A car crash victim clings to life and is rushed to hospital but can’t be saved. Hours later, her corpse is stolen from the morgue. No one knows who the dead woman was or why her body was taken.
Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock is back in her hometown of Smithson on maternity leave when the bizarre incident occurs. She is intrigued by the case but reluctant to get involved, despite the urging of her journalist friend Candy Fyfe. But in the days after the body goes missing, the town is rocked by another shocking crime and Gemma can’t resist joining the investigation.
Candy and Gemma follow the clues the dead woman left behind. As they attempt to discover the identity of the missing woman, Gemma uncovers devastating secrets about the people she thought she knew best. The closer Gemma gets to the truth, the more danger she is in. She desperately needs to confide in someone—but is there anyone she can trust?
A gripping, white-knuckle thriller from the bestselling author of The Dark Lake and The Housemate.
Buy a copy of Body of Lies here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I’ve found a new author to put on my “favourite authors” list! While this was the first Gemma Woodstock book I have read, it most certainly won’t be my last – I look forward to going back to the beginning of the series to meet Gemma properly. Although being the 4th (and seemingly, sadly, the last), the book reads well as a standalone, but has definitely given me the desire for more. The plot is very thought provoking as it progresses, and the author definitely shows a talent in intertwining various sub-plots, to achieve a superb ending. The characters are very real, some likeable, some not so much, and the reader can’t help but become entrenched in attempting to piece together the clues that are presented. In the abundance of current fabulous Australian crime fiction, “Body of Lies” holds its head high as a book that fans of the genre must add to their TBR list. Jane, NSW, 5 Stars
An easy read that grabs you right from the first few pages. While Body of Lies is the fourth in the Gemma Woodstock series and having not read the previous three, it was a stand-alone book in its own right. With plenty of plot twists throughout, this book delivers plenty of mystery and keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are realistic and relatable with everyday themes such as motherhood and returning to work, relationships and loss of loved ones woven through a crime and mystery drama that is far from everyday! Overall this is a very enjoyable read. So much so that I’ll be getting the previous three to read too! Danielle, QLD, 5, Stars
A nail biting read. Terrifying at times. I couldn’t put this book down. Body of Lies is the first Sarah Bailey book I’ve read. Be just bought the other two in the Gemma series. I’m really looking forward to reading them. Highly recommend this book. Litsa, VIC, 5 Stars
I loved the three previous Detective Gemma Woodstock books so couldn’t wait to read this final instalment, and it didn’t disappoint. Detective Woodstock is real and relatable as she tries to balance being a mum to Scarlett as well as satisfy her hunger to return to the police force and be involved in solving the latest mystery in Smithson. The book opens with pace, sucking you into the plot from the very first chapter and leaving you eager to find out more. There are lots of twists and turns long the way – including an ending that I did not pick! The book was exciting, and left me on the edge of my seat – I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. Stephanie, VIC, 5, Stars
Sarah Bailey has written an exceptional gripping thriller in Body of Lies. I couldn’t put the book down and loved the journey the novel took me on. Sarah has created some great characters which I enjoyed learning more about, especially Gemma Woodstock. As the novel progressed there were lots of twists and turns that kept me wanting to read more. Looking forward to Sarah’s next novel. Christine, WA, 5 Stars
A great thriller with many twists and turns. So well written that you couldn’t guess the ending even if you tried. The story follows Gemma, a detective working in the police force, who battles with the mother/parental guilt of being a working parent- while simultaneously struggling to leave questions and mysteries unanswered in the workplace, where sometimes the lines can become blurred. Love the style of first person narration. It gives you the inner workings of Gemma’s mind, and her intelligence. Very well written, looking forward to reading more from Sarah Bailey. Pennie, QLD, 5 Stars
I’ve been in love with the Gemma Woodstock series from the beginning and it just gets better! It’s funny both my favourite Aussie authors are named Sarah. This one did not disappoint and brought more to Gemma’s life then even she knew about! With all the plot twists and characters that we love this one will definitely keep you on edge and guessing until the end. I also find Sarah’s writing so easy to read you just flow through her words. Madison, SA, 5 Stars
