| Title | : | A Game of Lies (DC Morgan, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1728296501 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781728296500 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 368 |
| Publication | : | First published July 20, 2023 |
| Awards | : | Edgar Award Sue Grafton Memorial Award (2025), Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Longlist (2024) |
But on this show, you can't trust anything you see.
Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants have no idea what they've signed up for.
Each of these strangers has a secret. If another player can guess the truth, they won't just be eliminated - they'll be exposed live on air. The stakes are higher than they'd ever imagined, and they're trapped.
The disappearance of a contestant wasn't supposed to be part of the drama. Detective Ffion Morgan has to put aside what she's watched on screen, and find out who these people really are - knowing she can't trust any of them.
And when a murderer strikes, Ffion knows every one of her suspects has an alibi . . . and a secret worth killing for.
A Game of Lies (DC Morgan, #2) Reviews
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"Everyone is playing their own game."
A Game of Lies is an aptly titled police procedural about seven reality TV contestants who become suspects in a murder.
Although this is the second book of the DC Morgan series, it can be read as a standalone.
When seven reality TV show contestants discover that they have been lied to about the premise of the show they are starring in, they don’t respond well, to say the least. What they thought was a show in the vein of Survivor was, in reality, a show that would expose their deep, dark secrets. Their fear of having their biggest secrets exposed leads to murder. Detective Ffion Morgan investigates.
Ffion is the primary character; however, Leo, her former partner/love interest from book one, also plays a role in the investigation. Ffion is struggling with her emotions and a new rescue dog named Dave, who is THE BEST; he brings some much-needed humor into the plot. Ffion has a strong voice and has shown some development from book #1. Leo is lovely. A new character, George, is brought in as Ffion’s new partner. I loved George’s character, and I hope to see her in the next installment. She is a strong foil to Ffion.
Additional POVs are shared, including Ffion’s mother and the reality TV contestants. While there are many perspectives, all are distinct and easy to track, and each plays a pivotal role in the plot.
The pace is slow but steady--the tension and suspense grow as the plot develops. I was never bored and was invested in the drama behind the secrets of the reality contestants, as well as the drama that makes up Ffion’s life.
What made this book a standout was the setting--the majority of the novel takes place in the Welsh mountains, and Mackintosh transported me to Wales. In addition, she uses a lot of Welsh phrases that aren’t always immediately translated, which adds to the setting.
I enjoyed this installment more than the first one--the pace and plot are balanced, and the mystery is tightly wound. There is a bit of a social commentary on the nature of reality shows and the lengths people will go to be famous.
Overall, this series is positively progressing. I recommend this installment to fans of well-plotted mysteries and to those who love dog characters!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sourcebooks Landmark. -
Have you ever looked forward to a book so much that you feel pure joy when it’s finally there? The second installment of DC Morgan’s series was such an anticipated read for me, since I absolutely loved the first book. I even felt thankful afterwards because I thought I’ve grown tired of police investigations, but this reignited my interest.
In the game of lies the main plot is centered on a reality show where the contestants applied under false pretenses. Instead of a survival show, they have inadvertently signed up for a exposure show, where you have to win to not having your secrets exposed. No wonder that this leads to a contestant disappearing, because some secrets are too dark to be revealed.
I immediately felt drawn in by this premise. My secret is that I’ve secretly watched tv-shows, being both fascinated and disgusted by myself for peeking into others lives. I loved how this show especially raised moral questions like aren’t we all a part of a culture where we devour news about others missteps? Why do we need to do so? This was not a big part of the book, but I liked that these questions were raised.
Apart from that this was an excellent read. There were lots of contestants with valid motives for acting out, and if you pay close attention while reading the ending will satisfy you. I felt the author really had thought through how it all should play out, writing a plot that was watertight and where events made perfect sense when you were given the last puzzle piece. I also loved seeing what happened between Ffifon and Leo. The feelings and reactions they evoked from each other felt real.
I’m very happy I got to read this book! Thanks to netgalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read the arc! -
The icy waters of Mirror Lake (Llyn Drych) separate the English shores from the Welsh village of Cwm Coed. And, sometimes the lines are blurred on which “side” should be in charge of investigating a crime.
That is how DC Ffion Morgan from the Welsh side ended up partnering with DC Leo Brady, from the English side in the first book of this series, “The Last Party”. And the pair have been reunited in book two.
Book #2 also introduces Ffion’s new partner, a transfer in named Georgina (George) who is tight lipped about her past, and Ffion’s new rescue dog, Dave who suffers from separation anxiety and flatulence. 🐕🦺 Woof!!
The Case: Seven reality show contestants thought they were applying to be on a “Survivor-like” reality show. But as it turns out- this show called “Exposure” isn’t about being exposed to the elements at all.
