Today I’m reviewing The Lies We Die For by Keith Nixon.
Here’s the blurb.
When a seemingly accidental death turns into a murder investigation, Detective Inspector Solomon Gray finds himself caught in a web of deception, manipulation, and personal vendettas.
Called to investigate the tragic death of Patrick Kinsella, DI Solomon Gray discovers the victim poisoned in his retirement home. What first appears to be a simple accident quickly takes a sinister twist when Gray uncovers troubling evidence. This was no accident, but cold-blooded murder.
Oliver Ford, an unscrupulous financial adviser, is preying on the vulnerable elderly residents, but as Gray digs deeper, he realises Ford isn’t acting alone. And Kinsella’s death is perhaps only the tip of the iceberg in a much larger conspiracy. Unraveling the truth means confronting betrayals, dangerous alliances, and an enemy from Gray’s own past, a man recently released from prison who has unfinished business with Gray.
In a case fraught with lies and personal danger, Gray must navigate treacherous waters to uncover the truth. But the closer he gets, the more deadly the stakes become.
Review
So we are back with our favourite detective, Solomon Gray. After the last outing, which you could tell was an emotional one for the author, you can really see a change in tone.. it felt like the author had so much fun on this one.. left old Sol behind a little bit and let the plot shine.. and for one.. I bloody loved it.
Sol is just back from Honeymoon, but honestly.. if you know the series you’ll know how glad is to be back.. Sols like me.. pretty easy to please.. just leave me be and I’m happy ha,
A death occurs at a retirement home.. carbon monoxide… open and shut case? Nah not with Sol… something just doesn’t smell right.
Sol doubts himself a little I felt but finds that not everyone is who the appear to be..but what motive could there possibly be? and why go to all this trouble.. it doesn’t make sense.. well until Sol puts the pieces of the puzzle together that is.
I loved that the plot shined through in this one but development to keep the character arc going is still present.. this is book 12 in the series afterall.. but the author keeps managing the plot to character development ratio perfectly.
The more Gray looks the more things don’t make sense.. the fireplace.. it was just serviced.. how could it be faulty…and the victim.. his history..
I’m not going to spoil the plot.. no spoilers here..but this one has the most clever plot of the series yet for me..and probably the bets I’ve ever read.. it was just what the series needed to keep the momentum going, the author seems to know exactly the right direction to go at every turn and I really just had fun reading this one.
What really makes the tale pop is the secrets aren’t contained to one person, and it;s not as simple as finding one victim and one killer, it’s a complex weave to unravel, exactly what Sol is an expert at getting to grips with.
I really loved that we get to see Dai Morgan pop up again too, Nixon has created a wonderful ensemble cast so it’s great to see those we’ve come to love, or hate around.
Speaking of characters.. the best one by far.. the victim.. even though they’re dead Nixon paints such a vivid picture… so bloody good!.. it’s the hidden truth.. Christ it’s good!
I wish I could say more.. but too do so would give vital goodness away…oh if you’ve not read the previous books please don’t worry.. just jump on board you’ll be fine!
5/5*
David's Book Blurg 