‘Body of Lies’ by Sarah Bailey starts with a bang and the pace doesn’t let up right through to the end. This thriller was hard to put down and held plenty of surprises, even though I consider myself to be a seasoned crime fiction fan! Body of Lies is book number four in the Gemma Woodstock series, however it can be read as a standalone thriller. There are existing relationships and histories between the characters, but it is not hard to place them all and keep track as the story progresses. Gemma is facing challenges in all aspects of her life, and her far-from-perfect handling of her relationship, work and family dramas make her a relatable protagonist. A series of crimes that may or may not be related keep everyone – the characters and reader alike – on their toes. Some shocking twists and turns guaranteed that I stayed awake past my bedtime to see this story through. I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to read Sarah Bailey. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and partway through jumped online and purchased the first three books in the series. Maarit, ACT, 5 Stars
Jaw dropping. Mouth gaping thriller that will have you hooked until the end Poor Gemma Woodstock, on maternity leave and gets called in to work on some very mysterious cases. A body taken from the morgue, a discovered baby and a murder. Are they linked? And if so how? Gemma’s on the case and doesn’t want to stop until she finds the answers and solves all of the crimes. Gemma struggles with new colleagues, new crimes, a distant husband, 2 kids, and more. Will she survive to find the answers? I loved Candy Fyfe… Sassy and smart, a woman forging her own journalistic path whilst supporting her best friend Gemma in investigating the cases in the book, and in motherhood. Proves that mothers really can have it all. If they work for it. Elizabeth, VIC, 5 Stars
Body of Lies . by Sarah Bailey Thank you To #betterreading and @Penguin Random House. For this ARC copy of this book. It was the most exciting, enjoyable, thriller book I have read for some time. We follow Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock who has been on maternity leave as she takes up the reins again to help solve a police case. It involves a car crash, a missing body, a baby abandoned on the lakefront, and then a nasty murder of Rodger, head of the local hospital. The new detective from Melbourne seems to be anti Gemma and she is finding it hard to work with him. Who was the car crash victim,where had she come from? Family secrets start to, come out and a cult group seems to be involved or then maybe their land. This was a wonderful book and I could, not put it down. Please make sure you read this if you love killer thrillers set in Australia. Lyndsay, QLD, 5 Stars
What a page turner of a book! I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series but this one definitely grabbed my attention and I loved it so much I went and purchased the others. From a woman getting run off the road and her body getting stolen from the hospital morgue, then a baby getting dumped close to a body of water, what else could add to this twisted story?! With so many things not making sense – the woman whose identity can’t be identified driving a car which was stolen a long time ago to the CEO of the hospital, Roger Kirk, suddenly dying, it all creates a series of unanswered questions. Being a mum myself, I could definitely relate to the main character, Gemma and being semi-tied to work even though you’re still on “mat leave” – a by chance event sending her back into the realm of the police force before she was due to return. It’s definitely jam packed with action and mystery, making me question everyone around Gemma – even her partner, Mac. Cleverly constructed, I think every reader will be engaged and wondering, what next?! I was gifted a copy to review. Francis, NSW, 5 Stars
The 4th and final in the series featuring Detective Gemma Woodstock. I haven’t read the others, but it still reads well as a stand-alone novel. It has enough snippets of information to get a sense of the backstory. It’s fast-paced and I was hooked from the start. I read well into the night because I wanted to know what happened. It lived up to its title. Bodies and lies. Who can be trusted? Who can’t? Plenty of twists, turns, questions and few answers. Gemma is a believable and relatable character, if a little all over the place at times – understandable after deciding to return to work early from maternity leave. Loved her best friend – everyone needs a Candy in their life. There whenever you need them. Some aspects of the story stretched the boundaries of credulity, but didn’t spoil it as a great read. I loved it and thoroughly recommend it. Could see it as a TV series. Will definitely be reading the other 3 in the series. Thanks to Better Reading and Allen & Unwin for the uncorrected copy for review. Pamela, QLD, 5 Stars
Simply loved it! Another great Aussie writer Pick it up and you won’t want to put it down Kate, QLD, 5, Stars
Fans of Sarah Bailey will love reconnecting with some of the characters of her previous novels. This time Gemma Woodstock puts her life on the line to solve multiple concurrent crimes. A new intriguing character challenges Gemma (and he’s on her side). True to form, Body of Lies is an exciting read. Bernie, WA, 5 Stars
Great story with an intriguing end. I initially struggled with Gemma carrying her infant around various crime scenes, but as the story evolved the characters and situations became more believable. Joanne, VIC, 5 Stars
