Detective Ffion Morgan is back. A reality show is being filmed in the locality and everyone is interested. The game show contestants all have secrets and it is up to the others to expose them. But when one of the contestants goes missing it all falls apart. Murder follows and everyone is a suspect. Ffion has to work her way through the secrets and lies.
This is another great read from Clare Mackintosh, full of tension with some great characters. I look forward to Ffions next instalment
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an advance copy.

return to Cwm Coed, its inhabitants, and the spirited detective Ffion Morgan. My expectations were set high, and Mackintosh certainly delivered.

Centered around a new reality show, "Exposure," being filmed in the hills above the town, with the local postmistress Ceri as one of the contestants, this proved to be a riveting and propulsive read.

The plot takes unexpected turns swiftly, commencing with the revelation that the contestants aren't participating in a survival show as they believed, but rather in a fierce battle to prevent their deepest secrets from being exposed. The shock intensifies when one of the seven contestants goes missing, only to be later discovered murdered.

What renders the subsequent events so captivating is not only the finely crafted procedural aspect but also Mackintosh's skill in character development and her insightful critique of the facade that is reality TV.

The narrative is laced with a rich vein of humor, serving as a delightful contrast to the darker elements. Additionally, the captivating banter between Fion and Leo, who continually try to deny their mutual attraction, adds another layer of intrigue.

Expertly plotted and concluding with a twist that left my heart aflutter, I savored every moment from beginning to end. Now, I eagerly await the release of the next book.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say, I was quite nervous going into this book as the first book was such a hit and wrapped up perfectly that I wasn't sure where this story could go in a way that would live up to the original.

But I have to say, this book exceeded my expectations. I love Ffion and the characters within this book. I enjoyed seeing returning characters as well as the new ones introduced (Dave has my heart)
I didn't know what to expect from the story going in but the concept was so interesting that I was hooked and finding out the ending made me wish I'd picked up on the clues that were clearly laid out. It was a tricky spot but someone really eagle eyed could have worked it out.

It was a great read and continuation to this series!

A Game of Lies is book 2 featuring DC Ffion Morgan. She is called out to investigate some bones that have been discovered on the grounds where a new reality TV show is being produced.

But the survival reality show that the contestants thought they were signing up for is instead an exposure show. A show where your deepest, darkest shameful secret will be revealed. A contestant disappears and a murder happens and Ffion isn’t sure who is telling the truth.

Another fantastic read from Clare Mackintosh. I listened to this book on audio and it adds a dimension to the book with the narrator speaking the Welsh language in parts.

Leo is called into the investigation and there is lots of angst between himself and Ffion. The story is told in multiple POVs so you get everyone’s voice in the book. A highlight was Ffion’s crazy dog, Dave!!

This book can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend picking up book 1.

Thank you to @littlebrownbookgroup_uk and NetGalley for my gifted eARC.

4.5 ⭐️

Having loved the first book in this series, I was excited to return to Cwm Coed, its residents and feisty detective Ffion Morgan. My expectations were high, and Mackintosh did not let me down.

Set around a new reality show, Exposure, that’s being filmed in the hills above the town and in which local postmistress, Ceri, is one of the contestants, this was a propulsive, gripping read.

The twists come thick and fast, kicking off with the revelation that the contestants are not competing in a survival show, as they thought, but in a battle not to have their darkest secrets made public. This shock news is followed by one of the seven contestants going missing, then found murdered.

What makes the subsequent events so compelling is not just the finely crafted procedural element, but also Mackintosh’s gift for characterization and her brilliant exposé of the charade that is reality TV.

The narrative also contains a rich vein of humor, which is a marvelous counterpoint to the darker elements. And, of course, there’s the wonderful sparring between Ffion and Leo, who keep trying to deny their mutual attraction.

Superbly plotted and with an ending that made my heart do a little flip, I lapped this up from start to finish. Now eagerly awaiting book three.

Before I picked up this book I had been in a reading lull. I'd been listening to audiobooks but just couldn't get started on an actual or kindle book. I'd try and then stop. This book however reignited my passion and I did not put it down unless I really had to, and I haven't stopped reading since!

A Game of Lies is Book 2 in the DC Morgan Series, set in the beautiful North Wales. DC Ffion Morgan is such a fabulous character. A strong headed woman with drive and determination, with a brilliant sense of humour! I love her characterisation.

In this book she's called to investigate a missing person on the set of a reality tv series set in the Pen y Draig Mountains called Exposure. We soon find that the contestants are desperate to keep their secrets, and not be exposed live on TV. This is especially apparent when they come to the realisation that not everything is as it seems, and they've all been tricked into participating.

The drama is high, the tensions are building and the mystery of it all is excellently plotted.

So, a HUGE thank you to Clare for making such an excellent book that reignited my passion for reading physical/e books.

Thank you also to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK, and Clare Mackintosh, for a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I was looking forward to this follow-up as I enjoyed following Ffions' work, love, and drama in the author's first DC Morgan thriller! I wasn't disappointed in this crime mystery sequel. I'm sure things have been left open for another one, which I will definitely be watching out for! Great storyline and twist at the end. Great work by this author, looking forward to the next Ffion and Leo installment!

