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DCI William Blake #5
All the Lies
How do you find the killer when everyone at the crime scene claims they are to blame?
Just as DCI Will Blake is about to set off to hunt for his missing partner, a phone call from Scotland drags him in a completely different direction. Blake’s sister has been accused of murder and she needs his help to clear her name. But the local police aren’t too impressed with the ‘celebrity scouse copper’ dropping in and Blake’s problems escalate.
When Blake finds himself snowed in with The Paradise Found Community, he realises that the truth is a fast-moving target, and nobody is exactly who they claim to be. Even the valley itself holds a dark and hideous secret. Trapped, Blake must call on the goodwill of others back on Merseyside to help him unravel the mystery. But that is not without its dangers, too.
As the death toll rises, Blake is in a race against time to catch the killer before he disappears with the melting snows.
Just as DCI Will Blake is about to set off to hunt for his missing partner, a phone call from Scotland drags him in a completely different direction. Blake’s sister has been accused of murder and she needs his help to clear her name. But the local police aren’t too impressed with the ‘celebrity scouse copper’ dropping in and Blake’s problems escalate.
When Blake finds himself snowed in with The Paradise Found Community, he realises that the truth is a fast-moving target, and nobody is exactly who they claim to be. Even the valley itself holds a dark and hideous secret. Trapped, Blake must call on the goodwill of others back on Merseyside to help him unravel the mystery. But that is not without its dangers, too.
As the death toll rises, Blake is in a race against time to catch the killer before he disappears with the melting snows.
- GenresMystery
Audible Audio
First published February 18, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 24, 2021
Wow, this is the 6th story in the DCI Will Blake series and it is my favorite to date. A very solid 5/5 Stars! I have read the last few stories in the order they were released. At the beginning I was jumping around. I have stated before that each of the stories are strong enough to be read on its own, but they are better as part of the series and better yet being read in order. I discovered this series based on a recommendation from Alex Smith, author of the DCI Kett books. I had read all the Kett books and was awaiting the next Softley Softley book when Smith mentioned book two in this series, Fearful Symmetry, and gave it a plug. I am still waiting for that Softley novel. But have had a lot of DCI Blake stories to fill the time. After reading that first story I discovered that the author publishes under two names, much like Smith. One for Adult crime novels, J.E. Mayhew and another for Young Adult and younger readers, Jon Mayhew. And I have now read books under both names. I was glad I gave that first one a try and after reading all six currently available I know I will read this series as long as new books are published in it. I also have plans to go back and read more of Mayhew’s Young Adult offerings as well. These books are not as gritty as the Kett novels, but they are excellent British crime procedural stories. When I reviewed a Kett story I stated I could see Jamie Bamber as DCI Kett, and while reading this I could not help but picture Karl Urban as DCI Will Blake. And can picture it much like the TV series Wired in the Blood.
But let us now return to this specific book. This story is very different than the last offering. Blake is prepared to go looking for his love, Laura Vexley, who is on the run. But he receives a call from his sister, stating she is being accused of murder and needs his help. So Blake heads off to Scotland to see what he can do to help his sister. He finds a run-down former estate now a commune, with artists, wierdos, a former rocker and occultist owned the place and now his daughter runs things. A lot is amiss. And snowed in with the suspects Blake finds much more than he bargained for. The description of this volume is:
“How do you find the killer when everyone at the crime scene claims they are to blame? Just as DCI Will Blake is about to set off to hunt for his missing partner, a phone call from Scotland drags him in a completely different direction. Blake’s sister has been accused of murder and she needs his help to clear her name. But the local police aren’t too impressed with the ‘celebrity scouse copper’ dropping in and Blake’s problems escalate. When Blake finds himself snowed in with The Paradise Found Community, he realises that the truth is a fast-moving target, and nobody is exactly who they claim to be. Even the valley itself holds a dark and hideous secret. Trapped, Blake must call on the goodwill of others back on Merseyside to help him unravel the mystery. But that is not without its dangers, too. As the death toll rises, Blake is in a race against time to catch the killer before he disappears with the melting snows.”