This was my first Sarah Bailey book but it certainly won’t be my last! I now have to buy the first 3 books in the series so I can read Gemma’s whole story from the start. In saying that, not having read the previous books didn’t detract from my reading pleasure. There were a couple of references to incidents that occurred in the past which have me intrigued but didn’t affect the flow of the story. What a thoroughly intriguing mystery this was, with a missing body, abandoned baby and a shocking murder, with none of these seeming to be related. This kept me guessing until the end, with a few late nights and bleary eyes, frantically turning pages to see what unfolds next. Thank you to @betterreadingpreview for introducing me to yet another wonderful Australian author. Maree, QLD, 5 Stars
DS Gemma Woodstock is back, on maternity leave and in her home town when an unexpected car crash happens and a woman is clinging to life. But is there more to this story than first meets the eye? This is definitely and intense and gripping read and this book gets going from page one. You won’t want to put it down. Action packed, twist and turns, mystery aplenty and great characters past and present, this book is a great addition to the previous 3 instalments. Gemma is a great detective and I love her passion and her quirks. She makes the story what it is, exciting, thrilling and it keeps you guessing as it is not at all predictable. Thus is a well written book that is easy to follow without being boring. It is entertaining, creative and really can be read as a stand alone but you will then want to go back, find and read the first three for sure! Donna, TAS, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book it’s very well written and kept me engaged throughout the whole book. It has it all murder, stollen body, abandoned baby and surprising turns. I would highly recommend Body of Lies. I will be looking out for more books by Sarah Bailey. Sue, WA, 5 Stars
Absolutely Brilliant Sarah Bailey congratulations on writing this superb book, Gemma is back sort of from maternity leave she appears to be more settled, Body Of Lies will keep the reader guessing right to the end the story moves along at a brisk pace great book Deborah, NSW, 5 Stars
Body of Liesby Sarah Bailey is a captivating addition to the Gemma Woodstock series. While some events may push credibility, the narrative remains engrossing, showcasing Bailey’s storytelling prowess. Gemma, with partner Mac, returns to Smithson, her hometown, stirring complex emotions. As her maternity leave ends, she grapples with the decision to stay. A hospital visit spirals into intrigue when an unidentified body is stolen, intertwining with a murder investigation. Gemma’s involvement ruffles feathers, adding tension to the small police force. Bailey expertly weaves personal and professional threads, delving into Gemma’s evolving life. The narrative, while occasionally soap opera-esque, maintains authenticity through emotive character portrayals. Bailey balances the personal subplot, enriching the overall narrative. The novel stands alone, welcoming new readers with a well-rounded understanding of Gemma. The crime plots are intricate, defying prediction until Bailey unveils solutions. Despite moments testing credulity, the novel remains irresistibly engaging. Body of Lies is a hard-to-put-down, accessible gem—perfect for both newcomers and devoted fans. Highly recommended for its gripping storytelling and compelling characters. Kerrie, NSW, 5 Stars
Body of Lies is an appropriate title. From the first page I was intrigued by so many intriguing events in a small community. An abandoned baby, a car crash claiming the life of an unidentified woman, a body goes missing in a morgue that leads to the cover up of events that happened a long time ago. Everyone is part of the unfolding of the evidence including the local police. A book that is hard to put down as the reader becomes part of the investigating body. Excellent. Cheryl, VIC, 5 Stars
Body of Lies by Sarah Bailey is a great read. Gemma Woodstock is a Detective Sergeant on maternity leave, but gets involved when an vehicle accident occurs, a body is stolen from the morgue, then an unidentified baby is left in a park. Gradually during the story, all different events slowly tie into each other, with some unforseen twists. Very well written, you can feel the emotions portrayed in the story. I could not put the book down and thoroughly enjoyed it. Fay, VIC, 5 Stars
A “can’t put it down book”. Fast-paced with lots of twists and turns as a good detective story should be. This was my first encounter with Detective Gemma Woodstock but this doesn’t detract from the story as the author gives you enough to fill in some gaps from her previous novels. A good incentive to read the other titles. As a first time reader of Sarah Bailey’s work I look forward to reading more in the future. Heather, NSW, 5 Stars
I’ve been a fan of Sarah Bailey’s DS Gemma Woodstock since her first appearance in The Dark Lake which is one of my favourite books. Body of Lies starts with Gemma is on maternity leave. However, when the body of a Jane Doe killed in a car accident is stolen from a morgue, then an abandoned newborn turns up in a park, Gemma finds herself with more questions than answers. I never know “whodunnit” in most crime novels, and Body of Lies is no exception. Bailey gives the reader quite a few red herrings in this one, some of which slow the plot a little. Gemma’s personal life has always been messy, and that continues in Body of Lies. Here Gemma struggles with whether she should return to policing after the birth of her daughter, worries about her son, Ben’s mental state after his father’s death, and battles insecurities regarding her current relationship with Mac. I’m not going to lie – I did find the relationship stuggles a little contrived. I didn’t see the end coming or the twists, but that’s part of the fun of reading crime fiction. However, I’m sad to say goodbye to Gemma. Amanda, SA, 4 Stars
Thank you to Better Reading for the opportunity to read Sarah Bailey’s latest novel Body of Lies. It’s the first time I’ve read one of Sarah Bailey’s books and even though this book is the fourth book in the Gemma Woodstock series, I found it easy to read without having any backstory to rely upon. So many family secrets to unravel throughout this mystery/crime story and I was kept guessing until the end. Juanita, SA, 4 Stars
Detective Sargeant Gemma Woodstock has returned to her hometown of Smithson for her maternity leave in the fourth book of the series, just as a horrific car crash leaves an unknown woman fighting for life. Succumbing to her injuries, the woman’s body then mysteriously disappears from the hospital morgue, and despite her initial resistance, Gemma becomes involved in the investigation. The mysteries continue to grow, with the discovery of an abandoned baby and another shocking turn of events. Gemma is drawn in deeper and deeper as she senses her life, both personally and professionally, and those in it, may not be what she thought. What is the truth, who is lying? Who can she trust, and can she find the answers before it’s too late? This is my first Sarah Bailey novel, so I haven’t got all the backstory, but Body of Lies can still be read out of sequence (as long as you quickly skim the bits that refer to past events). The pacing was good, the story was entertaining with enough twists to keep the reader engaged. My main distraction was the size of the town, there’s the sense that it’s a small country town, but a good sized police presence, big hospital and a huge corporation that sets up a multi million dollar enterprise there, was a little jarring. That aside, a good read and I will read more from this author. Juanita, NSW, 4 Stars
As this is Gemma Woodstock #3 (and I’ve only read #1) I wasn’t sure if I’d be missing key info. I was pleased to find it didn’t matter. That aside – this is a top read. Gemma is a (mostly) likeable and very real protagonist… There’s interesting tension with a co-worker, some frisson with her partner, real and relatable family dynamics and some very Australian, very genuine friendships and characters. The threads of the different subplots took a while to resolve and were satisfying once they did. The twists were also fresh and surprising. This is another cracking thriller from Sarah Bailey. Yvonne, NSW, 4 Stars
Bailey is back after a long-ish hiatus and we meet again with Gemma Woodstock. A body goes missing from the morgue and a newborn baby is found near the lake . What is lurking in Smithston? Another fantastic instalment that I devoured in no time. It has all the excellent elements that we expect from Bailey and I’m sad that this is the final chapter in the Gemma Woodstock series. Mark, QLD, 4 Stars
Body of Lies is the fourth Gemma Woodstock novel, and for me, the best. I have enjoyed Sarah Bailey’s portrayal of Gemma, all her woes, a lot self-inflicted, and her joys. Before I read Body of Lies, I revisited the first three so I knew where she was in life and soon realised that I hadn’t needed to {but had loved the re-reads!}, Body of Lies could be read as is and would still be satisfying. It starts with a car crash and a missing corpse and Gemma is right there in the hospital visiting her dad when it happens. Despite still being on maternity leave she begins to investigate, baby Scarlett strapped to her chest. Thus, she begins to uncover the secrets of the missing dead woman and how this spreads to others in the town, including her own family. I loved Body of Lies and was left with that satisfying feeling as I closed the final page, even if I didn’t pick the killer. Alas, I hardly ever do. A highly recommended 4 stars from me. Daniella, QLD, 4 Stars
Detective Gemma Woodstock is such a strong character. I found Body of Lies very hard to put down, I just wanted to know what was next & I wasn’t disappointed. There were tears & honestly I thought one character was a jerk, they were just so well described. This story honestly feels like it needs to be a tv series for the world to enjoy. I would love to see Gemma again. Kim, QLD, 4 Stars
Detective Gemma Woodstock is on parental leave when her usually quiet home town of Smithson erupts with a sequence of criminal events. A brawl at the pub, a car is run off the road and the crash victim’s body stolen, an abandoned baby is found and the hospital CEO is murdered. Gemma can’t resist working on these likely related cases before her parental leave is up. With a long list of suspects, several puzzling clues and dangerous criminals at large, are these cases too risky for even Gemma? To add to her troubles are doubts about her husband’s fidelity, shocking revelations of family secrets, tensions with work colleagues and the usual round of family responsibilities. I was engaged throughout this book, right to the nail biting ending, wondering how the web of intriguing suspects and mystifying clues would resolve. Some of the story seems too contrived, though. But if the point of a fast paced, entertaining detective novel is to suspend reality and keep the reader turning pages, then Body of lies achieves its purpose. Descriptions don’t get too gory either which is my preference. Barbara, NSW, 4 Stars
