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Steinbeck and Reed #0.5
Catch Her in a Lie
Two agents on the trail of a serial killer. A mother and daughter on the trip of a lifetime. Fates converge in paradise in a chilling short story by an Amazon Charts bestselling author.
Cold case expert Evangeline Reed and forensics legend Harry Steinbeck are on their way from Minneapolis to Costa Rica. They’ve been ordered to keep close watch on a protective mother and her daughter, both of whom have troubling connections to a Minnesota serial killer. Are they on holiday? In hiding? Or on the run? It’s time for Van and Harry to close in on the truth. And there’s more at risk than anyone can imagine.
Catch Her in a Lie by Jess Lourey is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
Cold case expert Evangeline Reed and forensics legend Harry Steinbeck are on their way from Minneapolis to Costa Rica. They’ve been ordered to keep close watch on a protective mother and her daughter, both of whom have troubling connections to a Minnesota serial killer. Are they on holiday? In hiding? Or on the run? It’s time for Van and Harry to close in on the truth. And there’s more at risk than anyone can imagine.
Catch Her in a Lie by Jess Lourey is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2022
About the author
Jess Lourey
47 books3,279 followersHi, folks! While I write across genres, there's one universal connecting all my books: secrets. I grew up in a house choking with them, and I remain fascinated by the thoughts and actions we hide from the world.
My beginnings as an author were pretty grim, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since that first book, and I'm proud to call myself an Amazon Charts bestselling, Edgar-nominated, ITW Thriller and Anthony Award-winning author of nonfiction, children's books, YA adventure, magical realism, and crime fiction. I also love to teach creative writing in international workshops.
I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). You can find out more at jessicalourey.com.
Thanks for checking out my books! If you're wondering which to read next, check out my Jess Lourey Book Recommendation Machine: https://forms.gle/SfFSEPt9HZcpLibi6
My beginnings as an author were pretty grim, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since that first book, and I'm proud to call myself an Amazon Charts bestselling, Edgar-nominated, ITW Thriller and Anthony Award-winning author of nonfiction, children's books, YA adventure, magical realism, and crime fiction. I also love to teach creative writing in international workshops.
I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). You can find out more at jessicalourey.com.
Thanks for checking out my books! If you're wondering which to read next, check out my Jess Lourey Book Recommendation Machine: https://forms.gle/SfFSEPt9HZcpLibi6
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
December 16, 2023
Catch Her in a Lie by Jess Lourey
"Cold case expert Evangeline Reed and forensics legend Harry Steinbeck are on their way from Minneapolis to Costa Rica." After reading the short story, I want more about these two. Evangeline has a secret that could be considered a curse or a super power. Harry is so controlled and locked up tight but underneath all of his reticence there has to be more.
They are after a serial killer. They are after a mom who is with her fourteen year old daughter. With the connection that the mother and daughter have to one of the murders, they need protection. Or something. I hope we see a lot more from the duo of Evangeline and Henry, this short story just was not enough.
Published August 31st 2022
This is a Kindle Unlimited selection, part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns.
"Cold case expert Evangeline Reed and forensics legend Harry Steinbeck are on their way from Minneapolis to Costa Rica." After reading the short story, I want more about these two. Evangeline has a secret that could be considered a curse or a super power. Harry is so controlled and locked up tight but underneath all of his reticence there has to be more.
They are after a serial killer. They are after a mom who is with her fourteen year old daughter. With the connection that the mother and daughter have to one of the murders, they need protection. Or something. I hope we see a lot more from the duo of Evangeline and Henry, this short story just was not enough.
Published August 31st 2022
This is a Kindle Unlimited selection, part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns.
February 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this short story. It was very fast-paced and surprisingly, I felt the characters had a lot of depth for this being a short story. That NEVER happens.
This was the last of the collection I read and to be honest, I was most pleased with the authors I hadn’t heard of than the ones I had.
If you have Kindle Unlimited, read this one! It is such a fast read and it’s a cool story. I definitely recommend this one! ❤️
This was the last of the collection I read and to be honest, I was most pleased with the authors I hadn’t heard of than the ones I had.
