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Liar
Amelia White dreamed of being a reporter, but the closest she'd come was selling advertising in the local paper.
Until the fateful day she stumbles on a truly shocking scoop.
A murder victim, round the corner from her home.
When the police and reporters descend, Amelia is horrified at the assumptions made and lies soon to be spread about this poor young woman.
Convincing her local paper to let her take up the story herself, Amelia is determined to protect the victim from these smears. But when another body is found, the police investigation stalls.
Now, Amelia's own unfolding investigation may be the only chance of uncovering the truth, and stopping more killings.
If only she can work out who the liar is . . .
Praise for Lesley Pearse
'Storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail
'Evocative, compelling, told from the heart' Sunday Express
'Glorious, heartwarming' Woman & Home
'Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written' Closer
Until the fateful day she stumbles on a truly shocking scoop.
A murder victim, round the corner from her home.
When the police and reporters descend, Amelia is horrified at the assumptions made and lies soon to be spread about this poor young woman.
Convincing her local paper to let her take up the story herself, Amelia is determined to protect the victim from these smears. But when another body is found, the police investigation stalls.
Now, Amelia's own unfolding investigation may be the only chance of uncovering the truth, and stopping more killings.
If only she can work out who the liar is . . .
Praise for Lesley Pearse
'Storytelling at its very best' Daily Mail
'Evocative, compelling, told from the heart' Sunday Express
'Glorious, heartwarming' Woman & Home
'Intriguing, heart-tugging, beautifully written' Closer
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2020
About the author
Lesley Pearse
56 books2,005 followersLesley Pearse is one of the UK's best-loved novelists with fans across the globe and sales of over 2 million copies of her books to date. A true storyteller and a master of gripping storylines that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end, Pearse introduces you to characters that it is impossible not to care about or forget. There is no formula to her books or easily defined genre. Whether crime as in 'Till We Meet Again', historical adventure like 'Never Look Back', or the passionately emotive 'Trust Me', based on the true-life scandal of British child migrants sent to Australia in the post war period, she engages the reader completely.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
August 16, 2021
In her early 20s Amelia White, from a dysfunctional family sells advertising space for newspaper but would love to be a reporter and eventually an author; her life takes a macabre turn, when she finds the murdered corpse of a woman on a rubbish tip! What follows is a surprisingly interesting mix of criminal, romantic and familial intrigue all tied together by a serial killer, post 1960s London and Amelia's world where she seems to be surrounded by a surprising number of compulsive liars!
I was surprised to not have heard of this huge bestselling writer before but definitely see the appeal of her light touch look at the dark side of urban community and urban life which in its own way maps the lives of many of us unknowingly having pretty unpleasant people living amongst us. I also enjoyed her low-level but very accurate capture of London in 1970. I'm pretty sue if I see another one of her books in a thrift store I will pick it up for a read :). 7 out of 12.
I was surprised to not have heard of this huge bestselling writer before but definitely see the appeal of her light touch look at the dark side of urban community and urban life which in its own way maps the lives of many of us unknowingly having pretty unpleasant people living amongst us. I also enjoyed her low-level but very accurate capture of London in 1970. I'm pretty sue if I see another one of her books in a thrift store I will pick it up for a read :). 7 out of 12.
May 29, 2020
Lesley Pearse's latest offering is set in early 1970s London, with all the cultural references of the period such as the fashions and music, with details of the time, the power cuts, decimalisation, the Vietnam War and more. Amelia White has had a traumatic abused family background that resulted in her living by herself, expending energy in making her dilapidated home feel welcoming, brightening it up, cleaning the building, despite her fellow residents not making the same efforts. She has lived through her hippie phase, but was disillusioned when she was taken advantage of by others. She has no real friends, and feels the loneliness desperately. She works at the West London Weekly newspaper, selling advertising space, but dreams of writing a book. She happens to spot some white boots that she has lusted after in the trash outside her building, but as she tries to acquire them, they turn out to be attached to the feet of a murdered young woman.
This discovery is to upend Amelia's life, her boss at work wants to exploit the situation, sending her to speak to the shocked and devastated family of the victim, Lucy Whelan. The family take to the empathetic Amelia, opening up about their feelings and memories of Lucy, and upon being besieged by the media, agree to Amelia writing an exclusive to get rid of them. Amelia refrains from playing to the lurid and sensationalist instincts of the tabloids, and instead writes an unexpectedly popular thoughtful and sensitive portrait of a much loved Lucy, an ordinary woman with all her dreams and ambitions, leaving behnd a grieving family struggling to come to terms with their loss. In the aftermath of finding Lucy's body, Amelia finds love with a neighbour, Max Creedy, hoping that this time it will all work out, and a close friendship with Kat, a buyer at Harrods Bathrooms Department.
As other women are murdered, Amelia cannot help investigating, wanting to find a killer that the media have dubbed 'The Creeper', with no idea of the danger she will find herself in. Pearse's characterisation portrays a woman of her times, shaped by the trauma of her family background, managing to escape her past to carve a different future for herself against all the odds. While Amelia faces betrayal, deception and lies, to be tested by the adversities that come her way, none of this destroys her innate sensitivity and compassion towards others. It took me a little while to warm to Amelia as a character, and as a consequence it took time to immerse myself in the storytelling. However, once I did, I really enjoyed this entertaining historical fiction with its numerous twists, and its issues of abuse, gender, and British social norms and attitudes of the time. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
This discovery is to upend Amelia's life, her boss at work wants to exploit the situation, sending her to speak to the shocked and devastated family of the victim, Lucy Whelan. The family take to the empathetic Amelia, opening up about their feelings and memories of Lucy, and upon being besieged by the media, agree to Amelia writing an exclusive to get rid of them. Amelia refrains from playing to the lurid and sensationalist instincts of the tabloids, and instead writes an unexpectedly popular thoughtful and sensitive portrait of a much loved Lucy, an ordinary woman with all her dreams and ambitions, leaving behnd a grieving family struggling to come to terms with their loss. In the aftermath of finding Lucy's body, Amelia finds love with a neighbour, Max Creedy, hoping that this time it will all work out, and a close friendship with Kat, a buyer at Harrods Bathrooms Department.