And it appears that everyone has lies and secrets they do not want Blake or the local coppers finding out. And Laura Vexley must come to terms with her own lies, and what to do about them. This story is intense from start to finish. It was nearly impossible to put down. But in this instance Black has back up, at home, with the local department, and with an old man who rescues him from a snow storm.
I have enjoyed these books so much that I have pre-ordered the last few. And started reading the morning the eBook dropped on my device.
It is another great read from the pen of J.E. Mayhew. An excellent offering in a great series. Another book that leaves you desperate for the next volume, All the Lies. But nervous about where they will go. An excellent British crime lit novel.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by J.E. Mayhew.
But let us now return to this specific book. This story is very different than the last offering. Blake is prepared to go looking for his love, Laura Vexley, who is on the run. But he receives a call from his sister, stating she is being accused of murder and needs his help. So Blake heads off to Scotland to see what he can do to help his sister. He finds a run-down former estate now a commune, with artists, wierdos, a former rocker and occultist owned the place and now his daughter runs things. A lot is amiss. And snowed in with the suspects Blake finds much more than he bargained for. The description of this volume is:
“How do you find the killer when everyone at the crime scene claims they are to blame? Just as DCI Will Blake is about to set off to hunt for his missing partner, a phone call from Scotland drags him in a completely different direction. Blake’s sister has been accused of murder and she needs his help to clear her name. But the local police aren’t too impressed with the ‘celebrity scouse copper’ dropping in and Blake’s problems escalate. When Blake finds himself snowed in with The Paradise Found Community, he realises that the truth is a fast-moving target, and nobody is exactly who they claim to be. Even the valley itself holds a dark and hideous secret. Trapped, Blake must call on the goodwill of others back on Merseyside to help him unravel the mystery. But that is not without its dangers, too. As the death toll rises, Blake is in a race against time to catch the killer before he disappears with the melting snows.”
And it appears that everyone has lies and secrets they do not want Blake or the local coppers finding out. And Laura Vexley must come to terms with her own lies, and what to do about them. This story is intense from start to finish. It was nearly impossible to put down. But in this instance Black has back up, at home, with the local department, and with an old man who rescues him from a snow storm.
I have enjoyed these books so much that I have pre-ordered the last few. And started reading the morning the eBook dropped on my device.
It is another great read from the pen of J.E. Mayhew. An excellent offering in a great series. Another book that leaves you desperate for the next volume, All the Lies. But nervous about where they will go. An excellent British crime lit novel.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by J.E. Mayhew.
February 25, 2021
Wow just wow
This latest Di Blake story tops the rest by a mile. Just as you was coming to the conclusion of was one person, the story threw light on another, to then end where you realise it was none of you who suspected. I love all of the di Blake books but this has been the best so far, I highly recommend this book and is way up there with one of it not the best book I've read. I can't wait for the next book and too see what happens with Laura and will. I am sure if there is another book it will be just as good. Fingers crossed I need more di Blake in my life right now
This latest Di Blake story tops the rest by a mile. Just as you was coming to the conclusion of was one person, the story threw light on another, to then end where you realise it was none of you who suspected. I love all of the di Blake books but this has been the best so far, I highly recommend this book and is way up there with one of it not the best book I've read. I can't wait for the next book and too see what happens with Laura and will. I am sure if there is another book it will be just as good. Fingers crossed I need more di Blake in my life right now
February 23, 2021
Loving this series
Well that was one crazy rollercoaster of a ride! Blake gets trapped by snow in a commune after going there to help clear his sister's name and all is not what it seems and he barely gets out alive. I could actually see this book being turned into an action movie. Laura who is on the run from her nasty ex is also caught up with some dodgy badger baiters whilst hiding out on a farm. Enjoyable read definitely some macabre humour involved in writing this book. I look forward to the next addition
