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Dr. Harrison Lane #9
Burning Lies
The tangy smell of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the early morning mist. As it lifts, a shape emerges in the centre of the tranquil meadow. A scarecrow? No… rising from the ashes of a dying fire, stands a blackened wooden cross – and tied to it, the dark outline of a body.
When a woman is found burnt at the stake on the edge of a pretty English village, the police suspect this is no ordinary murder. Dr Harrison Lane, Head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime unit, is quickly summoned to unravel the mystery.
As Harrison investigates, he uncovers a web of deceit woven through the tight-knit community of Thistleford. The villagers claim the victim, Louise Swift, was a gifted psychic, beloved by all… but Harrison immediately senses darker forces at play.
When another body is discovered at nearby Harmony House, home to a group of reclusive ex-convicts seeking redemption, the case takes a sinister turn. Are the deaths connected? And does the house harbour more potential victims… or something far more dangerous?
As Harrison races to catch the killer, he must confront his own demons, re-awakened by this grisly case. Can he see through the lies all around him and unmask the evil hiding in Thistleford before it's too late?
A gripping, unputdownable thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of J M Dalgliesh and Rachel Lynch.
When a woman is found burnt at the stake on the edge of a pretty English village, the police suspect this is no ordinary murder. Dr Harrison Lane, Head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime unit, is quickly summoned to unravel the mystery.
As Harrison investigates, he uncovers a web of deceit woven through the tight-knit community of Thistleford. The villagers claim the victim, Louise Swift, was a gifted psychic, beloved by all… but Harrison immediately senses darker forces at play.
When another body is discovered at nearby Harmony House, home to a group of reclusive ex-convicts seeking redemption, the case takes a sinister turn. Are the deaths connected? And does the house harbour more potential victims… or something far more dangerous?
As Harrison races to catch the killer, he must confront his own demons, re-awakened by this grisly case. Can he see through the lies all around him and unmask the evil hiding in Thistleford before it's too late?
A gripping, unputdownable thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of J M Dalgliesh and Rachel Lynch.
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
59 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Gwyn Bennett
15 books64 followersGwyn Bennett is a best-selling author who writes intriguing fast-paced character driven crime mysteries.
She's always been a writer, initially working as a broadcast journalist and newsreader for the BBC and ITN in London, before she was able to become a full-time fiction author. Gwyn undertakes a lot of research for her books, weaving fact in with the fiction in order to make them relatable to readers. Her favourite days are when she hears from people who have enjoyed her books and meeting the characters.
Gwyn was born in England, but has lots of Welsh and some Irish blood in her. She now lives in the tiny Channel Island of Jersey, where her husband was born, with her family, rescue dog, and geriatric goldfish. Apart from being chief dog slave and fish feeder, she enjoys walking, yoga and eating crisps, with a bit of gardening when the sun shines.
She's always been a writer, initially working as a broadcast journalist and newsreader for the BBC and ITN in London, before she was able to become a full-time fiction author. Gwyn undertakes a lot of research for her books, weaving fact in with the fiction in order to make them relatable to readers. Her favourite days are when she hears from people who have enjoyed her books and meeting the characters.
Gwyn was born in England, but has lots of Welsh and some Irish blood in her. She now lives in the tiny Channel Island of Jersey, where her husband was born, with her family, rescue dog, and geriatric goldfish. Apart from being chief dog slave and fish feeder, she enjoys walking, yoga and eating crisps, with a bit of gardening when the sun shines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 16, 2024
This book was really frustrating as it leaves us hanging at the end! I haven't read the previous Harrison Lane books but was impressed with him and the plot from the beginning. Women walkers find a woman burned at the stake and Lane is called in to investigate but quickly discovers Harmony House--which houses ex-cons who are reforming their lives--and Thistleford Community Church where everyone gathers for worship. And if that isn't enough, another dead body appears and everyone is a suspect--and tight-lipped! As I eagerly approached the end, I discovered there are no answers...so either wait for the next one or be happy not knowing what's going on!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 1, 2024
I don’t know where this series has been all my life, but I’m so glad I discovered it! It’s not often you can jump in to Book 9 of a series and not feel completely lost, but that’s the case here. I mean, how can you read a description of a suspected witch burned at the stake in a field and not be immediately intrigued? Dr. Harrison Lane is an interesting character, a bit of a cliché, but I guess it takes a certain type of person to head a Ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit! Now, I did find it a bit of a stretch that in the town where this burning occurred, they had not only a place like Harmony House, a suspected cult, but also the Thistleford Community Church…another suspected cult! I mean, really? But if you can suspend your disbelief of that, you’ll appreciate the plethora of suspects they bring to the table.
So, between the small group of villagers and the two outlying groups, there are plenty of people to interview and study to determine who would have been responsible for such a horrific crime. Harrison is one of those types that looks at crimes and just sees what others miss. And he never jumps to conclusions or accepts the easy answers. It’s fun to see not only how he unravels each mystery, but also how he convinces local officers to trust his methods and appreciate that he knows what he’s talking about. Now, I did have the ending figured out early on, but the story still kept my interest the whole way through. There are dark themes kept light with the author’s amusing story-telling and dry humor.
As soon as I finished this story, I immediately went back and began reading the series starting from Book One. I’m now on Book Four and continue to happily binge. Whether you start there or with this book, you won’t be disappointed!