As other women are murdered, Amelia cannot help investigating, wanting to find a killer that the media have dubbed 'The Creeper', with no idea of the danger she will find herself in. Pearse's characterisation portrays a woman of her times, shaped by the trauma of her family background, managing to escape her past to carve a different future for herself against all the odds. While Amelia faces betrayal, deception and lies, to be tested by the adversities that come her way, none of this destroys her innate sensitivity and compassion towards others. It took me a little while to warm to Amelia as a character, and as a consequence it took time to immerse myself in the storytelling. However, once I did, I really enjoyed this entertaining historical fiction with its numerous twists, and its issues of abuse, gender, and British social norms and attitudes of the time. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
September 6, 2022
Like me, you probably know those nice and well intentioned people who seem to attract the bad and the worst and whose lives seem to transition from one disaster to another?. I do, bless them, but are some things avoidable with the right choices? – Yep sometimes they are. So, let me introduce you to our central female character Amelia.
Amelia had a difficult childhood and is perhaps one of the reasons why as an adult she has allowed herself to be taken advantage off by the friends she trusted. Yet sometimes the best learnings and help come from the people who have first-hand experience of the challenges that hit from time to time. It is this personal experience that guides Amelia’s desire to do the right thing and help others and it is these characteristics that become central to the story.
However, following our ‘bad / worst theme’ Amelia meets a new man who she hopes will give her the love, friendship and stability that so far has escaped her. Then Mr nice guy turns out to be bad as well (I can say no more) but worse than this she discovers the body of a young woman in a dumpster not far from her home. Young, beautiful but left like trash.
So, Amelia persuades her newspaper editor to allow her to take on the story so she can uncover what sits behind the smear campaign that seems to dominate the story rather than the loss of life. As her investigation begins and Amelia is drawn further into the case, more bodies are discovered, yet people aren’t talking; everyone one seems to know something, but everyone seems to have a problem telling the truth. Why the conspiracy of lies?
To be honest, I am a little tired of the central characters being painted as very flawed individuals to make them seemingly more interesting. It turned me off this a bit from the outset. Once again we have a woman who is gullible and naïve, when women are generally quite intuitive. Seriously be original and write about a normal person but devise a great plot.
Other than that, it is a very readable everyday murder mystery and a web of deception to keep you absorbed. The writing style is very good, and the pace stays constant. The culprits became a bit too obvious early on and that’s without even trying to be the armchair detective. Nevertheless, in this case it did not spoil the story as I was interested in how it all came together in the end. Good but not great.
Amelia had a difficult childhood and is perhaps one of the reasons why as an adult she has allowed herself to be taken advantage off by the friends she trusted. Yet sometimes the best learnings and help come from the people who have first-hand experience of the challenges that hit from time to time. It is this personal experience that guides Amelia’s desire to do the right thing and help others and it is these characteristics that become central to the story.
However, following our ‘bad / worst theme’ Amelia meets a new man who she hopes will give her the love, friendship and stability that so far has escaped her. Then Mr nice guy turns out to be bad as well (I can say no more) but worse than this she discovers the body of a young woman in a dumpster not far from her home. Young, beautiful but left like trash.
So, Amelia persuades her newspaper editor to allow her to take on the story so she can uncover what sits behind the smear campaign that seems to dominate the story rather than the loss of life. As her investigation begins and Amelia is drawn further into the case, more bodies are discovered, yet people aren’t talking; everyone one seems to know something, but everyone seems to have a problem telling the truth. Why the conspiracy of lies?
To be honest, I am a little tired of the central characters being painted as very flawed individuals to make them seemingly more interesting. It turned me off this a bit from the outset. Once again we have a woman who is gullible and naïve, when women are generally quite intuitive. Seriously be original and write about a normal person but devise a great plot.
Other than that, it is a very readable everyday murder mystery and a web of deception to keep you absorbed. The writing style is very good, and the pace stays constant. The culprits became a bit too obvious early on and that’s without even trying to be the armchair detective. Nevertheless, in this case it did not spoil the story as I was interested in how it all came together in the end. Good but not great.
May 26, 2020
I’ve been a fan of Lesley Pearse books since my mid to late twenties. It’s no secret that I’m in my sixties now. I recall her debut as she was signing at my local library, nothing like they do now of course. I happened upon her there as I was taking my library books back. I was also pregnant with my daughter.
I joined the queue once I understood what was happening, not a very big queue, bought the book and she signed it. Since that very first book I’ve read all of her books except one I missed. Which I aim to buy.
I just love how the author takes a female and Makes her real for us readers. An ordinary woman who could be anyone. Showing their vulnerability as well depicting a strength from their inner side.
Amelia is such a woman.
