During an educational retreat at Chidlow House in Lincolnshire, one of the teachers falls from a roof from an apparent suicide or accident. Then two of the teenagers on the course, Cressida and Natasha, go missing, and Detective Karen Hart and the rest of her team are called in to investigate. They hear numerous stories about the house being haunted and Karen starts to believe it might be true when she hears the sound of whispering and dripping water. The team speak to everyone at the estate and soon realise that several people may be hiding secrets. Karen and the rest of the team race against time to discover the truth and find the missing girls. Karen soon learns that everything may not be as it seems...

An absolutely fantastic entry to the Detective Karen Hart series. The plot is thrilling and everyone is a suspect - I was kept guessing until the very end! A captivating page-turner which is can't recommend enough. I'm a fan of the series so I loved hearing from all the team again. Can't wait for the next in the series!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the fantastic D. S. Butler for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.

2 girls Cressida and Natasha disappeared! Chidlow House is suspected of being haunted! A detective is called and becomes undecisive whether this is actually supernatural phenomena or something else~ Then the race against the clock to find them! I have enjoyed the other series (DS Karen Hart #1) by D.S. Butler as well!
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book!
4 stars from me!

Another excellent book by D.S. Butler, having read all her previous ones. This is a mystery murder starring Detective Karen Hart and is set in Chidlow House in Lincolnshire where a group of students are studying. It centers on two girls, Cressida and Natasha, who disappear overnight. There are many suspects and this is a book that once started can't be put down. Enthralling.

Another fantastic book in the Karen Hart series. The usual twists turns and plots. This one though had me guessing til the very end. Can’t wait for the next instalment as the underlying issues in the books are coming into their own.
Highly recommend

A study group being held in an old house owned by the Chidlow family when two of the female students go out one night and vanish.DS Karen Hart and the team are called in to investigate amid rumours of ghosts and strange happenings,things are never what they appear to be and Karen soon gets to the bottom of matters.I love to read books by DS Butler as i am always drawn into the story and i was looking forward to finding out how Karen Hart was coping after finding out in the last book about how her family had died.Well done EXCELLENT book 5*

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
An educational retreat held at Chidlow House in Lincolnshire turns deadly when one of the teachers is killed falling from the roof. Was it an accident?
Shortly thereafter 2 female students go missing. DS Karen Hart and her team are called in immediately, not surprising, because one of the male students is the son of a high-up police officer.
There are rumors of ghostly whispers and dripping water, fueled by the fact three women of the Chidlow family died by drowning. The current owner of Chidlow House is an unpleasant character, has a reputation of lusting after young girls and is uncooperative. Then there is the surly groundsman ... all suspects as far as Karen is concerned.
This is a really good addition to the series. Definitely recommended.

#HouseOfLies #NetGalley
When two teenage girls vanish without a trace from an educational retreat at Chidlow House in Lincolnshire, the students and teachers are put on high alert.Called in to investigate, Detective Karen Hart questions everyone who came into contact with the two girls, Cressida and Natasha, in the days leading up to their disappearance.Stories of Chidlow House being haunted abound, but Hart—still coming to terms with the suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of her own family—knows that while the house might be otherworldly, the crime is grimly real.But nothing is quite as it seems at Chidlow House. When it becomes clear that someone at the estate must know more than they’re letting on, Hart faces a race against time to find the culprit and save the girls.
Thanks to NetGalley and Apun for giving me an arc.

House Of Lies by DS Butler was an easy ready and a thoroughly enjoyable thriller. Intriguing characters and a great storyline that held my interest right to the end. DS Butler is becoming a firm favourite of mine.

Strange happenings are occurring at Chidlow house an historic mansion in Lincolnshire. Rumors abound about the house being haunted and the owner agrees to host a special "learning week" for students to raise money.
First a young teacher jumps or is pushed off the roof and soon after two young girls studying at the course go missing.
D.S. Karen Hart and her team are called out immediately to investigate as one of the students is the son of a high ranking police officer. After the teachers death is ruled a murder and one of the young girls body is found in the lake pressure is on Karen and her team to catch and arrest a suspect.
Lots of suspects led to a fast paced suspenseful plot and Karen's back story of the loss of her husband and daughter keep your interest in this entry of D. S. Butlet's novels starring Karen Hart. I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in police dramas and I am looking forward to reading more of Butler's novels.

Thank you to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing for an advanced copy of "House of Lies" by D S Butler in return for an honest review.

"House of Lies" is the fourth book in the DS Karen Hart Series. Although you don't need to read the previous books to follow the main story, reading Book Three in the Series "Don't Turn Back" would be an advantage to understanding the backstory concerning police corruption that isentioned frequently throughout this book.

The main story revolves around two teenage girls who go missing during a study week in an old house for public school students. DS Karen Hart and her boss DI Scott Morgan who are excellent character are back with their team to investigate.
Unfortunately for me plot moved along slowly at first with quite a lot of repeatition which was annoying at times and the conclusion was predictable. Not my favourite in the series which I have enjoyed so far and would recommend it to fans of LJ Ross, Patricia Gibney and Angela Marsons . Despite this I am looking forward to Book 5

I'm enjoying this series, book 4. They tick all the boxes for me. A mystery (a death/suicide and two missing young women) realistic main character (DS Karen Hart) she doesn't always hit the nail on the head but she gets there!! I love that, how she works the case. Throw in a few false leads, I thought I knew who it was...I was wrong! You could read this as a stand alone but there is a bit of a continuing issue that I suggest you start with Book 1, Bring them home. I know I enjoy a book when I think about it when I'm not reading it. Looking forward to #5 :) Thank you NetGalley!

Cressida and Natasha are on a weeks educational retreat at Chidlow House in Lincolnshire, Despite them supposed to be studying hard, they set off to go to the pub, but only one of them comes back. And she doesn’t know what happened. DS Karen Hart is assigned to the case. As she tries to get some answers, she becomes aware of how the house is supposed to be haunted, and is spooked when she hears whispering and strange noises. But things aren’t quite what they seem, and there is a quite a list of suspects.

This is a fast paced thriller, you get the sense of urgency, a race against time, with all events happening in and around the Chidlow House Estate. There are quite a few suspects, all of whom are well rounded characters, with their own secrets. It kept me guessing right to the end. This is the 4th book starring this character. I hadn’t read the previous ones, but this is still a stand alone read, and I look forward to the next one.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This is my first interaction with DS Karen Hart and what a start!

