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Jack Quick #1
Trust Me When I Lie
Eliza Dacey was murdered in cold blood.
Four years later, the world watched it unfold again on screen.
Producer Jack Quick knows how to frame a story. So says Curtis Wade, the subject of Jack’s new true crime docuseries, convicted of a young woman’s murder four years prior. In the eyes of Jack’s viewers, flimsy evidence and police bias influenced the final verdict…even though, off screen, Jack himself has his doubts.
But when the series finale is wildly successful, a retrial sees Curtis walk free. And then another victim turns up dead.
To set things right, Jack goes back to the sleepy vineyard town where it all began, bent on discovering what really happened. Because behind the many stories he tells, the truth is Jack’s last chance. He may have sprung a killer from jail, but he’s also the one that can send him back.
NOTE: This was first published in Australia with the title Greenlight, reissued UK: She Lies in the Vines, US: Trust Me When I Lie.
Four years later, the world watched it unfold again on screen.
Producer Jack Quick knows how to frame a story. So says Curtis Wade, the subject of Jack’s new true crime docuseries, convicted of a young woman’s murder four years prior. In the eyes of Jack’s viewers, flimsy evidence and police bias influenced the final verdict…even though, off screen, Jack himself has his doubts.
But when the series finale is wildly successful, a retrial sees Curtis walk free. And then another victim turns up dead.
To set things right, Jack goes back to the sleepy vineyard town where it all began, bent on discovering what really happened. Because behind the many stories he tells, the truth is Jack’s last chance. He may have sprung a killer from jail, but he’s also the one that can send him back.
NOTE: This was first published in Australia with the title Greenlight, reissued UK: She Lies in the Vines, US: Trust Me When I Lie.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 483 reviews
May 7, 2019
This is a thought provoking, atmospheric and twisted Aussie crime fiction from Benjamin Stevenson with a tremendous sense of location and climate, the sweltering and deadly heat of the never ending Australian bush. This is a story of ambition, personal integrity, an ethical quagmire, and a spotlight on a media that has the power to instrumentally shape and manipulate the stories it tells. Set north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley, four years ago Eliza Dacey was brutally murdered, her body found close to the edge of Curtis Wade's vineyard. The police acted quickly and an arrest was made shortly after, Curtis was convicted of the killing, and has since been in prison. However, the evidence that put him there is not strong, it is circumstantial, and contestable.
One person who is convinced that Curtis is innocent is experienced producer Jack Quick. There is a huge public interest in true crime, and tapping into this demand, Jack knows that conspiracies virtually guarantee large audiences. His true crime documentary on Curtis is plausible in its central thrust of arguing that the man is not guilty. So when evidence emerges that challenges the central tenet of his documentary, what does Jack do? Jack makes the momentous and morally questionable decision, to remove this obstacle from his path. Curtis Wade is released from prison, and soon after a murder takes place that bears uncanny echoes of the original murder of Eliza Dacey. A truly guilt ridden Jack begins to appreciate the horrific implications of his actions. Just what has he done? And is there any possibility that he can get to the truth of the matter?
Stevenson gives us a well plotted and compulsive mystery with a quintessentially deeply flawed protagonist in Jack Quick. We are given an insightful and detailed picture of the Australian wine industry, and an on trend contemporary theme in the rise in the true crime documentary and a public that just cannot get enough of them. This is a claustrophobic, tense and suspenseful read, richly descriptive, with characters that are difficult to like, and a compelling central premise that held my interest in this novel. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
One person who is convinced that Curtis is innocent is experienced producer Jack Quick. There is a huge public interest in true crime, and tapping into this demand, Jack knows that conspiracies virtually guarantee large audiences. His true crime documentary on Curtis is plausible in its central thrust of arguing that the man is not guilty. So when evidence emerges that challenges the central tenet of his documentary, what does Jack do? Jack makes the momentous and morally questionable decision, to remove this obstacle from his path. Curtis Wade is released from prison, and soon after a murder takes place that bears uncanny echoes of the original murder of Eliza Dacey. A truly guilt ridden Jack begins to appreciate the horrific implications of his actions. Just what has he done? And is there any possibility that he can get to the truth of the matter?
Stevenson gives us a well plotted and compulsive mystery with a quintessentially deeply flawed protagonist in Jack Quick. We are given an insightful and detailed picture of the Australian wine industry, and an on trend contemporary theme in the rise in the true crime documentary and a public that just cannot get enough of them. This is a claustrophobic, tense and suspenseful read, richly descriptive, with characters that are difficult to like, and a compelling central premise that held my interest in this novel. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
August 10, 2024
Did you know that the author of this book was originally an Australian stand-up comic? This is his debut novel, and well, this is a tightly written nail biter with lots of twists and turns. And no laughing matter! He does a great job of keeping readers riveted, off-balance…and quite surprised at the end.
His main character is Jack Quick, a producer of an Australian true crime docuseries that has been running a very popular multi-part account of the murder of Eliza Dacey, a backpacker. Curtis Wade, an unpopular local restaurant owner was convicted of his murder. Quick cast doubt on the murder through his podcast.
