Seven people apply for the new reality TV programme, Exposure, thinking they will be exposed to the elements in the Welsh Dragon Mountain. However, once in camp they are told that the aim of the game is to stop their darkest secret from being exposed.
When a murder takes place Ffion is investigating, with ex-husband Huw and Leo from the other side of the border.
I loved this book. The awkward relationships between Ffion and her daughter / sister, the men in her life as well as Dave the dog and Georgina, her new colleague. The book was easy to get into and I can’t wait for the next instalment in Ffion’s life.

After reading The Last Party I was excited to read the follow up Game of Lies, North Wales is a perfect setting and the local references really made the book authentic.

Fflion Morgan is such a strong character and I loved how the book explored the problems she encountered policing on her home ground and also the difficulties she faced in her personal relationships.

The plot centres around a game show - Exposure being filmed near Cwn Coed. Seven contestants believe they are participating in a reality game show which means they must expose each others secrets in an attempt to be the last one standing and the ultimate winner.

The seven contestants couldn’t be any more different from each other and each of them carry their own unique secrets . As tensions run high and secrets are shared, one contestant goes missing and a murder occurs meaning police involvement and the finger of suspicion being pointed at everyone.

I love these kind of reality game shows , I was hooked on The Traitors and this book resonated with me leaving me guessing right to the end, suspenseful and full of twists and turns !! I loved it

Exposure is the latest reality show. Seven contestants have signed up, ready to withstand the trials of living wild in the mountains of North Wales for a week. However the first twist facing the contestants is the format of the show. The first announcement is that they don’t face exposure to the elements, they face their own secrets being exposed to the world – unless they win by exposing their camp-mates secrets first.
When one of the contestants disappears, DC Ffion Lloyd and DS Leo Brady are called in to investigate, but – unless it wasn’t already blindingly obvious – the show is rotten to the core and soon things escalate when a murder takes place. With tensions high between everyone – not least Ffion and Leo – can a murder where everyone had a motive and no one had an opportunity be solved, at least before another death occurs?
I really enjoyed the opening book in this series, The Last Party, but I was wary about the book being extended into a series. I’ve read a few books recently that were “Book One” and they were all perfectly good, but then I struggled with the continuations. When a book tries to focus as much on the lives of the sleuths as much as the mystery, the balance can be hard to get right. The first book here dealt with a case that Ffion was personally involved with and could easily have been a standalone mystery. Could Clare Mackintosh pull off the trick of producing an effective continuation?
Well, yes, yes she could. The personal involvement in the case is dialled back somewhat, although it’s still set in Ffion’s backyard, and she knows some of the suspects, and the central story is a pretty straightforward whodunnit – with a clue or two! It’s the character work that elevates it, with most of the narrative focussing on Ffion and Leo, with occasional flashbacks to the contestants, giving some insight into their actual characters, rather than that portrayed by that lowest form of entertainment, the reality show.
What sells the book is Ffion and Leo, two characters that I could read about for ages – and I hope I will. The rebellious cop is a cliché, but here Ffion comes across as someone who can get away with her transgressions. The addition of her co-worker George works well too, and I look forward to reading more about her in the future too.
Armchair sleuths won’t be fooled by one aspect of the case and I think one aspect of the forensics have been somewhat overlooked which might have saved a bit of time, but all in all, this is a very satisfying page-turner, combining a whodunit with strong characters. More, please!

It was good to catch up with Ffion and Leo in this book. It had an unusual plot, quite topical with the current rise in reality shows. There was plenty of intrigue, it was well written and the story developed at a good pace. Another winner from Claire. I can recommend it will keep your interest from beginning to end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

Game of Lies is a cracking follow up to The Last Party. Set in North Wakes and featuring a group of recurring characters, there’s A real sense of both time and place with snippets of Welsh thrown in to the text. It’s very realistic. Ffion, the central police DC is a strong lead; she’s quirky, doesn’t play by the book but remains just on the right side of not being thrown out of the police. Her last outing left her being more closely supervised at a different station, but that doesn’t change much and she’s soon in the lead on a case where some bones are found. The story centres on a reality tv show and the contestants fall under suspicion. It’s a clever and interesting premise and a fascinating insight into the world of reality tv and the ruthlessness of both the producers and contestants.

