Liar Liar by Luca Veste

 

Suspended police detective Mark Fletcher wakes to find himself in a hotel room with a dead body beside him. He has no recollection of how he got there. but knows deep down that it must be connected to the Bonucci family, a notorious Liverpool crime family.

Most authors would begin a novel with a shocking scene to grip the reader. That wasn't good enough for Luca Veste, Liar Liar opens with three scenes that immediately grab your attention and have you wondering how everything is connected. As the author takes us on a tour of his home city, we are kept in suspense as to how the crimes are linked.

The main character, Mark Fletcher, had a successful career as a detective, a career that was derailed when he became involved with a member of the Bonucci clan. It is impossible not to feel sympathetic towards Mark; ten months ago, he made an error in judgement, resulting in his suspension, and he's still living with the consequences. Now, someone seems set on retribution, and Mark has no idea why. As he races to find out who is responsible, you are kept on the edge of your seat. The pace is blistering and danger is never far away. Throughout, it felt as if menace was lurking around every corner; the Bonucci family has its tentacles in every aspect of life in Liverpool. You can feel the fear; people are terrified of even mentioning the family, worried that punishment will follow.

As Mark races to find answers, his colleagues are trying to investigate another crime involving the family. When it becomes clear the cases are linked, Mark has to try to remain one step ahead of them, as well as those out to get him. His colleagues are filled with disbelief; the man they know isn't a killer, but it's difficult to explain away the evidence in front of them.

There are twists galore; I certainly didn't predict the two towards the end. One of them filled me with sadness; however, it provides a hook for what promises to be a fantastic series. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next instalment in the Liverpool Crime series.

Liar Liar by Luca Veste will be published on 4th June 2026 in paperback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a review copy.

Author Details

Luca Veste is a writer of Italian and Liverpudlian heritage, married with two young daughters, and one of nine children. He studied psychology and criminology at university in Liverpool. He is the author of the Murphy and Rossi series, which includes DEAD GONE, THE DYING PLACE, BLOODSTREAM, and THEN SHE WAS GONE.

Part psychological thriller, part police procedural, his books follow the detective pairing of DI David Murphy and DS Laura Rossi. The novels are set in Liverpool, bringing the city to life in a dark and terrifying manner...with just a splash of Scouse humour.

He is also the editor of the Spinetingler Award nominated charity anthology 'Off The Record', and co-editor of 'True Brit Grit', also an anthology of short stories for charity.

He is a former civil servant, actor, singer and guitarist (although he still picks it up now and again), and now a full-time writer.