This is based in the 1970’s in West London. A time of power cuts and dustbin men going on strike. Amelias past family life was awful. A Father who drank aplenty and liked using his fists. A mother quite partial to the bottle too. Who neglected her children and had to fend for themselves.
Amelia broke free.
From statistics we all know and are aware that some children grow to be just like their parents, but, there are choices and Amelia was aware of what was good and what was bad. What was right and what was wrong.
She dreamed of becoming a journalist.
Everyone starts at the bottom up, she’s working for the local paper selling advertising.
Little did she know she would be part of a scoop herself one day. She had discovered the body of a young women. Journalist were spreading lies about the victim.
So what did Amelia do?
There are so many corners to this wonderful story it didn’t take me too long to read.
If you like a suspense with body, this is surely a good read for you.
I loved Amelia as a character growing in this book, her decisions, her vulnerability and her strengths.
June 21, 2020
“Liar” is the global no.1 bestseller author Lesley Pearse’s twenty eighth novel and is a suspenseful, gripping page turner that is in Pearse’s traditional style of storytelling.
Set in 1970, West London, Amelia White is selling advertising space for the local newspaper but has aspirations to be a reporter. After stumbling upon the body of a young woman dumped among the rubbish piled high on the street due to the dustmen strikes, she is given the perfect scoop to show her budding talents to her editor. When Amelia is horrified by the lies spread about the victim she is determined to find the truth and convinces her editor to report the story. But when another body is found and then another, could she be the key to discovering the killer by working out who the liar is?
Set in the year I was born, I was very interested in the music, fashion and ambience of that era. I particularly liked the mention of the women’s fashion, from the miniskirts to the kinky boots and the talk about hippies and flower power. Without doubt the author has passionately researched the era well and I felt I was living in the 1970’s as the events unfolded.
Leslie Pearse can write an astounding family drama novel with a mystery element and always gives voice to women lost in history or damaged by their childhood. Although this is a cracking standalone crime mystery, it doesn’t come anywhere near the author’s previously fantastic novels, for example “Never Look Back” and the ‘Belle’ series. Ideally, I would have loved the whole back story of Amelia’s life before she moved into her bedsit as it happened to her, to really feel the emotions of the events that brought her to where she is now.
Saying that, reading a Lesley Pearse novel for me, is a like wearing a comfortable pair of slippers. I’m guaranteed a great read, I’ve read nigh on all her novels and each of her main characters become a best friend before the story ends. If you’re a die hard Pearse fan, you’ll love this regardless but if you’re new to her writing I would suggest starting with some of her earlier blockbusters, just to understand how dedicated she is to portraying her characters in loving, passionate and thrilling way.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Set in 1970, West London, Amelia White is selling advertising space for the local newspaper but has aspirations to be a reporter. After stumbling upon the body of a young woman dumped among the rubbish piled high on the street due to the dustmen strikes, she is given the perfect scoop to show her budding talents to her editor. When Amelia is horrified by the lies spread about the victim she is determined to find the truth and convinces her editor to report the story. But when another body is found and then another, could she be the key to discovering the killer by working out who the liar is?
Set in the year I was born, I was very interested in the music, fashion and ambience of that era. I particularly liked the mention of the women’s fashion, from the miniskirts to the kinky boots and the talk about hippies and flower power. Without doubt the author has passionately researched the era well and I felt I was living in the 1970’s as the events unfolded.
Leslie Pearse can write an astounding family drama novel with a mystery element and always gives voice to women lost in history or damaged by their childhood. Although this is a cracking standalone crime mystery, it doesn’t come anywhere near the author’s previously fantastic novels, for example “Never Look Back” and the ‘Belle’ series. Ideally, I would have loved the whole back story of Amelia’s life before she moved into her bedsit as it happened to her, to really feel the emotions of the events that brought her to where she is now.
Saying that, reading a Lesley Pearse novel for me, is a like wearing a comfortable pair of slippers. I’m guaranteed a great read, I’ve read nigh on all her novels and each of her main characters become a best friend before the story ends. If you’re a die hard Pearse fan, you’ll love this regardless but if you’re new to her writing I would suggest starting with some of her earlier blockbusters, just to understand how dedicated she is to portraying her characters in loving, passionate and thrilling way.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
June 26, 2020
London 1970's: Amelia White works for a local paper selling advertising space. She Hope's one day to make it as a reporter. She doesn't have much money so when she sees a pair of White boots that shes been yearning to have sticking out of the rubbish that's piled up on the side of the street, she has to have a closer look. Unfortunately, the boot is still attached to a leg. It's not long before another womans ody is found. Amelia decides to do her own investigating along with her new boyfriend, Max.
Lesley mentions some of the events that happened in the 1970's: decimalisation, power cuts, the Vietnam War, the refuse collectors strike and the fashion they wore. Amelia has not had an easy life. Her father used to be at her and her mother was always drunk. Amelia is a strong character. She is determined to find out who her killer is. I thought the pace was slow around first 20% but then the pace picked up. The book is well written and easy to read. There's lots of twists but some parts are predictable. But who was the Liar? You'll need to read the book to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Lesley Pearse for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lesley mentions some of the events that happened in the 1970's: decimalisation, power cuts, the Vietnam War, the refuse collectors strike and the fashion they wore. Amelia has not had an easy life. Her father used to be at her and her mother was always drunk. Amelia is a strong character. She is determined to find out who her killer is. I thought the pace was slow around first 20% but then the pace picked up. The book is well written and easy to read. There's lots of twists but some parts are predictable. But who was the Liar? You'll need to read the book to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Lesley Pearse for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Liar by Lesley Pearse is a historical drama, laced with a plenty of intrigue, romance, mystery and a touch of crime. Featuring a high driven lead on a quest to uncover the truth behind a series of murders, Liar is a consuming tale from bestselling British author Lesley Pearse.
