Member Reviews

I really loved this. So clever and unique a brilliant read. I would highly recommend reading this book. Fast paced and will have you hooked from the start.

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A Gripping, Dark Thriller – 4 Stars

Clare Mackintosh has delivered a twisted and compelling thriller in *A Game of Lies*. As someone who loves a good psychological mystery, this book absolutely hooked me from the start. The setting, a reality TV show in the remote Welsh mountains, provides the perfect backdrop for a story full of secrets, suspense, and lies. It’s a place where nothing – and no one – is what they seem.

The premise is fantastic: seven contestants, each with a hidden truth, and the added danger of being exposed live on television if their secret is discovered. The tension between the characters builds quickly, and I found myself constantly second-guessing who was telling the truth and who was hiding something darker.

What really stood out to me was the way Mackintosh played with the blurred lines between what’s real and what’s manufactured for the cameras. The characters are expertly developed, each with their own motivations and hidden layers, and the dynamic between them is electric. As the mystery unfolds and a contestant goes missing, it becomes clear that everyone is hiding something. But Mackintosh keeps you guessing, leading you down false trails and weaving in clever red herrings that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Detective Ffion Morgan, who is investigating the disappearance, is a great protagonist. She’s sharp, determined, and doesn’t let her preconceived notions about the show influence her investigation. The way she unravels the mystery, piece by piece, had me flipping pages in anticipation. The suspense builds gradually to a shocking climax, and while I could have done with a little more emotional depth from some of the characters, the plot was so well-crafted that it didn’t detract from the overall experience.

I do feel that some parts of the ending were a bit too neatly tied up, but that’s a small quibble in what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable and suspenseful read. If you’re a fan of dark, twisty thrillers with a psychological edge, *A Game of Lies* will not disappoint. It’s a captivating ride from start to finish.

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The second installment of the DC Morgan series by Clare Mackintosh does not disappoint. Although part of a series if you wanted to you could read this as a stand-alone but the first book is so good you really don't want to miss out.

A Game of Lies revolves around a reality TV show, where the contestants signed up for a program thinking the format was a survival challenge, however once within the shows camp they are told that the game is all about exposing their secrets ..... that they really don't want people to know. None of the seven contestants are pleased about the change to the format but one of them is so unhappy that they go missing from the camp which leads to the introduction of DC Morgan and her colleagues.

If you love reality TV you will find yourself being drawn in to the characters lives and their troubles. Very much a police procedural thriller what plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. If you have read the first book you will be familiar with some of the characters but there are some great new characters that you will find yourselves invested in. Definitely a series to read and looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book,

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I like the writing and the plot and the ideas but I’m not keen on reading thriller or detective series and this is one I don’t think I’ll continue. It was good but not for me,

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This was a very good read. I was sure I know the outcome half way through but I was wrong of course. Amazing read well done

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Clare Mackintosh never fails to deliver a pacey thriller that keeps you riveted from start to finish. A Game of Lies is the second book in the DC Morgan series and the story is centered around a reality tv game show called Exposure that revolves around the telling of the contestant's deepest secrets.

Luckily this tv concept is just fictional but Mackintosh showed how easily a show like this could turn contestants against each other which could lead to disastrous results.

DC Morgan gets pulled into a murder investigation again and gets a little too close for comfort with the killer.

Overall a 5 star read that I highly recommend and I look forward to the third book in the series being released in 2025.

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Fantasticly gripping. Read this in two sittings and highly recommend to fans of the previous installment as this one was top notch. I can't wait for more of this series. One talented writer. Great story and writing style.

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Absolutely love this series by Clare, the characters of Ffion and Leo are very likeable. Great story, different and very engaging.

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Traitors v Jeremy Kyle in book format! A must read!

Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants have no idea what they've signed up for.

Each of these strangers has a secret. If another player can guess the truth, they won't just be eliminated - they'll be exposed live on air. The stakes are higher than they'd ever imagined, and they're trapped.

The disappearance of a contestant wasn't supposed to be part of the drama. Detective Ffion Morgan has to put aside what she's watched on screen, and find out who these people really are - knowing she can't trust any of them.