The storyline was interesting and kept me guessing up till the end, the characters were believable. I normally read police crime books based in the USA, mainly because as a Brit they seem less real and likely to happen that way - but this was a welcome change.

This was an easy read, not gory or frightening, just a solid crime mystery. Will be looking out for more from this author.

Rounded up to 4 starts from 3.5.

i so love this series always fast pace and addictive . Karen and morgan are told to go to Chidlow house two girls have gone missing .one comes back how this story folds is just brilliant you think you have worked out who it is but no . i hope next one Karen has some romance so recommend this series

During a week long study retreat at Chidlow House in Lincolnshire, one teacher falls from the roof in a suspected suicide or 'accident'. A few days later two teenage girls, Cressida and Natasha go missing. Detective Karen Hart and the rest of the team are called to investigate. There they are faced with rumours that the old house is haunted as people, including Karen, can hear the sounds of whispering and dripping water. When they start speaking to everyone at the house they soon realise that several people might be keeping secrets. While they race against time to find the missing girls, Karen learns that not everything is as it seems.

Before I read this book, I had read the first book from this series "Bring Them Home" which I didn’t like so I was a bit reluctant to start this one. But... this one got me hooked from the first chapter! It really has everything that I love mystery, a creepy old house and a thrilling story that kept me guessing until the end! I suspected everyone at one point which is always a sign of a good thriller book. I took one star off just because at the times it could have been quicker.

This book is part of a series, but it can be read on its own. Even though I would suggest reading all of them if you are interested in DS Karen's past and personal life as there is a bit of side story there. Overall, I would recommend this book, especially if you love British police dramas.

Wow, the plot and cast of characters are stunning here. A very new style of a 'Country House' murder mystery. I love a good whodunnit and this is certainly that, with lots of suspects. I will definitely be looking out for more of Karen Hart

I struggled to start the book but it was a decent read. Story was OK but not as good as the others in the series in my opinion

I really enjoy the Karen Hart series. She is a very likeable character with a sad past. The story is based upon a summer study camp where 2 girls disappear. There are a number of suspects each with skeletons in their closet. An enjoyable read which keeps you guessing and develops Karen Harts character more in the series

I enjoyed this mystery that had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing right up until the end. I was at a disadvantage coming into the series at #4 but will go back and catch up the main character's story in the earlier books. Thank you to the publisher for the advance view.

DS Karen Hart is called to investigate two missing teenage girls from an educational retreat at Chidlow House. Chidlow House is supposedly haunted and recently one of the teachers at the retreat committed suicide - or so it was claimed. Is there any connection between her death and the girls' disappearance?
As Hart uncovers the last known movements of the girls, she seems to run into dead end after dead end. Lord Chidlow who lives in the house is uncooperative. What secrets does he hide? And what about the mysterious gardener?
Answering these questions keeps the reader turning the pages. The way the mystery of the missing girls is revealed is too over the top for my liking and I couldn't get a sense of what most characters looked like. DS Hart seemed a bit slow on the uptake too. An average read for me.

Number 4 in this fast paced and riveting series

During a weeks study retreat in Lincolnshire DS Karen Hart and her team are called in when strange occurences happen, a teacher falls from the roof was it suucide,an accident or something more sinister, 2 girls fail to return from a night out although 1 does return later to tell her tale

This feels slightly different from the other reads but is just as good

Apologies, I wrote a review for the the wrong book!!
EDIT
Having now this book I can provide a review!
While this is a well written and tightly plotted read it is difficult to like or feel empathy for any of the characters. The book is also incredibly serious without a hint of humour.
I recommend reading the previous books in this series

During an educational learning week for students, a teacher seemingly falls off the roof of the mysterious Chidlow House. A few days later, two female students vanish without a trace. DS Karen Hart is called in to investigate fairly quickly, as one of the students who last saw the two girls is the chief constable son. When one of the girls comes back in a traumatic state and without able to tell investigators what happened, DS Hart knows she has to race against time to find the second student before any more lives are lost.

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC! While this book is part of the DS Karen Hart series, it can totally be read as a stand-alone. Though it might help to read the other books, as they mention a case throughout the book that was covered in the previous one. I was not aware that this was apart of a series, so I might go back and read the others to catch up!

Overall, I did enjoy this book. It was a pretty fast read and an enjoyable thriller. I felt like the plot was pretty predictable and I managed to guess who was the real perpetrator early on, but I still enjoyed going through the story! Now, there was one thing that bugged me and I know I am being nit-picky at this point, but I could not understand why DS Hart was super hard the kids because they smoked weed. It's 2020 and smoking weed doesn't mean that the student or students have anything to do with a disappearance. She just seemed super fixated on that and it bugged me! But, again, this is just me nit=picking!

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

When Cressida and Natasha go missing from an educational retreat in Lincolnshire DS Karen Hart and the team must work out just what's gone on. It's not made easy when there appears to be no clues as to their whereabouts. Can they uncover what happened on that fateful night and save the girls?

This is a great book but everytime you think you have worked things out there's another twist in the story. It certainly keeps you guessing that's for sure and I enjoyed every page of it. If you're looking for a gripping thriller then look no further. It's a book I would recommend and gets 4 stars from me.
Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC copy.

Absolutely love all this authors books.
Kept me in suspense to the very end.
Never ever would of guessed who it was xx

House of Lies by D.S. Butler is the latest DS Karen Hart Mystery. The story is set in a historic mansion called Chidlow House located in Lincolnshire. Some people believe the house is haunted due to the three wives who have died in the lake because of the misery in their lives.
There are some teenage students staying at Chidlow House as they participate in some advance classes. One of their instructors dies in a fall from the rooftop balcony. Then two students, Cressida and Natasha go missing on a rainy evening after they slip away from the property. DS Hart has a house filled with suspects, strange whispering in the hall, and the sounds of dripping water. As the investigation starts no one wants to be questioned and the house owner acts as if he is above being included with the suspects.
Cressida is found in a traumatic state but says she can not remember anything about the evening or what has happened to Natasha. I was surprised that DS Hart was not allowed to continue to question Cressida. It seemed as if the investigation went slowly, as far as achieving results. I won't post spoilers, but I do enjoy reading the DS Hart series. In House of Lies DS Hart continues to pursue the corruption of the department in regard to the death of her husband and child.
Publication Date: September 29, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Police procedural,two girls disappear from a study course in a haunted mansion. Lots of strands to untangle. Good characters and lots of twists.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of House of Lies, the fourth novel to feature DS Karen Hart of the Lincolnshire Police.

