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The Big Lie: A Shane Cleary Mystery
Poodle. Standard. Black. Studded collar. No tags. Goes by the name of Boo.Sun Tzu may have said, ‘Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer,’ but he didn’t live in Boston, he’s not Shane Cleary, and Shane’s latest and most unexpected client is Southie’s most dangerous criminal.The man who almost killed Shane wants to hire him, but Shane is more interested in Jimmy’s ‘bonus for a job done well and discretely—information about his father’s death.His cat Delilah is against it, his girlfriend Bonnie the lawyer doesn’t know.Everything screams he shouldn’t take the gig, but Shane can’t resist Jimmy’s ‘incentive.’Life is neither easy nor simple for Shane. Bonnie asks for help on a pro bono case, friend Bill wants a background check, mafia henchman Tony makes a peculiar request, and Shane can’t help but think his client just might kill him anyway after he finds the dog.Does Jimmy know a Truth that will change Shane’s life, or is it a big lie?
- GenresMystery
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
About the author
Gabriel Valjan
29 books271 followersGabriel Valjan is the author of the Roma Series, The Company Files, and the Shane Cleary Mysteries. He has been listed for the Fish Prize three times, shortlisted for the Bridport Prize once, and received an Honorable Mention for the Nero Wolfe Black Orchid Novella Contest. Gabriel has been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, Silver Falchion Awards, and received the 2021 Macavity Award for Best Short Story. Gabriel is a member of the Historical Novel Society, ITW, MWA, and Sisters in Crime. You can find Gabriel on Twitter (@GValjan).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 4, 2024
There are several important ingredients that I feel are needed in a mystery. There’s the character’s. I need them to be quirky. To be genuine. You know…. flawed and such. And I need to connect with them. To see their faces in my mind. To almost recognize them as neighbors. or family or friends.
Then there’s the mystery itself. I like it to flow and not be too easily solved. I need several false trails and suspects.
A little romance, perhaps. Not so much the main focus, but I like to anticipate if it will become a thing.
Location or setting. I like to feel as if the author is showing me the place, like I’m being introduced to a character.
And any kind of critters are always a bonus. I love them and it’s such fun to have them be characters as well. To have their own quirks and silliness.
And if it’s part of a series I want that desire to continue. To want to see what happens to the main characters later on.
If I get all of that, I’m happy. And getting more is even better. The Big Lie gave me all of it. And even better. I hadn’t read the previous books and the author filled me in on enough backstory to help me make sense of things.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Then there’s the mystery itself. I like it to flow and not be too easily solved. I need several false trails and suspects.
A little romance, perhaps. Not so much the main focus, but I like to anticipate if it will become a thing.
Location or setting. I like to feel as if the author is showing me the place, like I’m being introduced to a character.
And any kind of critters are always a bonus. I love them and it’s such fun to have them be characters as well. To have their own quirks and silliness.
And if it’s part of a series I want that desire to continue. To want to see what happens to the main characters later on.
If I get all of that, I’m happy. And getting more is even better. The Big Lie gave me all of it. And even better. I hadn’t read the previous books and the author filled me in on enough backstory to help me make sense of things.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
March 17, 2024
Funny, entertaining, and gripping. A well plotted mystery that kept me hooked and turning pages.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 14, 2024
The Big Lie, the latest Shane Cleary novel from Gabriel Valjan is smart, surprising and beautifully rendered. This is the fifth book in the series, and Valjan's keen eye for detail, strong characters and narrative control, shine through this tale. Cleary, an ex-Boston cop, now a PI, is that rare person, an honest man in a world of shadows, lies and crime. Fans of Valjan's Shane Cleary series (and I count myself as one!) know that things are complicated for Cleary. But as compelling as the unfolding plot is, there's immense satisfaction in the way he does the job and still finds his way through to something honorable.
The story begins when Southie's most dangerous criminal hires Cleary to find his lost dog. Cleary is willing to refuse the job, except Jimmy says that he has information about Cleary's father's death years earlier. But only if he finds the dog.
