Lies Still Told by Beverly Long @BevLongBooks

the setup…
Detective A.L. McKittridge is called to a murder scene and this time it’s personal. Platt Waymann lies dead on his living room floor, shot in the back. He’s Uncle Platt to A.L. who knew him as his father and Uncle Joe’s friend who played cards and socialized with them when he was growing up. When A.L. goes to inform them of his death, their reaction was oddly muted. Both urged him to “let it go.” After another body is plucked from the river the next day, A.L. discovers that both murders are connected. He and his partner Rena Morgan have their work cutout for them as the best friends aren’t cooperating.

the heart of the story…
One of the things I love about this series is the excellent approach to police procedurals. It’s dogged investigative work where A.L. and Rena pay attention to details and follow the clues, applying their well-honed skills to solving the crime. This one was particularly gnarly as it was clear Platt had some shady associates but figuring out their identities was a challenge and the leads went in strange places. It wasn’t all about the case as events in Rena’s life threatened her career and A.L. is coping with a teen soon to be reaching legal age and who’s dating a much older guy.

the bottom line…
Everything about this story was interesting, including the backstory of A.L.’s tense relationship with his father and his involvement with the case. He adeptly walked through a minefield with his family and lots of half-truths and lies while offering great support to Rena as she worked through an emotional and devastating crisis. The ending had some surprises, good and not so much, but the clues were all there and I came close. Great news that there’s another book in the works as I’m enjoying everything about this series.

Book Info

• Release Date: May 4, 2022
• Series: A.L. McKittridge #3
• Page Numbers: 378
• Publisher: Self

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