This book was hard work but the last few pages were awesome and I loved all the twists and turns. I think it’s way better for people who read the first book as well because a lot of the book is built on the knowledge of the first book. Defo not a book to be read by itself. I honestly didn’t like the main character of Caelan, she seems arrogant and full of herself

This is book two in the Detective Caelen Small series and I recommend reading book one before this. It is an exciting read filled with great characters. If you like your detective books filled with excitement, murder, drugs, kidnapping, gangs and a lead character who is edgy and disobeys orders.....this is for you! I would most definitely read Ask No Questions first. You won't be disappointed. Lisa Hartley is an author to follow. I look forward to another instalment. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Goodreads, Amazon and Facebook.

Tell No Lies by Lisa Hartley (@rainedonparade) is a cleverly-plotted, well-written crime novel focusing on Detective Caelan Small and her journey through drug and people trafficking. I enjoyed this book for the characters and the fast pace of the narrative. Tell No Lies was published on 19th February 2018 by Canelo.

The story
Detective Caelan Small is pulled away from her deserved leave, bruised and aching to join forces to collaborate on a case involving drug trafficking and a growing number of dead and missing bodies. As the case progresses, Caelan finds herself rebelling from normal procedures, taking matters into her own hands, going undercover to solve the case and murders. Along the way, police officers disappear and the mystery becomes more and more tangled and confusing. Caelan battles throughout with her feelings toward Nicky’s return and her feelings about the job generally, as she is often undermined and not listened to despite being brought in specifically for the case.

What I liked
I liked this book because it’s characters were strong, especially the villains. The exploration of them through the undercover disguise meant that the reader could get to know the villains without following them as other writers opt to do. The use of Caelan’s disregard for following the rules and casting out her own net certainly causes the plot to progress a lot quicker. The story itself is mostly intriguing and I liked the interweaving of Liv Hobbs and her husband’s storyline with the current case.
I felt that Caelan’s and Achebe’s characters were two of the best developed through this novel. Caelan represents the crime fiction current trend of having a sassy, strong woman in the lead who doesn’t take no for an answer. These women are doing a lot for the future of young people who want to work in these sectors, as novels such as these represent empowered women. Achebe was an interesting character from the beginning, wanting and not wanting Caelan around for the case but knowing that even when she had broken the rules, she was likely to be right.
The story itself was intriguing, as the reader remains waiting for the connection throughout. Even at the end, there is still the mystery of Nicky as everything appears to hang in the balance.

What I didn’t like
Honestly, I felt that there was no moment where the penny dropped for me with this novel. While I did enjoy reading it, the criminals were very obvious and the reader is told who they are from the beginning. Ryan’s back story also lacked a lot of clarity, as there is no direct moment, until all the men are in one place together, that the reader knows where he is going and what he is doing. I understand that this was supposed to cause intrigue, but it actually resulted in the plot feeling predictable.
I also felt that the conclusive scene, and the scenes involving Liv and Nicky were long enough, while there was a large focus on Caelan’s thoughts about things. Many of the conversations between Caelan and the force appeared to consist of repetitive patterns in topic and language which became predictable. Finally, there did not appear to be much connection between Caelan and the rest of the force who had all been working together for years. Her relationship with Nicky seemed to downplay any potential friendships between her and the other officers. Because she and Nicky were not together much, Caelan appeared quite unfriendly, dismissing many of the people she works with.

Overall, I really did enjoy this novel, but there could have been a few more twists and unexpected turns. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes crime and thriller novels without too much murder or graphic content. I thought it was a solid 4* novel. I was sent an advance reader copy on NetGalley by Canelo in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a few chapters to get into this story, probably because it was the first Detective Caelan Small novel I've read. Undercover police work is both physically and mentally demanding on the people who do it. They are effectively living a lie, and this must have an often catastrophic effect on their personal lives and relationships.
Caelen is a believable, likeable character who makes you want to read what happens next. Mislead about the fate of her partner, Nicky, Caelen feels betrayed and vulnerable. It is questionable whether she is in the right mental state to go undercover again, but circumstances dictate, and she finds herself working amid people traffickers and drug dealers in the wake of two horrific murders.
The fast-paced, detailed plot is cleverly written, with lots of action and crime, without the need for graphic violence. The vividly depicted characters and authentic settings draw you in making this an absorbing read. The story ends on a note of finality, but I hope this isn't the end for Detective Caelen Small.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book. 