And when a murderer strikes, Ffion knows every one of her suspects has an alibi . . . and a secret worth killing for.

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Thank you Little Brown Book Group and Netgalley.
Another brilliant book by Claire and the next instalment of DC Ffion Morgan.
As a police procedural, there are lots of characters but the story draws everything together neatly and I couldn't put it down.

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It’s about time I got around to reading the next in the DC Ffion Morgan series but I didn’t expect to finish it in less than 24 hours. Proof that I absolutely loved being back in the stunning Welsh scenery that I grew up living down the road from. Clare’s description of the ‘Mirror’ lake means I can picture the glistening of Bala Lake without leaving my armchair. This is before I even start on the plot.

It’s a cleverly woven tale of deception, manipulation and morals; a perfect reality show, right? Clare’s insight into the workings of the police and investigative procedures shines, I highly recommend this series.

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Another fantastic Clare Mackintosh book and the second instalment of DC Ffion Morgan.
Whilst set against the backdrop of the small welsh town Ffion grew up in, this time we move up the mountain and into reality tv.
As a police procedural, there are a lot of characters but the unwinding of the story draws everything together neatly.

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A Detecrive Ffion Morgan novel that will have you laughing out loud, whilst also furiously working through the clues to work out who has murderous intentions. A Game of Lies is cleverly based around a reality TV programme with great TV and social media attraction. The contestants amhave been duped to isolate in a camp without realising they would be fighting to conceal their deepest secrets. The producer Miles has no scruples and his main concern is viewing figures. After the first reveal, a fragile contestant goes missing. Mental health has little sway over making money for Miles. Soon things take a darker turn with a murder. The rush is on to whittle down the suspects before they strike again. Meanwhile Ffiion must work with her ex husband and alongside Leo, who she formally had a connection with but has become distanced. Their will they/ won't they relationship continues to tease. A superb read. I am already eagerly awaiting the next Ffion Morgan installment! #agameoflies #claremackintosh #netgalley

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Just finished reading this novel and really enjoyed it. It's a crime novel based around a reality TV show called Exposure. They find out the have all got secrets and want them to stay hidden. Then the murder happens. An enjoyable read.

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Although it leaned pretty far left with sometimes unnecessary moments seemingly just to be relevant, the plot was twisty and I enjoyed getting deeper into Ffion’s story and character development. I’m looking to the next installment!

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This, the second in the series featuring DC Ffion Morgan, was as good as the first book. I’m glad that I had read the first book as it allowed the me to get to know Ffion better as well as the other returning characters. Absolutely loved Dave.

The plot was new and exciting against the Welsh backdrop - making this a very enjoyable and fast read. I will definitely seek out Clare Mackintosh future books - I love her writing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers, Little Brown Book Group for this ARC.

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The second book in the DC Morgan series. The reality show idea was very topical and I really enjoyed the twists and turns. Loved Dave!

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I absolutely loved this second installment in the DC Ffion Morgan series.

Ffion is such a wonderful character and it was a pleasure to be reunited.

I loved the setting around a reality TV show which was a really interesting and fun insight into the world of production and its darker side.
The cast of contestants was brillianty crafted.

A really fast paced read, and tightly plotted with some heart stopping moments, I tore through the pages.

The sense of tension builds and builds as the contestants secrets are revealed one by one and is perfectly set off against the vivid descriptions of the Welsh countryside creating a truly atmospheric read.

Special shout out to the brilliant Dave the dog who made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion!

I already can't wait for the next one!!

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Clare Mackintosh always writes my favourite books of the year and this is definitely one of them. A fantastic book that’s so well written!

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I was so excited to read the next chapter of DC Morgan’s life. So when a reality TV show is set in the mountains of her town you knew there was gonna be drama.
The beauty of Wales and the traditions of the locals comes through.
An awful reality show is taking place where every contestant has a secret and Ffi and Leo are thrown together again to solve it. I could not put this book down. Well written and kept me guessing till the end. Can’t want for the next chapter in Ffi life.

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