Compelling Mystery..
The second outing in the Mallory Dawson crime series and a case with a solid mystery at its very heart comes knocking for Mallory. When Heledd, mother of the deceased Huw Jones, is discovered dead the case opens up questions relating to an original decade old case. Secrets may out. A pacy and atmospheric mystery with a deftly drawn and credible cast, a tightly constructed plot of many threads and a firm sense of place. Compelling and wholly engaging.

The Sixth Lie was such a gripping book with extremely interesting characters. I especially loved how we were given insights into the past . If you like a murder mystery with detailed events and stories behind each character - it is worth a read. Will definitely keep an eye out for new releases from this author.

I just reviewed The Sixth Lie by Sarah Ward. #TheSixthLie #NetGalley
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"Six Lies killed Huw Jones"

This cryptic message is all police consultant Mallory Dawson has, to start unravel the case of young Huw's death decades ago. Now, his mother also died in unclear circumstances and the police has called in Mallory to help them by looking at the former case, trying to find out what happened in the past in the hope it could explain what is happening today. It leads her to a group of six friends who were all there that fateful night. All of them are now people with some social status but with no sense of empathy and it is Mallory's tasks to review their statements to unravel the lies they have told so long ago.

The book reads very easily and I did like Mallory and her pragmatic approach to the case, albeit being a bit naive about her domestic issues, but she redeems herself by eventually recognizing her son's struggles. I enjoyed the combination of her police work and private life, I think the balance there was just right. The best part however is the setting in a Welsh coastal village; dark under grey skies, cold and windswept. It is the perfect atmosphere for a good fall mystery, and the Welsh names add a foreign twist to it. The only letdown was the end, where I found the reveal of the killer a bit underwhelming. But I will most certainly look out to the next installment of this series.

The Sixth Lie is the second outing for characters introduced in 2022's The Birthday Girl, and I was pleased to find myself engaging more with lead character - and former Met detective - Mallory Dawson than I did in her first outing.

The Sixth Lie sees her called in as a civilian investigator when the mother of a child, Huw, who died over a decade ago, is also found dead. The six lies of the title involve a lie told by six different characters in police statements after the disappearance and death of Huw.

The setting of St Davids - the smallest city in the UK - is well described, as is the claustrophobia of life in a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business. I did find the solution to the mystery a bit of an anti-climax, but nevertheless would recommend The Sixth Lie, especially to fans of William Shaw and Andrea Carter.

3.5 stars

Mallory is back. I really enjoyed The Birthday Girl, the first in this series and was excited to get this, the second.
Mallory has moved to St Davids and has a part-time job in the Cathedral, but it's not long before she's back doing what she is good at, solving murders.
A brilliant main plot that has quite a few characters and it took me a little while to get to grips with who was who. Mallory is tasked with solving a cold case of the death of a young boy a decade ago, but when his mother is found dead the investigation takes on a life of its own, as the friends group at the time of young Huw’s death not only come under suspicion as its uncovered that they all lied, but this time their lies might just be the death of them.
An excellent tense read, with lots of intrigue and I loved the, albeit slow, continuation in the subplot of the relationship between Harri and Mallory.
As we leave them, the cases all sewn up, both have some major issues looming in their personal lives and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I cannot get into this book. Just could not hold my attention and with so many other books I want to read I DNF'ed it.

I enjoyed reading The Birthday Girl back in April and The Sixth Lie by Sarah Ward didn’t disappoint either.
Ward writes amazing Welsh crime novels. And her newest title was simply intriguing.
The suspense and plot was very well thought out with lots of twists and turns that ensure you won’t put the book down.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

Sarah Ward writes well and this gloomy coast really makes the book feel spookier than it is. It’s great. Well worth a read and very atmospheric.

I really enjoyed The Birthday Girl but unfortunately I just couldn’t get into this book. I felt it was rather slow moving and not interesting enough to keep my attention.

Another excellent read from Sarah Ward! With fantastically drawn characters and the beautiful creation of the Welsh coast, this novel drew me in quickly. The plot is pacey and very well executed leaving you turning the pages furiously. A very talented writer and a very engrossing novel. Five stars from me - I'm already wanting the next one!

I chose to read a free eARC of The Sixth Lie but that has in no way influenced my review.

I have a list of authors whose books I will read without a moment's hesitation and Sarah Ward is an author on that list. I first discovered Ward's books with the DC Connie Childs series set in Derbyshire (it's a great series, well worth picking up if you get a chance). Earlier this year Ward published the first in a new series featuring ex-MET detective, Mallory Dawson. The first book, The Birthday Girl was a fantastic introduction to a new character and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent getting to know Mallory on a small, cut-off, somewhat creepy island off the coast of Pembrokeshire. So I was very much looking forward to the second book in the series, The Sixth Lie, being published.

Following recent events on Eldey, ex-detective Mallory Dawson has found herself a quiet, more sedate job in St David's. She's the manager of the cathedral shop which suits her just fine, for now. When DI Harri Evans arrives at Mallory's door asking for her help, Mallory is determined to turn Evans down. But the more she hears about the suspected murder of a local woman, the more intrigued she becomes. Mallory, as a civilian investigator, has been tasked to look into the tragic death of the victim's 3-year-old son, Huw, twelve years ago. DI Evans can't help but feel there are links between that fateful New Year's Eve night and the death of Huw's mother, Heledd. When new evidence is brought to light it becomes clear that those present in the Joneses house the night Huw died all told a lie in their statements. Can Mallory determine the lies from the truth before it's too late...