Amelia White leads the action in Lesley Pearse’s twenty eighth novel. This Shepherd’s Bush based aspiring reporter is thrust into a murder scene by sheer chance, providing Amelia with the ultimate news scoop. However, the more Amelia is involved in the resulting police investigation, she realises that getting to the truth may be incredibly risky. With the case shrouded in scandal and malicious slander, Amelia is determined to uncover the truth and restore of the dignity of the victim involved. This quest to provide the truth behind the perplexing murder case sees Amelia take up full reporting duties. But before Amelia can publish her exclusive story, another murder occurs and the police are clearly at odds over what happened to these victims. Amelia realises it is down to her to help put a stop to this killer before more victims fall.
Historical drama specialist Lesley Pearse returns with another great addition to her expansive book collection. Liar is a story that balances out a social history, with a murder mystery and a dash of romance. I was able to make my way through Liar in just one sitting, which is an indication of my enjoyment of this book, along with Pearse’s writing.
Amelia White drives Lesley Pearse’s new novel forward. A highly independent, curious and determined young woman, I found Amelia to be a lead character that I was able to immediately warm to. We learn that Amelia has strong aspirations to be a fully-fledged journalist, but she is currently working in the advertising field. With her sharp eye and inquiring mind, Amelia is looking for an exclusive scoop. When she is unexpectedly thrust in the middle of a murder scene after stumbling across a dead body, Amelia knows this grim discovery may provide her with the material she needs to compose her first official newspaper report. We follow Amelia closely as she delves into the case, working with her colleagues, neighbours, authorities and the family members of the victim. It is an emotional journey, but Amelia’s tough resolve gets her through the hard times. We are also privy to Amelia’s past, which is relayed via Amelia’s memories of her difficult family life. This back story hints to issues of domestic abuse, alcoholism and petty crime. Despite these early setbacks, Amelia manages to rise above her circumstances.
Although the crime mystery aspect is at the centre of the action in Liar, Lesley Pearse also includes her trademark element of romance. The love story is more of a side piece, but it offsets the intrigue element of the novel. Amelia’s love interest in the tale is a dashing man, who initially appears to be absolutely perfect, but slowly as the story progresses he loses his sheen. I was quite suspicious of Amelia’s lover from the early stages of the novel and I think this was justified. Pearse does an excellent job of illuminating her central romance in suspicion and deception. It adds plenty of depth to the story at hand.
The 1970s backdrop is recreated very well by Lesley Pearse, an adept historical fiction storyteller. Pearse provided plenty of context in terms of the day to day living, social conditions, economic situation, political relations, gender expectations, impact of the Vietnam War, the fall of the flower power generation and the pop culture trends of this time period. Pearse’s historical stage is authentic, but also fascinating. I got the feeling that this was a rather bleak and transitional time period in our recent history. The conditions were ripe for a series of murders of this nature to take place.
I put all my faith in Amelia and although she put her life in jeopardy, the danger she places herself in eventually works in her favour. The culprit didn’t come as too much of a surprise and some aspects of the case were predictable, but I still enjoyed being swept up in this murder investigation.
Liar by Lesley Pearse is a satisfying read that will be sure to strike a chord with fans of the bestselling author and it may earn the British writer some new readers.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Liar by Lesley Pearse is a historical drama, laced with a plenty of intrigue, romance, mystery and a touch of crime. Featuring a high driven lead on a quest to uncover the truth behind a series of murders, Liar is a consuming tale from bestselling British author Lesley Pearse.
Amelia White leads the action in Lesley Pearse’s twenty eighth novel. This Shepherd’s Bush based aspiring reporter is thrust into a murder scene by sheer chance, providing Amelia with the ultimate news scoop. However, the more Amelia is involved in the resulting police investigation, she realises that getting to the truth may be incredibly risky. With the case shrouded in scandal and malicious slander, Amelia is determined to uncover the truth and restore of the dignity of the victim involved. This quest to provide the truth behind the perplexing murder case sees Amelia take up full reporting duties. But before Amelia can publish her exclusive story, another murder occurs and the police are clearly at odds over what happened to these victims. Amelia realises it is down to her to help put a stop to this killer before more victims fall.
Historical drama specialist Lesley Pearse returns with another great addition to her expansive book collection. Liar is a story that balances out a social history, with a murder mystery and a dash of romance. I was able to make my way through Liar in just one sitting, which is an indication of my enjoyment of this book, along with Pearse’s writing.
Amelia White drives Lesley Pearse’s new novel forward. A highly independent, curious and determined young woman, I found Amelia to be a lead character that I was able to immediately warm to. We learn that Amelia has strong aspirations to be a fully-fledged journalist, but she is currently working in the advertising field. With her sharp eye and inquiring mind, Amelia is looking for an exclusive scoop. When she is unexpectedly thrust in the middle of a murder scene after stumbling across a dead body, Amelia knows this grim discovery may provide her with the material she needs to compose her first official newspaper report. We follow Amelia closely as she delves into the case, working with her colleagues, neighbours, authorities and the family members of the victim. It is an emotional journey, but Amelia’s tough resolve gets her through the hard times. We are also privy to Amelia’s past, which is relayed via Amelia’s memories of her difficult family life. This back story hints to issues of domestic abuse, alcoholism and petty crime. Despite these early setbacks, Amelia manages to rise above her circumstances.