So, between the small group of villagers and the two outlying groups, there are plenty of people to interview and study to determine who would have been responsible for such a horrific crime. Harrison is one of those types that looks at crimes and just sees what others miss. And he never jumps to conclusions or accepts the easy answers. It’s fun to see not only how he unravels each mystery, but also how he convinces local officers to trust his methods and appreciate that he knows what he’s talking about. Now, I did have the ending figured out early on, but the story still kept my interest the whole way through. There are dark themes kept light with the author’s amusing story-telling and dry humor.
As soon as I finished this story, I immediately went back and began reading the series starting from Book One. I’m now on Book Four and continue to happily binge. Whether you start there or with this book, you won’t be disappointed!
September 9, 2024
A psychic
A Witch Burning Ritual
Several Suspicious “religious community groups”
And
A close knit community
But who did it?
Tropes:
I want to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read burning lies in return for an honest review.
Burning Lies is a novel focused on a ritualistic homicide performed in a small community village. This has to be one of the first ritualistic/religious crime novels that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially as one of the characters had my name.
I have rated it 3🌟 as for me I knew within the first 30% who the killer was, which was disappointing. However, I am a crime/thriller lover so I have a keen eye to detail and find I can pick the killer quite easily.
If you’re looking to get into the crime genre this is definitely an entry novel and I would definitely recommend.
A Witch Burning Ritual
Several Suspicious “religious community groups”
And
A close knit community
But who did it?
Tropes:
I want to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read burning lies in return for an honest review.
Burning Lies is a novel focused on a ritualistic homicide performed in a small community village. This has to be one of the first ritualistic/religious crime novels that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially as one of the characters had my name.
I have rated it 3🌟 as for me I knew within the first 30% who the killer was, which was disappointing. However, I am a crime/thriller lover so I have a keen eye to detail and find I can pick the killer quite easily.
If you’re looking to get into the crime genre this is definitely an entry novel and I would definitely recommend.
August 5, 2024
As far as mysteries go, it's okay. I guessed the twist at the end, despite the many red herrings but I wasn't bored while reading it. I didn't care much for the repetitive description that Harrison Lane is buffed and not like the other psychologists and every man is intimidated by him and full stop. Honestly, being large and solving ritualistic crimes is his only personality.
I also didn't like how Sherlock Holmes-like he was. He doesn't really do much detective work or psychoanalyzing, he just takes a look at the crime scene and exposits a bunch of jargon I can't help but roll my eyes at.
I love mysteries and I love the art of solving mysteries but this didn't have much of the latter. Plus, the ending was just so meh and I'm left wondering what the point is. I don't wanna spoil it but there is more than one way to make sure someone gets their comeuppance, js.
That said, this is a much more intriguing mystery than the ones I've read this year so far. I'd recommend giving it a shot.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in an exchange for a review.
I also didn't like how Sherlock Holmes-like he was. He doesn't really do much detective work or psychoanalyzing, he just takes a look at the crime scene and exposits a bunch of jargon I can't help but roll my eyes at.
I love mysteries and I love the art of solving mysteries but this didn't have much of the latter. Plus, the ending was just so meh and I'm left wondering what the point is. I don't wanna spoil it but there is more than one way to make sure someone gets their comeuppance, js.
That said, this is a much more intriguing mystery than the ones I've read this year so far. I'd recommend giving it a shot.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in an exchange for a review.
August 14, 2024
I held contradicting opinions about this book. Initially, I was excited to start it because I hadn’t read a mystery novel in a long time, and the plot intrigued me. However, upon reading, I felt a bit disappointed. Now, keep in mind that this is purely my personal opinion, and others may feel differently. Books are like an acquired taste—some people enjoy certain aspects while others don’t.
On the positive side, I appreciated how the plot was set up. It felt like I was watching an episode of “Criminal Minds” while reading. There were moments when I was genuinely intrigued and eager to uncover what would happen next.
However, there were aspects that didn’t sit well with me. One of my biggest pet peeves in books is pop culture references. If a chapter went without mentioning TikTok or YouTube, I was pleasantly surprised. Authors sometimes insert cultural references, but they don’t always get them right, which can be frustrating.
Additionally, I found that many crime elements were overly spelled out. Even subtle hints were explicitly stated, which diminished the mystery. When reading a mystery, I prefer to feel a sense of unease and stress, trying to piece things together on my own.
I do want to read the author’s other books, as I started with this one in the series rather than going back and reading all the previous ones beforehand. Unfortunately, I didn’t entirely connect with the main character, which I think impacted my ability to enjoy the book. So, I want to go back, read the earlier novels, and gain a better understanding of the character. Perhaps a fresh perspective will allow me to appreciate this book more.
Finally, I wasn’t a fan of the third-person point of view. I rarely enjoy it unless it’s exceptionally well done. In this case, it felt somewhat redundant. While the narration would delve into what Harrison was thinking, it remained in third person. I believe that if you want to include a character’s inner monologue consistently, it’s more effective to tell the story from their first-person perspective. First-person narration immerses readers deeply into the character’s thoughts and emotions, which is especially crucial in mystery novels. It brings the audience closer, allowing us to experience the story from within rather than observing from the outside.
Overall books like all other art are subjective and just because I did not enjoy the book does not mean no one will. If you are still curious about the book, I suggest reading other reviews for different perspectives.
