Tell No Lies

Tell No Lies, by Julie Compton

A stunning new voice in fiction – Jodi Picoult meets Scott Turow

Tell No Lies is a legal thriller packed full of sexual tension and moral dilemmas which will grip the reader from start to finish. It explores the themes of fidelity and marriage as well as the American politics of the death penalty, and examines the psychology of one man torn between his principles and his ambitions, his lust and his loyalty.

Jack Hilliard is a 35-year-old assistant DA who appears to have it all: intelligence, good looks, a great job, and a solid marriage with his wife, Claire. All this is threatened by his growing obsession with his fiercely intelligent and attractive former colleague Jenny, who seems to give him the confidence boost and support that his wife does not.

It is only when Jack decides to run for the powerful position of District Attorney, spurred on by the enigmatic Jenny, that he learns how easy it is to compromise his values and comfortable, happy life for ambition and desire. Jack’s principled stance against the death penalty crumbles in his efforts to become
DA and he finally surrenders to his attraction to Jenny.

When Jenny is charged with the brutal murder of a client, their one night of passion leaves Jack in a catch-22 situation – either he saves Jenny from prosecution and potential hanging by admitting his adultery, or he keeps quiet and holds on to his family and his career.

Tell No Lies is an edge-of-your-seat page-turner, with a twist so extraordinary that even the most astute reader wont be able to see it coming.

What we thought:

Tell No Lies, though slow paced in places, succeeds in keeping hold of the reader’s interest. It is not until past halfway through the book that the main element of the plot – the murder – happens and that’s when the tension kicks in. It’s not perhaps the most unique plot ever written (the twist at the end - though a pleasing conclusion - was anticipated) but there is enough suspense, sexual tension, lust and lies to keep us eager to read on. Julie’s background in the legal profession is clearly demonstrated throughout the book and she handles legal matters and court scenes competently. Rating: 7/10.

Tell No Lies published by Pan Macmillan, £6.99 paperback

Read Law and More's interview with Julie Compton here