Actual rating 3.5⭐️

It is the eye catching cover of debut novelist Mandy Byatt’s Just Another Liar that first captured my attention. As a huge fan of Adele Parks and Louise Jensen, both queens of psychological, suspenseful fiction I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this one whose premise sounds intriguing as well as entertaining. Finding love is tricky and with so many turning to online dating to find their perfect match, it is the potential pitfalls of meeting The One via the internet that seems to be a favoured topic amongst some authors of this genre. How can you tell whether the person you are chatting to is genuine or not? Well, Mandy Byatt’s three main female characters are on the brink of discovering the answer to that question and in doing so end up becoming amateur sleuths, involved in an investigation that goes beyond determining the true identity of this online Casanova.

I don’t think I’d ever be brave enough to meet someone online unlike Denise, Anna and Petra who are all desperately seeking love and affection. Doctor David Kingfisher is the man who fits the bill and whilst it’s glaringly obvious to the reader he’s playing them all, these three made vulnerable by loneliness and rejection choose to ignore all the red flags waving in front of their eyes…at their peril! Why do so many women do this, turn a blind eye rather than face the harsh truth? Well, as we all know love can make fools of us all, any sense of rationale flying out the window once the prospect of a happy ever after glitters tantalisingly on the horizon. As the author reveals snapshots of each woman’s current circumstances, interspersed occasionally with the voice of the liar the storyline becomes less of a psychological thriller and more like an amateur detective novel before switching back into a narrative where there’s a twist around every corner.

Whilst Mandy Byatt may not be in the same league as the likes of the two authors I mentioned in the opening of my review, elements of her debut show promise. She doesn’t in my opinion possess the sophisticated style of writing to make this a first class, suspenseful read but I still devoured this book in no time at all, tripping over the words in my haste to reach the big reveal. How unexpected or how believable the twists are, or whether I manage to piece the clues together correctly very early on will naturally define how I rate a novel and I honestly didn’t see the major one coming at all. Yes, maybe it’s a trifle convoluted but as truths tumble from lips I wasn’t rolling my eyes in exasperation (which is always a good sign), until the end when perhaps my eyebrows were given cause to rise in disbelief. Given the serious nature of the underlying subject matter which sadly isn’t confined to fiction I would have expected the author to elicit far more sympathy from myself towards these three gullible women than she did. With their hearts and minds fragile, ideal sitting targets for all those unscrupulous individuals out there, it is only for Denise that I could summon up the requisite amount of pity and compassion. She’s by far the most likeable out of this trio. Anna and Petra are more complex individuals who just left me cold and unmoved so that I couldn’t fully commiserate with the predicament they find themselves in. Generally I think there’s room for improvement in terms of character development with some characterisation on the sketchy side. Unfortunately I’m afraid the author will upset some readers with one particular scene involving a beloved pet; even though I don’t allow scenarios like these to cloud my judgement I don’t think its inclusion is necessary.

I enjoyed this debut but with a premise that isn’t original will it stand out in what is a very overcrowded market? I’m kind of sitting on the fence with this one hence my 3.5 ⭐️ rating. On the one hand I feel perhaps I’m not being generous enough given my surprise at the unexpected turn of events and the ease with which I read the contents but on the other hand it’s missing the taut, tense, deeply psychological element I was so looking forward to. Overall a good effort.

If you’re interested to read more about the reality of romance fraud here is a link to an article I read shortly after finishing the novel.

https://www.facebook.com/10513336322/posts/10160785347936323/?d=n

My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

A great twisty psychological thriller that will keep you guessing.

Three very different women are all dating the same man. They all met him on line, via a dating website but none of them have ever met him. But he’s a doctor so his emergencies are forgiven and surely a doctor wouldn’t be lying to them all.

The three women, Denise, Petra and Anna couldn’t be more different. They each have their own problems and their new online boyfriend seems to be the answer to all their problems - but is he ? Will any of them get their happy ever after ?

A great twisty psychological thriller that will keep you guessing who the doctor really is. I didn’t particularly warm to any of the characters but I still really enjoyed the book and would recommend to anyone who loved a good twisty whodunnit style book.

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

This was a different read, for sure. The premise was interesting and it was hard to put down. The characters were unique and meshed well. The ending was not my favorite and left me a bit confused.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for an early copy of Just Another Liar. Great read, I felt bad for two of the characters. The ending was horrible. I was confused at the one part where everyone got a phone call and the last paragraph but otherwise, it was enjoyable. Give it a go and maybe someone can explain those two parts to me.

Did he die???? What a horrible ending, what happened? I really liked the plot and characters of the book but not the ending. Sooooo many twists and turns, soooo good then the bad ending. Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for an early copy of Just Another Liar.

I have just finished reading Just Another Liar by Many Byatt and what a page turner it was. A brilliant debut novel..

