The Sixth Lie by Sarah Ward was published by Canelo on 2 November 2023.
Six lies killed Huw Jones.
On New Year’s Eve 2011, Huw Jones disappeared from his bedroom while his father and five friends were downstairs. His body was later discovered on the nearby cliffs at St Non’s.
That night, all six friends lied in their statements to the police.
Over a decade later, Huw’s mother, Heledd is found dead.
Mallory Dawson must uncover the lies lurking in the tight-knit community of St Davids. But someone has kept their secrets for years, and they would kill to protect them…
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Following the wonderful The Birthday Girl, I was delighted to catch up with Mallory Dawson in The Sixth Lie. Newly housed and employed in St David’s, Britain’s smallest city, Mallory is tempted back to investigating as a part-time consultant, so this lead to a more police procedural feel for this book.
I liked getting to know DI Harri Evans better as he draws Mallory into the cold case of what happened to Huw Jones. His colleague Sian brings some lighter moments into the story. We also get to see more of Mallory’s son, Toby as he comes to stay, bringing his own difficulties with him. The wider cast of characters – the six friends – are well described and I don’t think I would want to be friends with any of them.
The Sixth Lie is as well-written and atmospheric as its predecessor with the icy cold weather blowing through the tiny city, the grandeur of the cathedral and the spirituality of St Non’s. What happened to Huw and Heledd are both intriguing and heartbreaking mysteries and Mallory’s investigation is well-plotted and engagingly told. I really enjoyed this second book and I am already waiting for the next in the series.
If you enjoyed my review, please consider liking and/or sharing and, of course, buying the book:
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