Publisher Description
The one killer Detective Freya Sinclair never caught is back.
High up in the mountains of Clear Creek Forest, where mist clings to the pines, the bodies of Millie Woodward and Jolie Marin are discovered by their fading campfire. Could this be the work of the notorious Fawn Lake Killer? This forest was once his hunting ground. And Freya knows the tattered, red woolen scarf wound tightly around Jolie’s neck is hiding his chilling MO. Her throat has been cut.
The one case Freya has never solved has haunted her for years. She knows the Fawn Lake Killer is organized, that he never leaves any DNA. But why did he stop, and why has he resurfaced now? Before she can even search the forest, Freya makes a heart-breaking discovery in her own backyard: the body of Annaliese Nowland, her long blonde hair fanned out in the tall grass. Annaliese’s tongue is missing. Freya knows it’s a message: he’s silencing these women. And taunting Freya.
Working day and night to make a connection, Freya finally uncovers the missing puzzle piece: a photograph of all three victims in high school together. But there’s a fourth woman in the photo, her face turned slightly away from the camera. Freya must track her down before it is too late.
Freya won’t let the past repeat itself. Did these women die because of her failure, or is she overlooking a vital clue that points to someone close to home? Freya must face her demons if she’s going to stop this predator taking another innocent life. But he’s one step ahead. And he’s coming for her
📚 About the Book 📚
Title: One Liar Left
Release Date: April 22, 2024
Author: Emily Shiner
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 336
Thrilling Reads Review
In “One Liar Left,” Emily Shiner crafts a chilling thriller set against the eerie backdrop of Clear Creek Forest. The novel opens with the discovery of Millie Woodward and Jolie Marin’s bodies near their fading campfire, their deaths bearing the unmistakable signature of the infamous Fawn Lake Killer. For Police Detective Captain Freya Sinclair, this is not just another case; it’s a haunting reminder of the one investigation she never solved.
Shiner masterfully intertwines past and present, delving into Freya’s psyche as she grapples with the resurfacing of a killer who had seemingly disappeared. The meticulous detail of the crime scenes, especially the chilling use of a tattered red scarf and the brutal mutilation of Annaliese Nowland, paints a vivid and terrifying picture. The connection between the victims, all former high school friends, adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, making Freya’s quest for justice both personal and professional.
The narrative is compelling and fast-paced, keeping readers on edge as Freya races against time to prevent another murder. The inclusion of her dedicated team members, Candy Ellinger and Brad Williams, enriches the story, showcasing the camaraderie and tension within the police force. Their interactions and the procedural aspects of the investigation are reminiscent of classic police dramas, yet Shiner adds her unique twist, blending it with the suspense of a psychological thriller.
The heart of the novel lies in Freya’s relentless pursuit of the truth and her determination to confront her past failures. As she uncovers the link between the victims and the mysterious fourth woman in the high school photograph, the stakes rise, leading to a gripping climax that will leave readers breathless.
“One Liar Left” is a masterful blend of suspense, psychological insight, and procedural detail. Emily Shiner has delivered a novel that is both a homage to classic thrillers and a fresh, contemporary take on the genre. Fans of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and gritty police procedurals will find much to enjoy in this thrilling read.
Meet the Author: Emily Shiner
I interviewed the author on my podcast, “Meet the Thriller Author.”
