A slow go to get my interest and juts not at all what I was expecting.
It didn’t play well for me and I found myself zoned out for a lot of the story, which doesn’t bode well for an audiobook.

We follow a disgraced TV Journalist, Flynn Martin, as she desperately tries to save her career after a hostage sit gone wrong. Little did she know she’d do it with the help of PDQ with his plan to clear his name.

The web of lies and deceit goes far and deep, and at times Flynn seems like she’s too far in over her head. With the help of her dad and best friend in the industry she perseveres and quickly became one of my favorite fictional crime solvers!! Her grit, determination and quick thinking added so much to her character.

Stevens gives us fantastic Zodiac vibes with the character of PDQ, and a really unhinged look into the mind of an unaliver. I was so engrossed in the story thanks to the fantastic plot and superb narration of the audio.

Highly recommend to thriller lovers!! This was a great one.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future

No Lie Lasts Forever by Mark Stevens has a great premise.

"A serial killer, known as the PDQ Killer, has been dormant for years. When a reporter's death is blamed on the return of the PDQ killer, one man is incensed. He knows it's not the PDQ killer because he didn't kill the reporter. He's the PDQ killer and is not happy to share credit. He seeks out a disgraced reporter to clear his name and prove he didn;t do it."

Ina Barron does a great job with the audio. Her performance is great. The rest of the story execution is just okay. This is a book that could lose a hundred pages and be better. And still the killer wasn't fully developed. With crime fiction you want some reason and motivation. The hostage situation at the beginning would never happen. There are other logic jumps and 'suspend belief' moments. It's an okay story but could have been better. Serial killers do not work in HR.

This was an interesting thriller that takes a lot of suspension of disbelief as neither investigative journalism nor police work are correctly displayed in this one, but it still is a fun ride. I listened to the audiobook and I liked the narrator. Flynn is a reporter who is asked to help with a hostage negotiation (I told you, suspend disbelief) and is put on a leave when it doesn’t end well. Luckily for her a serial killer who is credited with a murder of another reporter is in need of someone to clear his name, because he claims this wasn’t him. The story is a bit over the top, but it was fun. The writing was ok, but I thought the characters needed some more development. I liked the way the ended and this led me to rounding up the 3.5 stars I gave this one.

This one is hard to review. I really struggled with the writing in this book. It was hard to finish.. It just did not work for me.

No Lie Lasts Forever has a gripping premise and some genuinely surprising twists that kept me curious about where things were headed. Mark Stevens does a good job exploring the psychological layers behind lies, guilt, and family secrets.

However, the plot moves at a slow pace, which made it tough at times to stay fully engaged. I also found it a bit confusing to keep track of all the different characters—there were quite a few, and at times it felt like I needed a chart to remember who was connected to what. While the twists were appreciated, they sometimes got lost in the shuffle of shifting perspectives and slower scenes.

One highlight for me was the narration by Ina Barrón—she did a fantastic job bringing the story to life and keeping me engaged even when the plot dragged.

Not a bad read, just not quite the gripping thriller I was hoping for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ARC of the audiobook.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity!

This was a tough one to get through. It never fully grabbed my attention and that was a let down because the blurb sounded so interesting but the book fell flat on that promise.

The plot was so interesting, and there was such a thrill on this serial killer trying to protect his legacy. However, the writing was kind of confusing, so I got a bit lost in parts of the story. All in all I enjoyed reading this book.

I couldn’t get through this book, in part because of the choppy writing, but also because of the weird racist vibes I got from the story. In seemingly random places and from more than one character, the author mentions race in odd contexts, almost as if trying to add flavor to the story in the worst way possible. I finally gave up when Flynn started pondering the race of her colleague’s date for absolutely no fathomable reason. DNF at 33%. I don’t think I’ve ever given such a low rating or given up on an ALC so quickly, but that’s how much this book rubbed me the wrong way.

