This series has fast become a favorite of mine at only three books in!  It's also a bit hard to review books that are part of a series without spoiling anything so I'll do my best not to spoil anything.  I do think that this is a series that should be read in order if possible.  There is just so much that we learn about and that happens in the first book that continues to carry over into each book of this series.  The author does a really amazing job with Ellery.  Her past is something that she continues to deal with and grow from.  I love her character and seeing how she has changed from the first book until now.  I also really liked the mystery that this book was focused on and the spotlight it shone on Reed's character.  We have always seen Reed trying to help Ellery and the shoe is really on the other foot in this book.  I love the dynamics between these two characters and their relationship with one another.  Neither of them is perfect but they come across that much more realistically because of it.  The mystery in this book kept me guessing the entire time as always.  There was one part of it that I had mostly figured out but then a different part that I didn't see coming at all.  I'm excited to see what kind of trouble that Reed and Ellery will find themselves in next.  I really appreciate that we continually see them grow and their relationship evolve in each book of the series.  This book was definitely a page turner and the perfect way to end my reading month in January!

Overall, I'm a HUGE fan of this series and will be impatiently waiting for the next book in this series to release!  This author and her books are on my must read list because I just love this series and characters so much.  If you haven't had the chance to read this series yet, definitely start with The Vanishing Season!  Every book in this series has been at least a four star read so I just cannot recommend it enough!  Fans of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers need to check this author out!

Bottom Line:  A really great addition to one of my favorite mystery series!

Oo yes this one was a page turner! A serious must read for everyone. Very thrilling and suspenseful which is perfect if you like these kind of books like me. Go read it!

This is the author's third novel to feature Woodbury, Mass police officer Ellery Hathaway and FBI agent Reed Markham . I have not read the first two books in the series but with the author's previous theme explained in the series I understand the charcters. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.  My review opinion is my own. 

This is a complex mystery told the perspective of FBI agent Reed Markham and the murder of his Mother. The crime haunts him and drives him into adulthood and throughout his career.  When information comes forth on the decades long cold case he investigates with Ellery by his side and soon they find themselves in danger from people they never imagined would be involved in the murder. 

I like the well crafted story and fast pace of the writing. This was a enjoyable mystery with a edge. I hope to read the first two books and look forward to further works by this author.

All the Best Lies is the third installment from Joanna Schaffhausen's Ellery Hathaway series. I thought it was pretty good. I have not read the previous books and believe this could be read as a standalone. I am giving it four stars.

This might be my favorite Ellery Hathaway book to date!  In this book, you finally get answers about Reed's birth mother and also find out what happened to Ellery's dad after he left.  I don't want to spoil anything but the chemistry between Ellery and Reed heats up in this one and has me excited to read what comes next.

All the Best Lies is the 3rd book in the Ellery Hathaway series. I recommend reading the previous books before reading this one.

This was a fast-paced thriller that held my attention from beginning to end! The ending was definitely unexpected. This book had everything I want in a good story—a tight plot, excellent character development, and a thrilling conclusion. Highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Joanna Schaffhausen for a copy of "All the Best Lies" in exchange of an honest review.

FBI agent Reed Markham is trying to solve an old case ,the unsolved murder of his birth mother and seeks the help of Ellery Hathaway. Reed soon learns though that the killer is watching their every move and might be closer than they think 

All the Best Lies by Joanna Schaffhausen is the third book in this compelling series. A  powerful, suspenseful read with an exciting plot and well developed characters I quickly devoured this and cannot wait to read the next one 

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

FBI Agent Reed Markham’s surprising DNA results led him to Las Vegas, the city where his biological mother had been murdered more than 40 years earlier. Reed was determined to take a look at the case and utilize all his training to solve Camilla’s murder, in the hopes of learning more about the mother he had never known. Along to help Reed with his investigation was Ellery Hathaway, who was still on leave from the police department after shooting a suspect. After looking through the case files, Reed and Ellery began their search for information on Camilla Flores, what her last days were like, talking to her friends, and using all of Reed’s profiler skills to understand who Camilla was and why someone would want her dead. 

Reed and Ellery were just beginning their investigation when Reed’s parents showed up in Las Vegas, trying their best to talk him out of continuing his search. Ellery is working through her growing attraction to Reed, believing she was too damaged to be worthy of love after her kidnapping and assault when she was fourteen. Reed’s interest in Ellery is becoming romantic, but he feels the unanswered questions about his early life and adoption are a stumbling block. As Reed and Ellery talk with more of Camilla’s friends, they begin to get a clearer picture of Camilla and her horrific murder.

Ellery’s continued courage in the face of overwhelming odds continues to impress me. Traveling across the country to help Reed solve his biological mother’s murder, a case neither have been assigned, where her investigative skills compliment Reed’s procedural strengths, and her willingness to risk her heart – up to a point – since she is not completely sure of Reed’s interest in her as Ellery, as opposed to Abby, the kidnapped girl he rescued all those years earlier. This third book in the Ellery Hathaway series is fascinating, calling on current techniques to solve cold cases and seeing results, while seeing the character development throughout the course of the series. Joanna Schaffhausen is one of my new favorite authors, and I’m looking forward to reading more about Ellery and Reed.