When two teenage girls disappear from an intensive study course at Chidlow House Karen and her boss, DI Scott Morrison, are asked to investigate. The house is creepy and supposedly haunted and Karen is sure she can hear voices whispering but that won’t stop her hunting for Natasha and Cressida, a task made more difficult by the secrets and lies everyone seems to harbour.

I thoroughly enjoyed House of Lies which has an interesting plot and several twists and turns. It is told from the investigative point of view so the reader gets to guess along with Karen. I got a few of the lesser details correct but generally it was surprise after surprise as the secrets were uncovered. Mostly it works well with a gradual build up to the denouement but some parts, notably the attempted frame, were clunky and it was hard to believe that the savvy Karen would fall for it, especially after her success in rooting out the cause of the voices, that, I thought, was one of the stand out moments in the novel being clever, believable and amusing.

I like the new Karen Hart. She is no longer obsessed with investigating the death of her husband and child, but is now concerned with gettIng justice. Fortunately this rumbles in the background, allowing her to unleash her attention and formidable investigative skills on her cases. I really liked the way she goes about her work with both feet planted firmly on the ground.

House of Lies is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

First encounter with D S Karen Hart and the other members of her team, a gripping storyline, keeps the reader engrossed, lots of twists and turns throughout, keeping the reader guessing leading to a totally unexpected outcome. Looking forward to more from this author.

This is #4 the DS Karen Hart series. I had not read the first three so wasn’t sure how much I missed.
Story is described as a police drama and starts with a study session at Chidhow House (a historic mansion that is rumored to be haunted) when a teacher mysteriously falls from the roof ~ suicide or accident? Soon afterwards two young girls who were part of the study group go missing.
Detective Karen hart and a team is sent to investigate. Soon Karen is hearing whispers and water dripping ~ Hmmm is this mansion really haunted?
I actually like boarding school mysteries so this kept my attention. Not a pager turner but, of course, the tile title kept me curious. I liked it … didn’t love it … but will read another Butler ~ D.S. Hart story!

Want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 29, 2020

Book 4 in the Detective Karen Hart series, but don't worry, if you haven't read any of the previous ones you will easily engage with the characters and enjoy the flow of how the book is written. Very clever plot, putting several players in the mix and revealing an unexpected guilty party. Very enjoyable.

My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for allowing me to read and review honestly.

I love a good Detective series and this did not disappoint! DS Karen Hart is back with her team to investigate the disappearance of two teen girls on a study course at the spooky Chidlaw House. The storyline was catchy and kept me guessing, there were so many suspects, just as you begin to think you knew who the suspect was, another twist! More evidence to lead onto someone else. The ending was a surprise that I would never have guessed! Can't wait for the next one!

I really enjoyed this book. Detective Karen Hart is called in to investigate the disappearance of two girls during a study week at Chidlow House. I loved the character development in this story. Butler presented many different suspects who all had a strong possibility of being the culprit. I was left guessing all the way to the end. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I enjoyed this book so much, I can't even describe it! Two girls disappear and their disappearance is investigated. Chidlow House is haunted, or is it, and it sets the tone for a very entertaining read! I did not see the plot twist at the ending!
Highly recommended.
TB

A solid police procedural that follows DS Karen Hart. In an ongoing story arc from previous books, Karen is trying to root out the corruption that led to the deaths of her husband and daughter while maintaining an active case load. Interesting main character and a complicated mystery combine to make an engaging read that was difficult to put down.

Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for access to a digital arc via NetGalley.

This fourth book in the Hart series brings back feelings of a good Agatha Christie novel; you have characters that may not be likeable, you have all your potential suspects and victims in one house, you have a Gothic exterior, and you have a lot of secrets. As of secrets start coming out, more understanding of what could have happened to the two girls evolves. Then one comes back, and things are not as they should be. This is a page-turner that will keep you reading long until the night, and a good entry to keep the series evolving. it is definitely a standalone read, and a good introduction to the series, don't miss this one!

This is apparently a book in series but that wasn't made clear by the title or synopsis, so I felt at a little bit of a disadvantage not having the history, but the characters were easy to get to know. This story centers on 2 teenage girls who disappear while on a week-long study trip at an old mansion. It's a police procedural with Karen as the primary detective working on the case.

This was a good and fast paced mystery, with a number of suspects. Though there were many people involved, they were easy to keep straight and I could easily picture/believe their characters based on the author's description. The story itself was a good one with a couple of twists, and though I had an inkling of who the villain was, I wasn't sure, and when it did come out there were much deeper reasons for what happened than I had pictured. Karen's focus on doing the right thing and her easy banter with her boss and fellow offices made her a likable and believable character.

Where I got a little lost was in the backstory from previous books that I had not read. There was a decent amount of time spent on Karen seeking justice for a police corruption situation that apparently killed her husband and daughter (no spoilers- this is revealed in the first couple of pages) and I still do not understand what happened, who was responsible, or why it wasn't being handled. I could have done without the entire storyline but am sure it would have been much more engaging if you had read the previous books.

All in all, a good police procedural and mystery, and I may just have to go back and figure out Karen's backstory in the previous books! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

D.S. Butler delivers another harrowing story to the Detective Karen Hart series.
Emotions are running high for Detective Karen Hart and her colleagues has they tackled an interesting case involving two teenage girls. But things are not always what they seem. The characters in the book where quite intense, the social issues tackled in the book, were a little unnerving. Being that they hit close to home. An intense read, that will have you enthralled in no time.
Waiting anxiousness for the nest installment.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.
#netgalley
#houseoflies

An excellent fast paced, gripping novel that had me asking myself again and again - “who dunnit?”.

Cleverly written, this is part of a series featuring DS Karen Hart. I have not read any of the others- this works well as a stand alone novel - I will definitely go back to the beginning now!

Loved this book. Love the karen heart series. I found it quite eery. ,and fantastic storyline. If you have never read a book by d.s. butler Why not? She is fab. There are twists and turns everywhere in this storline. Couldnt put it down.

A murder mystery with a touch of the paranormal. Two girls are missing from their boarding school and it is upto DS Karen Hart and her team to find them, and the clock is ticking. Deep Dark secrets, lies and so many twists and turns. This read had me constantly holding my breath and changing my mind. A really good whodunnit.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

When two girls, Natasha and Cressida, go missing whilst on a study retreat at Chidlow House, it falls to D S Karen Hart and her team to find the girls. There are plenty of suspects, Lord Chidlow, whose stately home is hosting the study retreat, Mr Doyle who arranged the retreat, the surly groundsman, Mr Harrington and Ethan who has a major crush on Natasha. This is a stunning read and unputdownable. Lots of twists and turns. The characters are brilliant and believable. My first book by D S Butler and I will be reading the earlier novels featuring D S Karen Hart. Recommended.