Everything screams he shouldn’t take the job, but Shane can’t resist Jimmy’s added ‘incentive.’ Add in some other favors he's asked to do, some rival gangsters, dirty cops and an overzealous DA, and you have the kind of tasty recipe only Valjan can bring to the table. The notion of "the big lie" looms throughout, touching on disparate aspects of the evolving case. And Shane can’t help but think his client just might kill him anyway after he finds the dog.
To say much more would be to spoil the fun. Highly recommended!
(I read an advance copy of The Big Lie via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review; and I was pleased to get an early look)
The story begins when Southie's most dangerous criminal hires Cleary to find his lost dog. Cleary is willing to refuse the job, except Jimmy says that he has information about Cleary's father's death years earlier. But only if he finds the dog.
Everything screams he shouldn’t take the job, but Shane can’t resist Jimmy’s added ‘incentive.’ Add in some other favors he's asked to do, some rival gangsters, dirty cops and an overzealous DA, and you have the kind of tasty recipe only Valjan can bring to the table. The notion of "the big lie" looms throughout, touching on disparate aspects of the evolving case. And Shane can’t help but think his client just might kill him anyway after he finds the dog.
To say much more would be to spoil the fun. Highly recommended!
(I read an advance copy of The Big Lie via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review; and I was pleased to get an early look)
March 15, 2024
Who knew that being asked to find a missing dog would lead to so much adventure. But then, since the dog was owned by a mob boss, adventure was sure to follow.
These PI novels featuring Shane Cleary are unique in that Shane blends a life of being an acquaintance of mob bosses, an ex-police officer who had alienated fellow police officers by being truthful, and the significant other of an attorney. That makes for a complicated and tightrope walking kind of life and it all comes together in this novel. Although this novel is down the line in the series, it reads pretty well on its own with enough back story included to make sense of the action.
Valjan's writing style is clear and entertaining. The pace of this novel is consistent as Shane gets into all kinds of trouble. We are taken into the murky world of mob influence, wondering of Shane will make it through in one piece. He is also involved preventing the railroading of a young black accused of theft. The two plot elements are woven together to make an engaging novel centered on the character of Shane as the driving force. The tight dialogue and relationship interactions he has with Bonnie are good additional aspects of the novel.
I recommend this novel to readers who would like an adventure into the underworld of Boston in the 1970s featuring a realistic and determined hero.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
These PI novels featuring Shane Cleary are unique in that Shane blends a life of being an acquaintance of mob bosses, an ex-police officer who had alienated fellow police officers by being truthful, and the significant other of an attorney. That makes for a complicated and tightrope walking kind of life and it all comes together in this novel. Although this novel is down the line in the series, it reads pretty well on its own with enough back story included to make sense of the action.
Valjan's writing style is clear and entertaining. The pace of this novel is consistent as Shane gets into all kinds of trouble. We are taken into the murky world of mob influence, wondering of Shane will make it through in one piece. He is also involved preventing the railroading of a young black accused of theft. The two plot elements are woven together to make an engaging novel centered on the character of Shane as the driving force. The tight dialogue and relationship interactions he has with Bonnie are good additional aspects of the novel.
I recommend this novel to readers who would like an adventure into the underworld of Boston in the 1970s featuring a realistic and determined hero.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 29, 2024
Some writers have a gift for taking any topic and captivating readers not only with the content but also with the style.
Gabriel Valjan is a perfect example. As a skilled mystery writer, he hits all the basic expectations with relatable characters, an interesting mystery to solve, plus plenty of adventures along the way. However, Valjean delivers an exceptional reading experience because of how he presents the story.
The Big Lie, the latest installment in the Shane Cleary Mystery series, is more than just another look into an investigator’s case files. It’s an immersive experience packed with cultural and literary references along with a dry sense of humor.
This time around, the erstwhile detective finds himself searching for a missing dog owned by a dangerous gangster, running a background check on a friend’s beau, and helping his lawyer girlfriend with a pro bono case.
The author sets the stage for the next installment as Shane discovers an unsettling lie from the past. How he handles that information and those responsible will likely play out in a future book. Note that these books can be read as standalones.
