A review by justanotherpageturner
She Lies in the Vines by Benjamin Stevenson

4.0

SHE LIES IN THE VINES: an absorbing and atmospheric thriller.

Set in the Hunter Valley surrounded by vineyards and wineries, the story follows Jack Quick- a producer of true crime documentaries- and his series around the brutal murder of Eliza Davey. Just before the finale is due to air, Jack uncovers more detail around the case that throws speculation around the evidence and the verdict of a Curtis Wade who was originally sentenced, and as a result of Quick’s show is subsequent released. In the aftermath, another victim is found with many similarities to the first murder. The story follows a guilt-ridden Quick who comes under great speculation as he tries to solve the mystery.

An outstanding read, it follows a deeply-flawed protagonist through a number of twists and turns in a thought-provoking and twisted narrative. Quick is ambitious and relentless in his quest to solve the case, in a story that highlights how the media can shape and manipulate stories and influence its audience- an original premise. Stevenson has not only written an original narrative but has developed it further by adding carefully curated secondary characters that pose a mixture of both unlikeable and intriguing traits that help to develop a greater sense of mystery and suspense as the book unfolds. With its rich description and insight around the wine industry and it’s theme around what is an ever-growing popular trend of true crime, it made a compelling read that held my interest.

Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review.

BLOG TOUR- 4.5 stars