Mallory Dawson is back! Rather than being stranded and alone on an island, fighting for her life, in this latest instalment she's helping out DI Harri Evans with her knowledge of murder investigations and using her MET experience. Mallory is tasked with digging deeper into a cold case which could lead to a fresh killer. The victim, Heledd Jones, never really fitted in with her husband's group of close friends. She always felt 'less' when compared to them, with their university educations and high powered jobs. But she always tried to make the effort, whether it was appreciated or not. Leaving a New Year's Eve party early, Heledd is astonished to discover the host of the party, along with the rest of her husband's close knit friendship group all gathered in her house. She's even more shocked when checking on her young son upstairs, she finds his bed empty. Huw has vanished. His body was later discovered on the nearby cliffs of St Non's. The Joneses marriage was torn apart by the tragedy and Heledd never stopped grieving. Could Huw's death, twelve years earlier, be the key to discovering what happened to Heledd?

Mallory is a strong, determined woman who, once she sets her sights on something, sees it through to the end. I loved her tenacity and her drive to discover the truth. Alongside the investigation, we get to see a slightly softer side of the character as her 15-year-old son, Toby, comes to stay for the half term holidays. But their relationship is a little strained as Toby tends to live with his Dad in London most of the time, and Mallory recognises the relationship isn't as easy as it could be. However, when she notices something about Toby that raises alarm bells, her calm head and practical manner rise to the fore. I thought this side plot was handled well and sensitively by the author and I look forward to seeing how things develop in the future.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Sixth Lie is a well-written mystery where the tension builds over the course of the book to a thrilling denouement. The author skilfully uses the tools she has at hand; the freezing cold, blustery Welsh weather, the dramatic, atmospheric cathedral and the small, close-knit community where everyone knows your business, to create tension and suspense. What really happened to Huw? Slowly the lies the friends told in their statements are revealed. Some are small and show the cracks in the group. Others are quite shocking. The Sixth Lie is a wonderfully vivid, dramatic read thanks to its Welsh setting and I cannot wait for the third book in this series to experience Ward's Wales for a third time (now I've said that the third book will be set in London, I'm sure 😂). All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable mystery with a character that is fast becoming a favourite. Recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Sixth Lie. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

The Mallory Dawson series by the excellent Sarah Ward may only be two books in but it is rapidly becoming indispensable. The writing is splendid, the characters well drawn and the West Wales countryside is irresistible. Although no longer a cop, Mallory is called upon by local DI Harri Evans to help with the death of a woman a decade after her son is found dead. The plot is intriguing and the lives of the principals are fascinating. A great read!

I have received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. So thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity!

This was so much fun!
It keeps you guessing and keeps you on your toes.
There is plenty of suspense and mystery in the story to keep you interested and intrigued.
4/5

The first time I have read this Author but I enjoyed the style of writing. A solid four star read. Great premise. Good characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing Would definitely read the next novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable read that gripped me from the start.

I like to thank netgalley and canelo and the great author Sarah Ward for an early copy of her book.

This is the second book in this series, I enjoyed this book more than the first book.This book is about six friends who are not telling the truth they are hiding something a child Huw dies was it an accident or was he killed? The child mother dies years later,Mallory Dawson an ex cop helps to find out what happened to them..a good read looking forward to reading more of her books.


This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.

A retired police detective, two deaths from the same family and a group of six friends who have all lied. Not a bad read but i just didn't find the lie's that interesting and got a little bored of the constant interviewing. Maybe i have just over dosed on this type of murder mystery as there were no edge of your seat moments for me. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

As a long-time fan of Sarah Ward, particularly her DC Connie Childs series, I was eagerly anticipating her latest work, "The Sixth Lie." Much like her previous books, this novel did not disappoint.

Ward's skill in bringing rural Welsh settings to life is truly commendable, and once again, I was drawn into the rich descriptions of the countryside. It's a testament to her storytelling prowess that these settings become characters in their own right.

The story's use of dual timelines added depth to the narrative, although I will admit it took a bit of patience to fully immerse myself at the beginning. However, once the plot began to unravel, it became an irresistible page-turner that was difficult to set aside.

One of the highlights for me was the dynamic between Mallory and Harri, and I'm eagerly anticipating the development of their relationship in future installments. Their interactions added a layer of complexity to the story, making it even more engaging.

In conclusion, "The Sixth Lie" deserves a solid 4 stars from me. Sarah Ward's ability to craft intricate mysteries and bring the Welsh landscape to life is a testament to her talent. I'd like to extend my gratitude to Netgalley for granting me an advanced copy of this book. I'm already looking forward to the next installment in the Mallory Dawson series, hoping for even more captivating tales from this talented author.

#TheSixthLie #NetGalley

294 pages

3 stars

Retired from the Metropolitan Police in London on medical grounds, Mallory Dawson is now living in Wales. She works part-time at a cathedral in St. David’s. This is a job she is surprised to find herself liking a great deal.

She receives a visit from the local detective inspector requesting her assistance with a perplexing case he has. Ten years ago, a young boy was found dead some distance from his home. Now, his mother was found deceased in a field in the freezing weather. Are the two cases connected?

This book is a bit confusing. The plot has a tendency to wander. There are some parts that don’t seem to follow. Would the police really ask a former police officer to help out? How did the DI in charge of the case know about Mallory living in St. David’s anyway? Why was he so determined to tie the little boy and his mother’s deaths? This book just didn’t do it for me. It didn’t seem all that suspenseful.

I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

On New Year's Eve 2010, Huw Jones disappeared from his bedroom while his father and five friends were downstairs. His body was later discovered on the nearby cliffs at St Non's. That night, all six friends lied in their statements to the police.

A solid mystery with some good plot twists.