If you have Kindle Unlimited, read this one! It is such a fast read and it’s a cool story. I definitely recommend this one! ❤️
September 19, 2022
Quick, intense listen!
*Narrated by: Carly Robins
*1 hour 23 min
*Series: Getaway Collection
Serial killer lurking, mother/daughter on the run/or hiding/ or vacationing in the paradise which is Costa Rica. Two law enforcement experts who make a great team are following/watching the mom and daughter closely.
Someone is having nightmares, seeing recurring images.
Dark, twisted ending!
Now I want to read more from the author.
*Narrated by: Carly Robins
*1 hour 23 min
*Series: Getaway Collection
Serial killer lurking, mother/daughter on the run/or hiding/ or vacationing in the paradise which is Costa Rica. Two law enforcement experts who make a great team are following/watching the mom and daughter closely.
Someone is having nightmares, seeing recurring images.
Dark, twisted ending!
Now I want to read more from the author.
March 16, 2023
Considering how short this story was, I’m impressed by how much action the author managed to pack into it. And I was surprised, which also is impressive.
September 26, 2022
Well Well Well…what do we have here?
Maybe my favorite so far, from the Getaway series!
Cold case expert Evangeline Reed and forensics legend Harry Steinbeck are on their way from Minneapolis to Costa Rica-ordered to keep a close watch on Patty and Gwen, a mother and her daughter, who both have a troubling connection to a Minnesota serial killer.
Van has visions, but doesn’t know if she can share them with Harry.
She also doesn’t know if she wants to catch Patty in a lie…
Catch Her in a Lie by Jess Lourey is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single sitting, and is a great way to sample the work of an author you have been meaning to try!
Listen or read now!
Maybe my favorite so far, from the Getaway series!
Cold case expert Evangeline Reed and forensics legend Harry Steinbeck are on their way from Minneapolis to Costa Rica-ordered to keep a close watch on Patty and Gwen, a mother and her daughter, who both have a troubling connection to a Minnesota serial killer.
Van has visions, but doesn’t know if she can share them with Harry.
She also doesn’t know if she wants to catch Patty in a lie…
Catch Her in a Lie by Jess Lourey is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single sitting, and is a great way to sample the work of an author you have been meaning to try!
Listen or read now!
November 1, 2022
the setup…
Minneapolis Detectives Evangeline (Van) Reed and Harry Steinbeck are on their way to Costa Rica to track Patty who is on the same flight with her daughter, Gwen, as they are going for a vacation. She’s suspected of killing her husband but they need to catch her in a lie in order to make an arrest.
the heart of the story…
On the surface, this just seemed like a run of the mill investigation…until I learned more about Van who was recently banished to the Cold Case Unit. She’s got “unusual” skills that put everything a little sideways. Harry’s a bit mysterious, too, because he’s tough to figure out. I got hooked so fast.
the narration…
I loved how the narrator gave absolutely nothing away. She told the story as if everything being said was so normal, which made this even more intriguing. It just worked.
the bottom line…
“Okay. I want a series featuring these two. Please?” That was my immediate reaction at the end of this story and sometimes wishes come true. After a little digging, I found a book scheduled for release next September, representing the first in a series starring Reed & Steinbeck. Do you need me to say more about the power of this story?
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Minneapolis Detectives Evangeline (Van) Reed and Harry Steinbeck are on their way to Costa Rica to track Patty who is on the same flight with her daughter, Gwen, as they are going for a vacation. She’s suspected of killing her husband but they need to catch her in a lie in order to make an arrest.
the heart of the story…
On the surface, this just seemed like a run of the mill investigation…until I learned more about Van who was recently banished to the Cold Case Unit. She’s got “unusual” skills that put everything a little sideways. Harry’s a bit mysterious, too, because he’s tough to figure out. I got hooked so fast.
the narration…
I loved how the narrator gave absolutely nothing away. She told the story as if everything being said was so normal, which made this even more intriguing. It just worked.
the bottom line…
“Okay. I want a series featuring these two. Please?” That was my immediate reaction at the end of this story and sometimes wishes come true. After a little digging, I found a book scheduled for release next September, representing the first in a series starring Reed & Steinbeck. Do you need me to say more about the power of this story?