On the positive side, I appreciated how the plot was set up. It felt like I was watching an episode of “Criminal Minds” while reading. There were moments when I was genuinely intrigued and eager to uncover what would happen next.
However, there were aspects that didn’t sit well with me. One of my biggest pet peeves in books is pop culture references. If a chapter went without mentioning TikTok or YouTube, I was pleasantly surprised. Authors sometimes insert cultural references, but they don’t always get them right, which can be frustrating.
Additionally, I found that many crime elements were overly spelled out. Even subtle hints were explicitly stated, which diminished the mystery. When reading a mystery, I prefer to feel a sense of unease and stress, trying to piece things together on my own.
I do want to read the author’s other books, as I started with this one in the series rather than going back and reading all the previous ones beforehand. Unfortunately, I didn’t entirely connect with the main character, which I think impacted my ability to enjoy the book. So, I want to go back, read the earlier novels, and gain a better understanding of the character. Perhaps a fresh perspective will allow me to appreciate this book more.
Finally, I wasn’t a fan of the third-person point of view. I rarely enjoy it unless it’s exceptionally well done. In this case, it felt somewhat redundant. While the narration would delve into what Harrison was thinking, it remained in third person. I believe that if you want to include a character’s inner monologue consistently, it’s more effective to tell the story from their first-person perspective. First-person narration immerses readers deeply into the character’s thoughts and emotions, which is especially crucial in mystery novels. It brings the audience closer, allowing us to experience the story from within rather than observing from the outside.
Overall books like all other art are subjective and just because I did not enjoy the book does not mean no one will. If you are still curious about the book, I suggest reading other reviews for different perspectives.
August 23, 2024
Dr. Harrison Lane is called to the scene of a burned body on a cross in the small community of Thistleford. The killing looks to be ritualistic. Dr. Lane begins investigating and talking to community members- but they all claim not to have seen or heard anything. He then discovers that there are two suspected cults in the area. And the story is propelled forward by another murder.
The atmosphere is claustrophobic and a bit dark. Dr. Lane observes and sees things others miss. The investigation is driven through his observations. The plot is set up nicely and kept me intrigued to discover what was going to happen next because there are a lot of suspects in this small town.
Likes:
1. The story line (mystery) had me intrigued and drawn in!
2. The observations that Dr. Lane made.
3. The atmosphere- well written and adds to the feeling of the story.
4. The dry humor!
Struggles:
1. The constant influx of pop culture. While I do feel it is relevant in the story, it was a little excessive.
2. The over-explanation of the investigation- very repetitive in some areas.
3. The reminders that Dr. Lane is not like other psychologists, he is "buffed".
4. I feel the story was too short. We did not really get to know much about Lo9uise, and i really wanted the author to dig into her story so we could understand why this happened to her. There are explanations, but it is vague.
5. The ending! It leaves you hanging- so you will have to read the next book to find out.
Overall, the book kept me interested, then frustrated! I will probably try one of the earlier books to help me better understand the character of Lane- but I have to get through my big pile of TBR's first!
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
The atmosphere is claustrophobic and a bit dark. Dr. Lane observes and sees things others miss. The investigation is driven through his observations. The plot is set up nicely and kept me intrigued to discover what was going to happen next because there are a lot of suspects in this small town.
Likes:
1. The story line (mystery) had me intrigued and drawn in!
2. The observations that Dr. Lane made.
3. The atmosphere- well written and adds to the feeling of the story.
4. The dry humor!
Struggles:
1. The constant influx of pop culture. While I do feel it is relevant in the story, it was a little excessive.
2. The over-explanation of the investigation- very repetitive in some areas.
3. The reminders that Dr. Lane is not like other psychologists, he is "buffed".
4. I feel the story was too short. We did not really get to know much about Lo9uise, and i really wanted the author to dig into her story so we could understand why this happened to her. There are explanations, but it is vague.
5. The ending! It leaves you hanging- so you will have to read the next book to find out.
Overall, the book kept me interested, then frustrated! I will probably try one of the earlier books to help me better understand the character of Lane- but I have to get through my big pile of TBR's first!
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
August 22, 2024
Burning lies by Gwyn Bennett is another excellent book. The story Starts with a body found burned beyond recognition in the village of Thistleford and it also looks like it could be a ritualistic murder. Detective Sergent Ross Gibbons needs help, so he brings in Doctor Harrison Lane who is the head of the ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit.
Once the police find out their victim is a physic called Louise and talk to the locals, they find the locals think that people living at Harmony House could be involved. Lane discovers that Harmony House is a home where ex cons stay and they are all trying to turn their lives around. After Lane’s visit, he suspects the locals could be prejudice and he believes that they have nothing to do with the murder and just want to be left alone. Then the Thistleford Community church which is very secretive invite Lane to visit and he finds past demons return to haunt him. After a second killing Gibbons, Lane and the detectives find they have a story of secrets, red herrings, tight lipped locals, and a lot of things that have disappeared from Louises home and a mystery that must be solved quickly before there are any more murders.