Each of these strangers has a secret.
And, If another player can guess what an opponent is hiding, they won't just be eliminated - their secret will be EXPOSED, on air, LIVE.
The Public also gets to vote on whose secret they would like revealed next, (allegedly) and that contestant can attempt to keep their secret from being exposed, if they can SURVIVE facing their worst fear. Horrifying!
The show is being watched by EVERYONE. Radio shows are inviting listeners to confess their own secrets, it’s trending on Social Media, and it has the highest viewing figures of any UK reality TV show-EVER.
Although every Reality show claims to be unscripted, the Producer had some clear storylines in mind-
The disappearance of a contestant WASN’T supposed to be part of the drama.
The pace of this book is definitely tighter than book one, which I found to be a bit slow, but for me, I may have been more invested in the outcome for each contestant if I had gotten to know them a bit before the show-maybe a chapter for each as they received the “good news” that they had been selected to participate.
But, that may just be me.
I prefer her stand-alone books, which have ranged from thought provoking fiction (After The End) to psychological thrillers such as. “I Let You Go” and high adrenaline thrillers such as “Hostage”, but I don’t gravitate towards series, so that is a “me thing”. I hope we haven’t seen the last of those-as this book ends with a strong hint that a third book is coming for DC Morgan and company, which is a series that I like, but don’t love.
3.75 ⭐️
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted ARC, provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review! -
4.5 stars
DC Ffion Morgan #2
Reality tv show “Exposure “ has seven contestants who have to spend 14 nights on Pen y Ddraig Mountain in Wales, has the usual set of challenges and a public vote. The first show contains a surprise for viewers and an even bigger one for the contestants as this is a game of lies like no other. The following morning the shows producers informs the police at Bryndare that contestant Ryan Francis is missing. Ffion and DC Georgina Kent set off to investigate. Meanwhile, DS Leo Brady over the border in Cheshire has left the odious DI Crouch behind and now works for Cheshire CID. The search to find Ryan becomes a joint Cheshire/Welsh operation which goes from bad to worse.
I absolutely love the start of this where we are introduced to flatulent rescue dog Dave, a character in his own right and shall we say a bit of a handful? He’s well matched with Ffion who is such a brilliant character, she’s funny, a motor mouth, great at her job and rather impossible to both live with and without. The dialogue when Ffion is about is snappy, witty and funny. She sure keeps everyone on their toes, not least Leo. The more off than on vibes between those two are terrific and keeps you guessing throughout which is pretty much how Leo feels!
The plot with the reality show at the centre of it is so good, the awfulness of the show makes me cringe (though most reality shows do, yikes) and of course, this gives the author huge scope which she totally maximises! It really is a runaway train and you’re just waiting for the inevitable wreckage and pile ups. It’s highly entertaining, the storytelling is lively throughout and keeps you glued with multiple twists and turns and all told at a fast pace. Tension comes from several quarters and I like how several chapters have suspenseful endings which keeps you reading on. The finale is almost Christiesque and is clever and the ultimate ending is excellent.
As for the setting, that is fantastic. You really do feel the Welshness via the language, the local characters and their roots and the area is beautifully described so it exudes atmosphere. It makes me want to jump into the car and get myself to Wales!
Finally, I do hope number three is underway as I can’t wait for my next dose of Ffion, Leo and Dave who hopefully will be less er, Dave!
Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group, Sphere for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. -
**4.5-stars**
A Game of Lies is the 2nd-installment to the DC Morgan Police Procedural Mystery series. The 1st-book in the series,
The Last Party, knocked my socks off when I read it in 2022. I immediately fell for DC Ffion Morgan.
I have been anticipating this release for so long. I'm talking before it even had a cover long. I wanted to savor it, to take my time with the mystery, to let it all sink in...
I ended up binging it and it's over. Now, the extended wait for the next book. I know it will be worth it though.
Oh also, I discovered, I guess I really love stories that revolve around reality programs. This is the second one I have read this week and I became so invested in both. The other being,
Everyone Is Watching.
A new reality show, Exposure, is set to begin filming in the Welsh mountains. Seven contestants are selected, although it's not necessarily clear what it involves.
After they're all gathered together the true nature of the game is revealed. Each of the contestants has a secret. If any of the other players can guess it, they won't be eliminated, but they will be exposed.
Ultimately, if it goes according to plan, it'll end with everyone's secrets being exposed, except for the one lucky winner, who will not only manage to keep their secret to themselves, but will also win a large cash prize.
The show concept is frightening as heck to the contestants. This wasn't what they expected. Many of them have been hiding these secrets from the most important people in their lives. This could be devastating.
It's too late now though, right, for anyone to change they're mind? They can't back out. They're there. They're cut off. What are they to do? It causes a lot of stress.