The Big Lie delivers a well-crafted mystery featuring the latest adventure for Shane Cleary as he navigates the criminal underbelly of Boston. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
Gabriel Valjan is a perfect example. As a skilled mystery writer, he hits all the basic expectations with relatable characters, an interesting mystery to solve, plus plenty of adventures along the way. However, Valjean delivers an exceptional reading experience because of how he presents the story.
The Big Lie, the latest installment in the Shane Cleary Mystery series, is more than just another look into an investigator’s case files. It’s an immersive experience packed with cultural and literary references along with a dry sense of humor.
This time around, the erstwhile detective finds himself searching for a missing dog owned by a dangerous gangster, running a background check on a friend’s beau, and helping his lawyer girlfriend with a pro bono case.
The author sets the stage for the next installment as Shane discovers an unsettling lie from the past. How he handles that information and those responsible will likely play out in a future book. Note that these books can be read as standalones.
The Big Lie delivers a well-crafted mystery featuring the latest adventure for Shane Cleary as he navigates the criminal underbelly of Boston. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
March 25, 2024
This is the 5th book in the author's Shane Cleary series, but I read it as a standalone. I will definitely be reading the 6th since this one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I need to know what happens.
Shane Cleary is a private investigator in Boston. His latest client happens to be one of Boston's most notorious criminals. He wants Shane to find his poodle, who suddenly disappeared from a grooming. Shane's not so sure about taking the job, but when Jimmy tells him he has information about his father's death and will only tell him if he finds the dog, Jimmy takes it.
Meanwhile, his lawyer girlfriend, Bonnie, is working on a pro bono case and needs some assistance. His friend Bill needs a background check, and Mafia Henchman Tony makes a rather odd request. Will Shane be able to get all this done and still find the dog? Does Jimmy really know something that will change Shane's life?
Set in Boston in the 1970s and told in the POV of Shane, there was a lot packed into this short book. It had me hooked from page 1 and kept me entertained throughout. The pacing was good, and it was action-packed with a lot of characters and moving parts. This book can definitely be read in one sitting. I really enjoyed this and would highly recommend it.
Shane Cleary is a private investigator in Boston. His latest client happens to be one of Boston's most notorious criminals. He wants Shane to find his poodle, who suddenly disappeared from a grooming. Shane's not so sure about taking the job, but when Jimmy tells him he has information about his father's death and will only tell him if he finds the dog, Jimmy takes it.
Meanwhile, his lawyer girlfriend, Bonnie, is working on a pro bono case and needs some assistance. His friend Bill needs a background check, and Mafia Henchman Tony makes a rather odd request. Will Shane be able to get all this done and still find the dog? Does Jimmy really know something that will change Shane's life?
Set in Boston in the 1970s and told in the POV of Shane, there was a lot packed into this short book. It had me hooked from page 1 and kept me entertained throughout. The pacing was good, and it was action-packed with a lot of characters and moving parts. This book can definitely be read in one sitting. I really enjoyed this and would highly recommend it.
March 4, 2024
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
A beloved pet is missing. Tony Two-Times wants him back and orders our hero to find him. There will be no reward, just a ticket to stay alive. Finding a dog does not usually require a private detective but refusing Tony invites a visit six feet under. He has lost his beloved dog and wants the bitch back yesterday.
A mob leader or mafioso boss has many things in common. Denying their requests is not an option. Our hero finds that leads he feels may be fruitful were not. Meanwhile, the time is getting short and the dog cannot be found!
This story explores the underworld and the loyalties that are required to stay alive! Cleary, an ex-cop, is the subject of the mob bosses’ angst, and the dog better be found. The result is an exposé of the thinking within the mob. Very informative! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are my own. 4.5 stars
A beloved pet is missing. Tony Two-Times wants him back and orders our hero to find him. There will be no reward, just a ticket to stay alive. Finding a dog does not usually require a private detective but refusing Tony invites a visit six feet under. He has lost his beloved dog and wants the bitch back yesterday.
A mob leader or mafioso boss has many things in common. Denying their requests is not an option. Our hero finds that leads he feels may be fruitful were not. Meanwhile, the time is getting short and the dog cannot be found!
