Dead Lies

By: Cybele Loening

Narrated by: Keely J. Wolter

Former NYPD cop Anna Valentine just landed her first homicide case - the grisly double murder of a wealthy young couple. But it couldn't have come at a worse time. Recovering from recent personal tragedies, the young police officer just moved with her traumatized child to the suburbs where she hoped to pursue a quiet life and heal. To complicate matters, although she's sworn off men until she and her son are happy and whole again, Anna feels the pull of attraction to the handsome twin brother of one of the victims, a man who has yet to be crossed off the suspect list. Teaming up with lead detective Jerry Kreeger, a 57-year-old veteran cop who's lonely, broke, and close to burnout, Anna chases a crafty killer and ultimately exposes a family's shocking secrets that will rock a town.

©2014 Cybele Loening (P)2015 Cybele Loening

Good Potential

This book started out really strong and I had a lot of hope that I'd just found a another go to author: oops. Unfortunately at some point the author went strolling off into TV land and so many silly things began to happen that it was if a new author had taken up the writing of this book. There are several points that I could bring up but they're all potential spoilers so I'll stick to just one. In the case of both wannabe mystery writers and so many ridiculous television shows some official will decry the fact that they can't arrest someone because all they have is circumstantial evidence. The reality is that the huge majority of criminal cases that are prosecuted, including those that result in a conviction; circumstantial evidence is all the prosecutors have. Most arrests are made without eyewitnesses or strong forensic evidence.
There is also the inevitable man or woman who lacking ability or experience decide they can solve the crime and take down the perps all by their little ole' self. If only the author had been satisfied with a seven or eight hour book this one would have been worth five stars, as it is the author shows some real potential.

A very good mystery

Any additional comments?

It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a book as much as this one. The author shows an exceptional talent for putting words on a page. The story is a murder who-done-it, and it kept me guessing till the end.

I look forward to more books with Anna Valentine, detective.

I bought this book with no reviews, which is a first for me. I have not had good luck lately in finding interesting mystery books. I hit the jackpot with this one.

Exceptional!

I never take time to write a review, I just couldn't stop myself.
I love murder mysteries. I've listened to hundreds. This is the best story line, best narrator, it's simply the most well written book ever.
It keeps your interest, you want to know more the whole way thru and you can't guess the ending.
Hope she writes a sequel !!! Please please write a sequel...

Very easy read/listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead Lies?

There were quite a few twists.

What about Keely J. Wolter’s performance did you like?

She read very well. Voices weren't unrealistic.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

This is not the most suspenseful book, however it was a great listen. There were predictable parts but they weren't unpleasant or drawn out. It was a surprisingly good listen.

4.5 Surprising Stars

I don't think I have to hand in my man card to say that I really enjoyed this book. The narration was very good and the story had a nice easy flow to it. Extremely well written! It was a very good murder mystery - Without the usual over dramatic characters I find in books lately. The story line was at least plausible. This was a really good story as well - With a character base that I truly enjoyed.

I would suggest just sitting back and let the story happen

J

Uncomplicated

Would you listen to Dead Lies again? Why?

I never listen or read books twice. This was an easy read, not too much detail which iwas wonderful. Too many times authors feels a need to over do it with long explanations. Love the writer's style.

What did you like best about this story?

Twin part....because I am a twin and the author did a good job expressing twins emotions.

A thrilling read.

This was really good. I had a hard time unplugging from it.

Character wise, I loved them all really. Each was well written and developed. Anna lost her son and decided to move to a small town. Her ex husband is an addict and her other son, is still suffering the loss of his twin. She has a lot going on but is determined to put the past behind her. I admired her spirit! She was plucky, brave and loyal. She is also smart, resourceful and determined.

Web is the twin of a woman who is murdered. He hears her being killed on the phone and races over there, but it's too late. He ends up meeting Anna, who is assigned the case, and together they have to piece exactly what happened that night and why. I initially didn't know if I liked Web or not, but he slowly grew on me. I liked his interactions with Anna and did want to see it growing.

Then we have Jerry. He is also assigned the case, along with Anna, and is suspicious of Web. He is a veteran detective and knows he hasn't a chance in hell with Anna, though he is attracted to her. He is a rock to Anna and her son and I loved his character.

The plot was well thought out and developed. It grabbed my attention right from the start and didn't let go. The mystery surrounding the murder played out at a perfect pace and kept me guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful read and hope to see these characters again!

Keely J. Wolter did a great job with the narration. I didn't have a problem following which character was talking and the voice was clear and concise.

Narrator Sucks

Just started. Story seems good but the monotone narration is ruining it. I don't know if I can finish because of it. Why does someone with a voice like this keep getting jobs? Pitiful.

First try with author maybe last

What did you like best about Dead Lies? What did you like least?

I liked the Story line-i didnt like the interaction with the main characters.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

don't think I could fix this book, things ran all over the place and didnt seem to connect.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

In every way. She was dull and didnt put any life in the charaters. In fact her voice didnt even alter a bit so that you knew it was someone else talking. The entire book was read witout emotion. I kept falling asleep .

Did Dead Lies inspire you to do anything?

Yes it made me think very hard about buying this auther again. I will also make sure i do not get a book read by this narrator . I was really disappointed because so many people gave it a good rating and it just flopped for me

AGONIZING!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

It had a good storyline but the narration was so bad it couldn't keep my interest..

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Keely J. Wolter?

Orlagh Cassidy

Did Dead Lies inspire you to do anything?

give the author a second chance, if there's a different narrator.