Fatal Lies is book two in the Forrester Detective Agency Mystery series that is written by Anita Waller. This was the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. While this book is part of a series, I did not have any issues following along. The two detectives in the agency are Matt and Steve. Matt is a former police officer who took over after his father died. They are able to expand a bit, and hire a qualified office manager named Carol.

They catch a case where a divorced mother with two young kids is burglarized. It becomes clear that one of the burglars has connections to a well known gangster. She vents about the burglary on social media, and she is found dead shortly after.

This book is told by multiple points of view - and is easy to follow along. It reads more like a cozy mystery - but was an enjoyable read

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Another well-written murder mystery by this author.

The book has the usual mix of great characters, mystery, and dark humour. It is always so pleasant to read a book with familiar characters and a great storyline.

Well worth the read and I cannot wait until the next in the series.

This story is a good development from the first in the series and we get to know more about the main characters and their inter-relationships with each other. I love how the son is trying to become involved at times especially when cakes are on the agenda and it did remind me of myself as a child. That is the light hearted side of the story with a great thread throughout. I really am enjoying this series.

Enjoyed this second book in the new series, The Forrester detective is going from strength to strength , bigger office new office manager and more cases to keep them occupied and busy investigating, although what starts as a simple burglary soon becomes so much more than that

Highly recommended

This book is the second book in the Forrester Detective series. This book is told by multiple POV's. The characters in the series make the book. Lots of twists and turns. I couldnt put this book down. Look forward to book 3.

Anita is one of my all time favourite authors. I have loved all her stand alone thrillers. However this one didn’t hit the mark for me. 2nd in a series, it just felt a bit flat. . I hope she continue to write stand aliens in future.

What a fantastic and engaging book, it’s just perfect for this cold winter nights because it’s so atmospheric.

I felt I was missing a link because I didn’t realise that this is book 2 in a series.

But you can bet I’m going to go on Amazon and read the first book.

This is SO much more than what you think it’s going to be.

This book was very good! I loved the suspense and the characters! I would definitely recommend and I’m excited to read other titles by this author!

After creating an an interesting and engaging first book with the former cop turned private investigator Matt Forrester, his sister Hermia, friends Steve, author Anita Waller is back with an intriguing matter which pulls in the Forrester clan competely and puts them in danger.

Since we last saw them, they have finished making Matt's father's agency their own and are beginning to attract new clients. Matt's partner Karen is called in to investigate a burglary which soon becomes a murder case. While Matt puts in his two cents in her investigation when asked, his agency also has to contend with the attentions of a strange woman. And just when these matters seem to be getting resolved, tragedy strikes close to home. The rest of the story shows us how these issues get resolved.

I actually didn't like it as much as I did the previous one. This book lacks the suspense and edge the first one had. The latest personal issue the team has was long drawn out before it finished off in a cliffhanger. I felt that was drawn out a tad too much.

Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read and also a very engaging one almost about 80% of the length. I also loved the new character Carol very much. I would love to see more of her. And I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

Every book I have read from the author I have loved and Anita's book was no different. Fatal Lies by Anita Waller was another excellent read form start to finish. Anita has a way of bring all her audience into her books, from the very first page you just want more. This book is the second in the Forrester Detective Agency series but can be read as the first book but I do advise you go back and read the first book it will not disappoint!

I highly recommend this series and all the characters are very likeable

Big Thank you to Netgalley and especially Boldwood Books for my ARC.

This is the second book of the Forrester Detective Agency series. I honestly think I enjoyed reading the second book first. I know that sounds backwards but I feel like this book explained the background of the first pretty well and it did not slow me down with learning and caring for the characters.

The book was so fast to give us all the characters in a way that all the connections felt genuine and I cared for them almost immediately. Also, the development of the characters and the dynamics between them was done so well that it just all flowed so well.

Now for the actual plot. There were so many subplots, all connecting in some way or another. This was done so well that every single chapter was interesting and wanted me to keep reading. I was blowing through the book so fast, just getting lost in it. There was not a single second in the book where I was bored, and it really kept me guessing where the subplots were going to lead and what was going to happen. This was truly an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!

Of course it left on a cliffhanger, so I am sure all the readers will be eagerly waiting for the next book! But that's good new for you since now you can start the series and be ready for when that new book comes out!

So I read book one in the series and whilst I Enjoyed it I felt it lacked so edging however this edition to the series I engaged alot better with.

Maybe it's the introduction of the fabulous Carol who is my kind of lady, outspoken, punchy, determined, reliable, honest she's a delight.

Lots of different branches in this one kept me entertained and invested.

I'm now more invested in seeing how this series develops.

