THE LYING MAN by Andy Maslen

4* THE book I've been waiting for so far this year, so sooo glad I got an ARC. But, ugh, the comeuppance I'd been hoping for, didn't happen. 

There's not been a bad book in this series, and this follows on nicely from the previous one that'd bigged up Kat's dad's and Carve-Up's roles in the 'bribery' situation. But, gah, I'd been hoping both guys would've been in for it; alas, it was not to be. But, from the ending of this tale, it seems that Kat has a new CI that'll be helping her get her all-too-right revenge. 

The tale has a cosy mystery feel to it, despite the reveals about the deceased, and I think Kat did the right thing at the end, both where Tomski was concerned, and a former colleague. I mean, she's done similar-ish where Liz is concerned and not thought about the repercussions if that mystery gets unravelled, so yeah, I bought that she did that she did at the end.

I liked, too, the family bonding in this, especially the chat with 14yo Riley about how to respect the female sex. But, what's with Kat fancying the coroner? Yes, apparently he's a hunk, but she admits to herself she's jealous he's got Gina?? Isn't she meant to be happily married to Van? I do hope the author isn't going to break them up, or have Kat cheating - like her father. She's been nothing 'like father, like offspring' so far, so please don't have her go there. 

The tale is believable and there's a little decent detective work but also some women who refused to be silenced who practically solved the case, though. It's quite PC in condemning some real-life cops who've sullied the badge, as well as having that conversation with Riley, but parts did feel a little inorganic/didactic. Still, it didn't detract from a good tale.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer, for my reading pleasure. 

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