I enjoyed Lia Middleton's first novel WHEN THEY FIND HER but this is even better in my opinion. Tightly-written and neatly-paced, it follows Ava Knight as the prosecuting barrister as she attempts to deal with a case in the present whilst obtaining justice for events of the past. She makes so many bad choices in this book but I was there for the ride with every single one. The half-time twist actually made me go "Oh my god!" out loud. A very enjoyable read and will highly recommend to everyone.

Tension Fuelled Suspense…
Who to believe in this tension fuelled, character driven suspense? Ava Knight is a prosecutor who always tows the line but when she meets Lily Hawthorne that might change. The case is too close to home but with another life in the balance Ava must act. With one word against another, once again, who will be believed? Crisply written with perfect tension building and credible characters. A fast moving, satisfying suspense.

I've heard great things about Lia Middleton's previous book so was very keen to read this one.

Ava Knight is a barrister, in court prosecuting a teenage girl (Lily Hawthorne), for stabbing an older man. Ava instantly recognises the victim as Michael Osbourne, the man who raped her eighteen years old, but was cleared in the subsequent trial.

Ava becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth around Lily's case, even if it means breaking the rules and risking everything.

It is intricately plotted, with lots of strands, risks and twists throughout. I enjoyed the first half, but it's the second half where everything comes together, the level of involvement with the characters increases and the pace and tension really ramps up.

It had my heart racing one chapter then reading through the tears the next.

Very impressive and definitely recommended. Fans of Gillian McAllister and Kia Abdullah will love it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House

I really enjoyed this book, It was gripping and had me on the edge of my seat frequently while reading it. It is well written with a good narrative, compelling storyline and well developed characters. The storyline is fast paced and unpredictable and made for a really good read.

For me, one of life's greatest pleasures is to be immersed in a good book and this book is absolutely one of those.
I was so absorbed in Your Word or Mine that, not only could I not put it down, but I gasped at a couple of shocking moments and even my dog looked like she wanted to know what I was reading!

Ava Knight is a great character; a young and successful prosecutor, diligently following the rules, until the case of Lily Hawthorne, a fifteen year old accused of stabbing a man that Ava recognises turns up in court.

Michael Osbourne is a charming and successful man, but eighteen years ago he was acquitted for the brutal assault of a young woman. Of course Ava recognises him, how could she forget the face of the man who attacked her. Convinced that he is lying and that Lily needs help, Ava has to decide whether to go against her professional instincts to help Lilly, or to continue to be the reliable person that everyone, including her fiancé, thinks she is.

Lia Middleton has done it again with another gripping page turner. Her Debut, When They Find Her, had me fully invested, and Your Word Or Mine is just as compulsive. Not only does she deliver a wonderfully twisty tale, but also the shocking truths as they are revealed hit hard. Also this book has a genuine twist that left me rather open mouthed as I turned the last page!

Thank you to NetGalley and to Penguin Michael Joseph for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.