This is the first book I have read in the Harrison Lane mystery, and I am sure to read the other books in this series after reading this is a standalone book. Lane plays a big part in solving the crime with the local police of this small village. I loved Lane Character as he works hard reading body language and spending a lot of time reading crime scenes. A fast-paced book with a great plot which I Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once the police find out their victim is a physic called Louise and talk to the locals, they find the locals think that people living at Harmony House could be involved. Lane discovers that Harmony House is a home where ex cons stay and they are all trying to turn their lives around. After Lane’s visit, he suspects the locals could be prejudice and he believes that they have nothing to do with the murder and just want to be left alone. Then the Thistleford Community church which is very secretive invite Lane to visit and he finds past demons return to haunt him. After a second killing Gibbons, Lane and the detectives find they have a story of secrets, red herrings, tight lipped locals, and a lot of things that have disappeared from Louises home and a mystery that must be solved quickly before there are any more murders.
This is the first book I have read in the Harrison Lane mystery, and I am sure to read the other books in this series after reading this is a standalone book. Lane plays a big part in solving the crime with the local police of this small village. I loved Lane Character as he works hard reading body language and spending a lot of time reading crime scenes. A fast-paced book with a great plot which I Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2024
It is always difficult when you jump into a series that is already established and I must admit that, although I enjoyed the story I missed out on the background of Dr. Harrison Lane, Head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit.
When a woman's body was found in a field by walkers, a body that had been chained to a stake and burned the local PD needed the help of Harrison Lane.
The small tight knit community of Thistleford banded together, they all extolled the virtues of psychic medium Louise Swift, the victim. Louise had helped many of the villages reach out to their dead loved ones so who would want her dead especially in such a ritualistic way. Was it the residents of Harmony House, a closed community of ex convicts who were being given a second chance, a chance to escape from the world and live off the land, or could it be the members of the Thistleford Community Church which was more like a cult ? Many red herrings are thrown out, few clues were picked up by the police but Harrison had a completely different way of looking at things and gradually, through observation and the IT skills of his assistant he was able to reveal his findings.
I can't really say that I connected with Harrison's character but that could be because I hadn't read the previous books, he obviously had issues that needed sorting but I did like the way his mind worked. I was a bit disappointed to be left hanging at the end .
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
When a woman's body was found in a field by walkers, a body that had been chained to a stake and burned the local PD needed the help of Harrison Lane.
The small tight knit community of Thistleford banded together, they all extolled the virtues of psychic medium Louise Swift, the victim. Louise had helped many of the villages reach out to their dead loved ones so who would want her dead especially in such a ritualistic way. Was it the residents of Harmony House, a closed community of ex convicts who were being given a second chance, a chance to escape from the world and live off the land, or could it be the members of the Thistleford Community Church which was more like a cult ? Many red herrings are thrown out, few clues were picked up by the police but Harrison had a completely different way of looking at things and gradually, through observation and the IT skills of his assistant he was able to reveal his findings.
I can't really say that I connected with Harrison's character but that could be because I hadn't read the previous books, he obviously had issues that needed sorting but I did like the way his mind worked. I was a bit disappointed to be left hanging at the end .
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
January 26, 2025
🔥 BURNING LIES 🔥 by Gwyn Bennett
🔥 A group of older women are out walking when they smell something burning. As they are trying to find the source of what it is, they discover an incomprehensible scene before them.
🔥 Detective Gibbons arrives at the location and calls on Dr. Harrison Lane to tap into his ritualistic knowledge and experience with past crime scenes. Together Gibbons and Lane begin to solve who the victim may be and what the motive could be to assist them with figuring out who could have committed this heinous act in the village of Thistleford.
🔥 After conducting interviews with some of the villagers, Detective Gibbons and Dr. Lane become familiar with the talents of the victim, as well as become aware of the cultish groups within Thistleford. How does the victim possibly connect with these cultish groups? The villagers?
🔥 Detective Gibbons and Dr. Lane connect the scattered ashes of this mysterious crime together as best as they can.
I do like novels with cultish vibes. Also, I enjoyed Harrison Lane’s character and was intrigued by some brief references to his childhood and about his mother. I am interested in reading the previous books in this series to uncover his backstory.
Thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for a copy of this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (Rounded up to 4⭐️ on Goodreads.)
#detectivemystery #netgalley #gwynbennett #drharrisonlane #burninglies #stormpublishing
🔥 A group of older women are out walking when they smell something burning. As they are trying to find the source of what it is, they discover an incomprehensible scene before them.
🔥 Detective Gibbons arrives at the location and calls on Dr. Harrison Lane to tap into his ritualistic knowledge and experience with past crime scenes. Together Gibbons and Lane begin to solve who the victim may be and what the motive could be to assist them with figuring out who could have committed this heinous act in the village of Thistleford.
🔥 After conducting interviews with some of the villagers, Detective Gibbons and Dr. Lane become familiar with the talents of the victim, as well as become aware of the cultish groups within Thistleford. How does the victim possibly connect with these cultish groups? The villagers?
🔥 Detective Gibbons and Dr. Lane connect the scattered ashes of this mysterious crime together as best as they can.
I do like novels with cultish vibes. Also, I enjoyed Harrison Lane’s character and was intrigued by some brief references to his childhood and about his mother. I am interested in reading the previous books in this series to uncover his backstory.
Thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for a copy of this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (Rounded up to 4⭐️ on Goodreads.)