When one of the contestants disappears the police are notified. This wasn't supposed to be part of the drama.
Ffion must forget what she's already seen on the screen and put her detective cap on. The clock is ticking and it's unclear whether the missing contestant means to harm themselves, or others. It's imperative they're found before the situation has a chance to escalate.
After a person involved with the show is murdered, it's clear that things on the mountain have gone from bad to worse. Will Ffion be able to get to the bottom of this one, or will she be forced to step aside due to conflicts of interest?
I adored this. First, I was just so happy to be back with Ffion, all the side characters, and once again in this gorgeous natural setting with a small village feel.
Bonus, Ffion's new rescue dog, the gassy and separation anxiety-ridden, Dave. We love a sweet pup being added to the cast of characters and Dave brought so much to the page.
In addition to the fun reality show concept, and the mystery, I also loved the forward progress we got to see in Ffion's personal life. She's definitely one of my favorite detective characters and I can't wait to solve more cases with her.
I feel like the way this one left off, we can definitely plan on an exciting 3rd-installment. I know you won't let us down, Mackintosh. The world is ready for more!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I definitely recommend this series to any Police Procedural Mystery fans out there!! -
DC Ffion Morgan book 2: This very much Summer read thriller has all the right ingredients; set in North Wales in a small community that unwittingly plays host to a national phenomenon of a reality TV show called Exposure, where the winner takes it all, and each loser will have had a huge secret revealed on air in what is essentially a ‘Game of Lies’. With so much at stake, what lengths will the contestants go to, to protect their reputations?
Perfectly weighted with its characterisations, tension, humour, mystery and action, this is a perfect Summer read. It came as no surprise to find out the writer Claire Mackintosh, was a former police officer. 7 out of 12 Three Star read,
2024 read -
A Game of Lies is the second in the DC Ffion Morgan series and it’s just as humorous as the first. Ffion checks all the boxes for me - dog lover (and not just any dog, but a huge anxiety ridden, farting monster), a smart sense of humor, a potty mouth and some issues with authority.
There’s a reality show filming on Pen y Ddraig mountain. But not another Survivor type show. On this one, each contestant has a secret. They’re not only competing for cash, but to keep their secret hidden. A day after the first episode airs, a contestant goes missing. And not long thereafter, someone is murdered. The premise of the show is a bit OTT, but the humiliation and manipulation are real enough.
DS Leo Brady is also back, now working in the next town over. As the property where the show is filming straddles the two areas, they once again get to work together. And you could cut the tension between them with a knife. Often romance subplots don’t work for me, but this one did as it plays into each one’s character. The story alternates between their POVs along with several others.
Of course, the star of the story is Dave, the above-mentioned rescue dog, who provides plenty of comic relief.
The story is fast paced and entertaining. I had no clue how this would play out and who would be the guilty party. I will be looking forward to the next in the series. And for the record, I think this would easily work as a standalone for those who haven’t read the first book (which was another five star read for me).
My thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown for an advance copy of this book. -
4.5🌟
What would you do to keep your secret, well... secret? Murder perhaps?
No doubt, most everyone is aware of the glut of “reality” TV that shamelessly push the boundaries! Now the latest offering adding to the feeding frenzy is, Exposure.
A group of contestants signed up assuming it would be another Survivor themed show. What they didn’t know is that it was meant to expose them…and their deepest secrets. And what the producers also conveniently failed to mention, there’s no way out!
Wait…what? And, let the games begin!
This is book two of the DC Morgan series by Clare Mackintosh, featuring Detective Ffion Morgan and her lovable dog Dave, who suffers from abandonment issues (among other things).
Leo is back too, in this latest addition to the series. And yes, the chemistry is still there. Will they finally drop their walls and give each-other a chance? Come on you two, enough is enough!
A new character, George makes her first appearance. She’s new to Ffion’s department but quickly became an integral part of the team. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from her in future installments.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the author treats us to a juicy crime drama while still heavily focusing on the characters themselves (Bravo!).
She also made us (ok, me) take a look at reality tv and how much is true vs manipulation from behind the scenes.
We criticize the producers for putting these shows on the air, but aren’t we just as guilty for watching them?💁🏻♀️
Overall an excellent addition to this series! Take the time to read book one The Last Party to really get to know the characters. I guarantee, (well hope anyway) that you will be as hooked on this series as I am! I can’t wait for book three!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark
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My thanks to Sourcebooks/Landmark, Clare Mackintosh and Netgalley.
This story was a bit out there. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, and I think I liked it?!
I actually had a blast reading this, and was outraged by the concept of this reality show.
I'd probably have killed Mile's myself!