Well that was one crazy rollercoaster of a ride! Blake gets trapped by snow in a commune after going there to help clear his sister's name and all is not what it seems and he barely gets out alive. I could actually see this book being turned into an action movie. Laura who is on the run from her nasty ex is also caught up with some dodgy badger baiters whilst hiding out on a farm. Enjoyable read definitely some macabre humour involved in writing this book. I look forward to the next addition
March 20, 2021
Another Outstanding Book
I was so thrilled when I discovered the latest in the DCI Will Blake had been published. This did not disappoint. I really enjoy the Authors style of writing and the plots in each book are so well thought through. Blake finds himself up north in Scotland for this adventure. We get to meet his sister and the whole commune lifestyle thing is the backdrop for this criminal investigation. Really well done.Just prior to writing this I clicked on the link for the Authors blog. I watched his interview that was introducing the Blake series. His sense of humor came across immediately. I was not at all surprised when he mentioned the "Grimm" series.I love that charecter. The author has a similar writing style and sense of humor. I recommend this book and the entire series because they are intelligently written and funny. Excellent way to escape from the daily grind and upsetting Vivid crisis we are all bravely endeavoring to cope with...This Author definitely lightens that load.If British crime is your thing,you won't be disappointed. Waiting for the next book.
I was so thrilled when I discovered the latest in the DCI Will Blake had been published. This did not disappoint. I really enjoy the Authors style of writing and the plots in each book are so well thought through. Blake finds himself up north in Scotland for this adventure. We get to meet his sister and the whole commune lifestyle thing is the backdrop for this criminal investigation. Really well done.Just prior to writing this I clicked on the link for the Authors blog. I watched his interview that was introducing the Blake series. His sense of humor came across immediately. I was not at all surprised when he mentioned the "Grimm" series.I love that charecter. The author has a similar writing style and sense of humor. I recommend this book and the entire series because they are intelligently written and funny. Excellent way to escape from the daily grind and upsetting Vivid crisis we are all bravely endeavoring to cope with...This Author definitely lightens that load.If British crime is your thing,you won't be disappointed. Waiting for the next book.
March 17, 2021
Another fabulous mystery read!
Book 5, and they just get better, this one made me think of years past when communes became the latest craze. Similar but different you might say. DCI Will Blake's sister accused of murder in a community miles from anywhere in snow covered Scotland, so many secrets and odd ball characters are hampering anyway of getting to the truth, as Blake steps on the toes of the local plod when he turns up looking for answers in the snow covered valley. He can't get out and no one can get in, marooned with what seems to be danger around every corner sinister secrets by the bucket load make it creepy in parts adding to the enjoyment!
I love this series along with the fabulously well thought out characters all bought to life by the authors clever writing, the storyline is well written so as not to make the guilty to obvious before the end, which I much appreciate!
I can't recommend this book highly enough, looking forward to #6!
Book 5, and they just get better, this one made me think of years past when communes became the latest craze. Similar but different you might say. DCI Will Blake's sister accused of murder in a community miles from anywhere in snow covered Scotland, so many secrets and odd ball characters are hampering anyway of getting to the truth, as Blake steps on the toes of the local plod when he turns up looking for answers in the snow covered valley. He can't get out and no one can get in, marooned with what seems to be danger around every corner sinister secrets by the bucket load make it creepy in parts adding to the enjoyment!
I love this series along with the fabulously well thought out characters all bought to life by the authors clever writing, the storyline is well written so as not to make the guilty to obvious before the end, which I much appreciate!
I can't recommend this book highly enough, looking forward to #6!
March 22, 2021
The plotting was quite good, here, with several interconnected storylines coming together in the end. I'm still not that invested in Laura's subplot. Her scenes here were filler, but at least we were able to see a bit more of her personality.