DS Caelan Small has been forced to return to work and is now undercover in a dangerous mission to uncover the truth behind two murders, one of them a fellow officer.
It’s a dark and musket territory she’s stepping into, and one wrong door could lead to deadly consequences for her and given that she’s not always the best as following orders, this ramps up the tension and I was at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next!

There were quite a lot of references to the previous book, and I haven’t read it so some things sort of passed me by, but rather than put me off or frustrate me, it only emphasised my desire to read the first book too.

I enjoyed this book, I think Caelan is a great character and there’s clearly a whole host of other dangerous situations that she could get herself into so I’ll definitely read more by Lisa Hartley in future.

Perfect for fans of Helen Fields and Jane Casey.

Full Review: https://thereadingruby.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-tell-no-lies-by-lisa.html

This was a very typical Crime fiction novel, told from a detective point-of-view, which I find is a love it or hate it viewpoint I find in readers! I, myself, enjoy crime fiction and don't mind a detective story, as long as it's thrilling, and page-turning - and 'Tell No Lies' did not disappoint!

Told in the viewpoint of detective Caelan Small, with a gritty London setting, this story revolves around an interesting police case, involving intense drug-dealing, murder and human trafficking, among others. Long story short, and to avoid spoilers, Caelan's instincts tell her that crimes she sees are linked in some way, but finds it hard to convince others of her theories. As the novel unfolds we see Caelan's though process, trying to find the links and trying to find proof. Although Caelan has a team of co-workers, they aren't the closest and don't work incredibly closely together either, often a lot of the investigating and storyline, invovled Caelan independently!

Overall, the plot was mysterious and was thrilling! I was interested in finishing the book, and finding out who the 'villain' was! The plot-twists were intriguing and interesting, although not incredibly shocking, including the final reveal, which I did see coming, it wasn't the best, most surprising end and didn't blow me away - however, I do read an awful lot of thrillers and so I do find it hard to surprise myself now. If you read the odd thriller or don't need to be blown away then this won't be a problem for you. I still enjoyed the ending, the story was wrapped up well and I thought the plot-twists throughout were smart! Lisa Hartley writes well, and I found her writing incredibly easy to get into.

Therefore, if you like detective characters and viewpoints, and typical, twisty, mysterious crime fiction, then give Lisa Hartley a go! I'll definitely be picking up the third book in this series, and really do wish I'd read the first one!

Fabulous read. Couldn’t help wishing I’d read the first one in the series Ask No Questions  as I think I might have ruined that opportunity by reading this first but that being said this works fine as a stand-alone read. Fast paced and full of intrigue you  have to keep turning the pages and a villain I never spotted makes for a great ending. Hope for another instalment soon , definitely want to see where the character goes from here

Tell No Lies – Lisa Hartley

I was fortunate to receive this novel as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.
DS Caelan Small is back in this novel, set in England as she goes undercover to infiltrate the seedy underground of Edmonton. Two men have been found, both brutally murdered in unusual fashion, and one of them was identified as a copper. A large drug distributor has been jailed and another has seemingly taken his place? But who? And why were these men killed? 

Meanwhile, Caelan’s roommate and lover, Nicky Sturgess, has seemingly returned from the dead after an undercover case of her own, unbeknownst to Caelan or Nik’s family who participated in her funeral. So Caelan struggles with this personal betrayal, as, forced to work with Nicky once again, she struggles to keep things professional. 

Soon another copper goes missing, this one with familial connections to the jailed distributor, and Caelan searches for her, while her superiors are giving obtuse and conflicting orders. As Caelan infiltrates the drug ring, the final trap is set, leading to a stunning conclusion that is totally unexpected and one that I did not remotely see coming!

I struggled a bit with this novel, perhaps because the geography was unfamiliar to me, and because I have not read the first of he series, which undoubtedly sets the background of Caelan’s and Nicky’s relationship, and Nicky’s subsequent disappearance and presumed death.   None the less, I look forward to the next book in the Caelan Small series!