Although the crime mystery aspect is at the centre of the action in Liar, Lesley Pearse also includes her trademark element of romance. The love story is more of a side piece, but it offsets the intrigue element of the novel. Amelia’s love interest in the tale is a dashing man, who initially appears to be absolutely perfect, but slowly as the story progresses he loses his sheen. I was quite suspicious of Amelia’s lover from the early stages of the novel and I think this was justified. Pearse does an excellent job of illuminating her central romance in suspicion and deception. It adds plenty of depth to the story at hand.
The 1970s backdrop is recreated very well by Lesley Pearse, an adept historical fiction storyteller. Pearse provided plenty of context in terms of the day to day living, social conditions, economic situation, political relations, gender expectations, impact of the Vietnam War, the fall of the flower power generation and the pop culture trends of this time period. Pearse’s historical stage is authentic, but also fascinating. I got the feeling that this was a rather bleak and transitional time period in our recent history. The conditions were ripe for a series of murders of this nature to take place.
I put all my faith in Amelia and although she put her life in jeopardy, the danger she places herself in eventually works in her favour. The culprit didn’t come as too much of a surprise and some aspects of the case were predictable, but I still enjoyed being swept up in this murder investigation.
Liar by Lesley Pearse is a satisfying read that will be sure to strike a chord with fans of the bestselling author and it may earn the British writer some new readers.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
May 30, 2020
I look forward to a new book from Lesley Pearce she never seems to disappoint, and this is no exception.
The story is based in 1970’s London. Amelia White had a tough upbringing. Her mother is an alcoholic and very cold towards her and her siblings and her father was always using his fists to get out of anything including towards her. As soon as he could she left home. She manages to get a job at the local newspaper selling advertising space. But her dream is become a reporter a novelist.
She is walking home one day when she comes across a body dumped in a rubbish pile in broad daylight. Who would do such a thing? She asks her boss Jack if she can investigate the murder. At first, he is reluctant but agrees. But when more bodies turn up, she knows there is a serial killer on the loose and the paper wants her to stop investigating because her own life could be in danger.
This is another great read from the author. It had a great gripping storyline and I loved the period it was set in; I could just imagine myself being there. I kind of felt quite sorry for Amelia. Boy did you go through the mill in this book. But instead of being negative about someone she always tried to find the good in people.
The story is based in 1970’s London. Amelia White had a tough upbringing. Her mother is an alcoholic and very cold towards her and her siblings and her father was always using his fists to get out of anything including towards her. As soon as he could she left home. She manages to get a job at the local newspaper selling advertising space. But her dream is become a reporter a novelist.
She is walking home one day when she comes across a body dumped in a rubbish pile in broad daylight. Who would do such a thing? She asks her boss Jack if she can investigate the murder. At first, he is reluctant but agrees. But when more bodies turn up, she knows there is a serial killer on the loose and the paper wants her to stop investigating because her own life could be in danger.
This is another great read from the author. It had a great gripping storyline and I loved the period it was set in; I could just imagine myself being there. I kind of felt quite sorry for Amelia. Boy did you go through the mill in this book. But instead of being negative about someone she always tried to find the good in people.
December 5, 2023
Great entertainment.
October 7, 2020
A strong, character-driven crime mystery!
A very engaging novel set in the late 60s, early 70s London. It was both historically interesting and accurate; an era not often used by writers which made for a nice change.
The characters were originally portrayed, which made it even more interesting. Protagonist Amelia White grew on me and once I was fully invested sped through the book wanting to see how ‘The Creeper’ murders were going to unfold. Even though some of it was predictable, there were enough twists and turns to captivate.
Good storytelling, great setting, and something a little different!
A very engaging novel set in the late 60s, early 70s London. It was both historically interesting and accurate; an era not often used by writers which made for a nice change.
The characters were originally portrayed, which made it even more interesting. Protagonist Amelia White grew on me and once I was fully invested sped through the book wanting to see how ‘The Creeper’ murders were going to unfold. Even though some of it was predictable, there were enough twists and turns to captivate.
Good storytelling, great setting, and something a little different!
March 29, 2021
Amelia is working on a local paper when she discovers a dead body near to her home. When more bodies are found she wants to investigate matters and get a scoop for her paper. It's a great mystery leaving you on tenterhooks in parts. I have always loved Lesley Pearse books- they are always fabulous, long books to get you totally immersed in the story. Great characters and a gripping storyline make for a fantastic read.
June 19, 2020
This is another great book by Lesley Pearse that I really enjoyed and I have no negatives about it. I like the main character Amelia and her determination to help find the killer, despite potentially putting herself in danger and my heart wept for her as she hadn't had the best of upbringings at all. This author is a brilliant storyteller - this story is well plotted with enough going on and some twists to keep my attention. I like that it was set in the 70's, a nice change from my usual books. I always recommend this authors books and this is no exception!
My thanks to Penguin UK Michael Joseph via NetGalley
My thanks to Penguin UK Michael Joseph via NetGalley
March 11, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Lesley Pearse and I am keen to read more.
While this book it a mystery it is also a study of the human condition and how events in our early lives can impact the person we become. The books is an easy read but I found myself rolling my eyes towards the second half of the book when the situations surrounding the main character become a little ridiculous. That being said it was well written and there was a flow to story that appealed to me.