#detectivemystery #netgalley #gwynbennett #drharrisonlane #burninglies #stormpublishing
July 23, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This was my first read by this author and I plan to go back and read her backlist and the other books in this series because of this book. This is a true-crime style story that’s quick, easy to follow and riveting. The way it is narrated feels like you’re playing the “Guess who?” game with the detectives and Dr. Harrison Lane. This story is part of the Dr. Harrison Lane series but can be read as a standalone as there was really no tie-ins or pertinent information I am aware of from other books.
This story begins in a small village where a woman has just been burned to death on a cross, surrounded by witchcraft symbols. That is when Harrison gets called in, a psychologist specializing in ritualistic behaviors in crime. He helps aid detectives in finding out who murdered the woman, all while other murderous events are happening or dug up again. The village is home to the villagers, a cult-style religious church organization and a commune home of ex-convicts and they must navigate who had the motives while compiling evidence.
I only knocked off half a star because the ending left a lack of conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me an ARC to read and review.
This was my first read by this author and I plan to go back and read her backlist and the other books in this series because of this book. This is a true-crime style story that’s quick, easy to follow and riveting. The way it is narrated feels like you’re playing the “Guess who?” game with the detectives and Dr. Harrison Lane. This story is part of the Dr. Harrison Lane series but can be read as a standalone as there was really no tie-ins or pertinent information I am aware of from other books.
This story begins in a small village where a woman has just been burned to death on a cross, surrounded by witchcraft symbols. That is when Harrison gets called in, a psychologist specializing in ritualistic behaviors in crime. He helps aid detectives in finding out who murdered the woman, all while other murderous events are happening or dug up again. The village is home to the villagers, a cult-style religious church organization and a commune home of ex-convicts and they must navigate who had the motives while compiling evidence.
I only knocked off half a star because the ending left a lack of conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me an ARC to read and review.
August 12, 2024
3 Stars.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this arc. The first chapter really had me hooked and I really thought this book was interesting. There's third person narrative which isn't my fave and be aware that this right from the beginning has strong themes of religion and cult talk. For this being a murder mystery I feel like there were things missing as well as it not being long enough to even explore it all. 199 pages isn't the greatest. Besides the heavy religion topics and the cult being involved this was actually really good, I just wanted more. Right in the beginning of this story there's a group of people who are in a field and there's a huge bonfire but also there's a person chained to a cross and burned. We don't know who this person is at first but it's obvious as time does progress. Louise Swift goes missing as the "ritual" killing happened. Louise was a beloved person in the community of Thisleford. She is popular on social medias such as TikTok and Youtube and she is considered by a lot of people as a which. This was interesting overall I just didn't connect with the characters and I honestly pushed through only because I wanted to give a review honestly. I wasn't invested in the characters, I just wanted to learn more about Louise.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this arc. The first chapter really had me hooked and I really thought this book was interesting. There's third person narrative which isn't my fave and be aware that this right from the beginning has strong themes of religion and cult talk. For this being a murder mystery I feel like there were things missing as well as it not being long enough to even explore it all. 199 pages isn't the greatest. Besides the heavy religion topics and the cult being involved this was actually really good, I just wanted more. Right in the beginning of this story there's a group of people who are in a field and there's a huge bonfire but also there's a person chained to a cross and burned. We don't know who this person is at first but it's obvious as time does progress. Louise Swift goes missing as the "ritual" killing happened. Louise was a beloved person in the community of Thisleford. She is popular on social medias such as TikTok and Youtube and she is considered by a lot of people as a which. This was interesting overall I just didn't connect with the characters and I honestly pushed through only because I wanted to give a review honestly. I wasn't invested in the characters, I just wanted to learn more about Louise.
July 22, 2024
Dr Harrison Lane is called out to a scene where a woman was burned at the stake - a brutal and gory way to murder.
In the tiny village where the killing occured, not one person admits to hearing or seeing or even smelling anything.
The blame for this senseless killing falls on a newly established home for criminals who want to turn their lives around, and the church of religious fanatics.
Memories of a painful past haunt Harrison during his investigation.
I have read several of the Harrison Lane books, and enjoyed each one.
He doesn't judge, and is calm and methodical in his research and investigating.
Sadly, I think his relationship with Tanya is in trouble, he is not used to having someone living with him, and does not pick up on her hints to make their relationship slightly more permanent.
Harrison seems to see clues and pick up on things that the police miss, and he is meticulous with his research, having computer whizz, Ryan, to assist.
I recommend this book, which can be read as a standalone, and the whole series as well.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
In the tiny village where the killing occured, not one person admits to hearing or seeing or even smelling anything.
The blame for this senseless killing falls on a newly established home for criminals who want to turn their lives around, and the church of religious fanatics.
Memories of a painful past haunt Harrison during his investigation.
I have read several of the Harrison Lane books, and enjoyed each one.
He doesn't judge, and is calm and methodical in his research and investigating.
Sadly, I think his relationship with Tanya is in trouble, he is not used to having someone living with him, and does not pick up on her hints to make their relationship slightly more permanent.
Harrison seems to see clues and pick up on things that the police miss, and he is meticulous with his research, having computer whizz, Ryan, to assist.
I recommend this book, which can be read as a standalone, and the whole series as well.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
August 10, 2024
Dr Harrison Lane is dispatched to a small town to aide in the investigation of a woman who appeared to be burnt at the stake. Will he be able to help find the killer or will everything go up in smoke?