Another great read from this author in a thrilling crime investigated by DC Karen Hurst who some readers may know from a previous read (although perfect to read as a stand alone as the story is different). Really believable characters and as you get to know DC Karen Hurst you really get to feel supportive of her. Unexpected twist to the conclusion and although you will have a few guesses as you read as to who did it you will most probably be wrong. Loved reading this one.

This is the 4th book in the Detective Karen Hart series by author D.S. Butler. I have done it again started a new series from book 4 but to be honest it didn't spoil the read one bit. An instant hit for me, good characters, good plot and generally an excellent police procedural series.

A teacher is killed falling from a roof at an educational retreat in Lincolnshire. The verdict is out, murder, suicide or accident. Not long after two female students go missing from the same retreat at Chidlow House.
One of the students is the son of a senior police officer so it is not long before DS Karen Hart and her team are under pressure to get results. Rumours of ghosts etc are common surrounding Chidlow House due members of the Chidlow family drowning in the past. There are plenty of suspects and motives for DS Hart and her team to figure out in this twisty crime.

Book Review: House of Lies (DS Karen Hart #4) by D.S. Butler
(Published by Amazon Publishing UK, September 29, 2020)

4.0 Stars.

In "House of Lies", DS Karen Hart #4, how times have changed!

Downton Abbey is let to an off-campus coed program by the Earl of Grantham, now living alone with a single servant, to help with the upkeep of the estate.

Two coeds disappear and Detective Sergeant Karen Hart and team are called in to find the missing teens. The death of an assistant program director, who "fell" off the roof a week earlier is somehow considered an aside.

Except Downton Abbey is Chidlow House, a few notches off, and the Earl is one Edward Chidlow, not nearly as affable as Sir Robert Crawley, far more arrogant and, as it turns out, quite dastardly.

In parallel, DS Hart, bereaved, fortyish, is struggling to find justice for the untimely deaths of her husband and child detailed in a prior installment of the series, and, so we gather, caused by a fellow policeman on account of his corruption, or so it seems.

Noblesse Oblige forsaken. A presentation of British mystery writing at its finest, the novel is a fine display of some residuals of the so-called British upper class longing for the bygone Edwardian Era, "La Belle Epoque" of privilege of the early 20th century.

And so are DS Hart and the local detectives expected to oblige snottiness, to handle the despicable haughtiness with deference and kids' gloves. Only the team's sleuthing extraordinaire saves the day.

So whodunnit? Take a wild guess, or two - or three. Lots to go around!

Quite an enjoyable, though not exactly compelling, read.

Review based on an ARC from Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley.

I liked it. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't realize that this was part of a series. I think it might have been beneficial to read the previous books, but it wasn't necessary. There were references to overarching storylines/previous events, but not a lot, and they were made in a way that made sense for readers picking up the story in the middle, as I did. For the most part, the story was self-contained.
The police characters had very little personality, but that isn't a criticism or complaint. I kind of prefer it that way, old school Law & Order style, you could say. The focus was on the mystery, and it worked, because it was a good one.
The supporting characters who appeared on more than a page or two were ALL valid suspects. And achingly awful people. Like, some of the things they said made my jaw clench. Entitled, selfish jerks. I rrally struggled to figure out who the killer was, and my first pick was wrong. The big reveal made me go "d'oh! Of course! I should have seen it coming a mile away!" but I definitely didn't. Lots of bad people doing lots of bad things, but only one truly amoral killer. And oh boy, were they creepy. I found myself hoping that the author would not write that they escaped justice in the next book!
The writing was solid and the plotting was great. It was a good read.

Who is lying and who is telling the truth? The author teases us with this the way through this murder mystery. A group of teenagers is spending a week on an intensive study course in a creepy old house when things start going horribly wrong. Did one of their popular teachers fall off the roof? Or was she pushed? Or did she kill herself? And what happened to seventeen-year-old Natasha? She and her friend Cressida sneak out one evening, but only one of them comes home. Detective Karen Hart investigates, and she, too, is unnerved by the ominous old house, with its mournful paintings , odd noises and disturbing past. I enjoyed catching up with her again. She’s still coming to terms with her painful past, and the fact that corrupt police officers have not yet been brought to book for her tragedy. In fact, I felt kind of sad for her in House of Lies, as she seems lonely with nowhere to turn. But this doesn’t deter her in her quest to get at the truth about what happened to Natasha. Straight down the line, trustworthy and straight as a dye, Karen does her best to solve the case - I’d like her on my side if I ever need the police. House of Lies is a great story with all the twists and turns you’d expect from a satisfying crime thriller.

This is the fourth book in the DS Karen Hart series and it’s a good solid story that I really enjoyed. So Karen is sent to investigate the disappearance of two teenage girls on a course at the very creepy Chidlow House and there are quite a number of suspects right from the start, added to that one of the course tutors has fallen to her death from the roof and Karen is not sure that this was an accident or could the two incidents be connected?
I like the character of Karen Hart and enjoy the continuing back story of the death of her husband and child. The book is well written and my only complaint was that I did feel at times is seemed to drag a little but maybe that was just me and I look forward to the next in the series.
My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC.

This is Book #4 of the DS Karen Hart series, with her back-story of continuing to find answers about the death of her family. Set in Lincolnshire, she and her team are called to the Earl of Grantham's estate which is hosting an educational retreat at Chidlow House.. Two students, Natasha and Cressida, are missing and the day before one of the teachers fell to her death from the roof of the house. Chidlow has a reputation for being haunted by a female ancestor who drowned in the lake; the walls of the dark corridors appear to whisper when someone walks through. Even with a search warrant the Earl is reluctant to let the team into his private rooms in the house. The course director, Graham Doyle, just wants nothing to do with the investigation. The investigation isn't going well. They have loads of suspects; the students, the grounds-man Mike Harrington, even the parents of the missing girls are not above suspicion.
And why, Karen wonders, is the Chief Constable taking a personal interest in this case?

I think this particular book was rather 'slow'. There seemed to be lots of toing and froing leading the investigation around in circles until, one by one, the suspects give up their secrets. Just who do they believe?

Not a 'great' crime story for me but it did have a couple of twists.