This is the 2nd book in this Welsh police procedural series and I think it was a better read than the previous book possibly because we know a little more about the characters. There are no spoilers here so this book can easily be read as a stand alone. The descriptions of the bleak Welsh mountains here had me shivering. No amount of cash would get me up there but the competitors here are social media influencers who are desperate for the exposure and the fame. Naturally it isn't long before one of if them goes missing and a body is found. I loved the pace of this book there is a real cat and mouse feel to this story. As soon as a body is found I.was holding my breath waiting for the next. I was shocked. when I discovered who had carried out the killings and why. I will be looking out for next book in this.series.
Thanks too Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of th!s book.

I loved the characters in this book. The local girl turned police officer is such a good angle. The main story is set around a tv series which got its contestants to join under false pretences. They thought they were going on a survival show, but they were really there to try and keep their dirty secrets from being exposed. This story was cleverly crafted so it’s hard to tell who did it until right near the end. The subplot running along side, links to the main character and her ‘’messed up’ life. A totally gripping read. Five stars for this one.

Within the pages of this book, a reality show takes center stage—a premise I initially resisted but came to appreciate deeply. From laughter to sadness, and even a touch of anger, this literary journey became a mosaic of emotions that mirrored life's complexity.

As the narrative unfolded, my attachment to the familiar characters grew stronger, overcoming my initial reluctance. Their stories became a heartfelt exploration, making the book more than just a collection of words on pages.

The detective work woven into the plot was nothing short of brilliant, adding an intriguing layer to the story. Each revelation felt like a shared victory, and the unveiling of secrets kept me eagerly turning the pages.

This book is a testament to the author's ability to craft a story that resonates on a profound level. The emotional rollercoaster, while unexpected, turned out to be an essential ingredient, creating a narrative that lingers in my thoughts.

A sincere thank you to my buddy readers who shared this literary voyage. Our discussions added depth to the experience, making it more than just a solitary read. In the end, despite any initial reservations, this book has left an indelible mark, reminding me that the best stories are the ones that stir the heart and engage the soul.

I chose to read a free eARC of A Game of Lies but that has in no way influenced my review.

One of my favourite books from last year was the brilliant The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh. Set in a small, rural, lakeside community in North Wales the book featured lead protagonist DC Ffion Morgan as she went about investigating a suspicious death of a local man on New Year's Eve. I loved everything about the book so was very excited to discover it was the first in a new series. A Game of Lies is the second instalment and let's cut to the chase, it's just as good as its predecessor. One of my most highly anticipated books of the year and a definite addition to my top books of the year list.

A new survival reality TV show is being filmed on the mountain by Cwm Coed. Seven contestants have signed up to be filmed 24 hours a day whilst they live in basic conditions, all muddling along together, hungry for their fifteen minutes of fame. Or so they believe. What they've actually signed up for and what they've been told are two very different things indeed. All of the seven contestants have a secret they'll do anything to keep. If any of their fellow campmates can guess what that secret is, they'll be exposed live on air and eliminated from the show. If a campmate guesses incorrectly, the campmate will face a punishment worthy of their worst fears. The stakes have never been higher and the pressure is on. When one of the contestants disappears without a trace, DC Ffion Morgan is called in to help track him down. But a missing person investigation turns into a hunt for a killer when a body is discovered. Ffion's pool of suspects is small but everyone has a strong motive for murder. Just as everyone has an alibi that is firmly set in stone. Or in this case, on video tape...

A Game of Lies is a highly readable, utterly addictive thriller which I loved! A perfect follow up to the first book in the series. Although I can't abide watching them, I do love to read about reality TV shows. There's something truly fascinating about the process and the desire to be part of one (no shade intended!). Mackintosh has had a lot of fun with this book taking the usual reality TV format and giving it a bit of a twist. Not sure how I would feel if I signed up for one thing only to discover it was something completely different and potentially devastating! DC Ffion Morgan is back and sent to investigate the disappearance of one of the contestants following the producers announcement of what the show actually entails. Things have cooled somewhat with newly promoted DS Leo Brady who is once again called in to lead on this cross border investigation. Rather than the sparks we readers felt between the two characters in the first book, this time around it's more of an uncomfortable awkwardness that neither Ffion or Leo address. But it makes for excellent reading and a lovely 'will they/won't they' arc. Whether there is romance bubbling away under the surface or not, you cannot deny that these two coppers are pretty much the dream team (ably assisted by DC George Kent and not so ably assisted by flatulent Dave the Dog!).

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I absolutely loved everything about A Game of Lies from the intriguing storyline, the beautifully written characters (and that includes the smaller, secondary characters too), the propulsive plot which kept me fully immersed in the story, to the glorious Welsh setting, which Mackintosh builds upon with each book. If you're a fan of the police procedural then this is one of the best series out there at the moment and I cannot wait to read more in the *fingers crossed* hopefully not too distant future. There's plenty of well-written tension, shedloads of intrigue and bucketloads of gorgeous suspense. I absolutely loved A Game of Lies. Addictive, thoroughly entertaining and a firm favourite of 2023. Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of A Game of Lies. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

A book full of twists and turns and some very unlikeable characters.. It kept me reading and engrossed all the way through.