Still, I'm only rating this at 3 stars. The story was great, but Ffion? That woman "who's a cop!" did the most idiotic crap! Honestly, I was amazed she was a cop in Wales. She was stupid enough, she could have been working for some southern state here in the U.S.A! Or Minnesota.
I will be reading more of this series though. It's a new series, and I know these characters will evolve over time, and I'm interested enough to continue reading. Also, it's northern Wales. It's one of my top five destinations to visit, that I've never visited!
Wales.
Scotland.
Norway.
Greece.
Croatia.
Fantastic writing. -
Mixed reviews that claim some readers didn't enjoy the mystery as much as the first book or couldn't connect with the reality show contest characters don't sway my five-star (rounded up from four and a half) rating. My inner romantic compelled me to give this rating, overriding my usual thriller-seeking, puzzle-loving, mystery-nerd self. That ending brought such a deep smile to my face that, as you reach it, most readers will likely agree with me.
Of course, I can readily give five stars to any book written by the brilliant author Clare Mackintosh, as she's an auto-approved author for me.
Let's not forget how, from the moment I read the first DC Morgan book, I fell in love with Cwm Coed, a small fishing town nestled between Wales and England. I adore the vivid, realistic characters, the peculiar, eccentric, complex family dynamics of Ffion (I adored her Mam Ellen Morgan and wished we could see more of her in this book), her unresolved feelings with her ex, and her fiery new love relationship with DS Leo Brady, which might be sabotaged by her own insecurities.
After the earth-shattering end of the first book, the story continues a few weeks forward from where we left off, with Ffion adopting Dave, a very needy, couch-eating, people-jumping, fart-bombing, humongous dog from the shelter. DC George Kent, an introverted, closed-book, work-oriented woman, has recently transferred to their team as DS Leo starts dating a very pushy lady and tries to spend more time with his son. He erases Ffion's number after she didn't return his dinner invite, as we remember from the end of the first book (but also remember what Ffion was dealing with when she received the text). It seems like their lives are moving forward in separate ways until they meet in another case related to one of the highest-rated reality shows, "Exposure." Seven contestants have signed up and are trapped in the Welsh mountains, each with ugly, dirty secrets that could ruin their lives if exposed. The producer, Miles Young, the founder of Young Production, chose the contestants without giving them information about the secret revelation part and made them sign a contract that restricts them from leaving the competition. Now they are stuck in a place where their entire futures are at stake. As if this circumstance isn't frightening enough, they also have to face their fears in a pond, including falling snakes and spiders if they refuse to come clean about the truth.
Ffion and George pay a visit to the Exposure camp to examine the bones found around the campsite. But Ffion finds herself involved in the competition because her sister/daughter Seren is dating a young production assistant, Caleb. The contestants also pique her interest, including Ffion's drinking buddy, postal worker Ceri Jones, who is competing against Pam Butler, an authoritative headteacher, Aliyah Brown, a beautiful childcare practitioner, Jason Shenton, a flirting, charming firefighter, Henry Moore, a tall, dark-haired, wise accountant, Lucas Taylor, the reverend with dark secrets, and Ryan Francis, a man with a troubled past. When one of the contestants goes missing before the revelation process, turning it into a murder mystery, the authorities get involved in the investigation. Leo joins the team as the lead investigator, making things extra challenging for both Ffion and him. Their unresolved feelings lead them to act like stubborn, immature children who make false assumptions about each other, while George is caught in the middle of their hot-cold war. The focus on the investigation turns it into an enigmatic murder case with many motives but no suspects. Anyone could go to great lengths to prevent their secrets from coming out or to avenge the person who already ruined their life. But who did it? The clock is ticking, everyone is a suspect, and most of them have iron-clad alibis. How will Ffion, Leo, and George piece together the complex puzzle to find the perpetrator?
I thoroughly enjoyed the well-constructed, twisty murder mystery and the structure that goes back and forth to reveal the secrets and motives each contestant carries and acts upon. The different perspectives shed light on hidden clues within the chapters, keeping us guessing. I appreciated the writing style, and the characters already feel like close friends. Plus, my romantic inclinations swayed my opinion. I can't wait for the next book in the series. By the way, George Kent is an impressive, fresh character, and learning more about her backstory at the end made me love her even more. I'm definitely looking forward to getting to know her better in the next book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing this amazing book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I liked this book, but it wasn't as good as the first book was for me. Love the idea behind it but it was super slow going and really not as surprising as I would have hoped.
In the first book, DC Ffion Morgan from Wales was partnered with DC Leo Brady from England to solve a case. In this installment, they have been brought together again because a reality show is being filmed in Wales and one of the contestants turns up missing. As they investigate, they discover that while the contestants were told it was a survival type show, it ended up being a show that would reveal their darkest secrets.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the way this book was laid out. We get the points of view of all of the contestants, but not until after a great deal had happened. Some of the timing felt very awkward in the flow of the narration. I also didn't care for the fact that Ffion and Leo had the start of a relationship in the last book, and come to find out they never pursued it and they are back to the weird dynamics again. It felt kind of juvenile and silly.
