Member Reviews
"An Imperfect Truth" by Priscilla Masters is a compelling and intricately woven mystery that delves deep into the complexities of human emotions, secrets, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Masters, known for her skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters, delivers yet another gripping novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The story centers around Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Claire Roget, who finds herself embroiled in a perplexing case that challenges her professional and personal boundaries. When a woman named Jenny Lee is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the police are quick to rule it a suicide. However, Jenny's distraught husband cannot accept this conclusion and turns to Dr. Roget for help. As she delves into Jenny's life, Claire uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden truths that complicate the investigation and put her own life at risk.
Masters' writing is sharp and immersive, drawing readers into the dark and often murky world of forensic psychiatry. She navigates the technical aspects of the field with ease, making them accessible and fascinating to readers without overwhelming them with jargon. The psychological depth she brings to her characters adds a rich layer of complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of grief, guilt, and redemption.
The character of Dr. Claire Roget is particularly well-developed. Masters portrays her as a dedicated and empathetic professional, yet flawed and human, struggling with her own demons and doubts. Her determination to uncover the truth behind Jenny's death, even as she faces professional skepticism and personal danger, makes her a compelling and relatable protagonist.
The plot of "An Imperfect Truth" is masterfully constructed, with twists and turns that maintain suspense and keep readers guessing until the very end. Masters demonstrates her prowess in crafting a mystery that is not only intellectually engaging but also emotionally resonant. The pacing is perfect, balancing slower, more introspective moments with fast-paced, tension-filled scenes that propel the story forward.
Supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each with their own motivations and secrets that add layers of intrigue to the story. Masters adeptly handles the multiple narrative threads, weaving them together into a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that addresses the complexities of justice and the human condition.
In summary, "An Imperfect Truth" by Priscilla Masters is a standout mystery that combines psychological depth with a compelling narrative. It is a testament to Masters' talent as a storyteller and her ability to explore the darker aspects of the human psyche while maintaining empathy and hope. Fans of the genre and newcomers alike will find this novel to be a deeply satisfying read that lingers long after the last page is turned.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a great read! A forensic psychologist must help police solve her patients murder. The patient ,Poppy, was a habitual liar and made many enemies. This unfolds throughout the story and kept reading way past my bedtime. The ending was fantastic and I didn't see it coming. Highly recommend
An Imperfect Truth is a good psychological thriller that captured and held my interest throughout. I loved the portrayal of the pathalogical liar Poppy Kalloway. I'm interested in psychology and I felt that the impact of her lies and manipulation on all of the people she subjected to them was credible.
I liked the main character, Dr Claire Roget, herself beset with insecurities. I enjoyed following her growing understanding of her relationship with her own mother as she works with her patient Dana, who suffers from post-natal psychosis.
I have not read the earlier books but that in no way interfered with my enjoyment of this book: it works well as a standalone novel. That said, I'll look forward to reading subsequent books in the series.
My thanks to the auther, publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!
3.5 stars - An Imperfect Truth features forensic psychiatrist Claire Roget who teams up with Detective Sergeant Zed Willard and a colleague, child psychologist Saul Magnusson, when one of her patients. a pathological liar, is found brutally murdered. Claire is unsure if Poppy Kelloway's lies have finally caught up with her or if Claire was the real target. At Zed's urging, she agrees to look through her patient files to see if any of them would have a reason to kill Poppy.
This book is part of a series, but I've not read any of the prior books. I didn't always understand Claire's decisions, but her insights into her various patients were interesting. I like when Claire and Saul consult and I wish I she had been more open with Zed and there had been more meaningful scenes between them. I found the pace of the book to be uneven, but it was a unique mystery and I would read more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Severn House, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Just too much going on with not one thing enough to keep me interested. The murder solving which should have been the clear main storyline to make any organised sense of the book was just another thread.
This is an intriguing, gripping, twisty and well written novel. A page turner that kept me reading.
I think there's always an element of darknes in any novel that involves forensic psychiatric as they investigate the darker side of the souls.
It's not the first I read in this series and i can say they're all well plotted stories.
This was fascinating and I strongly recommend it
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
If you are into the forensic psychologist books you will love this one! The characters are interesting. I feel like I am just a little too dumb to get some of this book, but I said the same about some pretty legendary books.
I think maybe I need to read this when I am having a smart day.
Anyway, it was good.
I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this book but the storyline and well defined characters drew me in from the start. Poppy is dead, killed in a violent attack in her own home but did she deserve it? Poppy is a pathological liar and is receiving treatment from Claire. The police, in the form of Zed, contact Claire and although their relationship isn’t great, they seek the same outcome ie who could have done it and why. Claire has many patients who could have had motive and she tries to work out who may have had opportunity. This is an easy read which is well written and well paced.
