Fatality at the Festival..
The fourth in the Kat Ballantyne series finds Kat attending a crime writing festival, rather more by coercion than design. Little did she know that it was soon to become a murder scene. The victim, a seemingly universally despised crime writer, is discovered very dead indeed within the Green Room - a room is locked from the inside. As the investigation commences, secrets and lies will out. A worthy addition to this series with a well formed plot populated by a nicely crafted cast of eclectic characters and with a strong female lead.

Wow, this had me picking up my kindle at every available opportunity. I finished this in less than 24 hours, desperate to find out what would happen it me gripped from the very first page! This plot was an absolute triumph!

It had many twists and turns from the start. I was kept on the edge of my seat and enthralled throughout. I’d highly recommend this book when it comes out!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars

Thanks to the publisher and the wonderful Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Lying Man" crafts a labyrinth of deception and moral ambiguity, drawing readers into a world where every detail pulses with hidden significance.

In this latest installment of the Detective Kat Ballantyne series, the story unfolds at a bustling crime-writing festival—a setting that doubles as both a celebration of literary ambition and a stage for dark, unforeseen revelations. When a renowned novelist is discovered dead in a locked room under circumstances that seemingly point to natural causes, DS Kat Ballantyne’s incisive eye unearths clues that hint at a far more sinister truth. The premise alone is intriguing...

Kat Ballantyne is a protagonist whose personal and professional conflicts are rendered with admirable precision. Maslen’s portrayal of Kat is both multi-faceted and deeply human. Her relentless determination to peel back the layers of an intricately woven mystery reflects not only a commitment to justice but also a poignant exploration of the imperfections inherent in those who seek it.

Beyond its compelling plot, "The Lying Man" indulges readers in a meta-narrative where the world of literature collides with hard-edged criminology. The backdrop of a crime-writing festival isn’t only scenery—it also mirrors the pervasive duplicity of its inhabitants.

Rivalries and secret vendettas simmer beneath the surface of public acclaim, suggesting that in this world, every smile hides an ulterior motive and every whispered conversation might be a clue.

From a technical standpoint, the pacing is as meticulous as it is surprising. Maslen orchestrates a tension that steadily builds, ensuring that each revelation, however minute, propels the narrative toward a crescendo of enlightenment and suspense. The clever misdirects and well-placed narrative pauses allow the reader to savor a moment of realization before plunging headlong into the next twist.

"The Lying Man" is a vibrant exploration of the complexities of truth, the seductive nature of deception, and the ever-present interplay between appearance and reality. For aficionados of detective fiction and lovers of nuanced literary explorations alike, this novel offers a rich, thought-provoking journey that renews our faith in the art of storytelling.

For those who find themselves captivated by this novel’s blend of intellectual intrigue and emotional depth, exploring other works in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series or delving into similarly layered mysteries can offer additional insight into the art of modern suspense.

A steady detective story with a good plot, and sufficient villainy to keep your interest.

Still smarting at a family betrayal, DS Ballantyne is trying for a day off when she comes across a new mystery. A man is dead in a locked room. It looks like a heart attack but she is not so sure. A steady hand on the tiller, and a sure plot, with relatable characters put this one ahead of the pack. Another sure thing from Andy Maslen.