I liked this book,which although it was not too long, had a lot going on. The main characters include a police woman, her brother who now runs a detective agency with a friend who is her partner and Matt's girlfriend. They are joined by Carol who offers to be their receptionist .Harry, Matt's son also plays a prominent role in the book.
Some of their cases are looking into straying partners and other domestic issues. Karen becomes involved when one of their clients is found murdered.
The plot is well written, the conversations and descriptions well done . Enough geographical description for interest (Sheffield/Peak district) without going too overboard.
The book is believable, though was sad about those who died.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC i n exchange for an honest review

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really like this author, I didn't realise that this book was the second in this series, so I bought the first one.A great series and a recommended read.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

I really enjoyed this mystery/thriller focusing on a detective agency. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I haven't read book 1, but there was enough reference to what happened in that book that I didn't feel lost. Matt and Steve are the two detectives in the agency. Matt was a police office but took over the agency after the death of his father. As this book begins, the duo hire an office manager, Carol, who is highly qualified. It's implied that she worked for a highly placed person in the British government, but the author is coy about giving the reader more information. I'm sure Carol's history will come into play in future books. Or at least, I hope it does.

Matt and Steve are asked to look into a burglary by a divorced mother with two young children. Video is found of the burglars, but the mother claims she doesn't recognize them, when in fact she knows one of them is the son of a prominent gangster. The woman posts a vague threat to the father of the boy on Facebook, and soon after is found dead. Other strange occurrences in the neighborhood lead Matt and Steve, along with Matt's girlfriend Karen, an investigator with the police department, to wonder just what is behind everything. To add more problems for everyone to deal with, a woman from Matt's father's past shows up claiming she and her father were a serious couple.

I really enjoyed this book. It has private detectives, police investigators, a smart and capable office manager, a cast of dodgy characters and plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I really liked Matt and Steve. They are smart, honest, and believe in working hard for their clients. I love Carol - who I think has more skills than she's revealed - and every time she discovers a promising lead, I thought "You go, Carol!" I also liked Karen, who is a tough, but fair, investigator who knows what she's doing and skillfully leads her team so they get results.

This is an engrossing mystery that will keep you guessing. It's a quick and easy read (at only 282 pages) that you can easily read in an afternoon.

I was provided a complimentary e-copy of this book by NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions are my own.

Anita Waller's latest thriller, Fatal Lies, continues the riveting journey of the Forrester Detective Agency, led by the sharp and intuitive Matt Forrester. In this installment, the agency is thriving, having expanded its office space and welcomed the arrival of a capable new office manager, Carol. However, what begins as a seemingly straightforward burglary case quickly escalates into a complex and ominous web of deception and danger.

The plot gains momentum as the victim of the burglary is found dead, having apparently confronted the local troublemakers she suspected to be responsible. As Matt and his team, including his sister Hermia, partner Steve, and life partner Karen, delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover unsettling truths that suggest a far more sinister undercurrent at play. Despite the mounting risks and personal jeopardy, the team must pool their collective expertise and confront the dangerous forces lurking in the shadows.

Anita Waller exhibits her mastery of suspenseful storytelling in Fatal Lies, seamlessly weaving intricate plot threads and skillfully building tension with each chapter. The characters are brought to life through Waller's vivid and nuanced portrayals, each carrying their weight in the complex narrative. Matt Forrester, in particular, shines as a compelling protagonist, showcasing not only his investigative prowess but also his unwavering determination to seek justice, even when faced with daunting peril.

Waller's writing style is both engaging and immersive, effortlessly drawing readers into the heart of the mystery and keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very last page. The vivid descriptions of the setting and the palpable sense of urgency contribute to the overall atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, heightening the emotional impact of the narrative.

While the novel maintains a consistently gripping pace and expertly crafted suspense, a slight deduction from a perfect rating is warranted due to certain plot elements that felt slightly predictable at times. However, this minor drawback does not detract from the overall impact and enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, Fatal Lies is a must-read for fans of gripping thrillers and intricate mysteries. Anita Waller delivers a compelling narrative that keeps readers invested from start to finish, showcasing her skill at crafting compelling characters and weaving a captivating storyline. With its engaging plot twists and a satisfying resolution, Fatal Lies is a testament to Waller's expertise in the genre and solidifies her position as a masterful storyteller.

I love @anitawallerauthor her books are attention grabbing from the first page, this fast paced thriller had so many twists and turns I was constantly questioning everything we were told. I love the way the motives and red herrings are are all woven together to make the perfect of intrigue and doubt meaning I could turn the pages fast enough and I don't think I will forget that ending in a long time.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Fatal Lies' by Anita Waller.


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Anita Waller, Boldwood, Book & Tonic and Rachel's Random Book Tours .