The mystery itself is worth reading, as are the antics of Ffion's hilarious dog Dave. I will definitely read another book featuring these characters, but I hope the romance is either eliminated or pursued, it is just silly at this point.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. -
4.5 stars
This is the second in the author’s crime series featuring Welsh detective Ffion Morgan, who we first meet in THE LAST PARTY.
Seven people sign up for a Survivor-type series…but unknown to the participants, the stakes are high as each contestant has a deep dark secret that is threatened to be revealed live on air. The motive to keep the secrets hidden is strong, and when one of the contestants is missing – are the secrets worth murder?
As with the previous book, what makes this one stand out is not only the Welsh setting, but the characters, especially Detective Ffione, and her neurotic flatulent rescue dog, Dave – I LOVE him, and he provides the necessary lightness to the story. Ffione’s personal life is a also a huge part of the story and I was completely invested.
Fast-paced and entertaining, this works especially well on audio. The ending left me looking forward to the next in the series!
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A Game of Lies is a suspenseful and entertaining second installment of the DC Morgan series. I can't say that I enjoyed it quite as much as the first book,
The Last Party, but it was still a solid read that kept me guessing right up until the very end.
I'm not gonna lie, I have a weakness for bad reality television so the premise of this book was right up my alley. It's actually the whole reason I started the series – I was approved for this one on NetGalley and immediately requested the first installment from the library so that I wouldn't miss out on any of the backstory.
A Game of Lies doesn't exactly pick up where the events of the previous novel left off. In fact, you quickly find out that it's been almost a year and half since Ffion and Leo last spoke. I think the soured relationship between the two is actually the entire reason that I didn't like this one as much as its predecessor. In the previous novel, Ffion and Leo were awkward with each other but in an endearing way. And then in this book, they just seemed to mostly hate each other? There's lots of bickering and hurt feelings and misunderstandings and huffing around in a snit (mostly by Ffion). You know those 80s rom-coms where all of the drama could have been avoided if the two characters had just had an honest conversation with each other? It's like that (and is just as frustrating).
There's also a lot less of Cwm Coed's residents in this one. Several of them make an appearance, and Caleb (Seren's boyfriend) and Ceri (the postwoman) play important roles, but overall the story is much more focused on the reality show contestants and crew and their filming location outside of town. And don't expect the contestants to be particularly likeable, because (much like the residents of The Shore from the last novel) they absolutely are not. At least this is another one where you don't feel too bad for the murder victim.
The mystery itself is suspenseful and twisty, and I think I suspected almost every character of murder at one point or another … well, except for the actual murderer, that is. I also did not see the twist regarding the murderer coming at all.
And, of course, the setting in Wales is fantastic.
Overall, this one's definitely worth a read if you enjoyed the first book in the series. It's not quite as delightful as its predecessor due to Leo and Ffion's fractured relationship, but the suspenseful plot and solid writing make for an entertaining read nonetheless. 3.75 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. -
Secrets and lies......
I was so excited to see there was another book in the DC Morgan book series out for review! I enjoyed the first book in the series, The Last Party, and couldn't wait to read A Game of Lies. This book does not disappoint!
The contestants signed up to be on a reality show. They were excited to participate and hopefully, fingers crossed, win the cash prize! But did they read the fine print??????? Nope! When they arrive and start filming, they are all shocked to learn that this show was about secrets - their deepest darkest secrets. The very ones that they don't want anyone to know! If they win, their secret remains a secret!
After a contestant goes missing, Detective Ffion Morgan is called in to investigate. Soon DS Leo Brady is called in to assist in the investigation as well. If you have read the first book in the series,
The Last Party, you will recognize both and know of their connection to each other.
I found this book to be an enjoyable whodunit it with many suspects, a loveable dog named Dave, and tension galore. I enjoyed putting on my super sleuth hat and trying to figure out whodunit. Plus, I loved seeing Ffion and Leo together again. There is so much tension there. Ffion is a great character who is strong, fierce, yet doesn't like letting people get close to her. Leo is likeable, smart, and knows what he wants.
With so many suspects, the investigative team has their work cut out for them. I enjoyed reading about their investigative work, banter, and learning the secrets of the contestants.
I found this book to be well written, well thought out, and gripping. It has a nice number of twists and reveals which kept my pages turning and my interest piqued.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at
www.openbookposts.com 📖 -
Omgggg I have never kicked my feet or giggled so hard at the end of a thriller book before 😍 DYING for the third installment.