The narration was good, at least. I’d listen to this narrator again for sure.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I just could not get into this one. I was intrigued by the premise, yet the rollout felt slow and somewhat plodding, and I kept waiting for things to pick up but for me they never did. I also didn't particularly like the pairing of this narrator with this story. There was nothing wrong with her as a narrator, but the fit didn't quite feel right - she felt lighter than the tale warranted, and didn't help me connect with the story at all.

I stopped reading this book at 33% because of the way BIPOC characters/people are talked about in the book. It was not reserved for only one POV character, so I can only assume it’s not a deliberate choice in that way. The racist undertones — intentional or not — made me uncomfortable, so I’ve decided to stop here. I saw another review mentioning the same thing, so I’m more sure of my observations.

I did enjoy the narration and the concept for the story itself was good. There are a lot of POVs in this book and you’re dropped right into this big world with a lot of names you don’t already know, so that also affected my enjoyment.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC.

Disgraced journalist Flynn Martin is desperate for a second chance, and because her attempt to communicate with the hostage taker after a siege ended badly, she could also use a confidence boost. Surprisingly, she might be about to get it from the most unexpected source...

After one of Flynn's own tribe is murdered using methods all too familiar to law enforcement, there is wild speculation that a dormant serial killer has re emerged on the scene. But can this be true?

Actually, no. Because the serial killer concerned has in fact reformed and is not happy about the murders committed in his name. But the only way to prove that it isn't him committing these new atrocities is for him to catch the person actually doing it. It seems that it may well take a serial killer to catch a serial killer.

And, lucky for Flynn, she has a part to play in his strategy that might just resuscitate her career...

This one was a mixed bag for me. I was not gripped by the story at the outside, and found the pacing somewhat uneven. It could well appeal to readers who enjoy the cat and mouse elements of such a story, though. It gets 2.5 stars.

Zodiac called—he wants his chaos back, but Mark Stevens just raised the stakes and the body count. No Lie Lasts Forever is a dark, delicious thrill ride starring a reformed (ish) serial killer who refuses to let a copycat mess with his “legacy.” Yes, you read that right.

Harry Kugel may have retired his murder gloves, but he’s still got killer instincts—and sass to spare. Teaming up with a scandal-stained journalist desperate for redemption? Oh, the drama. The tension crackles, the plot twists bite, and the moral ambiguity is juicier than a midnight confession.

Fast-paced, razor-sharp, and deeply unsettling in the best way—this one sinks its teeth in and does not let go.

Thank you Mark Stevens, Brilliance, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

#nolielastsforever #netgalleyarc #netgalleyreview #netgalley #arcreview #arc #arcreader #review #somanybookssolittletime

No Lie Lasts Forever by Mark Stevens was a suspenseful and tightly written audiobook that kept me locked in from the opening chapter. The pacing was excellent, the twists came at just the right moments, and the storyline had enough layers to keep me thinking long after I hit pause.

What stood out to me most was the emotional weight woven into the plot; it wasn't just about unraveling lies, but about the damage they leave behind. The characters were believable and flawed in ways that made them feel human. I appreciated the moral complexity and the way the truth unraveled little by little. The narration was clear and well-performed, with just enough emotion and tone variation to enhance the experience without feeling overly dramatic.

I’m giving it 4.5 stars only because there were a few moments where I would’ve liked a deeper dive into certain character motivations, but overall, this was a standout thriller. Stevens delivers a story that’s equal parts clever and heartfelt.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook copy. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from Mark Stevens.

No Lie Lasts Forever 🎼

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Genre: Suspense
Pub Date: June 1, 2025

Flynn is at a major low in her time as a tv journalist. When a fellow reporter is discovered murdered, Flynn finds a “tip” in her email claiming to be the infamous PDK killer. He wants her to clear his name of this murder, after all he’s retired. PDK is Harry. He thinks he is a totally normal guy, reformed killer, never been caught. He definitely fixed himself. And he’ll never be discovered if he can just get Flynn to clear PDKs name.