This 4th book in this series is overall a good book but I have to say is not as good as the previous ones. This felt a bit slow and dragged out as compared to the others. But the writing was fluid and the story was interesting. Overall a good book and I look forward to the next book in the series. And a big thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for giving me this book in exchange of my honest review.

Chidlow House is not a friendly looking place and in the dark Lincolnshire countryside with high winds and teeming rain it becomes a creepy, scary building with secrets to hide. A small group of privileged sixth formers are staying there for a private study week to help them prepare for university. No one is supposed to leave the grounds but some do including school friends Cressida and Natasha, the problems start when they fail to return.

This is the fourth book in the DS Karen Hart series and is another enjoyable instalment. The main protagonists are all present but this time they are joined by other characters caught up in both sides of the investigation in many different ways.

Unfortunately, although there were no shortage of suspects available, some of them seemed a little stereotypical. Obviously there is a reason stereotyping occurs but the story could have been lifted by a surprise or two along the way. Without any spoilers a few of the outcomes were ones which are well used in the crime genre. However, the lack of possible motives when the hunt for the missing girls began created a tense atmosphere which worked well alongside the previously mentioned inclement weather.

There is a back story running throughout these books related to the tragedy which colours every aspect of Karen Hart's life. There is a big step forward hinted at here and I am looking forward to finding out what will happen to her next.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who is already enjoying this series or who doesn't mind dropping in mid arc.

Two girls disappear whilst on an educational retreat in a creepy old house.
No one seems to know what happened to them, until Karen Hart comes along and starts asking questions.
Interesting characters in the book and teenagers described well.
Whilst this is is all happening, Karen is still pressing for the investigation into corrupt Police Officers she feels are responsible for her families death.
Twists and turns in this book all the way through.
Enjoyed reading this and the continuing characters in this series of books

Just O.K. The storyline wasn't too exciting for me. Skimmed some of the book, but the ending was pretty good. First time reading this author, don't think I will read any more of hers' when there are so many great authors out there. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer & NetGalley for a copy of this book.

I was an okay read. I usually don't like historical fiction. But I must say that this book was very well written. I didn't read the first two in the series but I thought it was good. Would recommend .

I’d like to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘House Of Lies’, the fourth in the Detective Karen Hart series written by D S Butler, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

An intensive study group for teenagers is being held at the haunted Chidlow House and when one of the teachers, Alison King, sees a figure go on to the roof she follows and falls to her death. The following day two of the students attending the course, Natasha and Cressida, sneak off for the evening to have some fun but when they haven’t returned by the following morning DS Karen Hart and DI Scott Morgan are called in to investigate.

I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed the previous three books in the series but for some reason I couldn’t get involved in the ‘House Of Lies’ which I didn’t think was as good, perhaps due to the mention of Chidlow House being haunted by the ‘Drowned Lady’ which made me lose interest. Although I like the character of Karen Hart who’s striving to prove police corruption involving the death of her husband and daughter, I found the story too slow for my liking and I struggled to get to the end.

House of Lies is book number four in the Detective Karen Hart series by D S Butler and one I found to be average read

After reading the previous books I found House of Lies a bit of a letdown with the storyline feeling messy and the main supporting characters being fairly formulaic in their behaviours and actions. Also the way the two main police officers went about their investigation was not by the book with gaping holes in their procedures.

The main storyline though was a good one with a number of twists and turns

Overall and whilst the underlying arc of police corruption was also progressed the book did not hit the heights of previous ones which I hope is an exception in the series

This is a compelling read. I have read all of the series so far and can definitely recommend them. This book is a cleverly written page turner. The case gets more and more interesting as the story progresses. I read this book in one sitting. I enjoyed finding out more about Karen Hart and her colleagues. I hope there are more books to come.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

DS Karen Hart #4

A teacher falls from a roof but was it suicide or something more sinister. At summer study camp two girls disappeared. Karen Hart is called in to investigate. Karen is still trying to root out corruption leading up to the deaths of her husband and daughter.

There is quite a few suspects who all have skeletons in their cupboards. I like Karen Hart, she's flawed and doesn't always get it right first time. We learn more of her backstory in each new book. The setting of Chidlow House, the school the girls went missing from, is quite creepy. The pace is fast and the storyline gripping. There is quite a lot of repetition which was a little annoying. This is a really good police procedural series.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishingGroupUK and the author #DSButler for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in the DS Harte series but can be read as a stand-alone. Veteran fans of the series are offered a deeper delve into Harte’s character as she evolves and searches for answers. The police procedural/crime solving aspects are pretty straightforward with no big surprises. In some aspects, it feels a bit too familiar and predictive. The narrative primarily focuses on established characters and their plot arc, slowing the plot pace quite significantly. 3 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #HouseOfLies which was read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A course for privileged young ladies is taking place at a local country house, to get them up to speed for their A levels. Stories about the house abound - previous owners' wives drowned in the lake and ghosts walk the halls, dripping water and whispering.

One of the teachers dies, falling from the roof, but somehow this is glossed over and accepted as a suicide very quickly, which didn't feel terribly authentic. Then two of the girls go missing and Karen Hart is drawn in to find out what has happened.

The story bowls along happily, with suspects and false trails, but there is no real sense of tension or drama. In the background there was some corruption in the force leading to the death of Karen's family, which rumbles along but if you haven't read the previous books, it doesn't really mean too much to the reader.

The final denouement is well handled and the main villain appears to be really evil. There are clues along the way, but plenty of red herrings to mislead the reader.

Overall I enjoyed it, but wasn't totally gripped. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A teacher falls from the roof of Chidlow House an educational retreat in Lincolnshire, did he jump, did he fall or was he pushed? Then two teenage girls vanish from the same retreat. One is the daughter of a policeman so Detective Karen Hart is called in to investigate. Stories of Chidlow House being haunted abound.
This is the fourth book in the series & it could be read as a stand alone. This is another well written paging turning read with plenty of twists & turns before things are solved. Strong characters add to the enjoyment. I really like Karen & the banter between her & her team she seems to be moving on from tragic earlier events, I also like that the reader has to guess who the killer is alongside Karen. I look forward to many more books in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I really enjoyed this. I found the story to be intriguing and it kept me reading on. Looking forward to reading more.

House of Lies by D.S. Butler is the 4th in the Detective Karen Hunt series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DS Karen Hart lost her husband Josh and her daughter Tilly in a car accident. Years later, she can't move on, especially since she discovered that their "accident" had been covered up by the police.  She is determined to find the corruption in the force.  She works with DI Scott Morgan,  DC Sophie Jones, and DC Rick Cooper.