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
May 26, 2023
Catch Her in a Lie is part of The Getaway Collection. This installment is action packed from start to finish. I immediately felt connected to the characters which is saying a lot since this thriller was a short story. If you’re looking for a quick audiobook that will keep you riveted and on the edge of your seat this is for you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 24, 2023
Quite the twist...
I decided to read this since it was the novella to "The Taken Ones".
I immediately found myself intrigued and the writing made this effortless. It's always hard to round out a story in under 50 pages but Jess Lourey did an excellent job.
This novella solidified my desire to read her full novel and I highly recommend this to anyone who likes police procedurals. TW for paedophilia.
I decided to read this since it was the novella to "The Taken Ones".
I immediately found myself intrigued and the writing made this effortless. It's always hard to round out a story in under 50 pages but Jess Lourey did an excellent job.
This novella solidified my desire to read her full novel and I highly recommend this to anyone who likes police procedurals. TW for paedophilia.
May 5, 2024
This is one of those situations where I came across a later installment first and really wanted to read it. So, of course, I went back and started the series from the beginning. I’m weird that way; I blame it on the day job. Anyway, at 44pgs, this is a quick read (about an hour) and the book summary pretty much says it all.
What the book summary doesn’t mention is that Van has visions, bad visions, visions of real-life monsters. The ending has a twist that is a shocker. Ok, I’m interested. Yes, I will be continuing the series.
What the book summary doesn’t mention is that Van has visions, bad visions, visions of real-life monsters. The ending has a twist that is a shocker. Ok, I’m interested. Yes, I will be continuing the series.
September 20, 2022
Chasing a Lie?
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (August 31, 2022), released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook.
I didn't understand what the title referred to. Perhaps it is the author being clever in the way she tricks you into thinking this is one kind of story... a police chase for a suspect. She then turns it around with several twists, including a supernatural one. A mother and daughter are on a vacation trip to Costa Rica. It turns out that two Minnesota BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) [A nod to Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers?] agents are on the same flight and are on the trail of a suspect. How could the mother possibly be that suspect? One agent picks up Different Seasons at the airport for in-flight reading [Hello Stephen King - a hint of the supernatural element to come?].
It all turns out completely different than your expectations. The pair of BCA agents could make for an interesting future series if author Jess Lourey follows up on them.
Catch Her in a Lie is one of six Amazon Original Kindle eBooks/Audible Audio audiobooks released on August 31, 2022 as part of the Getaway Collection of short stories where "Secrets follow you everywhere. Perfect vacation or last resort? In this collection of short psychological thrillers, bestselling authors bring trouble to paradise. Today’s itinerary: surfing, sailing, hiking, facing your worst fears... Most dream vacations never live up to expectations—but few cause this many nightmares."
Trivia and Link
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Kindle short stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
Review of the Amazon Original Kindle eBook (August 31, 2022), released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook.
Mysteries were the most honest books there were. They threaded death right in there with life, no pretending. excerpt from pg. 19 of Catch Her in a Lie
I didn't understand what the title referred to. Perhaps it is the author being clever in the way she tricks you into thinking this is one kind of story... a police chase for a suspect. She then turns it around with several twists, including a supernatural one. A mother and daughter are on a vacation trip to Costa Rica. It turns out that two Minnesota BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) [A nod to Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers?] agents are on the same flight and are on the trail of a suspect. How could the mother possibly be that suspect? One agent picks up Different Seasons at the airport for in-flight reading [Hello Stephen King - a hint of the supernatural element to come?].
It all turns out completely different than your expectations. The pair of BCA agents could make for an interesting future series if author Jess Lourey follows up on them.
Catch Her in a Lie is one of six Amazon Original Kindle eBooks/Audible Audio audiobooks released on August 31, 2022 as part of the Getaway Collection of short stories where "Secrets follow you everywhere. Perfect vacation or last resort? In this collection of short psychological thrillers, bestselling authors bring trouble to paradise. Today’s itinerary: surfing, sailing, hiking, facing your worst fears... Most dream vacations never live up to expectations—but few cause this many nightmares."