In this fourth instalment of the Gemma Woodstock detective series (can be read as a standalone), we catch up with the protagonist back in her hometown, and currently on maternity leave. When a car crash ends up leaving a mysterious woman dead and with her body later going missing from the morgue, Detective Woodstock finds herself back at work prematurely and working on this new case. With a supervising case leader whom she seems to always butt heads with, we go with her on this challenging journey, juggling motherhood and career, as she ends up so deeply entwined in the case. Detective Woodstock uncovers a web of lies along the way, including an unexpected personal connection, which has her questioning everything she knows about herself, including who she really is? The author has seemingly done her research and this police procedural, mystery, has so many twist and turns that will have you guessing right to the end. I really enjoyed this novel, and had to keep reading. Melissa, VIC, 4 Stars
A car crash, a missing body, an abandoned baby, a pub brawl, a family secret, a murder, an attack, a cult… Set in the town of Smithson, the police force, with its new recruit Julian Everett, deal with these mysteries. Sarah Bailey’s complex but brilliant main character, Detective Gemma Woodstock, leads you through the book from what feels like the inner workings of her analytical brain. Woodstock always sees a connection where other characters do not. What Sarah Bailey does well is that she leaves tiny clues throughout the story that lead us to make many different connections. These connections lead us on surprising twists and turns that keep you turning the pages quickly. Bailey knows how to write a thriller and her latest book ‘Body of Lies’ does not disappoint. From the first page she places the reader straight into the action. The book deals with some dark and harsh themes and her language choices in these scenarios is blunt and graphic. She then uses soft language to create visual imagery of characters’ surroundings and actions. This creates a balance that makes for an easy and engaging read. Another fantastic book in the Gemma Woodstock series. A must read. Belle, NSW, 4 Stars
This fast paced story had so many twists and turns it was hard to put down. Gripping until the very end, it was good to finally read a book where I hadn’t guessed the ending by half way through. You won’t be disappointed. Nicole, NSW, 4 Stars
Body of Lies by Sarah Bailey is quite the psychological thriller, constantly shifting gear in the most unexpected way. I particularly enjoyed novel story line. My favourite character was Gemma, tenacious and never letting anyone stand in her way. Thank you @Better Reading for the opportunity to preview this great book. Matilda, QLD, 4 Stars
Body of Lies is a catchy, fast paced crime fiction. I enjoyed the small ‘hometown’ setting and felt I could relate to the character. I haven’t read the other books in this series, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. I’m keen to read Sarah Bailey’s other novels now! Roz, VIC, 4 Stars
My 6 P’s review Publication: This book, called Body of Lies does not disappoint. There are bodies and there are lots of lies. This is the fourth book in the series and having not read the previous ones, was not an issue. We have a crash victim who is deliberately run off the road, a stolen corpse, and a baby left in the field. Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock is on maternity leave when the events happening in her town, pull her back into the frame of policing. With help from her journalist friend Candy, the pair follow the clues to solve these mysteries. As a result, Gemma unearths secrets that were held by those closest to her and she is forced to review her relationships with them. People: Throughout the story, Gemma struggles with being a mum and a police officer. She doesn’t want to put herself or her family at risk but knows that there is always that possibility. Her relationship with Everett and Jonesey is very credible. Not only do we watch Gemma perform her duties to the best of her abilities but we also see the evolution of Everett and his own internal struggles. As Jonesy near‘s retirement he also struggles with this new part of his life. Place: The story is set in a small town called Smithson in New South Wales. This would be my only criticism of this story as being set in a small town, the likelihood of the police station being seven stories high would be very low. I also never got a sense of where I was. I could’ve been anywhere in the world and not in Australia which was a little bit disappointing. Plot: The story kept me reading as I was really desperate to find out what happened to all the characters. Gemma also resonated with me as I am a mother and a professional as well and have often had to juggle the two. The ending left me a little underwhelmed as it felt very rushed and I would’ve really enjoyed some more tension and edge of your seat writing. Pacing: The author was easy to read and the story continued at a steady pace throughout. Performance: I can’t stop thinking about how I would have reacted to all that Gemma was exposed to. 4⭐️ Thank you to better reading for an advanced read a copy of this story @betterreadingau #BRPreview Corinne, SA, 4 Stars