A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh.
Crime Fiction | 384 Pages

They say the camera never lies.
But on this show, you can't trust anything you see.

Book two in the DC Ffion Morgan series. This time we follow the story of a new reality TV show called “Exposure”. Exposure is not what it seems, seven contestants have been given a false premise of the show, one contestant is not happy and leaves the show but is nowhere to be seen. Each contestant is competing against each other to keep secrets safe – Some secrets can ruin livelihoods and even family life. DC Ffion Morgan is called out to the case, but this is only the very start of the investigation. This brings Leo Brady back in to the picture to solve the case. When a murder occurs Ffion is against the clock, she knows every one of the suspects has an alibi but they all have a secret worth killing for.

I am not a big fan of reality TV but I did thoroughly enjoy A Game of Lies. It was well written and had some great plot twists. I enjoyed that the characters are both likeable and unlikable. I am looking forward to book three in the series and being transported back to Wales.

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for a gifted copy of this e-book for my honest book review.

This is the 2nd book in the DC Ffion Morgan series and boy, was it brilliant!
It was a joy to be back in Cwm Coed, a small town located between Wales and England. We’re back with Ffion and Leo and some other familiar characters. This instalment revolves around a new reality TV show where contestants realise that all is not as they thought or even signed up for.
Highly suspenseful and entertaining!
Many thanks to @littlebrownbookUK @clairemackwrites @netgalley for e-arc

I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately I struggled with it. It's the second book in the DC Morgan series, and I remembered the character from when I read book #1. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, I would recommend reading the books in series order as the two main characters, DC Ffion Morgan and DS Leo Brady do have a lot of history from the first book.

The book, for me, felt too long. The storyline of the reality show "Exposure" was interesting although I struggled to like the contestants within the show. I liked Morgan's character and found her to be a feisty detective with a sharp sense of humour. I did, however, feel that the storyline dragged on a bit in parts and this made me lose interest in their stories and the investigation. I enjoyed the first book, this one less so.

This second book in the series is every bit as good as the first. Picking up several months after the events of The Last Party, this time we catch up with DC Ffion Morgan when she is called in to investigate a missing contestant in a new reality TV show. As the case takes a more sinister turn that bleeds across the Welsh border into England, Ffion finds herself crossing paths once again with newly promoted Leo. They parted on less than positive terms at the end of the last book so their interactions are rather frosty to begin with, although there is no denying the chemistry that still sparks between them.

Very much a character driven story, A Game of Lies is a fabulous read that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Although the second in the series, this book could easily be read as a standalone, but reading the The Last Party first would make for a much richer reading experience in my opinion.

Clare Mackintosh’s writing is flawless as she brings to life these wonderful characters. The isolated Welsh setting adds to the atmosphere as Ffion, her partner Georgina and Leo all work together to crack the case before another murder is committed. But for me the star of the show has to be Dave, Ffion’s canine friend who steals every scene he’s in. I honestly couldn’t love him more if I tried!

A Game of Lies is an intense and fast paced crime thriller that kept me riveted from beginning to end. With characters you can’t help but root for, Clare Mackintosh has written yet another fantastic read that I would highly recommend.

I love this author, her writing style is engaging and the plot twist are always a surprise. This book fell short for me, it did have great twist and turns however it felt very drawn out and very slow start. this has not put me off this author by any means, it was just this book fell flat for me.

I loved the first book in this series and I have to say that A Game of Lies is even better! It was great to be back with Ffion and seeing how she was after what happened previously. I was also so happy that Leo was back too and I was willing them to be able to figure out how to communicate with each other. The plot of this book is following seven people on a reality TV series set on a welsh mountain and it was so good from start to finish. Once the murder happens everyone is a suspect but it also seems like everyone has an alibi! I figured out part of what happened but I was still shocked at the reveal when it comes, and also how it played out. This book was so good and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

not my favourite Claire MacKintosh. It's a well plotted and twisty story, there's a lot surprises and it kept me guessing.
My issue: it's very slow at the beginning and it took ages before becoming a very tense and exciting book.
You have to be patient but it's worth waiting.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Sphere for approving me for an ARC of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Party and couldn’t wait to see what was next for Ffion Morgan.

📺I was absolutely fascinated with the reality TV angle of this book. Getting to see behind the scenes and learn how these kinds of shows are put together was shocking and eye-opening.

🕵🏻‍♀️Our favourite detectives are back on the scene and once again filled with the same banter as before. I love Ffion and Leo, While things were not always smooth sailing they do work well together (and the chemistry is clearly there)!

❌As the first murder occurs it is clear that everyone had a motive but also an air-tight alibi. I’m pleased to say that I had many theories and all of them were wrong! Clare Mackintosh pulled out another dramatic finale, with plenty of twisty revelations.

⭐I read this book in a day! I found it impossible to put down and could not find fault with it. I must give a shout-out to my favourite character, the true star of the show, Dave. This is the perfect book for fans of police procedurals and twisty revelations!