Tha actually thriller storyline was so well tied together as well, I loved that after reading the first book I knew Ffions character so much better! I think The Last Party had the edge but they’re both still 4 ⭐️ -
The return of Leo and Ffion, a couple I know that readers who enjoyed Book 1 really loved, both Police Officers, Leo from England, Ffion from Wales, and when crime happens just on the border both are involved, I would say Book 1 needs to be read as there is a fair bit of back story to these two and the area
Now I LOVED Book 1, one of my fav reads last year so was looking forward to this, the story is good….a reality show that goes wrong and the continuing saga between Leo and Ffion is there….so am not sure why I didn’t enjoy it as much as Book 1?,maybe a lot to live up to? It was still a good read but I didn’t warm to either of them as had in Book 1 and at times found them annoying and a bit cliched, however as said the story was good and I went from ‘this is ok’ to ‘this is much better’ as the book went on and then I really enjoyed the ending
Will be interesting to see which direction Book 3 goes in, the author is more than talented so will still look forward to it
7/10
3 Stars -
Thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Welsh DC Ffion Morgan is back! This time, she and her team of investigators are trying to hunt down a missing reality television contestant while also trying to solve a murder. Not to mention that Ffion has plenty of personal issues to sort through, especially when DCI Leo Brady arrives to help them out.
Just an enjoyable mystery. Loving this series! I like that Ffion speaks Welsh and that is how the villagers know they can trust her. Not to mention the description of the beautiful surroundings. I will certainly be back for book 3!
Expected Publication Date 23/04/24
Goodreads Review 31/03/24
#AGameOfLies #NetGalley. -
Book 2 in the DC Morgan series. What a fantastic follow-up to The Last Party!!! DC Ffion Morgan - - along with DS Leo Brady - - are on a new case to find missing contestant Ryan Francis from the reality tv show ‘Exposure.’ It’s being filmed over two weeks on Pen y Ddraig Mountain in Whales, with seven contestants. One winner receiving 100K.
Only they have no idea what they’re in for. There’s a last minute surprise revealed on the show that it’s not a survival of the fittest challenge.. but is based on revealing each contestants biggest lie. This puts everyone (in an uproar) knowing that if their lie gets revealed it would be a life-ruiner; -is it the reason Ryan disappeared, is now a danger to himself and possibly others?
Then we have former partners/friends-to-lovers, Ffion and Leo.. to (once again) be working with one another after their romantic relationship had been jilted on Ffion’s end.. now both feeling internal struggles with it. The hate-love bantering between them was pretty hilarious when YOU KNOW they are highly attracted to each another. And that crazy rescue dog.. loved Dave!!
Miles Young. The show’s producer only cares about high ratings no matter the damage it would inflict on other’s lives. I’d say that makes him a pretty big target wouldn’t you!
Miles put fear in every contestant of having their worst lie exposed.
And for that, everyone has a reason to want him dead.
Then IT HAPPENED.. someone got their revenge.
Except. Everyone has an alibi.
Talk about intense and exciting! Now it’s up to Ffion, her new (gutsy and very opinionated!) female partner George, and Leo to solve the crime.
This finished with a bang, and WOW.. I’m just so surprised how it caught me off guard.. love that! Now will have to wait another year for the next installment ❥ 4.5 stars — Pub. 4/23/24 -
Contestants have gathered in Wales for what they thought was to be a Survivor-type reality show, only to find they've been duped; the losers will have their deepest, darkest, most damaging secrets revealed to the viewing public, and their loved ones. That fact makes everyone mad, and even makes someone mad enough to kill . . .
And, we're off and running in the second book of what I hope is a long-running DC Morgan series. Ffion's got a lot on her plate this time around: solving a juicy murder, dealing with an overly-devoted dog, and denying her feelings for another investigator. This was a fine, fun whodunnit that ends with the promise of more good things to come.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the read. -
A reality show based in the Welsh mountains stranding seven contestants who believe they've signed up for wilderness survival competition will find out they've been deceived and their worst nightmares are only just beginning.
When one of the contestants has gone missing, DC Ffion Morgan is assigned the case where it seems a little strange but when a body is later found brutally murdered the case becomes very complicated since a couple of suspects have personal relationships with Ffion so this assignment is a little too close to home.
Secrets and lies abound where they steer the case off course and Ffion makes some critical errors which may jeopardize her career as well as her life!
This was a fun and entertaining Welsh police procedure mystery that had humor as well as murder. The book was not quite a cozy mystery but it was not a dark, gritty story by any means which I was hoping to read. The storyline was very good and enjoyable after I realized it was a lighter style with some unrequited romance thrown in. Ffion was quite the character and her uncontrollable dog was a wonderful addition that I couldn't get enough of reading about. Around the three quarter mark the book took on more serious tones so I was completely invested by then and had an appreciation and love for all the major characters which I hadn't expected.