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Two teenage girls disappear while on an educational trip to Chidlow House, a reportedly haunted mansion.  It seems odd that their teacher had just fallen to her death from the roof a few days ago.

Karen and her team search the many rooms, and the vast grounds, calling in underwater specialists to search the lake.  Meanwhile, they have a lot of people to interview.  Between the other students, the program manager, the owner and the caretaker, there are definitely some interesting characters.  They also have some interesting stories, but Karen isn't sure everyone is telling the truth.  She's also not sure the missing girls were too reliable.

Meanwhile, Karen is still rather concerned with the lack of progress being made in the corruption case against DI Freeman and associates.

My Opinions:   

These books are a fast read, and I think this was the best in the series thus far.

I like the characters surrounding Karen Hart, and wish for more information about them.  The author is slowly allowing Karen to trust her co-workers again, and the pace for this feels right.

There were a number of suspects, and although I had an early idea of the identity of the perpetrator, and even the reasons behind the crime, the method of discovery was interesting.  As well,  the pace and plot flowed smoothly, and everything was fully explained.

Although these books are not "deep", they are interesting and I find them an entertaining light read.  I am enjoying the series, and will continue to read them.

Story of murder intrigue, two girls 17yrs old are at an education retreat along with a few students all with rich parents and its taking place at Chidlow House said to be haunted very old and bleak with grounds and lake to match, and comes with a lot of history. The lord of the manor is not happy that his home is being used but penny-pinching needs the income it brings. First one of the teachers falls to her death is it suspicious? then the two girls decided to sneak off out to the local pub only one comes back, where did the other girl go,? and can Cressida the one to return shed some light on Natasha's whereabouts. DI Scot Morgan and DS Karen Hart are investigating and Karen also has baggage as she lost her husband and child in a car accident or was it? and is still looking for answers, so these young adults are a priority for her to find the truth. Good procedure although I did think it strange that Karen was asked by the Chief Inspector how the case was moving, usually the SIO does that, and that being DI Morgan, and did get a bit slow at times but none the less good read have read this author before and always found her a satisfying read.
Would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a copy to read and review

DC Karen Hart is called to the scene after two girls disappear while on a weeklong study program at Chidlow House. Earlier that week, a teacher fell from the roof of the same house. Are the two related or just a terrible coincidence? Not all is as it seems with those who are in residence at Chidlow and the deeper the detectives dig, the more secrets are uncovered.

This is an interesting enough tale, though it seems a bit slow to me even though it takes place over only a few days. The story is repetitive with information at multiple points. The characters are a bit confusing to sort at times. While the main characters are fine, Lord Chidlow and the man running the education program, Doyle, are eye roll worthy stereotypes. The setting is described well and engaging.

Overall, it was a fine read, but nothing I would put in the must read category.

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review.

Days after a young teacher falls to her death from the rooftop of the mysterious Chidlow House, two young girls leave for a forbidden night out and do not return. DS Karen Hart and her partner DI Scott Morgan are called to investigate.

The disappearance of the girls, Natasha and Cressida, from the week long study program at Chidlow House, gets special attention from the police not only because the girls’ parents are privileged and wealthy. Ethan Grayson, the last to see the girls, is the son of the Chief Constable John Grayson. Feeling pressured to solve the case quickly, Karen and Scott interview students and other potential witnesses. They question Graham Doyle, the smarmy course director, Lord Chidlow, a totally unlikeable character and Mike Harrington, the brooding groundskeeper. Then there is a huge break in the case but it’s a break that does not lead to the expected answers.

House of Lies is a tightly plotted, satisfying police procedural. D.S. Butler has created a must read series and I look forward to the next Karen Hart mystery. 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and D.S. Butler for this ARC.

There's heart-pounding suspense as D.S.Butler's latest novel takes one right inside a spooky, reputedly haunted mansion.
The plot is gripping and carefully structured, keeping one guessing right to the very end.
A look at the dark side of what being super rich can mean and how easy it is to lose everything, and the cost it can bring in human misery and death. So much better than many crime novels I have read recently.

While DS Karen Hart is trying to figure out why the case against DI Freeman has stalled, she lands a new case. Not long after a teacher falls to her death from the roof, 2 students on a week long intensive study week at Chidlow House go missing. Her team must piece together what happened to the girls.

While this isn’t the first in the series, the main story is stand alone. I highly recommend this novel for the crime lover.

House of Lies is the fourth instalment in the DS Karen Hart series, set in Lincolnshire, England. When one of the teachers, Alison King, working at a week-long intensive study retreat held at Chidlow House falls to death from a rooftop, after apparently following a shadowy figure, no one knows whether it was an accident, suicide or something even more sinister. The following day, two 17-year-old girls on the course, Cressida and Natasha, disappear, after leaving the camp to have some forbidden fun. Detective Hart and her superior, DI Scott Morgan, are called in to investigate the strange goings-on pretty rapidly as one of the last people to see the girls was the son of a senior police officer and this leads to Hart being under pressure to recover the girls alive wherever they may be. They begin to hear stories about the house being haunted as there had been a tragic drowning there, and Karen, who was sceptical at first, begins to believe it might be true when she hears mysterious voices and the sound of dripping water. As they begin to interview those present at the estate, they come to realise that there could be several suspects, as many are keeping secrets.

This is a thoroughly riveting, action-packed and absorbing thriller/procedural and from the opening pages, it had me hook, line and sinker. I must admit I was on the edge of my seat, despite it being cliche, but I really found it tense and brilliantly twisty. It moves at a rapid-fire pace as DS Hart and DI Morgan try to work out who is telling them the truth and who is spinning them a line. It's an impeccably crafted story with an engaging cast and protagonist in central figure Karen who is an intelligent, tenacious and justice-driven Detective. The fact that the girls came from money and the police feeling under pressure to find them because of that really rung true as I've seen that happen a lot in true crime cases. Just about everyone is a suspect and this kept me guessing right until the end. An immensely gripping and highly entertaining police procedural with an engrossing high stakes race against time. Strap yourself in and enjoy the nail-biting ride. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing for an ARC.

DS Karen Hart is back. Every story is a fast-paced, whodunit kind of thing. And this time we get a haunted house. Chidlow house has a history. Women who live there drown themselves in the lake and the story is that their ghosts roam the halls. Spooky. So spooky it scares a young teacher helping to supervise a study week. So spooky she ends up dead from a fall from then roof. That is not what brings our friend DS Hart to Chidlow House. Days later two teenagers disappear.

