personal struggles for Ffion and an endearing (albeit flatulent) canine named Dave to add some levity. This book would make a good standalone but would be a more complete reading experience if you've read The Last Party.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review

Stories centered on reality tv can be very hit or miss these days and I was pleased that Clare Macintosh's was a hit. I loved the setting in the Welsh mountains and the characters really brought the mystery to life. There were so many secrets and surprises to uncover with this group. I didn't realize that this is actually the second book in a series but I was so happy to revisit with DC Ffion Morgan and DS Leo Brady! This was such a fun, fast-paced story and I was invested until the very end. I highly recommend this series and this book (because you could certainly read this as a stand-alone story) to all mystery readers. Thanks to Clare Macintosh, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

WOW! Let me just catch my breath! Clare Mackintosh’s latest thriller, A GAME OF LIES, was so good, my head is spinning!

When seven contestants show up to the Welsh mountains for a reality show competition, they have no idea how ‘exposed’ their deepest secrets will become. While the producer, Miles Young and his seemingly merry band of employees offer 100 grand for the last person standing, the contestants all seem to have a reason to need that money. When they find out what the show Is REALLY about, one of the contestants goes missing rather than have his secret exposed while the others continue on, feeling like that’s just one less person in the competition.

Enter DC Ffion Morgan and DS Leo Brady, who we met in THE LAST PARTY, Book 1 of DCI Morgan’s story. As the two of them continue to fight their way through their emotional/romantic feelings for each other, they investigate the disappearance of the contestant and then the murder of one of the staff.

As the ratings skyrocket, secrets are exposed and trips to the ‘confessional pod’ (read torture chamber) produce must see TV. Miles knows that he is sitting on a gold mine. As he continues to manoeuvre the contestants to expose each other secrets, resentments build on the mountain.

I was so happy to see DC Morgan and DS Brady again. Although this is the second book in this series it could definitely be a standalone. While I certainly encourage you to read book 1, it is not necessary in order to devour book 2. However, I hope to have a long relationship with these two. Their budding relationship lends a touch of humour and light to a dark and twisty story. Needless to say, I hope there are future stories and cases for these two to solve.

Thank you to NetGalley and Source Books for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

What a twisty, exciting ride. A Game of Lies kept me up all night, I just couldn’t put it down. An original and thought provoking book that I loved!

A fun, twisty who-done-it mystery set in Wales. I enjoyed the reality show setting and the cast of characters.

{3.5 stars}

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.

When a contestant on a reality show set in the woods goes missing, a detective is called in to investigate. It turns out the reality show is all about secrets, think Fear Factor but if you fail your task, your worst secret is revealed. The contestants join not knowing the plot, and now they all have a grudge.

I didn’t read the first book, but I don’t think you have to. Like the Harry Bosch and Lucas Davenports of the world, you will probably get more nuance if you’ve had prior experiences with this detective but it’s still very readable without that context. I love the unique location, i’m not sure I’ve read a contemporary book set in Wales. The flipping between a police procedural and a trashy reality show made for good pacing and provided lots of reveals. I’m not sure it was very realistic, though, I think you have to check some logic at the door. Still would make for a fun beach or pool read.

4.5 stars - Happy Pub Day!

Another great mystery and time spent with my new favorite murder-solving duo, Leo and Ffion. I am so happy I read The Last Party (the first in this series) before diving into this one because I had all the back story to fill out the previous encounters that were mentioned here in Book 2. Some of the things I love about this series: Great character development, learning a little about the Welsh language, the descriptions of the gorgeous scenery in Cwm Coed in Wales, our lead characters flirting on the edge of will they/won't they, excellent murder mystery setups with surprising reveals. Mackintosh has done so well with this series and that cliffhanger of an ending! I can NOT wait to read what will happen next.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

So happy to be back in this world! Setting and characters were just as immersive as book one, and I for one LOVED the reality show element. A solid mystery from one of the best writers we have!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by an absolute favorite, Clare Mackintosh. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Let the games begin - on a Welsh mountaintop, seven hopefuls are competing to win a reality show. However, the game isn't what any of them expected when they signed on. Each of them are threatened with not only being eliminated but having their darkest secrets exposed live on air. What will they do to keep those secrets hidden? When one of the contestants goes missing, DC Morgan is called in to investigate.

I love everything Mackintosh writes and this one was no exception. This is the second in a series featuring DC Morgan, her former partner, Leo, and of course, Dave the dog. While you should definitely read The Last Party, this book could easily be read as a stand alone. You can cut the tension in this book with a knife - not only between the contestants and crew, but between Ffion and Leo as well. There are plenty of suspects and you'll be questioning everyone along with the detectives. Dave is a wonderful character (dogs are characters, right?) and adds some humor and levity to the book. Loved it - anxious for more in this series please!

Clare Mackintosh hooked me in with the first Detective Ffion Morgan book, The Last Party. The tiny Welsh village is the setting for another intriguing mystery, involving a reality tv show gone awry. The juxtaposition of the villagers and contestants, in one case one and the same, provides a solid background for Ffion's working and not-so-professional relationship with English DC Leo Brady as the two sort through clues and misdirections,

The series reminds me of a grittier version of Twin Pines (Louise Penny) with the same kind of deft character development.
So good. Bring me #3!.

Welcome back to the small Welsh town of Cwm Coed, where a new reality TV show called Exposure has just started filming. Contestants arrive expecting to brave the elements in a Survivor-type contest but are instead greeted by an exposure of a different kind: the possibility of having their deepest, darkest secrets exposed. Some contestants will go to any lengths to make sure their secrets stay hidden, and when a contestant goes missing, Detective Ffion Morgan and the local police department are on the case.

The second book in the DC Ffion Morgan series is really interesting and enjoyable. I loved the reality TV angle and the exploration of what some people will do to win, as well as the toll these types of shows can take on mental health. The premise of the show is cringe-inducing but just like a train wreck, I couldn’t look away! Ffion is a compelling character; snarky, chaotic, and willing to cut corners to get the job done but always with an eye on justice. This time, she’s joined by a stinky, needy foster dog named Dave and her old partner DS Leo Brady. This book is a great blend of suspense and police procedural with a bit of romantic tension. Although it doesn’t feature as much of the small town feel or the quirky residents of Cwm Coed as the first book did, it’s still plenty atmospheric and an overall good read. I hope there will be more books in the series to look forward to!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me an advance copy of this book.

7 people think they have signed up for a Survivor- like reality show. However one the cameras start filming they learn there is more to the show- everyone has a secret and they need to compete to keep their secret because someone's will be revealed each episode. But once this is revealed, once contestant goes missing. Det. Morgan is on the case but who can be trusted? And when someone ends up dead Ffion realizes the stakes are even higher than she thought.

I did not realize this was part of a series at first, but I was able to quickly read The Last Party before diving into this. I really enjoyed it I liked seeing the changes in characters since book 1. I loved this one and flew through it a lot faster than the first book. I hope there are more this series!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The hottest new reality show is currently filming- each stranger has a secret and can only be saved by revealing another contestants secret. In the first days a contestant goes missing and there are lots of reasons for him to disappear. Detective Morgan is called in to help find the missing contestant- but things only escalate on set.

The premise of this show is both intriguing and terrifying- it was an easy book to read quickly. I read this as a standalone novel, having not read the previous Detective Morgan books. I was quickly pulled into the game show hijinx and wanted to know how the story ended.