As a murder mystery, it’s first rate with plenty of twists to keep you guessing. It’s fast paced and original and there’s character development as old relationships are restored and new ones develop. Ffion is growing as a character and she’s got real substance. Her relationship with Georgina makes an interesting partnership and a foil fir humorous observation at times. I’m really delighted that the follow up is, if possible, even better than the first book. It reads well as a standalone, but knowing the earlier background adds a richness to the character development. A tense and twisty read that kept me hooked.

I enjoyed Clare Mackintosh’s book where we we introduced to Ffion, her family, her police colleagues and her Welsh town and was so pleased to read the second book in the series. This is another cracker with a great cast of characters, some old and some new. At the centre of the story is the reality tv programme that is being filmed locally but has terrible and life changing twists for the unfortunate contestants. The book makes you think about your own part in watching reality tv and how things can be manipulated to suit the producers. I don’t want to give away the plot but trust me, this is a book people will talk about.

A fantastic novel, initially I didn't realise it was part of a series and i was worried that I wouldn't understand it having not read the previous book. It was an unfounded concern and A game of Lies stands up very well as a stand-alone read. A fantastically pacey read with a great, well-thought-through plot. The characters were well developed and the story unfolded with tension and intrigue and she evokes North Wales so beautifully. Highly recommended.

Where do I start….. I have read all all of Clare’s books and I could not wait to read A Game of Lies especially as it was a follow up to The Last Party.
I didn’t think this book could be as good as her last but it was better.
I loved the idea of a game show and being based on reality tv and thought the various contestants were really interesting .
I loved the fact characters from the first book were included and we saw what was happening in their lives and how they were moving on and I was so so happy Leo was back.
I was gripped throughout the whole book and even got up at 6am to finish it while cheering and crying throughout the last chapter(no spoilers)
I also loved the introduction of George and her backstory and cannot wait for the next instalment to see her and Ffions partnership and hopefully them both opening up to each other.
Thanks to NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Clare Mackintosh for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

“Cwm Coed’s been the same for hundreds of years , Ffion once said to him, and she’d meant it as a blessing and a curse.”

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.

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

I loved the idea of setting the novel around a reality TV show. Mackintosh turns up the heat by adding the threat of exposing contestants’ secrets to win. As their deepest, darkest secrets begin to spill out, not only do they stand to lose a lot of money, they must face its repercussions back at home.

Mackintosh knows how to catch her readers’ pulse and steadily builds the momentum in her narrative to get the adrenaline pumping. As the game plays out on TV screens across the UK with record viewing figures, there is an unscripted version playing out behind the scenes.

Devilishly witty, with sharply written characters and clever twists that even seasoned Mackintosh fans will not expect, this is a worthy sequel that only raises your expectations for what’s next.

This ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group, UK.

I have absolutely raced through A Game of Lies- I think I've enjoyed it even more than the Last Party. I thought the premise of a survival reality show was intriguing and really current but the aspect that had me hooked was the Ffion/Leo will they/won't they tension. I loved how we see Ffion's character develop more and the introduction of George to the team will be someone to look forward to getting to know in the next one! All set in stunning North Wales. What could be better?

I really enjoyed this second Ffion Morgan outing and the premise of a missing contestant from a reality TV show was really gripping. I like the character development and the relationship between Ffion and Leo.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.

