The Good Liar

This outstanding mystery from Mina (Three Fires) centers on forensic scientist Claudia Atkins O’Sheil, whose work with London’s Metropolitan Police Department ensnares her in a high-stakes double murder investigation. In upscale Chester Terrace, Jonathan “Jonty” Phillips and his fiancée have been killed, with no clues left behind. Maura Langston, head of the Met, charges Stewart’s alcoholic son William with the murders, but Claudia believes him to be innocent. Claudia’s husband recently died in an accident, which she privately suspects was murder; when another victim dies in a similar manner before William’s trial, her suspicions lead her to believe the culprit behind all four killings is someone highly revered among London’s upper classes. Now, Cluadia must decide whether to lie about her theory of the case or compromise her job by revealing the truth during a speech she’s set to give. With her two sons safely ensconced in their exclusive school, Claudia prepares to make a decision that will affect the lives of all involved. Mina builds nerve-shredding suspense by toggling back and forth between the moments before Claudia’s speech and key pieces of the investigation. Here’s hoping a sequel is in the works. Agent: Henry Dunow, Dunow, Carlson & Lerner. (July)