I acquired a assessment copy from the writer. This doesn’t have an effect on the contents of my assessment and all opinions are my very own.

Two Truths and A Lie by Mark Stevens

Mogsy’s Ranking: 3.5 of 5 stars

Style: Thriller, Thriller

Collection: Ebook 2 of Flynn Martin

Writer: Thomas & Mercer (April 7, 2026)

Size: 459 pages

Creator Info: Web site

After having such an satisfying time with Mark Stevens’s No Lie Lasts Without end, I went into the sequel Two Truths and a Lie anticipating extra of that very same sharp cat-and-mouse pressure. The excellent news is, I nonetheless acquired an attractive thriller. That mentioned, this one didn’t fairly hit me in the identical method as the primary e book. Whereas it’s nonetheless an excellent follow-up with a lot to love, I simply suppose it was lacking a few of what made the unique really feel so tight and suspenseful.

The story picks up with the return of collection protagonist Flynn Martin, a Denver journalist who finds herself again within the highlight following her position in capturing the PDQ Killer, the person who terrorized town fifteen years in the past by murdering three ladies. Not less than this time, she’s making headlines for the correct causes, incomes again the belief of her employer. However that top doesn’t final lengthy. When a household of 4 disappears below suspicious circumstances, Flynn seizes the chance to show herself, digging into what at first seems like a tragic however routine lacking individuals case. Nevertheless, it rapidly turns into clear that there’s way more to the story.

On the identical time, Flynn begins receiving unsettling messages, written in a method that instantly brings the PDQ Killer to thoughts, despite the fact that he’s supposedly behind bars and now not a risk. Or is he? The chance that she’s being watched once more leaves her fearing for her household’s security, and that private risk provides a brand new sense of urgency to the investigation. As Flynn follows the path, the case begins to department in a number of instructions, pulling in connections to a strong native church, whispers of corruption, and an internet of secrets and techniques which will all be related.

Very similar to the primary e book, what continues to work rather well right here is Stevens’ writing type. The prose is clear and direct, constructed for pace. It makes for an additional straightforward, bingeable learn. The newsroom angle stays a powerful hook, and I like how the case performs out like a police procedural whereas approaching it from a unique perspective by way of Flynn’s position. Not being in legislation enforcement does restrict her in some methods, however on the identical time, her place as a journalist opens doorways and offers her entry to sources she won’t in any other case attain. The high-octane, punchy pacing highlights the necessity for immediate motion as Flynn chases downs leads and places the items of the puzzle collectively, giving the story a pointy edge.

That mentioned, the construction of this sequel feels noticeably busier. There’s merely a lot taking place , it’s not all the time clear which thread is the primary one, so the top end result feels a bit scattered. In comparison with the primary e book, the place each the central battle and the villain had been sharply outlined, this one comes throughout as extra of a jumble. Whereas it does maintain issues unpredictable and opens up a wider internet of prospects, this strategy additionally finally ends up diluting a few of the pressure, particularly when the antagonist and the story’s course really feel much less centered.

Flynn herself stays a compelling protagonist, however regularly nonetheless manages to get below my pores and skin. As a rule, she finally ends up being her personal worst enemy, and it’s a lesson she’s did not study for the reason that first e book. And despite the fact that I perceive it comes with the territory of her job, a few of her strategies for chasing info additionally depart a nasty style in my mouth. There are many moments the place her choices really feel irritating, particularly when she’s clearly fearful about her personal security and her son’s, but within the very subsequent scene, she’s charging straight into one other harmful state of affairs as a substitute of pulling again. Sure, it creates pressure, however it additionally makes it tougher to totally get behind her selections, leaving her character caught someplace between being admirable and idiotic.

Nonetheless, I had fun with this one. Total, Two Truths and a Lie is a strong if barely much less centered follow-up that continues Flynn Martin’s story in an attractive and significant method. The place the primary e book felt like a good psychological showdown, you may discover this one to be a broader, extra chaotic thriller. Not essentially a nasty trade-off, however it does generally really feel prefer it’s juggling a couple of too many concepts directly. Even so, whereas it could not attain the heights as No Lie Lasts Without end, it stays a worthwhile sequel that retains you invested in each the characters and the world.

Extra on The BiblioSanctum:
Evaluation of No Lie Lasts Without end (Ebook 1)