This story explores the underworld and the loyalties that are required to stay alive! Cleary, an ex-cop, is the subject of the mob bosses’ angst, and the dog better be found. The result is an exposé of the thinking within the mob. Very informative! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are my own. 4.5 stars
March 12, 2024
I have never read any of the authors previous work on the character in this book, so this was my first foray into the world of Shane Cleary. I really love well written mysteries and this was a great one folks!
Shane is trying to find a lost dog in this book as a PI. I loved the writing style of the author this is reminiscent of at noir book of the old mystery days of writing. The story is engaging to the readers as you read through the book as well. Especially since Shane is tasked with finding a gangster’s prized puppy dog! A black poodle with a spiked collar.
Shane usually investigates family law cases so this case on a missing dog is new and interesting to him and its not like he can say no😉Jimmy the gangster and Shane have a history and Shane does take the case, not voluntarily.
I loved Shane’s relationship with Bonnie also, this was relatable in the early days of my own relationship and how they interact and banter with each other. The author did a great job with writing that part of the story also. I loved seeing the 1970’s in the neighborhoods of Boston. I have never been to Boston and I love stories based in the past!
Shane is trying to find a lost dog in this book as a PI. I loved the writing style of the author this is reminiscent of at noir book of the old mystery days of writing. The story is engaging to the readers as you read through the book as well. Especially since Shane is tasked with finding a gangster’s prized puppy dog! A black poodle with a spiked collar.
Shane usually investigates family law cases so this case on a missing dog is new and interesting to him and its not like he can say no😉Jimmy the gangster and Shane have a history and Shane does take the case, not voluntarily.
I loved Shane’s relationship with Bonnie also, this was relatable in the early days of my own relationship and how they interact and banter with each other. The author did a great job with writing that part of the story also. I loved seeing the 1970’s in the neighborhoods of Boston. I have never been to Boston and I love stories based in the past!
February 19, 2024
"The Big Lie" is a sweeping PI mystery that careens through the streets of Boston in the late '70s filled with larger than life characters and gritty backdrops. Shane Cleary is as tough as they come, his girlfriend, Bonnie, is as whip-smart as they come, and the plot zips with authenticity on every page. The neighborhoods of Boston are treated to an in-depth rambling of history that fascinated and enlightens on every page. Put both boots on and jump right into this book and then hold on for the ride.
February 26, 2024
PI Shane Cleary's newest case involves finding Boo, a missing black poodle owned by Jimmy, Southie’s most dangerous criminal. Meanwhile, Shane's lawyer girlfriend Bonnie asks for his help on a pro bono case involving a B&E jewel theft & a black teenaged suspect.
Both cases prove to be more treacherous & full of deceit thanks to some brutal encounters with Boston cops. In the end, Jimmy reveals the truth behind "the big lie" that has haunted Cleary's life.
Another fine mystery filled with pathos, humor, sarcasm & a glimpse into life in different 1970s Boston neighborhoods.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Level Best Books. All opinions are my own.
Both cases prove to be more treacherous & full of deceit thanks to some brutal encounters with Boston cops. In the end, Jimmy reveals the truth behind "the big lie" that has haunted Cleary's life.
Another fine mystery filled with pathos, humor, sarcasm & a glimpse into life in different 1970s Boston neighborhoods.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Level Best Books. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2024
It all begins with looking for a dog
But it's one big mystery,
One that keeps you involved,
It's intriguing. I must say.
A story like no other,
This one will keep you turning the pages.
The author did an exceptional job.
the cover of the book is exquisite. I love it. I myself am a dog Lover. 🐾🐾
But it's one big mystery,
One that keeps you involved,
It's intriguing. I must say.
A story like no other,
This one will keep you turning the pages.
The author did an exceptional job.
the cover of the book is exquisite. I love it. I myself am a dog Lover. 🐾🐾
February 9, 2024
I love the writing style and the language, but I don't like "historical" (1970s?) books. I do like the speed, so all in all this is a very entertaining book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews