This is the third in this fine series, and very good it is too. Gytha Lodge writes well, her characters and setting are spot on, and the plotting is generally good. When a drunken lady wakes up with a dead man in her bed, DCI Sheens is faced with the difficult task of identifying the corpse, working out why he is there and who has killed him. The personal lives of all those involved are fascinating, and there are many surprising developments along the way. A very enjoyable novel!

This is the third in this series and, as usual, if you want the very best from it with regard to character background and development, then series rules apply and you really should read the first two books before diving into this one. I thoroughly enjoyed both so... well... why not...!
So.. Louise wakes up next to, well, it's not her husband. And whoever it is, he's not breathing. She's a bit fuzzy in the head - and it's not the first time she's woken up that way. But the dead body, that's definitely a new one on her! Fast forward a bit and the police are called when she reports the body of a stranger in her garden. Enter Jonah Sheens and his team to investigate.
Meanwhile, we go back in time and see how the Louise of now was formed from the timid Louise of the past. How her life has panned out and, more importantly, how she got to the predicament she finds herself in today. Oh and another thing. Where is her husband?
This is a doozy of a case for Jonah and his team. One that will keep them on their toes throughout. One that will keep Juliette's mind off her obsessive, and dangerous ex. Well, until things get a bit juicy in a side-story. The main story contains everything you'd expect from a book of this genre. Twists and turns, secrets, lies & duplicitous behaviour aplenty as slowly the layers peel back and the truth is exposed. And I really never saw us going in that direction!
It's gripping - all the way though - and the story gets on with itself very well with no superfluous waffle or padding. The main characters continue to develop through the series and the episode extras are just as well drawn and all play their parts well.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is shaping up to be a very good series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Waking up next to a dead man is not the ideal way to start your day!

Louise has a bit of a drink problem, she knows she sometimes loses a few hours here and there, or wakes up with the hangover from hell. She has it under control or at least that's what she tells herself until she wakes up next to the corpse of a stranger.

DCI Jonah Sheens has a team he can trust to work long hours and get results but nothing seems to be quite adding up. As they begin looking into the lives of their victim and main suspect it becomes clear both had secrets but did these secrets cause what happened or is there another reason for what appears to be the senseless killing of one of the good guys?

This is an excellent book, the third in the Jonah Sheens series, and the best so far. There is a uniqueness to the storytelling which gives the reader an insight into the police procedural aspects and the psychological effects on both the hunter and the hunted. The way one event ripples into another and another appears effortless although I'm absolutely sure it wasn't that way at all.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is first class from start to finish and highly recommended.

Louise wakes up to a big problem; she is hungover and a dead body is lying beside her on the bed. Such an exciting way for the author to start this book; with a thrilling murder! I found it fascinating, as we dive head first into a thriller.

The main character is very problematic, both with alcohol and marital issues, but still you feel this desire to help her figure it all out. She is presented in a very raw perspective, which makes it easier to relate to her feelings. The other character, the detectives, are also described in a sensitive and realistic way so we feel compelled to cheer for them. It is more of a investigative reading, with layers of truth being uncovered chapter by chapter.

I loved the way the author brings all the characters together to solve the murder, at the same time she also shows a little bit of everyone lives, making them more believable and real. Even believing I was a master of detective work and that I would be able to uncover the motive and assassin, I was not able to figure it out until the very end!

This is the third book in the DCI Jonah Sheens series. Having read the previous books this one didn’t disappoint. It could definitely be read as a stand-alone but it would be such a shame not to read the previous books, you would definitely be missing out !!

Louise wakes up in her bed but can’t remember what happened the night before. She reaches out for her husband, Niall, but the person lying next to her is not her husband. To make matters even worse the man lying beside her is dead. What has she done ? Who is this man ?

DCI Jonah and his team are investigating the murder and Louise is their prime suspect. Can Louise regain her memory before it’s too late ? Is she really capable of killing someone ? During the investigation DCI Jonah soon discovers that there are a lot of people telling him lies but will the truth be discovered ?

This is a great addition the the series and is full of twists and turns. A very tense read that will keep you turning the pages to discover the truth along with Louise and DCI Jonah. Looking forward to the next instalment.

Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

Having read the first 2 DCI Sheens books, I was already expecting a rollercoaster story and was not disappointed. Fast paced, brilliantly written with well crafted characters and satisfying twists and turns, this gripping book kept me turning page after page after page. The only downside was 'drunk' Louise, who I found tedious, but that didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the book. 4.5*

I can't wait for Gytha Lodge and DCI Sheens and his team to return!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

Gytha Lodge is another new author for me, but I felt immediately drawn to Lie Beside Me, after I had read the synopsis.
The starting point of the story is intriguing. Louise wakes from yet another night of heavy drinking, nursing an enormous hangover. Finding the man she wakes up beside in bed, is not her husband, and is also dead. She genuinely has no recollection of how, and why this has happened, and understandably, panic sets in. This is where our rollercoaster story begins.
I really enjoyed Louise’s character. The chapters where she is talking to her husband Niall, explaining how Drunk Louise was born. Charting their relationship, and that with Dina and April, made this book become far more than the usual police procedural crime read. I genuinely felt I was alongside Louise, feeling her emotions change through the whole gambit.
The plot is gripping and full of twists. I was happily reading, thinking I knew what had happened, and who was responsible, then it changed, and kept changing. In the end, I didn’t know who or what to believe, who to trust, and not to trust. All of this makes a wonderfully gripping, page turning read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. After checking Fantastic Fiction, I’ve found Gytha’s first two books feature Jonah, and I’m hoping the rest of the team too. I look forward to starting the series from the beginning, to understand more of the backstory, and relationships between the characters.
Definitely 5* from me, I highly recommend reading this when it is published in March.

I really enjoy this series of books, and this latest one did not disappoint one iota. An excellent police procedural intertwined with the ongoing offbeat life of its main character. Can’t wAit for the next one to see t9 see how this all pans out

Fantastic read. I have been completely unable to put this one down. I cannot wait to read more by this author.
Full review to follow on publication.

This is book three in the DCI Jonah Sheens series and it’s one hell of an intense and cleverly plotted read.
Louise Reakes wakes up in her bed only to find a strange man lying dead in a pool of blood next to her and she has no idea how on earth he came to be there at all she just cannot remember a thing.
So one heck of a beginning to a taut and twisty read that had me gasping and just when I thought I knew what was going on I was proved wrong more than once and this just made it such a thrilling story that I highly recommend.
I loved being back with Jonah and the team and part of the appeal of this book and the previous ones is the ongoing storyline that runs parallel with the case they are busy solving. DC Juliette Hanson is a particular favourite of mine and I look forward to reading a lot more about her and the rest of the team also.
So Gytha Lodge has excelled herself with this book she is a brilliant writer and the big twist at the end just put the icing on the cake, many many thanks to her and roll on with the next in this fab series.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph Uk for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book had me hooked from the first page until the last. It had me guessing all the wrong people all the way through, I wouldn’t make a good detective as I had the finger pointed at all the wrong people. This book was twisty and lead you up all sorts of wrong turnings . I really enjoyed this book and even though it was the third in the series it read as a stand alone novel. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I have been lucky enough to receive a copy of every Gytha Lodge book to date. She is quickly becoming a firm favourite for me and this is hands down her best yet. Just the blurb had me gripped when I first saw this one being talked about - the thought of waking up next to a stranger who's dead in bed with you was just chilling! That, and the stunning cover had me from the get go.
Louise wakes up next to her husband with a sore head and no memory from the night before. Imagine her shock when she realises that the man in bed next to her is not only NOT her husband but he's not breathing. Louise is now in a desperate race to piece together her evening whilst Detective Sheens suspects she is not the only person with something to hide. Gripping from start to finish.

I absolutely devoured it. Definitely the best one so far from the talented Gytha Lodge
It is so fast paced but without being rushed. Perfectly plotted and so twisted that I could not guess any of the events happening. It gripped me from the beginning and kept me turning pages until late in the night.
The characters are built to perfection and the writing flawless. I have to admit that LIE BESIDE ME is one book like no other. Filled with twists and turns made to suck you in and prove once again that Gytha Lodge is a master of crime detective stories.
I don’t want to say more than: THIS IS A 2021 MUST READ

I am unfamiliar with this author, Gytha Lodge and her novels. I struggled with this book.

The storyline did intrigue me from the beginning and I was curious to find out more, but the journey to get there was slow and confusing. I stopped for one week and then returned to complete the novel but with no satisfaction on finishing. The writing was enjoyable and I had attachment to some of the characters, such as, Louise Reakes, whom I disliked and wanted to give her a ''good talking too''. DC Juliette Hanson was my favourite character with whom I connected. I am convinced there will be readers and fans who will enjoy this book.

I give a 3-star rating and an honest review, as I struggled with this book.

I WANT TO THANK THE AUTHOR AND NETGALLEY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF READING AN ADVANCED
COPY OF THIS BOOK.

From the first page to the last this is how all crime thriller should be done! Edge of your seat writing and full of suspense. I fell in love from page one!
Perfection.