A Game of Lies, the latest masterpiece from Clare Mackintosh, completely captivated me from beginning to end.
This gripping thriller takes readers in a high-stakes reality show where trust is a luxury and secrets are deadly.
As I delved into the treacherous world of the Welsh mountains alongside the seven contestants, I couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline, my heart pounding with anticipation at every turn. The intricate web of deceit and the ever-present danger had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly trying to uncover the truth alongside Detective Ffion Morgan.
Even without having read the first book in the series, I found myself fully engrossed in the story, appreciating the depth of the characters and their complex dynamics.
Clare Mackintosh's skillful storytelling and her ability to craft suspenseful narratives shine through in this thrilling tale. A Game of Lies is a stand-alone novel that seamlessly blends mystery, suspense, and psychological tension, leaving me yearning for more of Mackintosh's exceptional work.

A Game of Lies is the second book in the Detectives Ffiion Morgan and Leo Brady series,. Set in Wales and the English border.. Ffiion is a feisty character whereas Leo Brady is complete opposite. A contestant goes missing from the game show.. The plot involves secrets and lies and the need to have them kept secret. . An unusual story with several suspects,.

Thank you for my copy of this book to read and review.

I have read all of this authors standalone books now, and I really enjoyed The Last Party which featured the character of Ffion Morgan so I was glad to see there was another one out.

Full of tension and twists, I thought this was an original plot-line which kept my interest from the start. Although this book does feature characters and background from the previous story, I think it would still be fine to read as a standalone. I especially loved Dave the dog! Hoping there will be a book three.

Thanks netgalley for a early copy to review.

I loved the characters in the book and how they all come together the story once again was brilliant from.start to finish.

A Game of Lies is the much anticipated second book in the Ffion Morgan series. This was a real pacy thriller with the added bonus of familiar characters. It was good to meet all the characters from Cwm Coed again and to be introduced to new ones, particularly Ffion’s new colleague George. The plot centres round a new game show being filmed near Cwm Coed. Participants think it’s a survival show but each of them has a secret and to win the game, they have to find out and expose the others’ secrets. As you would expect, tensions run high. When a contestant goes missing, the police are called in. The show reminded me very much of I’m A Celebrity but without the celebrities and with a nasty twist! Ffion is a great character, still a maverick, almost a law to herself, but with her own vulnerabilities. I enjoyed looking up all the little snippets of Welsh language.

Whilst not as good as the first book in this series, The Last Party, A Game of Lies is a well paced read with an interesting plot and satisfying twist led by a great lead. 4 stars

Having loved all of this author's standalones, I was keen to pursue this series. I found book 1 OK, but it didn't blow me away. I feel the same with book 2. A slow start, part 1 seemed to drag for me, and part 2 was much more pacey and intriguing. I was hoping for more development from the original village folk, but bringing in a lot of strangers with a very strange gameshow concept wasn't how I expected this to go.

Some good surprising moments but was left a tad underwhelmed.

Back to what already feels like a well-established setting and characters. This time round, Ffion is having second thoughts about her job and the extent to which she can continue to work amongst people she’s grown up with.
The case being focused on is an intriguing one though it takes a while to establish the details.
In the second of the series we watch as Ffion and her team have to deal with a TV company filming a new reality TV show on their doorstep. Exposure has been lauded as a groundbreaking show, and yet its not quite what the contestants expected - they all have a secret, and to win they have to keep their secret safe. With so much money on the line it doesn’t take long to realise that people have a vested interest in some secrets staying hidden.
When one of the contestants goes missing, it’s awkward. Once the production manager is found murdered then they know they’ve got a problem.
The team are battling to solve this crime with the world watching them. Some unexpected twists and turns, and a rather dangerous moment for one of the team. Naturally we want to see the developing relationship between Ffion and Leo, but this stalls somewhat. However, we’re back on track by the end.

A great plot - a game show with a murder in the Welsh hills. This continues a serial, with favourite characters returning and enough new characters to keep it interesting. The story moves along at quite a pace, with enough twists and turns that it’s not obvious who did it.

A really enjoyable read, thanks to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for a review.