Review: Everyone Lies by A.D. Garrett

Title: Everyone Lies

Published: Constable & Robinson Crime February 2014

Status: Read from February 14 to 16, 2014 — I own a copy {Courtesy Allen & Unwin}

My Thoughts:

The first in a series introducing DI Kate Simms and forensic lecturer, Professor Nick Fennimore, Everyone Lies is a collaboration between award winning author Margaret Murphy and renowned forensics expert Professor Dave Barclay.

After a professional misstep, Kate has worked hard to regain her footing in the force but when she is allocated to investigate a cluster of drug deaths in Manchester, she suspects it indicates a larger problem. Stonewalled by her colleagues, Kate turns to Nick Fennimore, once a respected crime analyst, for help, risking her career to expose a conspiracy of drug trafficking, corruption and murder.

There is a history between Kate and Nick that is slowly divulged over the course of the novel. Their relationship is a muddle of professional respect and mutual attraction complicated by guilt, resentment and shame, creating an interesting, layered dynamic. Nick is reluctant to become involved in Kate’s case, but unable to resist her plea for help, as he feels responsible for her demotion. Kate doesn’t want to put Nick in a difficult position but her passion for justice demands she does whatever is necessary.

In essence the plot doesn’t offer anything new within the genre but it held my interest without effort. I particularly enjoyed the forensic focus of the investigation, which should appeal to CSI fans. I liked that Simms and Fennimore have to work hard for every lead, constrained by uncooperative criminals and colleagues, police budgets and politics.

Everyone Lies is a gritty police procedural and a promising start to an interesting new series.