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent crime thriller that had me snatching a every spare minute to get back to the story and find out how it all fitted together! I liked the author's debut but I thought this one was in another league (particularly with the arresting opening scene) and I enjoyed the returning to characters we had met before and watching their stories develop, Very good,

Wow just wow. Just finished this book and loved every single minute off it. First time reading a book by this author and will definitely will readmore. I was hook from the start trying to think of Louise was a killer or not. Also her husband not believing anything about what happened.

Wow -it starts on the first page and doesn't let up till the last !
Louise likes a drink - when she wakes up after a particularly wild night -she finds herself lying in bed with a man she has no recollection of ever having met -and much worse -he is dead -apparently stabbed .
Is she the murderer -what is he doing in her bed -what is going on !!!
Apart from the obvious murder -there is also the tangled lives of the police -all of which makes for a great read.

I loved this book -can't wait for the next installment

Thankyou NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review

Actual rating 3.5 stars

Lie Beside Me begins with the most chilling prologue as musician Louise Reakes wakes up with the mother of all hangovers only to find the man lying next to her is not only NOT her husband but he’s also DEAD! I have to confess to having never read anything by this author before and with this opening I couldn’t believe how I’d allowed this to happen. Gripped by the first few pages I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into what promises to be a riveting storyline.

Whilst an investigation into how the dead man, and a complete stranger, Alex Plaskitt manages to end up inside 11 Saints Close is paramount, I was first and foremost fascinated by the main character and her alter ego Drunk Louise. Drunk Louise appears to take prominence over the everyday Louise but although she’s cast as a dubious character I knew this storyline would prove to be more complex than this initial impression would suggest. Sadly, as details of Alex’s death emerge, Louise’s involvement is unclear given her loss of memory from excessive drinking, a situation the reader quickly realises is a regular occurrence for this character. Many of us have experienced occasions when we’ve drunk enough alcohol so that our memories become blurred but I wanted to know why Louise felt trapped into this cycle of self destructive behaviour and I don’t think I ever reached the bottom of this dilemma. Certainly her relationship with husband Niall is deeply flawed and unhappy to the point I wondered why they had ever taken a vow of marriage. Living under the glare of her husband’s constant suspicion plus his continued connection with his ex wife Dina, there’s only her best friend April to provide an element of fun and happiness. To be fair April seems like a bad influence, encouraging Louise’s partying every time husband Niall is away on business. All three left me feeling cold and I’m afraid I struggled to empathise with Louise who finds herself the prime suspect in this murder investigation. Should we believe she has no recollection of the night in question or is this just a convenient cover up to excuse something more sinister? I found myself completely immersed in a quest to answer all the questions this storyline throws up, my thoughts flying off at tangents, unable to grasp the truth that is so cleverly hidden. To be honest I’m not surprised I found myself clueless and barking up the wrong tree because the police investigation is full of individuals making the wrong assumptions. Thanks to these numerous wrong assumptions this investigation takes you down alleyways that culminate in dead ends time and time again, leaving me feeling frustrated and perplexed but engrossed nonetheless!

This is the third in the Jonah Sheens detective series so I had some catching up to do in terms of familiarising myself with the whole team and understanding their dynamics but I can assure you it matters not whether you’re already a fan or this is your first peek into the lives of these detectives. On this occasion DC Juliette Hanson is the star of a secondary plot line alongside that of Louise’s, both of which are linked by troublesome relationships; Juliette with her stalker ex boyfriend Damian and of course Louise and her frankly disastrous marriage to Niall. Both these relationships showcase their male partners in an extremely unforgiving light and prove how easy it is for anyone to fall prey to someone’s charm only to realise that outer attractive layer hides a mistrustful, controlling character it can be difficult to escape from. In some ways I preferred the glimpses into the lives of these police personnel as opposed to the main plot, each character well drawn, interesting and enhancing the narrative. I wanted to discover more about their personalities, what makes them tick etc so although I do have some criticisms of this crime/police procedural I will definitely follow this series from now on.

Lie Beside me is well written with the author easily gaining the reader’s attention and holding it for the duration. It’s strength lies in the in depth characterisation of Jonah and his colleagues and whilst the premise for this murder investigation is intriguing, for me it all becomes muddled and confusing the nearer it draws to a conclusion. I was so inclined towards a 4 star review until the ending which felt convoluted and unrealistic but because I was thoroughly entertained for the majority of the time I’m settling for 3.5 stars. If you’ve previously enjoyed this series, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed and if you haven’t then what are you waiting for?? My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

thanks to netgalley and the publishers for letting me preview this book.
An excellent book with a good story line. Look forward to the next from this author.