Trivia and Link
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Kindle short stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
January 1, 2023
Catch Her in a Lie is a terrific short story included in the Amazon Original Stories - Book 5 of The Getaway Collection! If you haven’t checked this series out yet, it is free to those with Amazon Prime.
Patty is taking a trip to Costa Rica with her daughter, Gwen. Minnesota special agents Evangeline Reed and Harry Steinbeck are also traveling to Costa Rica in order to keep watch on the mother and daughter, as they are connected to a serial killer. Are they on vacation? Hiding? Or on the run from the law? Will Van and Harry be able to uncover the truth?
Jess Lourey is a new to me author and she did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this clever short story. I would love to read a full length novel about Reed and Steinbeck, as they are intriguing, fully fleshed characters. I highly recommend this collection of short stories, and this is one of the best!
5/5 stars
Patty is taking a trip to Costa Rica with her daughter, Gwen. Minnesota special agents Evangeline Reed and Harry Steinbeck are also traveling to Costa Rica in order to keep watch on the mother and daughter, as they are connected to a serial killer. Are they on vacation? Hiding? Or on the run from the law? Will Van and Harry be able to uncover the truth?
Jess Lourey is a new to me author and she did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this clever short story. I would love to read a full length novel about Reed and Steinbeck, as they are intriguing, fully fleshed characters. I highly recommend this collection of short stories, and this is one of the best!
5/5 stars
August 24, 2024
Cold case expert Evangeline Reed ("Van") and forensics legend Harry Steinbeck, agents with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, are on their way from Minneapolis to Costa Rica to keep close watch on a mother and her daughter, both of whom have troubling connections to a Minnesota serial killer.
This short story (only 44 pages) is a part of the Getaway collection of short stories featuring dream escapes which take unimaginable turns and is also the prequel to the Steinbeck and Reed series by this author. Since I'm finally getting around to reading the first book in the series and on the advice of a GR friend, I read this first and I'm really looking forward to the series now. As I said, this is an extremely short book but my goodness it packs a punch. Interesting characters and quite a twist at the end. If I ever get caught up I'd probably read some of the other Getaway stories as well.
I read this book for free with my Kindle Unlimited membership. All opinions expressed are my own.
This short story (only 44 pages) is a part of the Getaway collection of short stories featuring dream escapes which take unimaginable turns and is also the prequel to the Steinbeck and Reed series by this author. Since I'm finally getting around to reading the first book in the series and on the advice of a GR friend, I read this first and I'm really looking forward to the series now. As I said, this is an extremely short book but my goodness it packs a punch. Interesting characters and quite a twist at the end. If I ever get caught up I'd probably read some of the other Getaway stories as well.
I read this book for free with my Kindle Unlimited membership. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 18, 2022
There were parts of this story that I really loved.
Then there were parts that fell so flat for me.
Sadly, the parts that fell flat kind of mattered.
So I loved the idea of a cop having these visions and knowing what bad guys were doing. I also love what she did with those visions, and the outcome of the whole thing. What I didn't like was how the author got us there. The middle of the story, where the plot is supposed to be thickest, was thin as paper. It was muddled and over before you knew it. As a fan of thriller/horror/suspense/mystery.... I wanted and expected more in that moment.
Still, I liked the story as a whole. It just was lacking details.
Then there were parts that fell so flat for me.
Sadly, the parts that fell flat kind of mattered.
So I loved the idea of a cop having these visions and knowing what bad guys were doing. I also love what she did with those visions, and the outcome of the whole thing. What I didn't like was how the author got us there. The middle of the story, where the plot is supposed to be thickest, was thin as paper. It was muddled and over before you knew it. As a fan of thriller/horror/suspense/mystery.... I wanted and expected more in that moment.
Still, I liked the story as a whole. It just was lacking details.
June 30, 2024
Strangest Serial Killer
Van and Harry was following a mother and daughter to Costa Rica. The mother loved her daughter Gwen more than anything else in life, and was Patty was escaping with her to keep her safe from prying eyes and danger.