I didn’t realize prior to starting this book is it was technically part of a series but luckily even without reading the first 8 Harrison Lane mystery books, I was still able to enjoy this book. It has sort of a standalone feel while also letting the reader know some stuff went down in other books that the MMC is still working through.
The storyline itself was able to hook me right away and I found it super refreshing that the written dialogue sounded realistic and not the cookie cutter every word is perfect that some authors can give you. While I definitely started to get early on who the killer(s) could be, that didn’t take away from the plot development and twists/turns that the story had. Overall I really enjoyed this book & would recommend it to others (but maybe read the first 8 books beforehand).
Thank you #netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC of Burning Lies for my honest feedback.
I didn’t realize prior to starting this book is it was technically part of a series but luckily even without reading the first 8 Harrison Lane mystery books, I was still able to enjoy this book. It has sort of a standalone feel while also letting the reader know some stuff went down in other books that the MMC is still working through.
The storyline itself was able to hook me right away and I found it super refreshing that the written dialogue sounded realistic and not the cookie cutter every word is perfect that some authors can give you. While I definitely started to get early on who the killer(s) could be, that didn’t take away from the plot development and twists/turns that the story had. Overall I really enjoyed this book & would recommend it to others (but maybe read the first 8 books beforehand).
Thank you #netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC of Burning Lies for my honest feedback.
September 24, 2024
ARC Review
Burning Lies by Gwyn Bennett
3.5/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley @netgalley , Gwyn Bennett, and Storm Publishing for this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book #9 in the Harrison Lane Mystery series. Since I have not read the others there were parts of the story I was lost in because I was not familiar with the characters.
Looking past that and at the mystery of it all a woman is mysteriously burned in a cross in an English countryside during the springtime. Dr Harrison Lane who heads the Ritualistic Behavioral Crime unit is called into this burning. Not being familiar with the area he has to not only familiarize himself with the town and town residents but also try to figure out who the woman is and who killed her. What is cool about this mystery is there are parts of the book from the guilt party's POV and it doesn't give away who did it. Overall it was a good story but not overall memorable.
#netgalley #netgalleyreview #gwynbennett #gwynbennettbooks #burninglies #stormpublishing #book #bookish
Burning Lies by Gwyn Bennett
3.5/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley @netgalley , Gwyn Bennett, and Storm Publishing for this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book #9 in the Harrison Lane Mystery series. Since I have not read the others there were parts of the story I was lost in because I was not familiar with the characters.
Looking past that and at the mystery of it all a woman is mysteriously burned in a cross in an English countryside during the springtime. Dr Harrison Lane who heads the Ritualistic Behavioral Crime unit is called into this burning. Not being familiar with the area he has to not only familiarize himself with the town and town residents but also try to figure out who the woman is and who killed her. What is cool about this mystery is there are parts of the book from the guilt party's POV and it doesn't give away who did it. Overall it was a good story but not overall memorable.
#netgalley #netgalleyreview #gwynbennett #gwynbennettbooks #burninglies #stormpublishing #book #bookish
July 24, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc.
Blurb
The tangy smell of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the early morning mist. As it lifts, a shape emerges in the centre of the tranquil meadow. A scarecrow? No… rising from the ashes of a dying fire, stands a blackened wooden cross – and tied to it, the dark outline of a body.
Harrison, detective is brought in to find out who is behind the witch type of killing. Is it the ex cons in the big secluded house or the church folk who believe that psychics are witches or someone else?
What a twisty turning book this was, so good and exciting having you keep guessing and alternating from one thought to the next, with a terrific end plot twist.
It's engaging and compelling and keeps you hooked. I enjoy a good crime thriller that keeps you guessing. The story plot is really good and the writing fluid, I enjoyed the style and flair of the author.
Kerry Kennedy Author
Blurb
The tangy smell of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the early morning mist. As it lifts, a shape emerges in the centre of the tranquil meadow. A scarecrow? No… rising from the ashes of a dying fire, stands a blackened wooden cross – and tied to it, the dark outline of a body.
Harrison, detective is brought in to find out who is behind the witch type of killing. Is it the ex cons in the big secluded house or the church folk who believe that psychics are witches or someone else?
What a twisty turning book this was, so good and exciting having you keep guessing and alternating from one thought to the next, with a terrific end plot twist.
It's engaging and compelling and keeps you hooked. I enjoy a good crime thriller that keeps you guessing. The story plot is really good and the writing fluid, I enjoyed the style and flair of the author.
Kerry Kennedy Author
August 21, 2024
This book begins with a horrific discovery of a woman's body who has been burned beyond recognition in a ritualistic manner that is even more disturbing. At this point, I am getting a little creeped out. Because of the manner of death, Dr. Harrison Lane, is called to the scene. He is the head of the Ritualistic Behavior Crime unit. This, of course, gave me vibes of the BAU and Criminal Minds.
