Disclosure: I was sent a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Please read my disclosure policy to understand how I work with companies and individuals. Linking to a specific site does not imply endorsement of all of their services or content.

Summary:

Private investigator Angelo Barsotti is just getting by, moonlighting as a bartender at a cop bar and obsessing over the murder of his wife, which he’s been unable to solve for two years. When tech giant Grant Dogon tries to hire him to get his best friend and former platoon comrade, Craig, out of jail, Angelo wants nothing to do with the case. Craig Mazer, who is accused of killing his wife, Helen, has no alibi. But Grant comes bearing a briefcase of cash and a refusal to take no for an answer.

As Angelo reluctantly investigates the case, with his enthusiastic associate and friend, Lewis, all roads lead to Dogon Tech, where Craig works for Grant. Why is a tech security firm having so many security breaches of its own? What is Grant hiding before the company’s public offering? As Angelo tries to uncover these secrets, he’s met with lie after lie. Is he putting himself and others in danger by pursuing this angle?

While working this case, new clues about Angelo’s wife emerge from an unexpected source, but he must solve who killed Helen Mazer first. Will Angelo be able to see through the lies to find the truth and finally solve what happened to his wife?

My Review: I am an avid fan of mysteries and mystery series, particularly those that fall into the cozy mystery genre without explicit language, sex scenes, or gratuitous violence. “Army of Lies” by Ryan Spell, the first book in a new series, caught my attention and delivered an enjoyable reading experience.

Despite a couple of minimal profanities scattered throughout the book, I wasn’t overly bothered as the overall story and writing style outweighed these instances. Spell employs a straightforward writing style, narrating the story in the first person, which immediately draws the reader into the plot. While I typically lean towards female-authored cozy mysteries due to personal preference, this book proved to be an exception. The author has managed to resonate with me by crafting a solid foundation for a new series.

In terms of writing style, I am reminded of Erle Stanley Gardner and his beloved Perry Mason series, although the main character in “Army of Lies” is not a lawyer. Spell’s ability to keep the narrative concise yet engaging is commendable. The length of the book is such that it can be easily finished in one evening, making it a great choice for a cozy, immersive reading session.

The mystery presented in this book is smartly constructed, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The author adeptly plants clues and red herrings along the way, creating an enjoyable puzzle to unravel. The potential for continuing characters adds an extra layer of intrigue, making me excited for the next installment in the series.

Overall, I rate “Army of Lies” by Ryan Spell a solid 4 out of 5. It satisfies my craving for a well-written mystery with a captivating narrative, despite a few minimal profanities. Fans of cozy mysteries, including those who traditionally prefer female-authored perspectives, will find themselves pleasantly surprised by this new series. I eagerly anticipate the next book, hoping it will continue to deliver the same level of intrigue and entertainment.

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