It keeps you guessing all the way through. I enjoyed all the characters who were all very realistic. The ending for me was just a little off, I think I would have liked it to have been sewn up. I have a feeling this is just me..

Wishing Mandy Byatt every success .with this novel on publication day.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Avon for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

This was a really great well written thriller. It held me gripped throughout . The pace of the narration and the writing style were excellent., All the characters, whilst not very likeable jumped out of the page and you could feel their desperation and sadness. My only negative comment was the abruptness of the ending. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys an edgy thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy. I will definitely read more by this author..

David Kingfisher is an attractive surgeon on an internet dating site! That should have been the first red flag to Anna, Denise and Petra (who have all obviously not watched Catfish)

Without giving too much away they all think they are dating David even though they have only seen photographs and spoke to him on the phone as he always cancels their dates. Finding out about each other they join up to find and meet him ... is he just another liar?

I liked the way this was written there were lots of characters in play who all brought something to the story. I did expect a curve ball at the end but I didn't guess it and the build up to the reveal kept you interested and wanting to read more.

All in all a good book to start the New Year and I look forward to reading more from the author.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC</p>

A deep dark dive into the murky world of online dating that will leave you wanting more... for me, literally.

Dr David Kingfisher- the gorgeous paediatrician has Anna, Denise and Petra falling for him before they’ve even met him. We hear from Anna, Denise and Petra’s POV - they all have their own reasons for online dating; revenge, loneliness, excitement...

Several weeks, and several thousand pounds later, the women smell a rat and team up to find the dreamy doc... with deadly consequences. As they say, “He’ll hath no fury like a woman scorned”.

I must be honest that I’ve never online dated AND I’m the world’s greatest cynic so from the outset I struggled to relate to any of the characters falling in love with ‘David’ and it didn’t get more believable from there for me. The ending- although a surprise- left me cold and felt unfinished. There was an unnecessary killing at the end which I really didn’t like and still don’t understand!

If you like a quick, ‘chick lit’ thriller this will be right up your street. For me, although a page turner, it lacked credibility.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the eARC in exchange for a review. Just Another Liar will be available from wherever you buy your books on 20th January 2022 📆

Reading Time: 1 day (2 hours, 15 minutes)

I could not put this book down, it was so tense and gripping towards the end! And I NEVER saw that ending coming! A cleverly written story of 3 women, duped by a handsome online con man. David Kingfisher (surgeon, skiier, total romantic) seems too good to be true when 3 women, lonely and in need of affection, receive messages from him on a dating site. The plot thickens as it becomes apparent that they're all being strung along and never actually meet him. Once the women try to track him down, their inner secrets and insecurities bubble up and it isn't clear who they can trust. I loved the different female characters, all with relatable qualities and character flaws, and the absolute nail-biting ending. Definitely a writer to look out for.

Just Another Liar

I loved the title!
But, unfortunately that is all that I loved about this book!

Denise, Petra and Anna all think that David Kingfisher is “THE ONE”.

They all met him online, and they have all spoken with him on the phone, but he always has an excuse about why he cannot meet them in person. 🚩🚩🚩

Wise up, Ladies!

Unlikable characters and the gratuitous death of a pet dog sealed the deal on this two ⭐️ rating!
Unfortunately this isn’t a book that I can recommend. 😕

Thank You to Avon books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley, in exchange for a candid review!

Just Another Liar is the debut novel by author Mandy Byatt detailing the intimate lives of three very different women; Denise, Petra, and Anna. Who all approach the dangerous world of internet dating for their own personal reasons – loneliness, struggling marriages, and spurned lovers being the surface of these women's issues. Issues that drive them into the arms of David Kingfisher, a man they each meet on a dating site. However, things aren’t entirely as they seem with the mysterious, yet devilishly attractive David, and they end up with much more than they bargained for. Denise, a lovely woman caring for her disabled and unwell mother, Anna is a teacher, spurred by her previous lover, and Petra, a vet-nurse trying her best to save her marriage in the arms of another man. Each of the women has their own motivations for seeking out David and, while they may be questionable morally, each is written convincingly.

The main characters in Just Another Liar are deeply explored and rich in their crafting. Each of the women involved has their own voices and personalities; their motivations and reasons for approaching online dating are well-crafted and believable, even if some of the actions they as the story progresses take are not, but desperation and loneliness are terrible motivators and that is firmly where these women find themselves emotionally. The characters are individually engaging, their personalities shine brightest when they meet up with one another and go about trying to figure out the mystery of the man they are in love with. Their clashes with one another help to set them apart further and give meaning to a vast cast. There are aspects of each of them to enjoy, dislike, and get frustrated with and as a reader having these emotions brought out via a character is pure magic.