Poppy was horrible but she was Dr. Claire Roget's patient and now she's been murdered. Claire must help DS Zed Willard find the killer, who might also be coming for her, even as she deals with family issues of a wedding and her mother. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'd not read the earlier books but this was fine as a standalone.
I found myself quickly engrossed in this book. Is it a patient that is responsible or not? I quickly found like that I liked Claire and I also liked the fact the we get to know a little bit about her as a person and her family life.
I loved how Poppy's lies were unfolded and the pool of suspects was growing as more lies and connections were uncovered. I was not expecting the ending and thought it came together brilliantly.
This is the first book in the series that I have read and I don't feel that not having read the others prior to this had any impact on the story. I am however intrigued to go back and read then to see if there is anything that I have missed about Claire ready for the next book!
Well written, interesting and engaging!! There is a lot going on in this book and a few too many threads and plot lines but as long as you keep up then it does all work well and comes together nicely. It's more TBA just a murder jystery or a thriller, with all the plot lines then you get a whole host of genres getting a look in. The characters are well written and believable and it's well paced and plotted out so never feels rushed or like it's dragging. I read it a stand alone and really enjoyed it
Immersive, Well Plotted..
The fourth entry into the Claire Roget, Forensic Psychiatrist series of mysteries finds our protagonist wrestling with the actions and ultimate murder of one of her patients. It seems that, in life, Poppy was the consummate liar and left a trail of disaster in her wake. When Poppy is found murdered, and a clinic appointment card ripped up nearby, Claire has to ask herself whether or not there is a connection between this grisly killing and the clinic. Is Claire in danger and can she get to the truth? Another gripping and well written instalment to the series with a deftly drawn and credible cast and a compelling plot peppered with red herrings. Immersive, well plotted and engaging.
An Imperfect Truth by Priscilla Masters was a well written and extremely enjoyable story, in fact the book was difficult to put down. Characters were very interesting and very believable. Story keeps the readers interest from beginning to end.
This book kept me enthralled wanting to rush through it to reach the end.
A great twisty read that kept me on the edge of my seat.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thank You NetGalley and Severn House for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
There is so much happening at once, I’m getting lost between the murder investigation, the on/off boyfriend, her brothers wedding, her relationship with her mother, and finding her long lost father. It’s just too much at once’s I can’t finish reading it. I keep getting lost and uninterested because it jumps from one thing to the next. I wish it just focused on the investigation. I also didn’t understand why the author kept using Zed’s full name every time he’s addressed. We don’t need it, just call him Zed. I also felt Zed pushing that the murder was leading to Claire was very forced. It didn’t make any sense to me why he thought that and I kept getting annoyed with how often it was ,mentioned.
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Claire Roger is horrified to learn of one of her patients, Poppy Galloway, has been murdered in a particularly vicious manner. She was undergoing treatment for her pathological lying that ended up hurting many, even causing the death of one of her victims. She was proud of the fact people believed her and cruelly laughed at them.
Claire is trying to help DS Zed Willard unravel the mystery without getting too mixed up in the process, but it's difficult for her to step away.
I'm not sure I like Claire, especially when it comes to relationships, but found the psychiatry aspect fascinating. She also has to attend a wedding, dreading meeting her mother again - they have a difficult relationship.
It's a good book and the mystery itself is a real puzzler, I couldn't figure it out.
Definitely recommended!
An Imperfect Truth works very well as a stand-alone even though it is part of a series. Dr. Claire Roget is a forensic psychiatrist who is shocked by the savage murder of her patient, Poppy. She is contacted by the police who believe the murderer might be another patient of Claire’s and believe she might also be in danger. Poppy is described as a liar, with a narcissistic personality disorder. Her lies have ruined other people’s lives and have a negative impact on her three children. This book touches on fascinating topics in mental health as well as privacy issues. Still the various patients (other than Poppy) come across as flat and predictable. Poppy and the non-patient characters are well developed. Claire is an intriguing and inconsistent character. She cares deeply for her patients and is determined to solve the mystery, however she is sidetracked by her own family issues and social life. Claire’s thought processes and discussions with other professionals are interesting, however I feel that reviewing each patient’s symptoms in her head comes across as repetitive and somewhat detracts from the continuation of the story. All the pieces come together at the end. I will look for the other books in the series since forensic psychiatry is so interesting, and I like the character of Claire. I’m interested in reading other books by this author. With thanks to Netgalley and Severn House for this ARC. My opinions are my own.