5-STAR REVIEW: THE BIG LIE by Gabriel Valjan
A Shane Cleary Mystery: Book 5
Publication Date: March 12, 2024
A Shane Cleary Mystery
LOST: Poodle. Standard. Black. Studded collar. No tags. Goes by the name of Boo.
Sun Tzu may have said, ‘Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer,’ but he didn’t live in Boston, and he’s not Shane Cleary. Shane’s latest and most unexpected client, while not quite an enemy, is Southie’s most dangerous criminal. Everything screams he shouldn’t take the gig, finding the gangster’s lost dog, but Shane can’t resist the promised ‘bonus.’
His cat, Delilah, is against it, and his girlfriend, Bonnie, the lawyer, doesn’t know.
Life is neither easy nor simple for Shane. Bonnie asks for his help on a pro bono case, his friend Bill requests a sketchy background check, and a mafia henchman makes a peculiar request. Shane can’t help but think his client just might kill him anyway after he finishes the job.
Does Jimmy know a Truth that will change Shane’s life, or is it a Big Lie ?
Some writers have a gift for taking any topic and captivating readers not only with the content but also with the style.
Gabriel Valjan is a perfect example. As a skilled mystery writer, he hits all the basic expectations with relatable characters, an interesting mystery to solve, plus plenty of adventures along the way. However, Valjean delivers an exceptional reading experience because of how he presents the story.
The Big Lie , the latest installment in the Shane Cleary Mystery series, is more than just another look into an investigator’s case files. It’s an immersive experience packed with cultural and literary references along with a dry sense of humor.
This time around, the erstwhile detective finds himself searching for a missing dog owned by a dangerous gangster, running a background check on a friend’s beau, and helping his lawyer girlfriend with a pro bono case.
The author sets the stage for the next installment as Shane discovers an unsettling lie from the past. How he handles that information and those responsible will likely play out in a future book. Note that these books can be read as standalones.
The Big Lie delivers a well-crafted mystery featuring the latest adventure for Shane Cleary as he navigates the criminal underbelly of Boston.
Gabriel Valjan is the Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, Silver Falchion and Shamus nominated author of the Shane Cleary mystery series with Level Best Books. He received the 2021 Macavity Award for Best Short Story. Gabriel is a member of ITW , MWA , and Sisters in Crime . He is a regular contributor to the Criminal Minds blog. He lives in Boston’s South End and answers to a tuxedo cat named Munchkin.
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