Patty has been linked to what looked like a suicide death of her husband and two other men, but did Patty do it? Van has a secret all her own that she may not be able to hide from Harry on this trip.
This was a stellar mystery story that keeps you guessing all the way until the end. Are there going to be more Harry and Van stories? Five stars worth of fun in this quick read.
Van and Harry was following a mother and daughter to Costa Rica. The mother loved her daughter Gwen more than anything else in life, and was Patty was escaping with her to keep her safe from prying eyes and danger.
Patty has been linked to what looked like a suicide death of her husband and two other men, but did Patty do it? Van has a secret all her own that she may not be able to hide from Harry on this trip.
This was a stellar mystery story that keeps you guessing all the way until the end. Are there going to be more Harry and Van stories? Five stars worth of fun in this quick read.
January 9, 2023
I think this lost me as soon as it started to go down the paranormal route. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but I personally find paranormal thrillers to fall into the common trap of using the paranormal aspect as a lazy way of explaining plot holes. This little novella definitely falls into that category. That isn't to say the writing overall is bad - it isn't, it's actually pretty good and entertaining but that plot. That plot was a no from me. It was also way too short to illicit any kind of connection to any characters.
Next.
Next.
September 14, 2022
This short story was the best written in the Getaway collection with more ripe characterizations, plot twists, and satisfactory resolution.
September 3, 2024
A slightly better than average novella in the style of Jeffery Deaver.
It starts in the POV of Patty Devries, arriving in Costa Rica with her daughter Gwen. Gwen is 14 but has the mind of a seven-year-old; Patty loves her more than anything else in her life. Patty is on the run from authorities. We don’t know why she is running but it’s possible she’s a serial killer.
The POV then switches to cold case expert Evangeline Reed (Van), who has been teamed with agent Harry Steinbeck from the Minneapolis Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; they are following Patty surreptitiously. It’s the first time Van has worked with Harry, and she finds his idiosyncrasies a bit annoying, but admits that his meticulous ways often hit the mark in terms of catching the criminal.
A satisfying read, given that it took me only 56 minutes to finish, and I’m a slow reader. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could, primarily for the Deaver-like structure, which leads you along one pathway only to pull the rug from under you to a surprising outcome.
Fun Fact
To mask her surreptitious surveillance of Patty, Van picks up a paperback of Stephen King’s “Different Seasons”, which contains: ’…a collection of novellas, two of which had been turned into what Van believed were the best films to come out of the late eighties and early nineties. Quiet character studies with bloody hearts.’
I immediately remembered the titles of these two novellas, and the films made from them, even though I read “Different Seasons” forty years ago, and viewed one of the films almost thirty years ago. (I’m not going to spoil your pleasure by citing them here.) Later, Van mentions the name of the third story, which I had also remembered. However, try as I might, I couldn’t remember the fourth. Finally I resorted to Google; not only did I not remember the title, but when I read the synopsis, I couldn’t recall even reading it, although I must have. It was the only novella in the book that contained supernatural elements.
This note is not relevant to the plot of “Catch Her in a Lie”, but may be why I decided to round down rather than up.
It starts in the POV of Patty Devries, arriving in Costa Rica with her daughter Gwen. Gwen is 14 but has the mind of a seven-year-old; Patty loves her more than anything else in her life. Patty is on the run from authorities. We don’t know why she is running but it’s possible she’s a serial killer.
The POV then switches to cold case expert Evangeline Reed (Van), who has been teamed with agent Harry Steinbeck from the Minneapolis Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; they are following Patty surreptitiously. It’s the first time Van has worked with Harry, and she finds his idiosyncrasies a bit annoying, but admits that his meticulous ways often hit the mark in terms of catching the criminal.
A satisfying read, given that it took me only 56 minutes to finish, and I’m a slow reader. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could, primarily for the Deaver-like structure, which leads you along one pathway only to pull the rug from under you to a surprising outcome.
Fun Fact
To mask her surreptitious surveillance of Patty, Van picks up a paperback of Stephen King’s “Different Seasons”, which contains: ’…a collection of novellas, two of which had been turned into what Van believed were the best films to come out of the late eighties and early nineties. Quiet character studies with bloody hearts.’