Overall I really liked this book. I loved that the two main perspectives in this book were from Flynn as she investigates this latest murder, and Harry (aka PDK) who is try to lead his normal life, but also manicure Flynn to report and find the real killer. This book doesn’t have any wild twists or turns, which worked for me. I enjoyed the cat and mouse game between Flynn and Harry. Even if I wanted to shake Flynn a million times because girl, tell someone a serial killer is talking to you. Please!!

I had a little trouble at the beginning when a bunch of characters are thrown at you. Especially listening to the audio version, it was tough to keep the story straight. Then towards the very end when revelations are happening about who actually murdered the reporter, I was really confused as to what the heck was happening. I would recommend the physical or digital book over audiobook, as it was easier to follow when I could read it with my eyeballs. I was really satisfied with the ending as well. It wasn’t really a cliffhanger, but more like a “oh damn” mic-drop moment. While this isn’t a police procedural book, it sort of comes off that way, but from an investigative journalists angle of chasing down a story.

This book had considerable potential. It begins with a reporter being called to a hostage situation. The situation doesn't go the way they had hoped, and she is facing a lot of backlash as a result. She is placed on leave from her job. Simultaneously, a murder happens that is very similar to cases that occurred 15 years ago. Reports are being made that the PDQ killer has returned. She then starts receiving threats from the real PDK killer. He wants her to do her own investigation to expose the copycat.

Downfall, too many characters are introduced, making the story hard to follow at times.

I really tried to get into this one, but unfortunately I just couldn't. The writing and the way the story was being told just didn't resonate with me. I tried multiple times and decided to give up. I had to DNF this one.

Book Review
No Lie Lasts Forever
Mark Stevens
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


A brilliant and famous crime reporter, Robbie McGrath, has been brutally murdered. The media and police almost hysterically report that the infamous PDQ Serial Killer is back after a fifteen-year hiatus. The city of Denver is thrown into a fearful uproar.

TV journalist Flynn Martin is still reeling from a blow to her self-esteem and career after she’s drawn into a televised hostage situation that ends with the deaths of both a hostage and the gunman.

Author Mark Stevens ratchets up the tension and intrigue in this marvelous thriller and police procedural. Flynn is anonymously contacted by Harry Kugel—the actual PDQ killer—who is outraged that someone else is trying to capitalize on his “outstanding” reputation. He vehemently denies committing this latest crime and insists he has reformed. Using threats and coercion, he enlists Flynn’s aid to discover the “real” perpetrator and clear his name. How dare some amateur ride his coattails of infamy?

To expose the true killer of her colleague, Flynn stealthily begins her own investigation. Unfortunately, a dangerous cat-and-mouse game ensues between her, Harry, and the police. Along the way, her son Wyatt’s safety becomes a terrifying pawn, as Harry heartlessly leverages her silent cooperation.

Can a serial killer truly reform? Who can trust his twisted sense of right and wrong?

This multi-faceted, twisted plot involves politicians, the police, and other journalists—each with their own agendas. Flynn must explore the recent cases Robbie was investigating to uncover possible clues to her murder. Are dirty cops part of the story? Harry Kugel insists he’s now a functioning, everyday member of society. Stevens dives deep into the mind, motives, and origins of this heinous monster.

Mark Stevens weaves a harrowing, viscerally intense narrative filled with deeply authentic characters into a page-turning gem loaded with twists and unexpected turns. Flynn’s investigation inadvertently leads her into the everyday world of this narcissistic, sociopathic killer.

I started reading this engrossing thriller on my Kindle but was so captivated that I finished the last quarter of the book on the audiobook version, expertly narrated by Ina Barron. She has appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Royal Pains, and NCIS, and has received multiple awards for her voice work. Barron masterfully brought this tale to life in the theater of my mind with her dynamic vocal inflections and emotional range across multiple characters.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Brilliance Audio for providing an uncorrected proof and advance audio version of this novel in exchange for an honest review.