Member Reviews
A member of the homeless community Is found murdered in an abandoned building that is being used as a squat. Was the victim murdered by another member of the homeless community or could this be connected with the planned redevelopment of the building or is it to do with the victims previous career as a financial adviser? DI Matt Denning and DS Molly Fisher are asked to investigate but with budgets and resources tight there is pressure to get this dealt with quickly.
I have read the previous books in this series and was looking forward to this. I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint. A very enjoyable read and one I would recommend to others.
A stirring and evocative thriller. There is a lot going on in this story and although it is not my favorite in the series, it is very compelling.
Many thanks to Hera and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
The clever Denning barking up the tree full steam ahead didn't inspire me as clever policing, and the D.I. Denning and D.S. Fisher Series was the first place I found so-called police procedure here, he said she said.
One lucky stab to the heart can kill a person sitting in a dark tunnel; if a second attack yields the same result, the assassin must be a professional. As it happens, not at all. In the end, given all the hype, I did anticipate more. This series is beloved by many readers, so it's possible that I'm not into this genre.
A independent review for NetGalley / Hera Books
Graeme Hampton's Truth Lies Dying unveils a gripping crime thriller that delves into the labyrinth of fraud and family secrets. DI Denning and DS Fisher navigate a murder investigation after discovering a homeless man brutally stabbed in an abandoned railway station. As the detectives encounter uncooperative witnesses and a perplexing victim with a troubled past, the narrative, while occasionally circular, maintains a relentless pace with unexpected twists. Hampton's portrayal of morally complex characters, from repulsively self-interested individuals to empathetic depictions of the homeless, adds depth to the story. The novel's societal commentary on homelessness seamlessly intertwines with a chilling crime plot, creating a compelling narrative. Despite occasional subplots, such as Denning's disenchantment with the Met and Fisher's encounter with a stalker, the camaraderie between the lead characters and their friendship inject warmth into the otherwise gritty tale. Truth Lies Dying stands out in the crime thriller genre, offering a page-turning experience that skillfully balances suspense, character dynamics, and social awareness.
This is a police procedure crime thriller with two engaging main characters, each with flaws and tenacity. It's got twists to keep you guessing and the short chapters encourage you to read another one. All in all, a good story, well told.
Another case for DI Denning and DS Fisher when the murder of a homeless man is discovered during a drugs raid on an abandoned rail station. Who is he? takes up the first part of the story and whether an investigation is worthwhile but when is identity is established and another murder of a young homeless man the action accelerates. Lots of twists and turns with the home lives of both the leading characters fitted smoothly into the narrative. A good addition that ends with the question will Denning stay or move to pastures new!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hera Books for an advance copy of Truth Lies Dying, the sixth novel to feature DI Matthew Denning of East London’s Major Crime Unit.
When a homeless man is found stabbed to death in an abandoned railway station Denning is determined to get him justice. The man’s identity, when they discover it, offers more questions than answers. He was jailed for fraud and has only recently been released and his family want nothing to do with him or the investigation. When the only witness is killed Denning and Fisher realise that they are dealing with more than they thought.
I enjoyed Truth Lies Dying, which has an intricate plot that revolves around the fraud and family secrets. I don’t think it is the best novel in the series as it gets a bit circular in the middle with Denning pursuing his own theory and the constant re-interviewing of the same people. It would be easier getting blood out a stone than information from these people. Still, there is enough of a drip feed to keep the reader turning the pages until the unexpected solution.
I can honestly say that the majority of witnesses/interviewees are uniformly unpleasant, but obviously well drawn as I got a repulsed feeling, whenever they were on the page, due to their naked self interest. In contrast the author is sympathetic to the plight of the homeless and is able to outline their struggles. Denning has things going on in his life, not least a certain disenchantment with the Met, and there is change in the air. Molly Fisher is settling in to the single life until she acquires a stalker. I didn’t find it particularly convincing, but, on the other hand, I don’t think the author has the space to fully explore a subplot that might detract from the main investigation.
Truth Lies Dying is a good read that I can recommend.
Thanks to netgalley for providing this advanced copy for the purpose of review
This was a really good police procedural. It had a gripping story and I enjoyed how the story unfolded.
First book I have read from this author. Great writing and premise. Amazing characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing..Definitely looking forward to the next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it
Truth Lies Dying by Graeme Hampton hits the mark and is a gripping, unputdownable crime thriller that tackles the difficult issue of homelessness.
As the premise indicates, one killer can hide in a city of millions. This story follows DI Denning and DS Fisher as they sort through clues to get to the shocking end. A very good read and suspenseful story. I am looking forward to reading more.
#TruthLiesDying #NetGalley @HeraBooks
This series just keeps getting better and better! DI Denning and DS Fisher find themselves investigating the murder of a homeless man, found in a disused station. The plotting is excellent, it's fast paced with plenty of suspense, set in London, and enough twists to keep the reader interested until the end. I like the character development and the friendship between the lead characters. An excellent thriller and police procedural. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
DI Matt Denning understands that being homeless at anytime is a desperately depressing and dangerous situation to be in. As Christmas approaches, and the cold reaches your bones, he knows finding anywhere safe and reasonably secure is even more imperative than ever. The small group of unhoused adults who had set up camp in the once bustling underground station at Shoreditch probably thought they were settled, at least for a while, until they were raided after a tip off.
With the local CID surprised at what they discovered, Denning and his partner DS Molly Fisher found themselves amongst the rubble looking for a killer. With Molly also dealing with personal problems and the festive season moving ever closer the last thing anyone needs is another body...
The sixth book in this series is set at Christmas but contains very little festive cheer. The team is all present and correct with their various opinions and viewpoints all seeming possible in their new case. Even with the different scenarios I was satisfyingly surprised by the identity of the killer and, without spoilers, the motive fitted just right as well.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Hera Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. The emphasis throughout on the homeless population and its struggles was a timely reminder of things many of us would much prefer to forget. I thoroughly enjoyed this and, as always, look forward to more.
Good book! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, Action, intrigue, the homeless, mystery, murder, gas lighting, a great who done it, great plot twist, and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!