The more you learn about the victim, pieces of the puzzle fall quickly into place. The mystery was good and kept my interest. I also liked the characters. However, I felt like I did not get any resolution. You got some answers, but it was a little bit of letdown. Then you are left with a hanging scene at the end. Overall it was still a good, creepy story if you enjoy the creepy vibes from this type of murder mystery. It is definitely one of those books that is best read during the daylight hours.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The more you learn about the victim, pieces of the puzzle fall quickly into place. The mystery was good and kept my interest. I also liked the characters. However, I felt like I did not get any resolution. You got some answers, but it was a little bit of letdown. Then you are left with a hanging scene at the end. Overall it was still a good, creepy story if you enjoy the creepy vibes from this type of murder mystery. It is definitely one of those books that is best read during the daylight hours.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of Burning Lies by Gwyn Bennett immediately grabbed my attention, the idea of a woman burned at the cross in a small English town sounded brutal and chilling. I was definitely looking for that darker edge in a procedural.
What I enjoyed most was Dr. Harrison Lane. He’s an intriguing character, and while I worried about diving into book #9 of a series, I was relieved to find this story worked well as a standalone. I was also kept on my toes with the twists. I was constantly guessing who the culprit was and being proven wrong, until I finally got it right near the end.
That said, while the story delivered on atmosphere and mystery, it didn’t fully grip me the way I hoped from such a dark premise. Still, I liked it enough that I’d be interested in picking up more books in this series to get to know Harrison Lane even better.
The premise of Burning Lies by Gwyn Bennett immediately grabbed my attention, the idea of a woman burned at the cross in a small English town sounded brutal and chilling. I was definitely looking for that darker edge in a procedural.
What I enjoyed most was Dr. Harrison Lane. He’s an intriguing character, and while I worried about diving into book #9 of a series, I was relieved to find this story worked well as a standalone. I was also kept on my toes with the twists. I was constantly guessing who the culprit was and being proven wrong, until I finally got it right near the end.
That said, while the story delivered on atmosphere and mystery, it didn’t fully grip me the way I hoped from such a dark premise. Still, I liked it enough that I’d be interested in picking up more books in this series to get to know Harrison Lane even better.
July 20, 2024
Burning Lies is a fascinating book. Dr. Harrison Lane works for the police in the Ritualistic Behavior Crime Unit. He’s a psychologist, was raised in a cult, and is also searching for his mother’s killer. I haven’t read the previous books in this series, but this works very well as a stand-alone.
Lane is called in when a woman, posing as a medium in a small village, is found burned at the stake in a field. The villagers all claim to have liked the woman and that her readings have helped them. There is a house that is a second chance for ex-cons and a church that comes very close to being a cult that the villagers all seem to be eager to blame for the death. Soon, there is a second murder.
But who are the killers and what is the motive? Will anyone be brought to justice?
This was a fascinating read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Lane is called in when a woman, posing as a medium in a small village, is found burned at the stake in a field. The villagers all claim to have liked the woman and that her readings have helped them. There is a house that is a second chance for ex-cons and a church that comes very close to being a cult that the villagers all seem to be eager to blame for the death. Soon, there is a second murder.
But who are the killers and what is the motive? Will anyone be brought to justice?
This was a fascinating read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 1, 2024
Burning Lies finds independent psychologist, Dr. Harrison Lane, seeking to understand the mindset of a person, or persons, who would bind a woman to a cross and set fire to it. Working alongside the local police in the small English village of Thistleford, he questions various inhabitants of the village. They seem to all tell the same story, and point fingers at a local estate where convicted criminals have taken up residence. When a body turns up there as well, can Dr. Lane expose the dark forces of the quaint town?
I love most books set in quaint, English towns, and this one was no exception. The mystery grows throughout the story, and leads to an unexpected revelation. There may or may not be justice in the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I love most books set in quaint, English towns, and this one was no exception. The mystery grows throughout the story, and leads to an unexpected revelation. There may or may not be justice in the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2024
Thank you, Net Galley for the advanced read. I really appreciated this book. It got right to the action, and it kept you wanting to turn the page. The author takes you on a Journey with the Main Character and makes you want to keep on reading about his career. The book opens with a woman burned at the stake. Dr. Harrison Lane was asked to help investigate the case because he is the Head of the Ritualistic Behavioral Crime Unit. Throughout his investigation, he encounter challenges in his personal and his career. The author did a great job describing how Dr. Lane navigated them. However, I wish there was a little more information about the case. I took off one Star because the information about the case that is missing would have only enhanced the book. I would recommend this book to a friend. I can't wait to read the next book if there is one!
August 22, 2024
What? What was that? What the hell was that?
Why did it end like that? I have so many questions... Like, why does it feel like an open ending?
Is it just me, or was it on purpose? I'm not satisfied with the ending at all.
I need justice. The victim needs justice. I want to see those two people in jail and suffering from what they did.
Okay, that's too harsh, and I'm not supposed to feel like this when it's just fiction, but hell, I literally needed that satisfying ending.
I want to give this book a 5-star rating, but I am not a big fan of the ending, so I'm giving it a 4-star rating instead.
Overall, I am 100 percent satisfied with the whole story.
I just hope in the next book justice will finally be served.
Why did it end like that? I have so many questions... Like, why does it feel like an open ending?
Is it just me, or was it on purpose? I'm not satisfied with the ending at all.
I need justice. The victim needs justice. I want to see those two people in jail and suffering from what they did.
Okay, that's too harsh, and I'm not supposed to feel like this when it's just fiction, but hell, I literally needed that satisfying ending.
I want to give this book a 5-star rating, but I am not a big fan of the ending, so I'm giving it a 4-star rating instead.
Overall, I am 100 percent satisfied with the whole story.