The commune plot was actually pretty great. It didn't exactly break new ground (I've read a few stories with similar rock star goes full occult and starts a commune themes, which, now I think of it, is kind of weird?), but the solution was neat enough to set it apart. The motive was unclear until close to the end, but when it was revealed, you can think back and point out all of the instances of foreshadowing.
Also, it was good to see some development in Blake's relationship with his siblings.
One last thing. I read the ebook, and the editing clearly was not very thorough. One notable example, the word art was consistently capitalized. Like, "I work in the Art industry." Maybe it was for emphasis or something, but yeah, it's not a proper noun.
The commune plot was actually pretty great. It didn't exactly break new ground (I've read a few stories with similar rock star goes full occult and starts a commune themes, which, now I think of it, is kind of weird?), but the solution was neat enough to set it apart. The motive was unclear until close to the end, but when it was revealed, you can think back and point out all of the instances of foreshadowing.
Also, it was good to see some development in Blake's relationship with his siblings.
One last thing. I read the ebook, and the editing clearly was not very thorough. One notable example, the word art was consistently capitalized. Like, "I work in the Art industry." Maybe it was for emphasis or something, but yeah, it's not a proper noun.
June 15, 2021
Been a long time since I've enjoyed a mystery as much as "ALL THE LIES". Like life, all of the characters have their own histories that make them react to each other differently. Plus, J E Mayhew ties all the DCI Will Blake mysteries together and lets secondary characters develop. If you haven't read one of the DCI Will Blake mysteries, start with the 1st book "POISON TREE" and read the series in order. Each one stands alone and is hard to put down. Many similar series decline in quality in the latter books, but "ALL THE LIES" is a very, very good read -- an old fashioned page turner.
February 21, 2021
Just when you think you know where the next book will take you, it diverts up to Scotland and a completely different story. So many twists and turns in this tale, it keeps you guessing up to the final chapters. Pacy and action packed, I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next one.
4.5 stars - docked half a star as Will seemed a bit like superman to keep going as he did with all the injuries.
4.5 stars - docked half a star as Will seemed a bit like superman to keep going as he did with all the injuries.
March 29, 2021
This series is always a wonderfully entertaining read, but for me, this one missed a beat. Perhaps with our trusty DCI being out of the familiar territory of his beloved The Wirral and not backed up by the great characters of his team meant this gripped me less. I've also never found the sub-plot of Laura interesting. But the book was fun and well-written as usual.
I'm sure the next one will be back on sparkling form and I will look forward to it!
I'm sure the next one will be back on sparkling form and I will look forward to it!
April 2, 2021
All the Lies
I chose 4 stars as the book is just shy of 5 due to the pace being too slow for the first half. The second half was better and includes plenty of action including an all out attack with Molotov cocktails and a house fire. A crossbow is used in the attack also. The characters are well developed and in Mr Mayhew's style they are fleshed out. I guess I'm spoiled by the first two books in the series which were outstanding.
I chose 4 stars as the book is just shy of 5 due to the pace being too slow for the first half. The second half was better and includes plenty of action including an all out attack with Molotov cocktails and a house fire. A crossbow is used in the attack also. The characters are well developed and in Mr Mayhew's style they are fleshed out. I guess I'm spoiled by the first two books in the series which were outstanding.
February 28, 2023
Blake's sister, Rosie, living happily in a commune in Scotland, is accused of murder. He abandons a search he's just begun to go and see what's happening up there.
The commune is a small number of people who seem very defensive. Blake is stuck there in a snowstorm and things look bad.
This gives another insight into Blake's family life, and i enjoyed the danger, and the feeling of not knowing whom to trust. Excellent.
The commune is a small number of people who seem very defensive. Blake is stuck there in a snowstorm and things look bad.
This gives another insight into Blake's family life, and i enjoyed the danger, and the feeling of not knowing whom to trust. Excellent.
March 1, 2021
Never a dull moment.