All the Best Lies, the third book in the Ellery Hathaway series, has Ellery and FBI agent, Reed Markham, investigating the murder of Reed's biological mom, Camilla, forty-two years ago. Thanks to a DNA test, Reed now knows the identity of his father and he feels compelled to find out if his father murdered his mother. Ellery is still suspended from the police force and is required to attend private and group therapy sessions in Boston, so she's more than happy to blow that town and fly to Las Vegas to act as an "impartial observer" in Reed's investigations. Back in Boston, Ellery's Basset Hound, Speed Bump, is getting to hang out with Ellery's neighbor and her Dachshund so we get treated to hearing Speed Bump "woof" at Ellery, over the phone. 

In Las Vegas, it's obvious that many things have been swept under the rug when it came to investigating Camilla's grisly murder. Could it be connected with another murder a year earlier? Reed thinks not but when Ellery realizes that the earlier murder was barely looked into at all, she's determined to not let that case lie fallow any longer. Of course, Ellery has no right to be investigating anything while suspended but rules and authority have never stopped Ellery. 

These stories are never cut and dried, never black and white and this third book leaves us with as many questions as it answers. That means another Ellery Hathaway book will be coming next year. Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Ellery and Reed are back, and this time, the case is personal for Reed. Technically, All the Best Lies is a police procedural, except this pair doesn't exactly follow procedure. Whatever their methods, it makes for an entertaining and exciting read. In addition to the suspense of the case, the connection between Ellery and Reed increases. Now, here's where I'll say that technically, this book can be read as a standalone, but in order to get the full impact of the dynamic between these two, I would recommend reading the books in order. There's been a lot of push and pull between our main characters with good reason, but the chemistry has grown despite their hesitance. So, I suppose this one is a little procedural and a little romantic suspense, and Schaffhausen brings it all together in spectacular fashion in this third Ellery Hathaway book. The romance isn't the hearts and flowers of a traditional love story, but the feelings between Reed and Ellery come through loud and clear, and it's impossible not to root for them. The suspense in this one revolves around the murder of Reed's mother, and the author gives us a fair amount of red herrings to consider as things progress. In the end, I guessed some of the answers, but it kept me in the dark enough to keep the pages turning at a good clip. All in all, this is a good addition to the series, and the conclusion was perfect for these characters. I don't know if there is another book planned for the series, but I certainly hope so as I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to these characters.

My favorite book in this series so far!

This book picks up right where book two left off. As in the two previous books Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham are center stage, but this time the main focus is on Reed. I loved getting to know Reed on a deeper level! Learning where he came from and meeting his family was very eye-opening.

I can’t help but to see the irony in the fact that Ellery isn’t the only one with “daddy” troubles. Reed’s family is not quite as dysfunctional as Ellery’s, but they are far from perfect.

There is never a dull moment when Ellery and Reed get together and their sexual tension is running high. They continue to dance around their feelings, but fighting them is futile. Ellery’s walls are understandably high and it warmed my heart to see how understanding and patient Reed is with her fears.

I am a dedicated fan of this series and I cannot wait to see where it will go next!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

This is the third book in the Hillary Hathaway series, although this book could easily be read as a standalone, I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to read the two earlier books and bonded to a great series and if you start with this book you’re definitely gonna want to go back and read the other two to get the full context.

In this book FBI Agent Reed Markham is the one needing Ellery’s assistance as he delves into the one case he has longed to solve, the one case that means most to him. The 40 year cold case of a young woman who was stabbed and bludgeoned to death while her small baby lay in his crib in the next room unharmed. The women, his mother, the baby, him. 

As Reed and Emery get close to finding the killer, they get closer to one another; an odd match they seem to be, but somehow a perfect fit for one another. I can’t wait to see where the personal and professional relationship take them. This case is a case of personal discovery and finding his beginnings and where he belongs. Lots of twists and turns, with a few surprises as well. Great book, cannot wait to see what’re they go next.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

I am so glad I discovered this series and even happier that I was able to read the two earlier books before this new book came out this year. Sometimes I stumble upon a series midway - like this one and don't always have the time to go back to the beginning, but this time I did and I'm so glad...this is definitely becoming one of my favorites!!!

I will say this about the series...while each book does stand alone and contains a case that is self-contained to one book, I would strongly suggest reading the series in order for the character development and backstory. You will understand and appreciate the main characters, Ellery and Reed, so much better if you do so, in my opinion. Particularly in this third book, as threads do come up that were started in the earlier books and are now being fully developed here. 

This latest installment really focuses on Reed digging into his own background. There is one cold case that has always bothered him and he is determined to finally get some answers - what really happened to his birth mother. And who better to help him with this case than Ellery.

I love this mismatched pair. I think they balance each other so well. And in this case, he really needs her for more than just the case work...he needs her support as a friend as well because this case isn't going to be an easy one. But it turns out that Reed isn't the only one dealing with family issues while they work this case. Ellery's dad is back in the picture and she isn't sure how she feels about this.