While this book it a mystery it is also a study of the human condition and how events in our early lives can impact the person we become. The books is an easy read but I found myself rolling my eyes towards the second half of the book when the situations surrounding the main character become a little ridiculous. That being said it was well written and there was a flow to story that appealed to me.
July 1, 2020
I really didn't enjoy this book, Lesley has written some lovely books but this one just didn't work for me. I read a good quarter of it but I couldn't warm to Amelia's character and found myself getting bored and struggling to pick it up. Normally Lesley's books enthrall me, but sadly not this one.
May 6, 2020
It's been a few years since I've read any of lesley's book, so I was so excited to read Liar, straight away I was drawn in by the story and couldn't put my kindle down, loved the twists and turns and I thought I had the story figured out but I was wrong!!!
Read
April 18, 2020i have not read a book buy this author for a while and can say very much enjoyed this story .Amelia is a junior reporter . she finds a body in the rubbish outside her flat .and her boss wants her to go and see victims family and Amelia starts to do her own investigation she has a new boyfriend .wont say no more but it is brilliant twisty and addictive read so recommend
May 23, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 ok stars
My first book by the author so wasn’t sure what to expect.
This is an easy to read crime by numbers book; unfortunately there is little suspense, the characters are for the most part unlikeable and you kind of work out early on who the bad guy is.
This has an old fashioned style of writing that I didn’t enjoy, but hey I am in the minority!!
My first book by the author so wasn’t sure what to expect.
This is an easy to read crime by numbers book; unfortunately there is little suspense, the characters are for the most part unlikeable and you kind of work out early on who the bad guy is.
This has an old fashioned style of writing that I didn’t enjoy, but hey I am in the minority!!
April 19, 2020
This book isn't like my normal reads, however, I really enjoyed reading it.
I quickly identified with the protagonist and her quiet ordered life.
As the story unfolded I was frequently surprised.
Over the years I've many of Lesley Pearse's books, this is continuing in the same vein and doesn't disappoint.
She is a brilliant storyteller.
A very satisfying and rewarding ending.
I quickly identified with the protagonist and her quiet ordered life.
As the story unfolded I was frequently surprised.
Over the years I've many of Lesley Pearse's books, this is continuing in the same vein and doesn't disappoint.
She is a brilliant storyteller.
A very satisfying and rewarding ending.
November 30, 2020
Flat characters, read like a Bunty Christmas Annual.
March 13, 2021
In a Shepherd's Bush bedsit, Amelia White dreams of being a reporter. The closest she's come is selling advertising in the local paper.
Until the fateful day she stumbles on a truly shocking scoop. Round the corner from her home, she discovers the body of a murder victim, dumped among the rubbish.
When the police and reporters descend, Amelia is horrified at the assumptions made and lies soon to be spread about this poor young woman. Determined to protect the victim from these smears and help her grieving family, she convinces her paper's editor to allow her to take up her pen and tell the true story. But when another body is found and the police investigation stalls, Amelia - uncovering new witnesses and suspects in her search for clues - discovers that she may be the only one with any chance of learning the truth and stopping more killings. If only she can work out who the liar is.
Until the fateful day she stumbles on a truly shocking scoop. Round the corner from her home, she discovers the body of a murder victim, dumped among the rubbish.
When the police and reporters descend, Amelia is horrified at the assumptions made and lies soon to be spread about this poor young woman. Determined to protect the victim from these smears and help her grieving family, she convinces her paper's editor to allow her to take up her pen and tell the true story. But when another body is found and the police investigation stalls, Amelia - uncovering new witnesses and suspects in her search for clues - discovers that she may be the only one with any chance of learning the truth and stopping more killings. If only she can work out who the liar is.
January 4, 2022
In 1970s London Amelia White lives in a bedsit and dreams of becoming a journalist. Working at the local paper selling advertising space she hopes she can climb the ladder at work. When she discovers a dead body thrown onto a rubbish heap she also finds herself thrown head first into the investigation. As Amelia tries to piece together the clues via the families of the victims she teeters in dangerous waters and realises those who she’s meeting along the way are not all who they seem.
December 14, 2021
Mano pažintis su autore buvo su šia knyga, istorija gal visai ir nieko, tik labai monotoniška, nėra nei pakylimų, nei tikrai įtemptų momentų, todėl jautėsi toks nuoseklumas. Romanų mylėtojoms manau ji visai patiks, man pritrūko tikrai šį kartą 3/5⭐
July 1, 2020
LIAR is the 28th book published by global No. 1 bestselling author, Lesley Pearse. Described as ‘a gripping page-turner full of suspense, a masterclass in unputdownable storytelling', LIAR was released June 25th with Michael Joseph and has all the expected hallmarks of a Lesley Pearse read.
Lesley Pearse’s own personal story is a fascinating and very uplifting tale.
‘Told as a child that she had too much imagination for her own good. She left home at 15 and headed to London where she worked her way through many jobs – from corsetry sales, to musician’s muse, to nanny; from gift shop owner to dressmaker – finally finding her true vocation when she became a published author age 49.'
Now Lesley Pearse’s novels are loved across the globe due to her ability to captivate her readers and completely immerse them in the minds of her characters.
In LIAR it is into the world of Amelia White we are taken. Amelia had a very difficult upbringing and made a decision to walk away from her dysfunctional family. At home Amelia had been subjected to verbal and physical abuse from a father and mother who were disillusioned with life and the hand dealt them. After one particularly traumatic event, Amelia never went home. She turned her back on her old life and, with charitable assistance, took baby steps toward a better life.