I definitely recommend this novel to readers if they're looking for a good locked room style mystery with light hearted overtones!
I want to thank the publisher "Sourcebooks Landmark" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating of 3 1/2 LYING AND SECRETIVE 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Author: Clare Mackintosh -
4.5. This is such a great cat and mouse book with one of the best concepts ever. A reality show where each participant has a horrible secret. They think they’re signing up for survival reality show but the producer has changed the game. One by one they’ll have to go into the confession booth. What a great book. I just love this series and hope it continues for a long time!
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4.5 stars rounded down.
DC Morgan #2
Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants have no idea what they've signed up for. Each of these strangers has a secret. If another player can guess the truth, they won't just be eliminated - they will be exposed live on air. The stakes are higher than they ever imagined, and they're trapped. The disappearance of a contestant wasn't supposed to be part of the drama. Detective Ffion Morgan has to put aside what she watched on screen and find out who these people really are - knowing she can't trust any of them.
There's a new TV show called Exposure. The seven contestants think all they have to do is remain in the camp at the bottom of the Pen y Ddraig mountain for the allotted time without being voted out by the public. But they are really there to prevent their biggest secret from being outed. When one of the contestants goes missing, DC Ffion Morgan is called in to investigate. This is a tricky book to review without giving too much away. Secrets are shared, tensions run high, a contestant goes missing and there's a murder. This is a cleverly written story. There are also parts that are quite funny. Now we have the long wait for the third book in this well written series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #ClareMackintosh for my ARC of #AGameOfLies in exchange for an honest review. -
4.25/5
A Game of Lies by
Clare Mackintosh is the second book in DC Morgan series, and I don't think I am ever going to get sick of reading about Ffion. This can definitely be read as a standalone, but I would still recommend starting with
The Last Party since a lot of things happen in that book that influence relationships in this installment. I honestly wish I would have done a reread first, since I didn't remember much of anything that happened in that one. 🙈 I found myself a tad lost at times with the characters, but it didn't affect the main storyline which is Morgan's investigation of the missing contestant and murder.
I wish the audiobook had a full cast since there are just so many characters to keep track of. That being said, I did love Chloe Angharad Davies' narration and I especially love her as the voice of Ffion. She narrated book one as well, so I enjoyed that continuation of keeping her as the narrator this time around. We just need more. 😜 I love that Mackintosh threw a reality show into the mix and the premise of it was both despicable and terrifying. I would never want to be in the confession pod that's for sure! I liked the cast of characters in the book and that we got to know the contestants as well which threw suspicion on all of them. A Game of Lies has a complex plot that is totally engaging, and after that 🎆 ending, I can't wait to see where the series goes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. -
Since i had read an earlier book by Clare Mackintosh which I rated five stars,
I Let You Go, I was excited to read another work by this author. I wasn't disappointed.
Description:
They say the camera never lies.
But on this show, you can't trust anything you see.
Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants have no idea what they've signed up for.
Each of these strangers has a secret. If another player can guess the truth, they won't just be eliminated - they'll be exposed live on air. The stakes are higher than they'd ever imagined, and they're trapped.
The disappearance of a contestant wasn't supposed to be part of the drama. Detective Ffion Morgan has to put aside what she's watched on screen, and find out who these people really are - knowing she can't trust any of them.
And when a murderer strikes, Ffion knows every one of her suspects has an alibi . . . and a secret worth killing for.
My Thoughts:
This was a reality show nightmare! High dollare stakes, isolated location, and contestants who each have a secret they will do almost anything to protect. This book kept me glued to the page with anticipation as the story unfolds. The murder was mystifying and Detective Ffion Morgan had a difficult challenge to solve it. I liked Ffion's quirkiness which added a lot to the story. I do not like or watch reality shows on television, but have found that I like reading about them in fiction. I've read several books created around an imagined reality show and have enjoyed all of them so far. This one had a good plot and I enjoyed the author's writing style. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark through Netgalley for an advance copy. -
After reading book 1 in this series, I was so excited to see a book 2. I really like the main character - Both Leo (the officer from another location) and Ffion, the local officer. They were a great team as they got to know each other and solve the mystery.
In this story, we find Ffion involved in a mystery at a nearby filming site - where they are filming a new reality show called Expose. I thought this setting was interesting and I liked the challenges, the alliances and learning about each character.
Although I didn't find the mystery quite as compelling, I did like the pieces, the clues and how it all fit together. I really loved Dave - he was such a great character! I also really loved George, what a great officer she is. My heart broke for what I remembered of her and I loved her presence in this story.