I immediately remembered the titles of these two novellas, and the films made from them, even though I read “Different Seasons” forty years ago, and viewed one of the films almost thirty years ago. (I’m not going to spoil your pleasure by citing them here.) Later, Van mentions the name of the third story, which I had also remembered. However, try as I might, I couldn’t remember the fourth. Finally I resorted to Google; not only did I not remember the title, but when I read the synopsis, I couldn’t recall even reading it, although I must have. It was the only novella in the book that contained supernatural elements.
This note is not relevant to the plot of “Catch Her in a Lie”, but may be why I decided to round down rather than up.
January 29, 2024
Super Twisted Ending.
This is my third book by Jess Lourey. One of the books I read earlier was a continuation of this story, and I gave it a 5-star rating. “Catch Her in a Lie” includes the backstory of Van and Harry’s relationship, which made this story more meaningful, as I was introduced to them in the previous book.
Jess Lourey is an excellent writer, and her thrillers are definitely worth reading for anyone interested in this genre. This short story, in particular, has a super twisted ending!
#CatchHerInALie #JessLourey #Thriller #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited #CostaRica #Minnesota #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
This is my third book by Jess Lourey. One of the books I read earlier was a continuation of this story, and I gave it a 5-star rating. “Catch Her in a Lie” includes the backstory of Van and Harry’s relationship, which made this story more meaningful, as I was introduced to them in the previous book.
Jess Lourey is an excellent writer, and her thrillers are definitely worth reading for anyone interested in this genre. This short story, in particular, has a super twisted ending!
#CatchHerInALie #JessLourey #Thriller #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited #CostaRica #Minnesota #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
December 4, 2022
Nice little short mystery!
September 11, 2022
I did not like this.
March 3, 2024
This was soooooo good for a short story. It was honestly done perfectly and didn’t feel rushed or like it ended abruptly.
I cannot wait to continue reading the Steinbeck/Reed story this kicked off.
This short story was part of the Getaway Collection with Amazon Original Stories.
I cannot wait to continue reading the Steinbeck/Reed story this kicked off.
This short story was part of the Getaway Collection with Amazon Original Stories.
August 23, 2022
Wow.. that was one intense story. Jess Lourey is such a good author. I read this one in half a day. Of course it's a short story but still... Very good.
A woman on the run with her young daughter. Her young daughter is fourteen but has the mind of a child half that age due to circumstances at birth. Patty loves her daughter, Gwen, more than anything or anyone. There is nothing she will not do for her.
Two detectives, Van and Harry, are on the case of what could possibly be a serial killer dubbed the "sweet tea killer" by the press. They go from Minnesota to Costa Rica following who may be the murderer. I was taken completely by surprised with the revealing of the murderer. My mind just did not go there at all.
This book is about a touchy subject but no details so no triggers. It's about a reason for something to happen. Why the person did what they did. I think justice was served myself. I also hope to hear more from Van(Evangeline) and Harry. They do make a great team.
This book is so good y'all. It truly has the makings for a much longer story. I understand it's a short story but still.. Maybe?? Or a series.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #JessLourey, #AmazonOriginalStories for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
5/5 big huge stars. I highly recommend it. Also it's part of a series by several different authors but is also a stand alone. Grab it and read it.
A woman on the run with her young daughter. Her young daughter is fourteen but has the mind of a child half that age due to circumstances at birth. Patty loves her daughter, Gwen, more than anything or anyone. There is nothing she will not do for her.
Two detectives, Van and Harry, are on the case of what could possibly be a serial killer dubbed the "sweet tea killer" by the press. They go from Minnesota to Costa Rica following who may be the murderer. I was taken completely by surprised with the revealing of the murderer. My mind just did not go there at all.
This book is about a touchy subject but no details so no triggers. It's about a reason for something to happen. Why the person did what they did. I think justice was served myself. I also hope to hear more from Van(Evangeline) and Harry. They do make a great team.
This book is so good y'all. It truly has the makings for a much longer story. I understand it's a short story but still.. Maybe?? Or a series.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #JessLourey, #AmazonOriginalStories for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
5/5 big huge stars. I highly recommend it. Also it's part of a series by several different authors but is also a stand alone. Grab it and read it.
June 21, 2024
What's it about?
Patty and her daughter Gwen are on holiday, away from the stress and day-to-day responsibilities of life. Gwen is having the time of her life, but Patty can’t help but feel nervous, and for good reason.
Two agents are watching the duo, thinking they may have some connection to a serial killer case they are working.
What do Patty and Gwen know about the killer, and are they really on vacation, or are they on the run?
Catch Her in a Lie by Jess Lourey is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that turn into nightmares.
Thoughts
I went into this blind. I haven’t read any of the books in this series, so I was worried I might be a bit lost with the backstory, but I didn’t feel lost at all!
The focus was on Patty and her daughter Gwen, and not so much on the agents watching them as part of a serial killer case they’re working.
I loved this bite-sized story and would definitely read more of this series.
The pacing was good, with enough detail before the action hit to care about the characters, but not so much that it unbalanced the story.
The way potential killers were introduced, as well as their motives, was well-placed, and there were loads of likable characters.
Probably sounds like a strange complaint, but for a serial killer story, I would have liked it to be a little moodier, with more detail about the set up and murder, but not in the direction it was. It’s difficult to say more without spoilers, but it was still worth a read.
Patty and her daughter Gwen are on holiday, away from the stress and day-to-day responsibilities of life. Gwen is having the time of her life, but Patty can’t help but feel nervous, and for good reason.
Two agents are watching the duo, thinking they may have some connection to a serial killer case they are working.
What do Patty and Gwen know about the killer, and are they really on vacation, or are they on the run?
Catch Her in a Lie by Jess Lourey is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that turn into nightmares.
Thoughts
I went into this blind. I haven’t read any of the books in this series, so I was worried I might be a bit lost with the backstory, but I didn’t feel lost at all!
The focus was on Patty and her daughter Gwen, and not so much on the agents watching them as part of a serial killer case they’re working.
I loved this bite-sized story and would definitely read more of this series.
The pacing was good, with enough detail before the action hit to care about the characters, but not so much that it unbalanced the story.
The way potential killers were introduced, as well as their motives, was well-placed, and there were loads of likable characters.
Probably sounds like a strange complaint, but for a serial killer story, I would have liked it to be a little moodier, with more detail about the set up and murder, but not in the direction it was. It’s difficult to say more without spoilers, but it was still worth a read.
February 28, 2023
I loved the twist here, wasn't one I'd been anticipating. I liked the location and the mc. This one was great, I'd have read more!
August 16, 2023
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Could have been a full-length novel, honestly.
Could have been a full-length novel, honestly.
January 5, 2024
“Mysteries were the most honest books there were. They threaded death right in there with life, no pretending.”
Last read of 2023 and I enjoyed CATCH HER IN A LIE, book 4 in the short story Getaway series. This one is a prequel to the new series Steinbeck and Reed by Jess Lourey about a cold case expert & a forensics detective trying to solve a case that is more than what it seems.
I liked Reed & her partner Steinbeck and after reading this with that twist I didn’t see coming (love when that happens) I’m intrigued to see where their series goes. 3.5 Stars!
Last read of 2023 and I enjoyed CATCH HER IN A LIE, book 4 in the short story Getaway series. This one is a prequel to the new series Steinbeck and Reed by Jess Lourey about a cold case expert & a forensics detective trying to solve a case that is more than what it seems.
I liked Reed & her partner Steinbeck and after reading this with that twist I didn’t see coming (love when that happens) I’m intrigued to see where their series goes. 3.5 Stars!
October 10, 2022
Three stars. Great ending.
September 2, 2022
Somehow each revelation in this story comes as a surprise. Up to the very end.
A recently widowed woman and her daughter are in Costa Rico being trailed by two police
Is she the Sweet Tea Killer?
It seems possible
A recently widowed woman and her daughter are in Costa Rico being trailed by two police
Is she the Sweet Tea Killer?
It seems possible
September 6, 2022
In hunt of a serial killer....short and sweet who done it.
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