Publication date 17th October 2023

This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in her 'The Forrester Detective Agency Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also previously read 'The Couple Across The Street' which I would also highly recommend!!


This novel consists of a 37 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

'Fatal Lies' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Anita discusses/includes violence to a child.

I absolutely LOVED this fast paced, gritty and unputdownable psychological thriller filled with non stop action and secrets!!!

This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all making your heart pound and you constantly second guessing.


A huge success by Anita!!! This book had me hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliffhanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! This kept on happening over and over until before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this this morning and finished it at approx 2pm, reading it in one sitting. This is one of those fascinating books that will have you questioning the characters and yourself throughout!!! You have no idea who to believe and if any other of them can be trusted!!! There is plenty going on to keep the reader glued to the pages and I loved how Anita brought the multiple storylines together, weaving them together without giving too much away. I cannot wait to get stuck into the first book in this series along with future books. There was just constantly something going on and Anita's fantastic evocative descriptions brought absolutely everything to life in front of my eyes. The book starts with a break in at a family home but the storyline continues into murder, a runaway child, old cases, relationship problems, a break-in and a mysterious stalker plus so much more!!!! It is ram packed with twists, turns, murder, secrets, deceipt and surprises you'll never see coming. I definitely didn't and I have read hundreds of crime and psychological books so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Anita!! It is getting harder and harder to surprise me but you managed it in this successful, chilling and page turning psychological thriller!!! Grab your copy and jump on the rollercoaster ride of secrets, family, suspense, chills, twists, thrills, mystery and everything you could ask for in an epic page turner!!!

Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely LOVED the majority of the characters and became completely invested in them immediately. Although this is only the first time I have met them they already feel like friends and I cannot wait to get stuck into the first book in this series which is called Fatal Secrets to get to know them from the beginning as well as looking forward to reading all the next books in this series. They are all very well developed and realistic and Anita's evocative descriptions ensure each of them come to life in front of your eyes. The main characters which lead the Forrester Detective Agency are Matt Forrester who is an EX DI, Steve Rowlands who is also a landscaper and Carol Flynn who is Matt and Steve's new PA And creator of Watson (which I absolutely LOVE the idea of!!!). I'm not going to go into too much detail about the characters as I don't want to give anything but these three are the main characters and each of them all have their own unique personalities and quirks. I love the bond and teamwork between them all and I cannot wait to continue getting to know them. Other important characters in this amazing series include Hermia (Steve's partner and Matt's Sister), DS Karen Nelson (Matt's partner), Becky (Matt's ex wife and Harry's mum), Harry (Matt and Harry's son) and Superintendent D!ckh3@d Brian Davis (Becky's new husband and lives up to his name!!!). Again, all of these characters are well developed and realistic and I loved the majority of them (no prizes for guessing the one I especially hated!!). Apart from a certain person I really cannot wait to meet them again. Congratulations Anita on creating an amazing group of memorable characters!!!



Congratulations Anita on another absolutely amazing page turner!!! I cannot wait to get stuck in to the first book in this series as well as more of your amazing books!! This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success 🥂!!!

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Anita's 'The Couple Across The Street' which I have actually read myself and if you enjoyed this book you will love that one!! I would definitely recommend it!!

Overall an addictive and gripping psychological thriller rammed with secrets and twists!!



282 pages.


This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.32 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!


Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.


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I started reading and was fast sucked into the story and it held me until I finished it. Even though it is the second in a series, I enjoyed reading it, but I'm going to read the first one right after this, simply because I don't want to miss anything. I like the main character and how it is developed. Anita Waller is no new author to me, I like her writing style and I can't wait to read the next installment of the series too.

‘Fatal Lies’ was compelling, with brilliant characters and writing, a real page turner that kept me engrossed up to the last page! This is the follow-up to the first in the series ‘Fatal Secrets’ but it can be read as a stand-alone. I do recommend reading the first one though as it was a cracking read!

The Forrester Detective Agency is going from strength to strength. They are so busy that they have had to hire an office manager, Carol, who fits in seamlessly with the lads and of course, Harry loves her scones! Carol had bags of experience and had transformed the ‘back office’ into a working heaven and I loved the idea of ‘Watson’. It was lovely to see the two main characters, Matt and Steve, progress in their personal lives as well as professional.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this follow up and it did not disappoint at all! It felt as if I was coming back to characters that had been going for a good few books. What I mean by that is, they were nuanced, familiar to the reader and it felt like they were a well formed unit. Plus, of course there is Matt’s son Harry who I just adore! The plot was well balanced between the main murder and the interconnecting subplots and it was directed to a satisfying conclusion. I flew through this book in a couple of sittings as it was a compelling and addictive read! There were lots of twists and reveals, it was a tense read but enjoyable at the same time.

Let me know if you pick this one up!