This book is perfectly paced with just the right amount of twists and turns. Between the mystery of what happened to Reed's mother, all the family dynamics and of course the on-going magnetism between Reed and Ellery, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I cannot wait for the next book to come out and see what is in store next for this dynamic duo!

This time its Reed who needs Ellery's support and help. After seeing the results of a DNA test that proves that he is the biological son and half brother to the siblings he grew up thinking were his adopted family, Reed decides to re investigate his mothers murder.  

While the mystery didn't really surprise me (I had it figured out pretty quickly) I really appreciated the peek into Reeds family life and the growing relationship between him and Ellery.  Reed's father is running for Govenor and this investigation of Reeds could tank his campaign but Reed is determined to explore it. His findings are needless to say explosive and could have lasting consequences on the whole Markham family. 

Ellery does what she does best, stir up trouble and boy does she know how to stir a pot.  Even though they left California solving the case and making a giant discovery there is one part of the case that Ellery still has a hard time letting go of and is still working on that I'm sure may crop up in future books. 

Ellery's deadbeat father also makes an appearance after tracking Ellery across the country in the hopes for her help.  Ellery isn't sure what to make of this new news but she isn't jumping at the chance to have her father be a part of her life again. 

I continue to love these characters and will continue to follow this series, but with Ellery being reinstated as a Boston Cop and Reed in DC I'm not sure what will happen to their budding new relationship.

I am sorry i am late to the game reading this amazing series! I am going to have to go back and read the first two! I didn't have any issues starting with book 3 at all but i definitely want to know more about these characters past. .  The author brings 2 complex characters who have had tragic past experiences.  FBI Agent Reed Markham  is working on his most challenging case: his birth murder’s brutal murder, a cold case which occurred at 40 years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada.- a murder that occurred when he was only a baby and he was found in his cri at the crime scene all those years ago.  Ellery Hathaway has a dark past that i believe is told in detail in the previous books - The Vanishing Season and No Mercy- the pair have a history together and I think they are really compatible and seem to have a great chemistry together.  I really like this authors writing style and this book was a quick read -  it captured my attention from page 1.

This is without a doubt the best of the 3 books in the Ellery Hathaway series. Action.  Suspense.  Family drama. It’s got it all.

Reed Markham has always been haunted by the unsolved murder of his birth mother and when DNA tests reveal an unexpected family connection, he thinks he’s found a new avenue of investigation. In the cold case. He asks Ellery Hathaway to come with him to Las Vegas to help on his investigation. When the tires on their rental vehicle are slashed, it becomes evident that someone is very uncomfortable with the direction the investigation is headed. 

This is another well written installment in this series. The characters continue to evolve and cautiously explore the direction their personal relationships are moving. The conclusion may not have been a big surprise for avid mystery/thriller readers, but the road to get there certainly holds the reader’s interest. 

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Reed and Ellery have developed this strange partnership of sorts throughout the series. While originally Reed was Ellery’s savior of sorts, they worked together to solve additional crimes when Ellery called on Reed, and now he needs her help. 

What happens when Reed finds out after over 40 years that his biological father was there all along, that he was lied to his entire life? Now he thinks this may be a piece in his biological mother’s unsolved murder.

I love the way they play off each other, Ellery seems to only see her weaknesses, Reed sees her strength, and the reverse seems to be true this time around. These two play off each other so well that they just draw you into the story.

And now Ellery is opening herself up more emotionally to Reed, and wanting to take care of him, even if it’s in little bits and spurts. Watching the changing dynamics in her character is fascinating, especially in light of everything she’s been through.

Book three in this series is probably the best so far! FBI profiler Reed Markham learns some life-changing information through his DNA test and heads to Las Vegas with Ellery Hathaway to look into his birth mother's unsolved murder case, now over 40 years old. When the tires of their rental car are all slashed, they realize someone wants them to stop digging into old secrets. 

Meanwhile, Ellery keeps refusing phone calls from her absentee father. What could he possibly want after twenty years? What would it take to forgive and forget? 

And as Reed and Ellery are thrown together on this case, can they get over the hurdles that stymie their romantic relationship? 

I really enjoy these characters and the situations they find themselves in. I was able to guess the solution but that didn't take away from the suspense. This is an interesting series that is growing in quality. Can't wait to read more! 

I was fortunate to receive all three novels in this series from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks!

This is the third book in a series and while I read the first one, I somehow missed the second one?! Who knows, but this read fine without reading book two anyway. This is a thriller blended with a classic police procedural, still very fast paced and exciting as you follow Reed and Ellery as he decides to look at a cold case from the 70’s. When he was just a baby someone murdered his mom while he was in his crib and he’s haunted by the fact that his mothers killers was never caught. Such a great premise, I love when a character has a deep personal connection to a case.

As much as this felt like a thriller it’s definitely heavily focused on the characters and their dynamics, especially their relationship with each other. Both Reed and Ellery are complex and have tangled pasts and I liked their chemistry and complicated relationship. The only thing I found to be lacking was the mystery itself, I figured it out on my own and it could best be described as a lighter mystery for me. Overall a mostly enjoyable read for me and one that I would recommend to anyone who isn’t as burnt out on thrillers as I am.