It has the popular crime recipe of sick elderly parent and child moving to small home town which is full of secrets. Surprisingly a great read and not the usual recipe I expected. The characters were believable with a warts and all account of the dynamics of a small town police station and the town’s residents. So refreshing to read that all is not perfect and The story lead me to different trains of thought and had several twists and turns to keep me interested. Michelle, NSW, 4 Stars
Body of Lies by Sarah Bailey follows Detective Gemma Woodstock as she navigates a complex murder case in a small Australian town. As she unravels the secrets surrounding the victim, Gemma confronts her own troubled past. The novel explores the dark underbelly of relationships and the haunting consequences of buried truths. Although Body of Lies by Sarah Bailey is the fourth instalment in the Gemma Woodstock series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Gemma Woodstock is an extraordinary protagonist in this riveting detective story. Sarah Bailey skilfully weaves a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and emotion, placing Gemma at the heart of a complex investigation that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Her character is brilliantly nuanced, blending toughness and vulnerability in a way that makes her utterly relatable and compelling. As a detective, Gemma’s sharp instincts and relentless pursuit of the truth make her a force to be reckoned with, and her personal struggles add a layer of depth that elevates this novel beyond a typical crime thriller. The plot is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Sarah Baileys attention to detail in depicting police procedures and forensic techniques adds authenticity to the narrative. A must-read for fans of crime fiction and strong, dynamic female protagonists. Antony, VIC, 4 Stars
I love crime fiction, and if it’s set in an Australian country town all the better! Sarah Bailey’s new novel, Body of Lies, did not disappoint. The story starts with a bang – well, a high speed car crash to be precise, and continues at pace to the thrilling end. The protagonist, Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock, has returned to her childhood home. Now a mum herself, she and her partner are working on big life choices for their relationship and children, when an unnamed woman dies in the aforementioned car crash. Gemma, who is on maternity leave from her police job, doesn’t take much persuading to rejoin the force to work on the case. And it’s lucky she does, because it’s not long before mysteries are arising thick and fast. An abandoned newborn baby, a violent fight in the pub, a missing body – and a mysterious new scientific research centre opening in the town, run by a charismatic and wealthy doctor. This book is the ultimate page-turner – along with the mysterious crimes, Gemma is finding her way being a mum to two kids, navigating the relationship with her romantic partner, and also navigating the relationship with her police partner. Kate, VIC, 3 Stars
Body of Lies reacquaints the reader with Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock. She is now a new mother juggling the demands of family and the temptation to participate in the team investigating a mysterious death and murder in her hometown. The novel opens with a car crash that is deliberately caused and the reader immediately is invested in finding out the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding her death. Gemma’s interactions with her friends, family and members of the investigation team become a focus of this novel and the plot explores unexpected connections and relationships between protagonists. This novel further explores Gemma’s story and motivations and those closest to her. The final chapters are action packed. This novel is part of a series – however it is not neccessary to have read Gemma’s previous adventures to enjoy Body of Lies. Lyn, NSW, 3 Stars
The books cover promised ‘A gripping, white-knuckle thriller’ but I found the read greatly disappointing. It started so well with an exciting car chase, a mystery victim, a stolen body and plenty of hidden family secrets. Sadly as the story progressed the ‘thrills’ diminished and I started to lose interest in the main characters. Mostly due to an overlong, over complicated story, based on a rather unrealistic and totally unbelievable scenario happening in a small town. Near the end of the book, one of the main characters exclaims “What a bloody bizarre story.” I couldn’t agree more. Melanie, QLD, 3 Stars
Took a while to get into this book. A lot of stories that came together at the end. The author seemed bogged down in details that weren’t important and glossed over things that brought the story to a close. A lot of characters, that aren’t introduced, but you have to know. Also back stories that we are never explained between the main character & her son. Leeanne, NSW, 2 Stars
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