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karlou's review
4.0
No More Lies is the fourth book in Robert Crouch's Kent Fisher series and although it's been quite a while since I read the previous title, No Remorse, I soon found myself drawn back into his world. Newcomers to the series shouldn't worry too much about not having read the previous books as there is enough back story included here to bring you up to speed. However, I would recommend reading the books in order if you do want to properly appreciate the development of the characters and their storylines.
As an environmental health officer and owner of an animal sanctuary, Kent Fisher already has his hands full and yet somehow keeps finding himself in the midst of murder cases. Although his investigations touch on some dark themes, these are books which will appeal to lovers of cosy crime mysteries; Robert Crouch has developed an engaging lead character in Kent and I always look forward to discovering the latest on his private life. The recurring cast of characters, storylines which involve Kent's personal as well as professional life, and Columbo, the scene-stealing West Highland White terrier mean this would make a terrific television series. This time around, a couple of new characters are introduced and both have significant roles to play. The book opens with the first of the pair, DI Ashley Goodman visiting Kent at his sanctuary to enlist his help with a cold case which may be linked to a recent fire in a cafe.
Five years ago a body was discovered on a building site and the police believe the victim was murdered ten years ago. Despite their best efforts, they still haven't managed to identify him but a recent fire in a cafe could be connected and Ash informs Kent that he is involved with both leads which have recently come to light. His day job may provide some vital information regarding former employees of the cafe in its various guises over the years but he also has a rather more personal connection to the site where the body was discovered.
Kent's investigation takes him to an industrial estate where he meets the second new character, dog groomer, Freya Layman. The chemistry between them is immediate and having never been that keen on his ex, Gemma I welcomed her introduction as a possible new love interest. However, sparks also fly between him and Ash on occasion so it's never clear cut as to whether he will be more successful in love than he has been up to now. Freya is easier to like, particularly in the moments where she is awkward and vulnerable. Ash is clearly ambitious and has a ruthless streak and so I feel most readers will warm more readily to Freya. That said, the course of true love never runs smooth and this adage is particularly true for Kent Fisher who clearly seems to have commitment issues. As the novel progresses, I really enjoyed the little elements of doubt which are introduced meaning both he and readers are never quite sure who he can truly trust.
The mystery itself is satisfyingly puzzling with plenty of twists and turns before Kent manages to figure out the truth. His complicated relationship with shady local businessman, Miles Burchill changes significantly over the course of the book which is the main reason why I would ideally recommend reading the previous novels first. Although it's entirely possible for new readers to understand how and why the changes take place, I do believe that I was more able to appreciate just how disconcerting Kent must have felt to find himself in the position he does here, it's certainly not something he ever could ever have envisaged considering at one point he welcomed the possible prospect of Burchill being dead.
The natural humour flows well throughout, reflecting the repartee which occurs in workplaces, and as I've come to expect from Robert Crouch's writing, his own experiences ensure an insightful and entirely believable look at the day to day politics of working for local councils. No More Lies is the best book in the series so far; the character development is really paying off now, I love the interplay between the returning cast and I've become invested in Kent's life, I want to know what choices he will make next - and the ending definitely suggests that he has more tricky decisions ahead...
As an environmental health officer and owner of an animal sanctuary, Kent Fisher already has his hands full and yet somehow keeps finding himself in the midst of murder cases. Although his investigations touch on some dark themes, these are books which will appeal to lovers of cosy crime mysteries; Robert Crouch has developed an engaging lead character in Kent and I always look forward to discovering the latest on his private life. The recurring cast of characters, storylines which involve Kent's personal as well as professional life, and Columbo, the scene-stealing West Highland White terrier mean this would make a terrific television series. This time around, a couple of new characters are introduced and both have significant roles to play. The book opens with the first of the pair, DI Ashley Goodman visiting Kent at his sanctuary to enlist his help with a cold case which may be linked to a recent fire in a cafe.
Five years ago a body was discovered on a building site and the police believe the victim was murdered ten years ago. Despite their best efforts, they still haven't managed to identify him but a recent fire in a cafe could be connected and Ash informs Kent that he is involved with both leads which have recently come to light. His day job may provide some vital information regarding former employees of the cafe in its various guises over the years but he also has a rather more personal connection to the site where the body was discovered.
Kent's investigation takes him to an industrial estate where he meets the second new character, dog groomer, Freya Layman. The chemistry between them is immediate and having never been that keen on his ex, Gemma I welcomed her introduction as a possible new love interest. However, sparks also fly between him and Ash on occasion so it's never clear cut as to whether he will be more successful in love than he has been up to now. Freya is easier to like, particularly in the moments where she is awkward and vulnerable. Ash is clearly ambitious and has a ruthless streak and so I feel most readers will warm more readily to Freya. That said, the course of true love never runs smooth and this adage is particularly true for Kent Fisher who clearly seems to have commitment issues. As the novel progresses, I really enjoyed the little elements of doubt which are introduced meaning both he and readers are never quite sure who he can truly trust.
The mystery itself is satisfyingly puzzling with plenty of twists and turns before Kent manages to figure out the truth. His complicated relationship with shady local businessman, Miles Burchill changes significantly over the course of the book which is the main reason why I would ideally recommend reading the previous novels first. Although it's entirely possible for new readers to understand how and why the changes take place, I do believe that I was more able to appreciate just how disconcerting Kent must have felt to find himself in the position he does here, it's certainly not something he ever could ever have envisaged considering at one point he welcomed the possible prospect of Burchill being dead.
The natural humour flows well throughout, reflecting the repartee which occurs in workplaces, and as I've come to expect from Robert Crouch's writing, his own experiences ensure an insightful and entirely believable look at the day to day politics of working for local councils. No More Lies is the best book in the series so far; the character development is really paying off now, I love the interplay between the returning cast and I've become invested in Kent's life, I want to know what choices he will make next - and the ending definitely suggests that he has more tricky decisions ahead...
thecaffeinatedreader's review
dark
tense
3.0
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2019...
As you all know by now, I’m a sucker for mystery books! I was happy enough to grab up the opportunity to read this and be part of its blog tour. It’s a fun read, Robert Crouch likes to tease you with the mystery while also integrating Kent’s own whirlwind of a personal life. I hadn’t read the other books in this series and wasn’t really too thrown off by that fact so it can definitely be read as a standalone! I like that Kent Fisher isn’t a private eye but just a man who enjoys unravelling a mystery. Not to mention you have to find some humor in the situations he gets himself into. I would say it was definitely a quick read as well so it’s the perfect book to grab up and read in your spare time. This book is more about Kent himself than the actual mystery but everything does tie in and I like how Crouch wove that all together! [Also I think Ashley was terrifying lol]
Knowing how Crouch’s style is now, I will certainly pick up the others to read, I feel like I’m missing out now.
Not to mention…No spoilers but that ending was such a surprise! I loved it and it definitely hooked me into wanting to read the next book. So when does it come out?
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