The story itself is has plenty of twists and turns but I was hoping for a little more progress on the cliffhanger from the previous book. I guess I will have to read the next installment for that. There were some new characters that I do hope we see again. My only complaint would be how easily the detectives are sometimes lead. No seasoned detective should be surprised that a teenager would lie to impress their friends, for example. There were enough bad guys to go around, though. Kept it interesting.

This was a really good book to read and was enjoyable.

It starts with a mysterious death of a teacher overseeing a study week for students.

Then two of the students disappear and Detective Karen, has to work out if they are connected.

Kept me guessing to the end and was well written

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for ARC

House of Lies by D. S. Butler is the fourth Detective Karen Hart story in the series.

After a teacher falls from the roof in a suspected suicide or 'accident' two girls, Cressida and Natasha disappear, Detective Karen Hart is called to investigate.

I was kept engaged through out and very one was a suspect! As a fan of British Crime Dramas, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of House of Lies.

This is book number 4 in the DS Karen Hart series. Two teenage girls disappear from a school course at Chidlow House, which is rumoured to be haunted. Several of the people at the house seem to have something to hide, and Detective Hart has a difficult job ahead of her in investigating the disappearance.
I started this book not realising it was in the middle of a series, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. I absolutely loved it, and will have to go back and read the preceding books. It is really well written and suspenseful, with likable characters. The book doesn't focus too much on the supernatural, but that gives it a nice, creepy feeling.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I am enjoying this series, it gets better with each book. The story kept me guessing till the last page, I am looking forward to reading more

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* wow yikes, kinda saw that coming but wasnt sure, pretty good series looking forward to more books!

The cover and title sounded spooky enough for October. A mansion’s owner lends his home (with a dark reputation) for a study week for privileged high-school students. A teacher falls from the roof to her death and a few days later, two girls disappear. Because these girls are the daughters of wealthy, influent people, Detective Karen Hart is sent to investigate right the next day. She’s a good policeman, but she has trust issues after a betrayal that had cost her her husband’s and child’s lives. Ouch, talk to me about heavy bagage.

The story was alright, but the writing felt flat and every thought, action or suspicion was over-explained. I really hesitated to drop the book altogether but at 30% the pace picked up and I simply wanted to know who did it. I wished for a bit more “show don’t tell” in this 4th installment of a series. I felt I was missing out by not having read the previous ones. I didn’t guess the resolution of the mystery, but I found it was a bit diluted by the overall plot arch.

House of Lies! Wow,this story written by D.S.Butler! Where to start? Exciting, drama, mysterious this is just some of many emotions you find in this story. A detective story of two missing girls,accidents happen ing,a house that whispers,why do strange things keep happening and they did before these two girls disappeared. Detective Hart,she is so determined to find these girls but it's not as easy as she thinks it will be. Too many people covering up things, too many things lead to many different reasons and people and then the girls at this school,what is not only not making sense but is the school that's is a very old house keeping secrets ,what is the house trying to tell her! Follow Detective Hart as she takes the leads that are given to her! The characters in this story they have so many things to tell and not and so many different and exciting personalities. Find out with the rest of them on what the house has to hide,and why these girls were taken and why is everyone fighting her when they say they want the girls back! Are they still even alive? Hold on to your seat and be prepared to be scared and try to figure out the mystery of it all!! Received from Net Gallery! I thought a really good read and the questions you have they will be answered but not what you are expecting!

The fourth Detective Karen Hart novel, and I’m enjoying this series. A chilling tale of the disappearance of two teenage girls, this kept me guessing to the very end.

The story is fresh, with a number of twists and turns, but the highlight for me is the characters. Their struggles outside of their police work makes them real and endearing to the reader. From Rick's concern with his mom's dementia, to Karen's fight to get beyond the past, all contributes to the feeling that we are following real people solving real problems.

This was my first book with Detective Karen Hart, despite it being book 4 in the series. I'll now be buying books 1 - 3 as I loved it. Detective Sergeant Hart is a hero I felt invested in. She is a credible and likable character and I wanted her to succeed, not just because the crime needed solving but because I was taken with her as a person. I enjoyed the relationship between her and Morgan and would like to find out the story about the death of her family. The main thrust of the plot with Cressida and Natasha was well thought out and cleverly executed. The book starts at a cracking pace and doesn't flag at all the whole way through. A great detective story that's easy to read and connect with.

Having read Don't Turn Back I was really looking forward to the next DS Hart book and House of Lies didn't disappoint. Two teenage girls go missing from a residential study course at Chidlow House. As DS Hart begins to investigate she discovered that during this course s teacher has also died after falling from the roof. Stories of ghosts also emerge. With lots of suspects and no real leads it is a race against time to find the girls. Another great read face paced and totally unputdownable.

House of Lies by D.S. Butler was a fabulous read that had me totally gripped from the start.

This is the 4th book in the series featuring DS Karen Hart, set in Lincolnshire and I picked up the series with Don't Turn Back (book 3) which I also thoroughly enjoyed. The fantastic plot-line and brilliant characters made House of Lies a superb and compelling tale that held me captive throughout.

With innumerable twists and turns, there was a barrage of suspects to select from which satisfied my armchair detective propensities and the swift pacing meant there was no room for boredom or tedium. It was an impeccably crafted story and the absence of possible motives at the beginning of the story when the hunt for the missing girls, school friends Cressida and Natasha started, helped to create the tense atmosphere. Complete with a high-stakes ending, this compulsive and highly entertaining police procedural should not be missed!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Thanks to netgalley and Amazon publishing for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
That was sooooo boring, i had to finish it just because i got it for free!!
The storyline was so slow paced and the characters weren't likable at all.
The author tried to save it with the twist at the end but for me, it wasn't salvageable

Chidlow House is a stately home in Lincolnshire, allegedly haunted by the drowned lady. A study week is being held there when a young teacher falls to her death from the roof. Not long after, two teenage girls sneak off to the pub. When they don't return the house is thrown into disarray. Eventually one girl returns but is so traumatised she cannot remember what happened to her or her friend. Karen Hart, although still struggling to get justice for the death of her husband & child investigates. The police team are not helped much by the house owner & the study director- two of the most unpleasant characters one could wish to meet!

This is part of a series, I've read an earlier book but not the one immediately before this & I think I would have appreciated it more if I'd done so. The repercussions of that, affected the main character & featured quite a bit in the story. It was a well paced story & for a change I guessed 'whodunnit'! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

I love this series. I put down 3 other books before deciding to read this one. Perfect for getting out of a book slump. I highly recommend this series if you need a good crime fiction series!