With dreams of being a writer, she now works on a newspaper selling advertising. She very much keeps to herself with the occasional love interest but Amelia is very careful about any relationship she undertakes. She has seen the control that a man can exert and wishes for better choices in her own life.
Amelia sets off for work one day very much aware of the stench from the rubbish piling up in corners, due to the delayed bin collections. Her eye is brought to a pair of very stylish white boots amidst a pile, but on closer inspection, Amelia makes a horrid discovery. There is a body attached to the boots, a young woman who was very obviously murdered. A neighbour comes to Amelia’s aid, a young man who Amelia had never paid much attention to up to now. A spark is ignited during that distressing day, giving Amelia a glimpse into a different future. But Amelia is cautious and treads lightly in the relationship that follows.
Amelia, while traumatised by the discovery of such a brutal crime, is also very much concerned with how the public and the media will portray this young woman. With her boss’s approval, Amelia interviews the family of the victim and writes a piece for the paper. Amelia is a talented writer and her ability to portray the real personality of this young woman is evident by all. Something awakens in Amelia and she decides to delve further into the mystery surrounding this case.
When another body is discovered and, after Amelia herself becomes the victim of an unwarranted assault, she is convinced that all are connected in some way. After a third body is discovered, Amelia starts to fear for her own safety, yet her journalistic instincts urge her to keep searching, to uncover the truth behind these heinous attacks.
A Lesley Pearse book is always one that has a very easy flow to the writing. The characters are a mix of personalities bringing many relevant themes to the fore, in this case focusing on domestic abuse, bullying and dominating behaviour. As Amelia pieces together clues, the reader gets an insight into lives lived and the long lasting impact of actions taken in the past. Amelia has always doubted her own ability and, at times, her vulnerability exposes her to very confusing and very challenging situations. She questions herself many times, doubting her judgement, unsure of who and what to believe.
LIAR is not a typical murder mystery. There are none of the graphic descriptions of violence we now expect to read as standard in many crime fiction books. Lesley Pearse ‘does’ crime in her own gentle way.
‘A natural storyteller, Lesley has lived an eventful life but is also inspired by others’ stories of courage and adversity, often giving voice to women lost in history and people damaged by their childhood experiences.’
While murder is central to the plot-line of LIAR, it really is more about the personalities depicted and their individual stories. Amelia takes on the role of super-sleuth, searching in between the cracks for the truth behind these macabre discoveries. With little care for her own safety she does put herself into some very precarious and, at times, rather unwise, situations. But Amelia is strong-willed and is not one to listen to the advice given.
In parallel to her detective work, Amelia’s personal life is also facing difficulties, leaving Amelia with more than one battle to deal with. One thing we learn as readers is that Amelia is very courageous and fearless…but can she come out of this unscathed?
LIAR is a novel that is sure to please Lesley Pearse fans around the globe. With a gutsy heroine as it’s main protagonist, LIAR has an old-school charm that will captivate and appeal to all looking for a compassionate and emotional tale.
Lesley Pearse’s own personal story is a fascinating and very uplifting tale.
‘Told as a child that she had too much imagination for her own good. She left home at 15 and headed to London where she worked her way through many jobs – from corsetry sales, to musician’s muse, to nanny; from gift shop owner to dressmaker – finally finding her true vocation when she became a published author age 49.'
Now Lesley Pearse’s novels are loved across the globe due to her ability to captivate her readers and completely immerse them in the minds of her characters.
In LIAR it is into the world of Amelia White we are taken. Amelia had a very difficult upbringing and made a decision to walk away from her dysfunctional family. At home Amelia had been subjected to verbal and physical abuse from a father and mother who were disillusioned with life and the hand dealt them. After one particularly traumatic event, Amelia never went home. She turned her back on her old life and, with charitable assistance, took baby steps toward a better life.
With dreams of being a writer, she now works on a newspaper selling advertising. She very much keeps to herself with the occasional love interest but Amelia is very careful about any relationship she undertakes. She has seen the control that a man can exert and wishes for better choices in her own life.
Amelia sets off for work one day very much aware of the stench from the rubbish piling up in corners, due to the delayed bin collections. Her eye is brought to a pair of very stylish white boots amidst a pile, but on closer inspection, Amelia makes a horrid discovery. There is a body attached to the boots, a young woman who was very obviously murdered. A neighbour comes to Amelia’s aid, a young man who Amelia had never paid much attention to up to now. A spark is ignited during that distressing day, giving Amelia a glimpse into a different future. But Amelia is cautious and treads lightly in the relationship that follows.
Amelia, while traumatised by the discovery of such a brutal crime, is also very much concerned with how the public and the media will portray this young woman. With her boss’s approval, Amelia interviews the family of the victim and writes a piece for the paper. Amelia is a talented writer and her ability to portray the real personality of this young woman is evident by all. Something awakens in Amelia and she decides to delve further into the mystery surrounding this case.
When another body is discovered and, after Amelia herself becomes the victim of an unwarranted assault, she is convinced that all are connected in some way. After a third body is discovered, Amelia starts to fear for her own safety, yet her journalistic instincts urge her to keep searching, to uncover the truth behind these heinous attacks.
A Lesley Pearse book is always one that has a very easy flow to the writing. The characters are a mix of personalities bringing many relevant themes to the fore, in this case focusing on domestic abuse, bullying and dominating behaviour. As Amelia pieces together clues, the reader gets an insight into lives lived and the long lasting impact of actions taken in the past. Amelia has always doubted her own ability and, at times, her vulnerability exposes her to very confusing and very challenging situations. She questions herself many times, doubting her judgement, unsure of who and what to believe.