I just hope in the next book justice will finally be served.
September 7, 2024
An unsuspecting walking group discovers a gruesome murder that appears to have ritualistic elements. Harrison Lane is called in to investigate and finds it triggers troubles from his early life. It is a well-thought-out plot with the expected suspects and some unexpected twists. The author's clever sensory imagery lets the reader imagine the characters and events. I have read a previous book in this series, so I knew some of Harrison Lane's background, which improves my engagement with the story. I like the Harrison Lane character and his unusual experiences and skills. I enjoyed following the investigation, which had many suspects and false leads. It is a well-paced crime thriller.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 2, 2024
Dr. Harrison Lane is a psychologist and Head of the Ritualistic Behaviour Crime Unit. He also has a dramatic past, remains obsessed with finding his mother's killer, and has a deteriorating personal relationship.
The first murder appears to be a ritualistic ending for someone convicted of being a witch but is of a woman who refers to herself as a medium. The investigation of a couple of obvious answers keeps going nowhere. The next is a man who is part of a post incarceration rehab farming estate. lots of suspects and theories, but a real shortage of prosecutable evidence. Unputdownable.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thanks
The first murder appears to be a ritualistic ending for someone convicted of being a witch but is of a woman who refers to herself as a medium. The investigation of a couple of obvious answers keeps going nowhere. The next is a man who is part of a post incarceration rehab farming estate. lots of suspects and theories, but a real shortage of prosecutable evidence. Unputdownable.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thanks
September 8, 2024
I have read other books by this author, but not in this series. I liked the main character, Harrison Lane very much . He takes an unusual view of the crimes and as such comes to unusual conclusions, that might just turn out to be true. Not having read others in this series, this book was fine as a stand alone, though I do have some questions about Harrison's personal life. The investigation is interesting with a couple of twists in the plot. The setting is a pretty English village, but there is something off, which is picked up fairly quickly by Harrison. A good read.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
October 20, 2024
Burning Lies is a really great murder mystery. This is book 9 in the series and I honestly didn't know until I came to do my review lol.. That said it's so well written I didn't fell like I'm lost coming in so late in the series. However, now I wanna go back and read them all because the author did such a great job with the details, storyline and characters in this book. This book was easy to follow. I was able to put it down and pick it up and still remember and understand what's going on. It held my attention throughout the book. IMO it's definitely worth adding to your TBR if you like murder mysteries.
August 3, 2024
This was a really good read. It was like a mild "Criminal Minds" storyline. I loved that it had both the crime story but also followed the MMC's personal story as well.
I also liked that there was multiple suspects/groups in the story leaving me guessing and trying to figure out what actually happened. I will definitely read more in this series!
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC for my honest review.
#BurningLies #GwynBennett #StormPublishing #NetGalley
I also liked that there was multiple suspects/groups in the story leaving me guessing and trying to figure out what actually happened. I will definitely read more in this series!
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC for my honest review.
#BurningLies #GwynBennett #StormPublishing #NetGalley
August 8, 2024
Although this is book nine in a series, it works well as a standalone novel. The plot was very clever, with multiple possibilities as to who killed Louise Swift in such a macabre way . The exploration of people’s perceptions and vulnerabilities was really well done, especially the techniques that Louise used to interact with the villagers. The backstory of Harmony House was also an interesting read. I enjoyed the way Harrison Lane worked, and would like to read more of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an opportunity to read and review this book.
August 8, 2024
An open field is the site of a horrific scene. A burned body is lashed to a cross and Dr. Harrison Lane who works for the Ritualistic Behavioral Unit has been called to the site. As he endeavors to find the motive and the killer, he encounters a mysterious house that houses ex-cons, an enclave of cult members and villagers who are not what they seem. A mysterious read with red herrings, clues and plot twists to keep you interested to the end. Thank you Netgalley and storm Publishing for an early copy. This review is my own perspective on this interesting book.
August 21, 2024
I read this book while trying to get out of a reading slump, and it worked. This book was an easy, fast paced and intriguing read. I was immediately drawn in by a mystery involving a person found burnt on a cross.
The small town atmosphere, a religious cult-like group and a happy haven for ex cons added an immense amount of thrill and mystery.
Highly recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, interesting mystery to read.
*If you have found this review it was meant to be seen by you at this very moment. You must be destined to read this book.* (IYKYK)
The small town atmosphere, a religious cult-like group and a happy haven for ex cons added an immense amount of thrill and mystery.
Highly recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, interesting mystery to read.
*If you have found this review it was meant to be seen by you at this very moment. You must be destined to read this book.* (IYKYK)
August 23, 2024
This is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed their work. Even though it's book 9 I didn't feel out of the loop. Dr Lane is an interesting character, I'll assume he assists the police when it comes to Ritualistic Behavioural Crimes.
A unique murder in a small village. Villagers who tell the same story. Something suspicious is happening here.
I really enjoyed the way the author wove this tale as pieces started to fall into place. I do like the way it ended, it would seem that karma took care of justice.
Great story, I look forward to looking at more from this series.
A unique murder in a small village. Villagers who tell the same story. Something suspicious is happening here.
I really enjoyed the way the author wove this tale as pieces started to fall into place. I do like the way it ended, it would seem that karma took care of justice.
Great story, I look forward to looking at more from this series.
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