This is the first book I’ve read from this series and it didn’t really sell it to me. It can be read as a stand alone but it refers a lot to what happened in the previous book. The actual plot of House of Lies was goo but it was a slow and tedious read with a lot of long winded descriptions that could have been cut. I also didn’t really connect with any of the characters which didn’t help me connect with the story. I didn’t guess the ending but I wasn’t overly surprised and by then I was just ready to finish the book and move on. Not sure if I’d go back and read anymore from the series.

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This was a very good, spooky mystery. I love this series and it just keeps getting better. There are suspects galore to choose from, or is it a haunting?I love the atmospheric writing style.
Many thanks to Amazon UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

3,5 Stars

Two teenage girls disappear while on study week, and no one has seen them on the night in question. Can that really be, or is someone lying?
It was basically a good story plot, but at some point D.S. Butler (and detective Karen Hart as well) reached a point where there was nothing new, the story was not moving forward at all but only repeated itself. But thankfully the case picked up again and came to a surprising end, at least for me.

For me this was not the best book in the Karen Hart series, maybe also because there is not so much going on outside of the case. No development on Harts personal backstory or any of the other members of her crime force. But I will definitely go back to this series for the 5th part.

Great story. Never know who the guilty party is until the end although you keep thinking certain people are. And I guess they are all guilty of something.

Brilliant

A great addition to the series, unfortunately I have read this ( which is book 4 ) before I’d managed to read book 3 which from what I can gather had a big storyline that was continued in this book ! Looking forward to reading the next book in this series

This is the fourth book in the series featuring Detective Karen Hart and is set in Lincolnshire. Karen is called out to investigate the disappearance of two young girls who are students on a week long study retreat at Chidlow House. On arrival Karen discovers that a young female teacher had fallen from the rooftop to her death the previous day. Was it an accident, suicide or something more sinister and are the cases linked? Eventually one of the girls, Cressida, returns but she cannot remember what happened to her or her friend Natasha. After extensive searches Natasha’s body is found in the lake at the house and Karen finds that she has a long list of suspects. This book was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The fourth installment in this thrilling series.
I enjoyed the storyline and the pace in which it progressed.
The suspense and intrigue grew throughout and really captivates you.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to future books within this series.

House of Lies is the fourth instalment in the DS Karen Hart series, set in Lincolnshire, England. When one of the teachers, Alison King, working at a week-long intensive study retreat held at Chidlow House falls to death from a rooftop, after apparently following a shadowy figure, no one knows whether it was an accident, suicide or something even more sinister. The following day, two 17-year-old girls on the course, Cressida and Natasha, disappear, after leaving the camp to have some forbidden fun.

I absolutely love DS Karen Hart and her team, this is the fourth book in this series and it most certainly did not disappoint. Gripped from the beginning to the end. Loved it.

Butler’s series is fast paced and addictive and the plots have a thread running through them that keeps you guessing and waiting for the next book. Hart’s family was killed in an accident, which haunts her every day and there’s corruption in the police force. All of this is happening in the background whilst the team carries out its detective work to solve crimes.

As well as this, she also adds a personal element, sharing the private lives of each team member, building their characters, which draws in the reader who will find themselves involved and wanting to know more.

In book four Butler introduces a spooky element, are there ghosts at the educational retreat, Chidlow House?

A teacher falls to her death from the roof. Is it murder, suicide or an accident?

‘’What are you doing up here?’ she asked as her thumping heart slowly returned to its normal rhythm. But the only response to her question was a hard and definite shove. Two hands pushed against her chest and Alison King tumbled backwards into the darkness.’

Sounds like murder to me!

And two students go missing too! Where are they, have they been murdered? Loads of plot twists dotted about here and there.

This is a superb police procedural series. Loads of twists and turns and again an excellent who dunnit at the end?

Brilliant character development all within a plausible and well crafted story line.

Thank you Amazon Publishing UK, NetGalley and D S Butler for this ARC provided in exchange for my unbiased review.

At first I was not happy when I found out this was book 4. As I don’t like reading books like this I like reading book 1. Any way I carried on reading to me this book is set out like a TV programme I could picture it in my head as I was reading. This book was a very easy to read book unlike most of my other crime books I read. The story is about 2 young girls going missing and finding out who done it. There is some talk about something that happened in the previous book which has pricked my interest, so I feel I will have to read the first 3 books. All in all a very good read I was a bit shocked at the end but to me it’s wasn,t really that much of a big reason for why the murder happened it seemed to easy a excuse. There didn’t seem to be much of a mystery I like my crime books to be more of a mystery and a wow I never thought of that. I would recommend this book but not for people that like a lot of mystery in there books.

This was an absolutely brilliant book. The plot kept me interested, the characters were great, and the story line kept me guessing. This is the type of mystery I absolutely love. I even ended up reading this book before any in the series and had absolutely no problem with it.

I would like to thank Amazon Publishing UK and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book.

I was immediately attracted by the beautiful cover of this book where we see a young woman who tries to escape because she looks behind her if we follow her.

The story takes place at Chidlow house in Lincolnshire where two girls disappear without leaving anything behind. The teaching staff is put on alert. Detective Karen Hart investigates, wanting to know who was with the two teenagers Cressida and Natasha before their mysterious disappearance.

It seems that the Chidlow house is haunted. Karen Hart is convinced that someone knows a lot more about these famous disappearances. She'll have to act fast if she wants to find the two girls alive.

A book read in one go so much I was immediately hooked on the story so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of intrigue, suspense and twists with endearing characters. I can't wait to discover the whole series because I love the author's writing so much.

Brilliant writing style, keeps you hooked from the first letter until the last!
So many red herrings and different pathways that this story could follow, so will keep you guessing all the way through.
Brilliant main character great series!

Loved this book and I read the bulk of it in one evening. I was totally gripped and kept changing my mind about the perpetrator. The twist was great, didn't see it coming!

Another great addition to the Karen Hart series. Interesting storyline whilst continuing the ongoing themes and character development. Thanks for the opportunity to read

Chidlow House has a history of creepy things happening there. That’s continued when a young teacher ends up dead from a fall. Was it murder? Suicide? Or just an unfortunate accident? Shortly after two teenagers disappear. DS Karen Hart is called in to investigate.

I really enjoy the DS Karen Hart series. This book was no different. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading to find out what happened.

This was an interesting thriller with a plot that kept me engaged and well written characters. I will definitely be looking out for the authors other work