And here it is - we have movement on the additional storyline and some lines have been drawn and some hints have been laid. Although we got to know the characters more, I'm hoping for more movement otherwise in the third installment. The author hinted we're getting another one and I've love that!!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. -
ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅɴ’ᴛ ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡᴇ ʟᴇғᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ғɪʀsᴛ ʙᴏᴏᴋ, sᴏ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ᴍᴇ ᴀ ᴍɪɴᴜᴛᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀᴛᴄʜ ᴍʏ ʙᴇᴀʀɪɴɢs. ᴀs ᴀ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ, ɪ ғᴇʟᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ᴀ ᴠᴇʀʏ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜɪɴɢ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴀs ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ sʟᴏᴡ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ. ᴛʜᴇ sᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ ʜᴀᴅ ᴍᴇ sᴏ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ sʜᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴏᴛ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ᴅᴏ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴇ. ɪ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs- ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴ ɪ sᴛɪʟʟ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ɴᴏᴛ ɢᴇᴛ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴇʟsʜ ɴᴀᴍᴇs/ ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴs ᴀɴᴅ ᴜʟᴛɪᴍᴀᴛᴇʟʏ ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴀ ʙɪɢ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴏғ ᴡʜʏ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ᴅᴏ ɪᴛ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴇ. ɪ’ᴠᴇ sᴇᴇɴ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡs ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ᴛʀᴜʟʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴛʜɪs sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ’s ɴᴏᴛ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴇ. ɪ ғɪɴɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ʜᴀᴛᴇ ɪᴛ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪᴛ. ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴅᴄ ᴍᴏʀɢᴀɴ ʙᴏᴏᴋ, ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ sᴏᴍᴇ ʙʀɪʟʟɪᴀɴᴛ ǫᴜᴏᴛᴇs/ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ᴘᴜʟʟ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜɪs ᴏɴᴇ. ɪᴅᴇᴀ ᴡᴀs ɢᴏᴏᴅ - ᴘᴏᴏʀ ᴇxᴇᴄᴜᴛɪᴏɴ.
📖 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ @bookmarked ᴀɴᴅ @netgalley ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʀᴄ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖 -
DNF at 50%. Sorry to this book, but I don’t care who killed the guy, I don’t care about the contestants’ secrets, and I don’t care about Ffion’s exes. I have to cut my losses and move on to books that will interest me more.
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Great second book in the Ffion Morgan series. Loved the different points of view and the reveal of the murderer. However, gave this four stars because I caught on probably way too early to how the murderer “done it” and Ffion started driving me mad.
Full Review:
We follow Ffion in the second book in the series. It's been several months since the events in the last book and Ffion is wishing that she had gone forward with a relationship with Leo, who is now a detective sergeant. She's not doing very well at work, and a new hire, Georgina does not seem to like her much. And she has a clinging dog that everyone seems to hate. When Ffion and Georgina are called to assist when a castmate of a reality show filming nearby goes missing, Ffion and Leo are reunited. The reality show though is not a case of mimicking survivor, instead it's about revealing cast members darkest secrets. And when a dead body shows up, Ffion and Leo have to wonder if one of the cast had such a dark secret they were willing to kill to hide it.
Ffion has her head up her butt for a good majority of the book. Spoilers ahead for those who have not read the first book in the series.
Ffion seems very focused on her sister/daughter Seren going to school and her not getting tied up with her boyfriend Caleb. She also has twinges about her ex-husband moving on along with Leo who seemingly has too. The ending leaves you with a hope of her turning over a new leaf about a lot of things though.
Leo has moved on from Ffion though he's not super thrilled with the woman he's dating. But he is good at his job and is focused on staying professional while working with Ffion.
The book shifts around to other characters (we follow each of the contestants of the show) and then even Georgina gets a point of view. I really wish that Mackintosh had kept things to just Ffion and Leo in this one. I found myself getting distracted since some of the character's points of views show their time on the show and then their "secrets".
The flow was up and down. I did figure out pretty early on how the murder happened and for shame for these detectives not figuring it out. I won't do spoilers, but anyone who reads any Agatha Christie will get it in one.
The ending as I said leaves things on a hopeful note. I still like the characters and will definitely read another book in this series if Mackintosh writes one. -
This is the second book in the DC Morgan series but can be read as a standalone, although you would get more insight into the characters if you read The Last Party first. I don't watch reality TV but I was intrigued by the premise of a show set in the mountains of Wales. When things take a dark and unexpected turn, the contestants are anxious and angry. Everyone has a secret they don't want exposed to the public, so when a crime is committed everyone is a suspect. A bit slow-moving at times, I did enjoy the setting and the smattering of Welsh phrases added to the atmosphere. The book raises questions about the ethics of reality TV, how much is real and how much is scripted or manipulated to entice the viewers. This was a solid addition to the series, but I do prefer the author's earlier works.