Action packed mystery that follows a triple storyline. DCI Will Blake, Laura and a new very interesting character, Luckie. There is the usual fantastic characters and numerous suspects that Mayhew has in all the Blake novels. Strongly recommend you read them in order and enjoy each book.
Action packed mystery that follows a triple storyline. DCI Will Blake, Laura and a new very interesting character, Luckie. There is the usual fantastic characters and numerous suspects that Mayhew has in all the Blake novels. Strongly recommend you read them in order and enjoy each book.
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June 12, 2021Great Read
I have just recently discovered J. E. Mathew. I have enjoyed the 5 Will Blake books that I have read. They keep your interest and you don't want to put them down and then you finish one and you hate that you are at the end. I read 4 to 7 books a week and am always looking for new authors that will keep my interest.
I have just recently discovered J. E. Mathew. I have enjoyed the 5 Will Blake books that I have read. They keep your interest and you don't want to put them down and then you finish one and you hate that you are at the end. I read 4 to 7 books a week and am always looking for new authors that will keep my interest.
March 2, 2021
Not so much a police procedural but a bit of a yarn. I enjoyed it nevertheless. Will certainly took a pounding in this book. How much can one man take! Very sensitively written regarding Luckie's mate. The by-story involving Laura is developing. Be interesting to see how that all develops.
March 16, 2022
This series gets better and better and this time Will Blake is up in Scotland trying to prove his sister's innocence after she's accused of murder. In another storyline his ex, Laura, who is on the run comes up against some badger baiters.
This book is high-octane action pacled and poor old Will ends up battered and bruised and fearing for his life. The writing is superb and well plotted with just enough humour to break the tension and the characters are realistically portrayed.
As always the book is brilliantly narrated by Owen Welsh. His local accent is perfect for the series, and in this one he manages several different Scottish accents.
This book is high-octane action pacled and poor old Will ends up battered and bruised and fearing for his life. The writing is superb and well plotted with just enough humour to break the tension and the characters are realistically portrayed.
As always the book is brilliantly narrated by Owen Welsh. His local accent is perfect for the series, and in this one he manages several different Scottish accents.
February 25, 2021
Good read.
Great read,couldn't put it down. Really looking forward to the next chapter in Will Blake's life. Hope it's not too long.
Great read,couldn't put it down. Really looking forward to the next chapter in Will Blake's life. Hope it's not too long.
March 6, 2021
Great read - really enjoyed it. When’s the next one out ?
March 12, 2021
Will Blake grows on you
Another great story. Plenty of twists right to the end. Really enjoying these books and looking forward to the next
Another great story. Plenty of twists right to the end. Really enjoying these books and looking forward to the next
March 13, 2021
Really enjoying this series, great storyline and the characters are so interesting.
Highly Recommend.
Highly Recommend.
April 9, 2021
Loved
Absolutely love this series just gets better and better with every book can’t wait for the next instalment of DCI Will Blake
Absolutely love this series just gets better and better with every book can’t wait for the next instalment of DCI Will Blake
May 25, 2021
Brilliant best yet I think.hope he sorts it with Laura
June 17, 2021
Another great read from J E Mayhew. I love this series and Will Blake, and book number 5 didnt disappoint. Kept me guessing who the murderer was til the end. Fab!
July 31, 2021
I enjoyed this book. The author paints wonderful settings so you feel what it’s like to be there. I like Will Blake as well and plan to read more in this series.
August 3, 2021
Best of the series so far
September 12, 2021
Another great DCI Will Blake story
This time Blake isn't on his home turf, because of family issues but he still gets into lots of trouble. I couldn't bear to put it down.
This time Blake isn't on his home turf, because of family issues but he still gets into lots of trouble. I couldn't bear to put it down.
December 1, 2021
Better and better
This is my first five star review for this series. The plots and the characters just keep getting better and better. Well done.
This is my first five star review for this series. The plots and the characters just keep getting better and better. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews