After finishing The Lies You Wrote I was anxious to get on to book #2 and find out more about forensic linguist, Raisa Susanto. This is such a fascinating profession. I really enjoy all the nuances of the cases and how that knowledge is used evaluating dialects, idiolects and subtle or overt uses of language to pick apart the writings of these criminals and murderers.
In this sequel we learn more about Raisa's colleague, Callum, and how a serial killer has directly impacted him through the death of his wife. Raisa works to uncover clues to the mystery with help from characters in the first book.
I found the plot to be fairly fast-paced and I had to really pay attention to keep up with the various characters and unfolding details. I like a good challenge and not a predictable journey, so I appreciated that.
Definitely looking forward to the third book in the series! I am anxious to see how the relationship between these two develops.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

This reminds me of an episode of Criminal Minds... (Why do I compare the books I read with tv shows I've watched?) Either way, it's enough that I couldn't read this one before bed, therefore it took me a lot longer to finish this than usual. I'd say it's perfect for people who aren't spooked by things like people coming after you, thriller movies, or serial killers!

This was an amazing.
Book because there's so many twist and turns in it. It starts out with a murder of this.
Woman named Shay and her Husband was a detective named c a l o u m. There is also a A journalist. Named r a I s a. Book is in the future, but also goes into the past.And this is how you find out how this killer.Who's called a b c killer. His name is nathan. He had.
A very troubling pass. Everybody in this book seemed to have problems. The woman who was killed named s h a y Add to ray's youngest sister and she had an older brother.. These characters in the book play a very important part in the story. Greet mystery book , I'll keep you in expense

I like this series as it is different from your typical FBI agent thriller. Agent Raisa solves mysteries by looking at word usage, sentence construction, and other features. This means the plot concentrates more on the thinking and writing of a villain than on suspenseful action. Raisa (and others) realize one of the murders credited to a serial killer was, in fact committed by someone else. There was a twist at the end I did not see coming.

This novel has a couple of explorations of when a person actually becomes a serial killer. Is a person wired to be evil and a murderer? Is it caused by a childhood trauma? What triggers the potential to the point where an individual actually begins killing? Since the killer used ciphers there is quite a bit about them too.

This novel is the second in a series and the earlier book should be read first to really understand this one. While I really liked the first novel, this one did not grab me as much. Perhaps too much was centered on the past. There are flash backs to earlier events to set us up with more information on the current investigation into a previous murder. Perhaps there it was the amount of text devoted to the FBI agent whose wife's murder is the subject of this plot. I was happy to see, however, that the Raisa and Callum have serious discussions without sliding into a romance.

It looks like there is another novel planned for this series and I have liked what I have read so far that I will be looking for it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Book Review: The Truth You Told (Raisa Susanto #2) by Brianna Labuskes
Published by Thomas & Mercer, September 10, 2024

★★★★☆ (4.25 Stars)

Beyond the purview of a typical FBI thriller invariably centered on behavioral analysis, counterintelligence and violent crimes, author Brianna Labuskes' extraordinary FBI series posits on the validity of forensic linguistics paired with forensic psychology as lead areas in effective crime-solving. Close encounters with death and violence largely bereft of use-of-force.

Lead strong female protagonist, Raisa Susanto, FBI forensic linguistics specialist deciphers "killers" from letters. She's partnered with FBI forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny, both off-roster profiler positions, shipped out by the agency to cases or a task force, rather than posted in DC or in a regional station.

As it turns out, in real life, such specialities do have an impact on crime solving.

Circa 1996, FBI forensic linguist James Fitzgerald along with colleagues were able to uncover several clues about the "Unabomber's" identity based on his manifesto and other writings.

In art imitating life, Actor Tim Roth's character in "Lie to Me" (TV, 2019), and several players in "Criminal Minds" (TV, 2005-2020) depict a group of FBI profilers using forensic linguistics, psychology, and behavioral analysis to solve seriously twisted cases.

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// In Book 1, "The Lies You Wrote" (1/2024), adopted orphan FBI Special Agent Raisa Susanto faces a near-death experience in the hands of Delaney, a social media moderator, and, Isabel, a true crime podcaster, who both, as it turns out, happen to be her own long-lost siblings, lost in the aftermath of a severe traumatic childhood tragedy when Raisa was ten.

The Parker family, both parents, world-class mathematicians.

Massacred... //

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Book 2, "The Truth You Told" (9/2024)

Susanto and partner Kilkenny come face to face with the "Alphabet Man", now imprisoned, a serial killer who'd carved "Alberti Cipher" clues on the skin of his victims, prime fodder for the FBI linguistics decoder.

The serial killer just so happens to be connected to one particular Susanto killer sibling, as well as the 10-year unsolved mysterious disappearance and death of Kilkenny's wife, Shay, a working-class bartender.

Like Susanto, the deceased Shay also had two siblings. Beau, her brother, and, Maxine, her baby sister. One of them closely associated with the Alphabet Man.

And both of them with a propensity for...(wait for it).....killing.

The whole lot, including the Alphabet Man, all borne out of horribly immoral, dysfunctional families.

Sprinkle in a dubious FBI Special Agent-in-Charge character, a journalist with her own sinister agenda, and a psychotic child shrink, and the reader could easily get lost in that dizzying maelstrom of a "Raisa Susanto" compartmentalized world.

She, the Caucasian strong female protagonist heroine with the appropriated Indonesian name, devoid of Southeast Asian cultural traits or mannerisms. Thus far.

Why does Book 2 feel like a second dip into the same muddy pool?

Engaging, entertaining, a tad tedious, well-crafted, but just far too contrived to be taken too seriously.

Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.

This book, while a complete mystery until the very end, was not as good as book one was.

There was very little to build up this story. The flashbacks of Shay’s life was the perfect balance to the rest of the story. Without it, I doubt it would make much sense.

The twist and twist again of the siblings in the story was interesting and kept you guessing who did what.. I do think the end could have used some work. I know the actual killer was revealed, but the end was unsatisfying to me.

"The Truth You Told" is a thriller featuring forensic linguist Raisa Susanto. It is the second book in the series, following "The Lies You Wrote."
In "The Truth You Told," FBI agent Callum Kilkenny discovers that the man he thought had murdered his wife, Shay, was actually innocent of that crime. Although responsible for the deaths of many other women, he was not Shay's killer. Raisa's analysis of his writing confirms his innocence just days before The Alphabet Man is scheduled to be executed. The mystery of who killed Shay and their motive remains unsolved.
The way this story unfolds, with its dual timelines shifting between the present and delving into Shay's family background, really adds depth to the narrative. I've never come across a book narrated from the perspective of a forensic linguist before, and it was fascinating to explore the different interpretations of writing and words. I'm a huge fan of this author and the series, and I can't wait for more captivating reads.
I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Brianna Labuskes for an ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

In January, I had the pleasure of reading book 1 of this series The Lies You Wrote and quickly requested this next book. While Book 1 focused on family matters in the main protagonist, forensic linguist, Raisa Susanto's life, this book featured her FBI partner, Callum Kilkenny's past with a serial killer, Nathaniel Conrad. As the hours tick down for his execution, Conrad claims that he never did kill Callum's wife, Shay. It was someone else's work and there are letters to prove it. Raisa decides to look even if the rest of the FBI isn't convinced.

Although I also read this book in one sitting, I felt that the plot got murky in the middle and I felt impatient to have all the revelations come out. Raisa's work as a forensic linguist is interesting and I did enjoy those sections of the novel. That being stated, I am also curious as to what Raisa and Callum's next case will be, I am hoping that it will be something new and that we can see more of what they do.


#TheTruthYouTold #NetGalley
Expected Publication Date: 24/09/24
Goodreads Review Date 16/09/24

I found out after reading that this is the second book featuring forensic linguist Raisa Susanto. I don’t know if I missed any details although after reading other reviews it appears you can read the second without have reading the first prior.

In The Truth You Told, FBI agent Callum Kilkenny finds out that the Alphabet Man, a serial killer getting ready to be executed, did not kill his wife, Shay, after all. Complex plot twists and dual timeline makes this book a really enjoyable read. Also lots of characters that are the possible suspects who may have killed Shay.

Highly recommend for a creepy, suspenseful thriller mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC.

So Glad I'm getting on a good series before book #16! 🥵
Thankfully I have the 1st one.

So Our FBI linguist Raisa Susanto is backtracking after the serial Killer; Alphabet Man recanted killing one of his victims, wife of a fellow FBI Agent. This is a high stakes cat and mouse game people, so make sure you thinking caps on; situations could get very confusing if you aren't paying close attention.
Raisa is just about to find out that the copycat killer may just be in it for a completely different motive!

Solid 4 Stars!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. Beyond humbled
The Truth You Told out Sept 10th 2024

I received an ARC of this book and read the first 15% or so of this. I did not finish only because I didn’t realize it was the second in a series. There was enough referenced from the first book that I would like to read that prior to this.

That being said, the book was very well written and I enjoyed it so far! I just would like a better understanding of the characters first.

Another fantastic book by Brianna Labuskes. Well-written, great characters, great story! Love her books and this one didn't disappoint either.

Thank you #netgalley and #thomasandmercer for the eARC.

This is the second in the Raisa Sutanto series, and while I liked it, I didn't find it quite as compelling as the first book (which I definitely recommend!)*
Raisa is a forensic linguist, working with the FBI, and two days before his execution, the serial killer blamed for killing Raisa's partner's wife claims he didn't do it. So Raisa and her partner Callum are in a race against the clock to figure out who was her killer. *
Like the first book in the series, I like the characters and the idea of forensic linguistics being used to solve murders. It was great to get so much more insight into Callum's background, learn about his wife as a person. I also really like the fact that we have a FMC and MMC and they don't end up romantically involved! * I think what kept me from loving this one was the time crunch was a bit artificial. The serial killer was still a serial killer, and was still going to be executed, he was just not responsible for this particular murder, which they could continue to look into after his death if they had to. And I didn't find this super compelling to return to while I was reading it. *
I still recommend the series, and will absolutely continue to read it!

I truly enjoyed the premise of this book, but I hadn't realized it was part of a series - Disclaimer, I did not read the first book.

The dual timelines, going back and forth, really made reading this enjoyable for me. I felt I understood the dead wife, Shay, better and that helped me with the background from the first book.

Another interesting factor was the POV from a linguist - I love true crime and forensics, so this made this extra enjoyable for me to read. I felt I learned more behind the forensic analysts and their jobs.

What made this book good was that it actually tied everything together in the end. There were no missing pieces or gaps in the storyline. I truly appreciated that and that provoked me to want to read the next installment in the series.

The Truth You Told by Brianna Labuskes is another engrossing, well developed, character-driven story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Forensic linguist Raisa Susanto is a strong female protagonist, I really enjoyed her character.
I thought the characters were strong and very likeable. This was a fantastic, intense, riveting crime thriller which grabbed me right from the start. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is book 2 in a 3 book series and its FANTASTIC!!!!! I love FBI/Police procedural, serial killer suspenseful mysteries and this one ticks all of the boxes. IMO Brianna Labuskes is in the same class as Karin Slaughter, my top favorite!

Despite being book 2, you can read this as a standalone. However, I would be remiss if I did not advise that you start this series with book one. The author layers the character development and weaves the plot so well in book 1 that I would hate for you to miss out.

Raisa is a FBI forensic linguist who works with Callum Kilkenny, an FBI forensic psychologist. They are on the case of a serial killer who days before execution, reveals that he did not kill Callum's wife. Ok, so who did?

This is such a well written story that is fast paced and multilayered. I loved the characters and the story! Book three comes out next summer and I already have it in my Amazon to be purchased basket!!! 5++++ stars

I absolutely loved the first book in this series and this book was no different! Enthralling, chilling, and giving the "look over your shoulder" vibes. I could not put it down! I love the author's writing style. The character development is nothing short of genius. I'm hopeful for more of this series!

A Great Follow-On Novel

Raisa Susanto, an FBI forensic linguist, is out running when she senses she is being followed. She does not have her usual armament, so she goes into a coffee shop. Soon, her follower enters. She exits to find a spot to surprise her follower. Raisa grabs her. After rejecting her first story, the woman identifies herself as Kate Tashibi. Raisa has ignored her previous attempts to contact her. Kate tells Raisa that she is a documentarian. Her current project is on the Alphabet Man serial killer. Raisa wants nothing to do with any documentary on him and tells her so. At home, she receives a text from Callum Kilkenny, an FBI forensic psychologist she met on her last case, and they are now friends. Callum’s wife, Shay, was the Alphabet Man’s 23rd victim. From this start, the story of her murder unfolds.

There are two main storyline threads. The first, set in the present, portrays the investigation into who murdered Shay Kilkenny. Raisa and Callum narrate this thread. This thread starts days before his scheduled execution. The Alphabet Man claims that he did not kill Shay. The second is told in a series of flashbacks, starting four years before Shay’s abduction, which ended in her death. The storyline jumps back and forth. In the flashbacks, the reader learns about Shay and her family and how she became Callum’s wife. There are many surprises and hidden secrets in this thread that kept piquing my interest and kept me reading. There was what I call a literary grenade near the end that provided an interesting twist. I could not put this novel down.

There are several B-storyline threads. The relationship between Callum and Raisa has become personal but not romantic. Their interaction reveals much of their characters’ natures. I enjoyed their natural friendship. Another thread is in flashbacks. The relationship between Shay and Callum reveals much new information that has defined his character in the present. Both threads enhanced my reading enjoyment.

This novel is not strong in the aspects, which may cause some readers to stop reading. There is a non-descriptive intimate scene plus some before and after scenes. There is a noticeable level of vulgar and rude language. Given the nature of the character and current events, this language’s use was what I would expect. There are not any active violent scenes. This is the second novel in this series. All the references appeared to be backfilled well when they occurred, so it should not be an issue to read this novel first. Having read the first novel myself, I believe that you will find this novel to be more enjoyable to read.

I had no issues with the storyline or the novel's structure or flow. On the plus side, this was a great follow-up novel. I enjoyed the dynamics between Raisa and Callum in the first novel, and they continue in this novel. I enjoyed the ending. It was very fitting for me. I have read six previous novels by this author. She has earned my Must-Read category of authors. I am looking forward to reading her next novel. I recommend reading this novel as I thoroughly enjoyed it and rate it with five stars.
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I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

There was a lot going on and it was just a bit too much for me.

Thank you NetGalley, Brianna Labuskes and Thomas & Mercer for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Gave 2.5 stars but rounded up to 3.

The Truth You Told is the second book to feature FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto and forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny. Nathaniel Conrad, known as the Alphabet Man serial killer, is going to be executed. He tells Callum that he did not kill Callum's wife, Shay, five years ago. Callum had thought all of this was behind him.

Raisa goes over the letters Nathaniel sent after each of his killings, she comes to the conclusion that he is telling the truth. The question now is who killed Shay, was it a copycat?

The story follows in two timeliness, the ongoing investigation, and what really happened in the past, We get to know Shay and see who she was interacting with. There are a number of characters and it sometimes got a bit confusing. The plot as a whole is engaging and if you have not read the first book you will not have a problem reading this. The author wraps up the mystery of whodunit with a few plot twists to keep us guessing.

I would read another book with these characters, but I would like to see more of the forensic linguist aspect in the storyline. Overall, this is an engaging mystery/suspense book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, for an ARC. The review is my own.