An Honest Deceit

I liked this story, but it seemed to focus mostly on Ben and Juliette. Their daughter had just been murdered and they were mostly worried about Ben's job. That being said, it was a story that grabs you right from the beginning. I could feel Ben and Juliette's pain and frustration. It made me think about how something like this could happen. I would recommend you read it if you like a good mystery.

A thriller, yes, but Mankowski's writing transcends the genre. The death of a beloved child under mysterious circumstances changes a husband and wife in all the ways to be expected, but when that same husband decides to delve deeper as a way of coming to terms with the tragedy, the novel pivots into unpredictable territory. Nothing about this book is formulaic. I'd read another Mankowski no matter what the topic, just because I like his writing so much.

Thank you, Netgalley for the review e-edition of this novel.

You either love this book or you will hate it there isn't an in-between.... I loved it because to me it was like lifetime movie network in a book... a school that doesn't do their job keeping ALL the kids safe on a trip. Who is at fault and what secrets are revealed! great book- received on honest review!

I have to be honest that I know Guy personally from University, however I would always be honest in any review. as with his other books he always writes beautifully in a way that helps you to connect with the characters and feel as if you are part of the story rather than simply readying along. Wonderful themes of loss and justice told with honesty.

Good book I enjoyed it, it was a bit different from the norm, and had interesting characters.I wasn't sure about it at first for me it took a little while to warm up but when it did it really took off,interesting author.

This book is a gem of a surprise. Pitted, I believe as a thriller, it is that but it is also so much more. It sits in its own niche and is quite simply brilliant. Literary and bold, it had me turning each page faster than the last. I really felt like I was inside the head of the narrator.

The book starts out with what is believed to be an accident on a school trip. Ben and Juliette's daughter Marine tragically dies. This is not a spoiler, what happens throughout the rest of the story, centres on this event. What ensues is a portrayal of the grief that is ever present and the incredulity that this could have happened to Marine. Narrated by Ben throughout this was an excellent tool to allow the reader to feel closer to his character particularly and his emotions. Although I did find the emotional side of the story a little bit detached. Ben is a bit naive, he struck me as a bit if a perpetual student who finds being an adult tricky at the best of times. He has suddenly found all of these new circumstances thrust upon him.

It becomes clear further on in the story that things are not quite what they seem. This requires Ben to step up and fight for justice. A story of lies and corruption, at times brutal in its telling, are children really safe when they are sent to school? It is about whether or not power naturally goes hand in hand with trust. Ben has to take divisive action and risks ridicule if his gut instincts are not correct. This story also interestingly brings to the light the maelstrom of publicity and social media, its uses and limitations.

This book is spectacular. It burns away with a quiet fury, that doesn't die down until the final page turns. Clever, creative, complex and unforgettable it gets under your skin and itches away. Guy Mankowski is a very talented writer, who has a real skill for the portrayal of the best and worst traits of humanity.

I, for one will definitely be reading his previous novels.

Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to have read this book. In this book the author addresses one of my biggest fears - what if something happens to my child, I can't prevent it, and how would I deal with the grief afterwards.
Recommended!

An honest deceit by Guy mankowski is a mystery and thriller and general fiction (adult) read.
When Ben and Juliette's young daughter dies in a tragic accident on a school trip, they begin searching for answers. But will they ever know the truth? What was the role of the teacher on the trip - and are the rumours about his past true? As Ben and Juliette search for the truth and the pressure rises, their own secrets and motivations are revealed.... An Honest Deceit is an intelligent and gripping contemporary psychological thriller that questions not just the motives of others, but the real reasons for discovering the truth.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. I liked Ben he was my favourite character. I liked the ending too. A moving read. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

I thought this was a good story, after I warmed up to it. Ben and Juliette do what many parents do every day, and that is to send their child to school. They have the hope that their child will be safe, but during a school trip an accident occurs and their child is killed. Their grief leads them to try to find answers for their child’s death. The pain of their loss is truly felt through the author’s words. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Ah this book was quite a sad read and I really felt for Ben & Juliette, the pain of losing a child must be unbearable. A tragic accident and the story is what follows, a quest for justice, are you children safe anywhere? Even at school? It seems not, cover ups and lies and corruption run amok in this book, a great read for all.

An Honest Deceit

A parent's worst nightmare, Ben and Juliette's young daughter dies while on a school trip. In their grief, they search for answers but the deeper they get, their own secrets and motivations are revealed.

This is an engrossing and captivating read, an intelligent and emotional psychological thriller that I thoroughly recommend. I'll definitely be taking a look at Mankowski's other books off the back of this one! Four solid, shiny stars!

Really good book, very enjoyable. A great buy. ;) ;)

When Ben and Juliette’s daughter dies on a school trip, understandably they want answers. As a parent we trust schools with the well being of our children and to have something like this happen is just unimaginable.

Ben and Juliette are obviously in pieces at the loss of their daughter. Ben realises he has to try and be the stronger one and go back to work and get some stability for his wife in the hope that will waken from the darkness she is trapped in.

You would have thought that returning back to his teaching job he would have had the full support of the head master. This isn’t the case though and it makes Ben question the actions of the school over his daughters death when some information comes to light.

Kraver, the head master I took an instant dislike to. He is full of self importance and what matters to him most is the name of the school. He sees what happens to Ben’s daughter as a nuisance and tries his best to discourage Ben to take things any further. I really wanted Ben to pound some sense into him as he annoyed me so much.

This is very much a story of David and Goliath in that Ben has to tackle something way much bigger than him. He has to take on the school board and fight for his daughters death to be investigated fully. It is very much a story of suspense and the tension that builds throughout simply took my breath away.

An Honest Deceit is a nail biting and gripping read. It is one man’s fight for justice that has the reader by his side routing for him through out. Fantastic book and can’t recommend it highly enough.