LIAR is not a typical murder mystery. There are none of the graphic descriptions of violence we now expect to read as standard in many crime fiction books. Lesley Pearse ‘does’ crime in her own gentle way.
‘A natural storyteller, Lesley has lived an eventful life but is also inspired by others’ stories of courage and adversity, often giving voice to women lost in history and people damaged by their childhood experiences.’
While murder is central to the plot-line of LIAR, it really is more about the personalities depicted and their individual stories. Amelia takes on the role of super-sleuth, searching in between the cracks for the truth behind these macabre discoveries. With little care for her own safety she does put herself into some very precarious and, at times, rather unwise, situations. But Amelia is strong-willed and is not one to listen to the advice given.
In parallel to her detective work, Amelia’s personal life is also facing difficulties, leaving Amelia with more than one battle to deal with. One thing we learn as readers is that Amelia is very courageous and fearless…but can she come out of this unscathed?
LIAR is a novel that is sure to please Lesley Pearse fans around the globe. With a gutsy heroine as it’s main protagonist, LIAR has an old-school charm that will captivate and appeal to all looking for a compassionate and emotional tale.
May 11, 2020
This is the first novel I have read of Lesley Pearse and will be looking out for others as it was quite a read.
Amelia works for a local newspaper selling advertising space. Her background is poor from an abusive family with an alcoholic mother and father quite willing to punch his way in and out of trouble.
Her aspiration is to become a reporter and maybe write a book when one day she comes across the body of a young woman. Convincing her employer to allow her to investigate she soon finds more bodies.
Cleverly plotted as Amelia becomes involved the twists and turns keep coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin UK, Michael Joseph and Lesley Pearse for my ARC of ‘Liar' in return for my honest review.
Great read and highly recommended.
Amelia works for a local newspaper selling advertising space. Her background is poor from an abusive family with an alcoholic mother and father quite willing to punch his way in and out of trouble.
Her aspiration is to become a reporter and maybe write a book when one day she comes across the body of a young woman. Convincing her employer to allow her to investigate she soon finds more bodies.
Cleverly plotted as Amelia becomes involved the twists and turns keep coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin UK, Michael Joseph and Lesley Pearse for my ARC of ‘Liar' in return for my honest review.
Great read and highly recommended.
August 1, 2020
Im a huge fan of Lesley Pearse and once again written an amazing book, same as every one she writes, as I've been reading them from her very first book. All so brilliantly written and so hard to put down once started and this was no exception. Lesley always delivers a great story.
Once I picked this book up I didn't want it to end, a very intriguing story that kept me hooked.
I've read some amazing books from Lesley and look forward to reading many more.
Once I picked this book up I didn't want it to end, a very intriguing story that kept me hooked.
I've read some amazing books from Lesley and look forward to reading many more.
January 16, 2022
Misogynistic (and not just because it's set in the 70s), no character development. The main character is lonely and desperate, and whilst this could be explored, it is not, we just see her running after anyone that she comes into contact with. Miraculously, every other character either wants to sleep with her or be her friend. Entirely implausible plot and horrendous, outdated writing.
April 26, 2020
Lots of twists and turns in this gradually evolving story. Everyone seems to lie to the main character,hence the title. A good story.
May 14, 2020
Another masterpiece from the pen of Lesley Pearce and a book i can highly recommend with a great story and charactors.5*
November 7, 2020
Wow this author just gets better and better. So many twists and turns it had me gripped to the end. Read it in 24 hours
December 9, 2020
It’s 1970 and Amelia White lives alone in a small bedsit in Shepherd’s Bush, London. This tiny room has become her oasis, after escaping from her violent father and downtrodden mother.
Amelia loves to write and her dream is to become a reporter, instead she sells advertising space at her local newspaper.
Amelia is horrified to find the body of a young woman; murdered and left out with the rubbish, just around the corner from her home. Her horror grows as the newspapers sensationalise the murder; spreading false stories about the victim and the life she led.
She is given the opportunity to write her side of the story, and when another victim is found, Amelia becomes determined to track down the killer; the police certainly don’t seem to be on the right track.
Lesley Pearse is a masterful storyteller; her depiction of the 1970s is wonderfully done; with sounds, fashion and customs realistically recreated.
Amelia is a strong minded, often impulsive character who only sees the best in people. Along the way she encounters people who will threaten her and people who will cherish and nuture her.
Liar is gripping and suspenseful. It’s a fast-paced read that incorporates a murder mystery, a love story and a young woman’s journey of self discovery too.
Amelia loves to write and her dream is to become a reporter, instead she sells advertising space at her local newspaper.
Amelia is horrified to find the body of a young woman; murdered and left out with the rubbish, just around the corner from her home. Her horror grows as the newspapers sensationalise the murder; spreading false stories about the victim and the life she led.
She is given the opportunity to write her side of the story, and when another victim is found, Amelia becomes determined to track down the killer; the police certainly don’t seem to be on the right track.
Lesley Pearse is a masterful storyteller; her depiction of the 1970s is wonderfully done; with sounds, fashion and customs realistically recreated.
Amelia is a strong minded, often impulsive character who only sees the best in people. Along the way she encounters people who will threaten her and people who will cherish and nuture her.
Liar is gripping and suspenseful. It’s a fast-paced read that incorporates a murder mystery, a love story and a young woman’s journey of self discovery too.
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