Set in London this gritty novel, which is the second in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone, takes us into the sometimes dangerous world of undercover policing. The story reads at a good pace. There are a few threads including kidnapping, murder, sex trafficking, drugs, gangs and then, of course, there’s what happened to Nicky – which ties into the first book – and how that impacts on the current investigation.  Caelan (DS Caelan Small) is supposedly a bit of a loose cannon but generally she does as ordered and that seems to be what can put her in more danger. Undercover policing it portrayed as being quite a strange and difficult way of life, which I’m sure it must be, as well as being lonely and isolated.

As the investigation continues Caelan believes that various things that have happened mean that the crimes are linked but it’s not clear how or if she and her colleagues will be able to prove it. To that end they work, rather loosely, with a team looking into the drugs element and with another police team on the murders. They are supposed to be working together and, to some extent, they do but not necessarily well.

It’s a good story, I liked most of the characters although not all and not all of the time. I found it an easy read even with the twisty plot and whilst I enjoyed the story the ‘puppet master’ was not a real shock.  It’s a fairly tense ending but we do find out what happened and why.

I was pleased that the Caelan and Nicky thread did not take over but simply explained what was necessary for the storyline. I’m sure as the series progresses this will get resolved. It will be interesting to see what happens to Caelan in the future although I do hope her decision at the end is followed through.

A well-paced, well written story which is well worth a read.

With thanks to Canelo via NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Rating: 4*

This is not my favourite theme but very enjoyable. Detective Caelan Small is a plucky young woman. Two bodies and no leads. It prompts her to go undercover into the seedy world of gangs, brothels, drug dealing and smuggling. Will she survive this dangerous project? Together with her personal life it makes a very interesting read. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo.

The life of DS Caelan Small: "Fooling people, using them, spending days, weeks and months living as someone she usually despised. It was a strange way of meting out justice, and she had to wonder, was she making any sort of difference?"

Fast-paced police drama centered on thugs and drugs. Set in London and the second in a series featuring this undercover detective, the action moves the narrative forward. It all starts with the discovery of two separate victims, both tortured to death and one a cop. Were they connected somehow? Sent back into the field following a previous case that ended in her having some injuries and causing the breakup of a long-term relationship, Caelan is intent on finding the perpetrators. Seems like a new drug lord is coming into territory recently vacated by the previous kingpin who is now in prison. Caelan has to reach into herself to find the mental and physical reserves she needs to tackle this investigation and stop this explosion of crime in Edmonton without blowing her cover. And all the while having to work with her former lover.

I enjoyed this very much but wish I had read the first one in the series prior to starting this second. Allusions were made to the previous case/book, and yeah, you could figure it out more or less, but I think I missed a few things though this could work as a standalone. I'll definitely be looking for the third book in this series to find out more about Cailan and what she will be involved in next. She's a loner by nature, and perhaps also because of what she must do for her job -- which is her life. She's tough and edgy and vulnerable. Smart with nerves of steel to do what she does. Encore, please!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing Company for the e-book ARC to read and review.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for a review copy of Tell No Lies, the second novel to feature Met undercover detective Caelan Small.

A day after the events of Ask No Questions Caelan has her sick leave revoked and is sent back on duty. Her bosses want her to go undercover in Edmonton to find out about a new drug dealer who is taking over the patch by force and violence with two victims already to his credit, a policeman and an informer. With little information and no direction Caelan soon finds herself in trouble with both sides.

Tell No Lies is undoubtedly an exciting read with plenty of action and a few twists. Unfortunately I couldn't get into it and it didn't hold my attention for various reasons. 

Firstly I have not read Ask No Questions so most of the references to it went over my head initially until the main references were gradually explained. I would advise any reader to read it first to avoid frustration.

I found it impossible to believe that the Met would risk their officers' lives and send them undercover in a situation known to be dangerous with so little planning or briefing. I found the seat of their pants approach tedious and unbelievable. Risk assessment, anyone? It probably makes for good reading but I found I couldn't care.

I dislike the main protagonist, Caelan. She is undoubtedly smart, probably far smarter than her bosses, and operationally savvy but she doesn't stick to her remit and pokes her nose into everything, putting her life and the operation in danger. 

I'm quite sure Ms Hartley planned her novel with every misstep engineered to heighten the tension and raise the stakes. This approach does not appeal to me and only made me shake my head at her characters' stupidity, shortsightedness and selfishness.

Tell No Lies      Lisa Hartley

Internal compartmentation in covert policing makes life dangerous for the undercover police officer; but, are Met and the NCA working with or against each other on this case.

The secrets that are being kept have far reaching effects on the investigation and the personal lives of some of the officers carrying it out.

There is a new drug baron in one of London's suburbs. Actually, it's more accurate to say the old one has been arrested and is in prison and some low-level dealers are trying to muscle their way into the big time.

But then a body is found tortured to death, and its linked to a second death that happened a few days earlier, that of a Policeman that died in similar circumstances.

The Met decides to send in a team of undercover officers. 

This story follows Detective Caelan Small. At the start of the book she is recovering from a recent undercover operation that has damaged her physically and emotionally. She is given no choice go to work or go away. So, she assumes an identity she has used before and goes in search of information about the new drugs dealers.

She soon establishes that there may be more than one gang involved and that the dead Policeman may have been running his own investigation, "off-the book"

The investigation leads to some of the more salubrious areas of London, and this is where the book really comes into its own.

Lisa Hartley describes the areas and people of London involved in the gang and drugs culture very well. I was hooked by its reality. 

The story is very fast paced. In fact I intended to read it over a week and ended up not putting it down, and finishing it in a day. 

Its pace is breathless. The story takes place over just a few days and I felt like I was there with Caelan. Feeling her frustrations at her Senior Officers who were making decisions based on facts she could not be told, the frustrations of knowing other officers are working with her, but feeling they are working against her.

I felt the anxiety she feels when she has to make snap decisions, putting herself in danger, but more worryingly potentially putting others in danger.

The story is complex, and right up till the last page I had no idea how it was going to end.

I loved it

Pages: 331
Published by: Canelo
Publishing date: 19th February 2018

I really enjoyed this book the concept was interesting and kept me engaged right the way through the book.  There was plenty of action and a nice twist at the end that made me go wow didnt see that coming!  A really well writen crime thriller a well deserved 4 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publisher, Canelo, for this review copy given in exchange for an honest review.  Also thank you to Ellie from Canelo for organising the Blog Tour.

Detective Caelan Small is investigating a couple of dead bodies which have turned up in her area.  One is a body found in a basement, it has been battered and tortured but they can’t find out why.  Another one is a young police officer who is found murdered.  There appears to be no link between the two, but Caelan has a gut feeling that something isn’t right.  Then there’s the issue of Caelan’s personal life, and that seems even more complicated than the murders.

This is book #2 in the Detective Caelan Small series.  I do think you need to read these books in order as I felt there was a lot of stuff that had happened in the previous book (I assume) which was mentioned in this one.  I have to admit I was really confused with some of the stories, as there seems to be lots which has previously happened in Book 1, but wasn’t really explained.  Most of this was to do with Nicky and the previous case that Caelan had worked on.  I felt that in this book it would have helped me to have had a quick ‘recap’ at the beginning!

On the plus side, putting the confusion about the back story to one side, the actual murder and crime story was really great.  The story was gritty and raw, and got right into the action from the beginning.  Caelan is a great character, ready to get her hands dirty with anything, but on a personal side she has some huge issues.  I really got into the murder investigation and thought the story was really well planned.  It had me on the edge of my seat towards the climax of the story and it has been nicely left open at the end for moving onto Book 3.

I’m definitely going to make it my mission to read the first book as it was such a good story that I really want to understand the parts which were confusing for me.  It’s a big thumbs up from me, but read them in order!!

This was the first book I’ve read by Lisa Hartley.
I really enjoyed this. I love when an author writes a series, and we can really get to know he characters.
I found I was hooked from the start, and I couldn’t wait to get home to continue reading!!!
Total page turner and will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series!