As well as the main characters, there’s a handful of side characters that bring another level to the mystery of David. Adding different layers of threat to the main three as well as keeping the mystery going through masterfully written deflection. At the end of each chapter a new thought arrived in respect to who would be the face behind the big reveal at the end of the novel, and not once did I have the correct answer! As much with the main characters, the side ones are well-written, most of them are deeply flawed, which leads them to deep-suspicions when the crux of the story takes over.

The writing style of Just Another Liar is light and easy to follow, allowing the narrative and characters to shine. Just Another Liar is certainly a book that keeps the reader guessing and the levels of complexity rise enough to keep the reader engaged without dipping too far into confusing waters. I found the pages turned easily and quickly; the more I read the more I wanted to find out the truth as much as the lead characters. The narrative is presented through multiple points of view, which keeps the story fresh and the pacing solid. It’s an attractively written story that spends equal times with each of the main characters and their respective attached side characters; keeping the reader guessing as to the flow of the story progresses.

Although I found some of the actions of the women incredulous; do people really lend £10,000’s to people that they’ve never met? It did bring forth the emotional abuse that nefarious people online prey upon – loneliness and desperation for affection. As people, we naturally assume that the people we meet are good people. We fall in love easily and this is shown in the woman within Just Another Liar, the actions they take to please someone that has shown them a shred of decent behavior. The desperation to get away from the terrible situations of everyday life they find themselves in and how they change in their attitudes as the pages pass, all feeds into the emotions that David Kingfisher brings out in them, thus they’d do anything for the man that saved them. So, while had mixed thoughts on elements of the story, and some of the actions taken by the lead woman, it does bring up some decent discussion points in application to real-world issues also.

Wow, I couldn't put this book down! I wanted to know what was going to happen. I read this in about a day and was not disappointed. Will be checking out more by this author.

Catfish Online Dating! How will 3 women team up together to catch their online predator?

Predator: David is a georgous pediatrician. He drives a Porsche and lives in a dreamy cottage... or does he???

Victim One: Anna is a teacher. Her love life never seems to work out, until she falls in love with David. The two have never met, but after messaging/talking on the phone for weeks, Anna is sure this is the perfect man for her.

Victim Two: Petra is married, but has been deeply hurt in her marriage. Even knowing it's wrong, Petra gets online for fun. After talking to David online, she can't wait to meet him. There is just one problem. He never shows up for the date.

Victim Three: Denise takes care of her elderly narcissist mom. She can't believe her good fortune when she connects with David online and he wants to be in a relationship with her. She loans him money through a online banking service, but mysteriously David disappears.


"Just Another Liar" by Mandy Byatt, is fiction. However, many real women can relate to being catfished. This book has some great curveballs the reader will not be expecting. It starts off slow, but works up to a surprise ending. It will be published January 20, 2022.


Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for allowing me to review this adorable e-book. It was a pleasure to read.

I thought this book was ok. It dragged a bit in the beginning. The book is told through multiple POVs. The action picks up towards the end. Although I did not see the plot twist coming, I was underwhelmed by it.

Denise, Petra, and Anna have all been unlucky at love. For one reason or another they each decide to roll the dice and try online dating. One *ding in their message box and that’s all that it takes; they are all hooked, head over heels for Dr. David Kingfisher. Unbeknownst to them until they are all dating the same man. They come together after a one of them see Facebook post asking if anyone has seen David. None of them has met him; there is always an excuse for his absence, and after two of the women loan David a substantial amount of money, he disappears.

The three women are determined to track David down, get an explanation for his actions, and get their money back. They are hot on his trail when one of them winds up dead. This leads to a series of strange events, with one unbelievable conclusion.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Online dating is a treacherous endeavor that can shake anyone's confidence - In this story we see three very different women fall for the same man and then team up to uncover the truth about who he really is.
Absolutely LOVED… Kept me guessing right up to the end. Non-stop from page one. This is a must-read

A twisty psychological thriller that is a classic page-turner. It was very fast, as I was intrigued about where the story was headed - not in the direction initially expected, nor towards an ending, I ever saw coming! PLOT TWIST!

Anna, Petra and Denise all think they're the only one in David''s life...but no one is. He's been meeting and scamming women on line and never actually meeting them. Each of the women, and a mystery narrator tell the story of what happens when the three of them meet. And when someone ends up dead! This plot might seem familiar but Byatt has thrown in a few good twists that kept me reading, as did the distinct voices. Thanks to netgalley for the arc. An entertaining read.

This was organized so poorly, jumping from one point of view to another. The characters were horrible stereotypes and there so many of them, too many to keep track of.

I did enjoy this book but I was a little disappointed by the ending. It really gripped me at the beginning/middle but I felt it lost it’s way a bit near the end.
Thank you to the author/publisher and Netgalley for this ARC