Shortly before the final episode runs, Quick discovers a piece of evidence that makes him question Wade’s innocence. But rather than jeopardize the success of his show, he doesn’t reveal the evidence. The show earns Wade a new trial and he is released. There is a second murder, and Quick wonders if Wade is responsible. When he begins investigating, he receives death threats.
This clever thriller who-dun-it provides an intricate plot, a number of fascinating, yet damaged characters with lots of secrets. Lots.
And shall we talk about that ending? (No spoilers here.)
If you haven’t read this one yet…what’s keeping you? If you have…wasn’t that a twisty ride?!
Those who live in Australia, may recognize this book under a different title, originally released in 2018 as Greenlight.
His main character is Jack Quick, a producer of an Australian true crime docuseries that has been running a very popular multi-part account of the murder of Eliza Dacey, a backpacker. Curtis Wade, an unpopular local restaurant owner was convicted of his murder. Quick cast doubt on the murder through his podcast.
Shortly before the final episode runs, Quick discovers a piece of evidence that makes him question Wade’s innocence. But rather than jeopardize the success of his show, he doesn’t reveal the evidence. The show earns Wade a new trial and he is released. There is a second murder, and Quick wonders if Wade is responsible. When he begins investigating, he receives death threats.
This clever thriller who-dun-it provides an intricate plot, a number of fascinating, yet damaged characters with lots of secrets. Lots.
And shall we talk about that ending? (No spoilers here.)
If you haven’t read this one yet…what’s keeping you? If you have…wasn’t that a twisty ride?!
Those who live in Australia, may recognize this book under a different title, originally released in 2018 as Greenlight.
August 15, 2019
A four-year-old murder, a true-crime docuseries and a retrial that sets the convicted killer free. Wow! The lovely cover and the intriguing description made me hit the request button on this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Benjamin Stevenson and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
I’m not quite sure how to review this one. The story starts out with a lot of promise. But....at times the writing was precise and entertaining. At other times it was confusing, choppy and slow. It felt like two versions of the same book were poorly merged. For me, this was an over-hyped debut that I struggled to finish.
My Rating: 2.75 ⭐️’s (rounding up 😊)
Published: August 13th 2019 by Sourcebooks Landmark
Pages: 352
Thank you to NetGalley, Benjamin Stevenson and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
I’m not quite sure how to review this one. The story starts out with a lot of promise. But....at times the writing was precise and entertaining. At other times it was confusing, choppy and slow. It felt like two versions of the same book were poorly merged. For me, this was an over-hyped debut that I struggled to finish.
My Rating: 2.75 ⭐️’s (rounding up 😊)
Published: August 13th 2019 by Sourcebooks Landmark
Pages: 352
January 31, 2019
I believe this is the author's debut novel. If he keeps writing to this level he has a great future.
This is an Australian novel and I enjoyed the setting in the wine area of the Hunter Valley, north of Sydney. The plot is convoluted but well thought out by the author and it all comes to a magnificent and quite unexpected ending. I have to admit I did not expect the last part at all! The main characters were convincing and the occasional jumps back into the past were well managed and necessary to explain the story.
All good, an easy four stars and recommended to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
This is an Australian novel and I enjoyed the setting in the wine area of the Hunter Valley, north of Sydney. The plot is convoluted but well thought out by the author and it all comes to a magnificent and quite unexpected ending. I have to admit I did not expect the last part at all! The main characters were convincing and the occasional jumps back into the past were well managed and necessary to explain the story.
All good, an easy four stars and recommended to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
August 31, 2020
A thriller with a killer ending.
The docu-drama sub genre of crime fiction is really starting to take off and Greenlight by Benjamin Stevenson gives Aussies readers a taste of the local flavor.
When documentary film maker Jack Quick gets his 15 minutes of fame by assisting in overturning a flimsy guilty conviction of winemaker, Curtis Wade, for the murder of grape-picker Eliza Dacey, he had no idea the fame and spotlight would turn his life upside down.
Questions later arise as to Curtis' innocence following another murder with a similar MO shortly after his release which sparks renewed interest in the Eliza Dacey murder.
The constant whodunit guessing game throughout is well written and executed. I certainly didn't pick the perp and was surprised by the extra level of depth written into the ending too.
I enjoyed the small town setting, where vineyards ripen the community, or poison them as is the case here.
My rating: 4/5, I didn't see the twists coming, I only wish they got there sooner. The distinctly Australian feel is a bonus. A must for fans of true-crime TV shows and podcasts.
The docu-drama sub genre of crime fiction is really starting to take off and Greenlight by Benjamin Stevenson gives Aussies readers a taste of the local flavor.
When documentary film maker Jack Quick gets his 15 minutes of fame by assisting in overturning a flimsy guilty conviction of winemaker, Curtis Wade, for the murder of grape-picker Eliza Dacey, he had no idea the fame and spotlight would turn his life upside down.
Questions later arise as to Curtis' innocence following another murder with a similar MO shortly after his release which sparks renewed interest in the Eliza Dacey murder.
The constant whodunit guessing game throughout is well written and executed. I certainly didn't pick the perp and was surprised by the extra level of depth written into the ending too.
I enjoyed the small town setting, where vineyards ripen the community, or poison them as is the case here.
My rating: 4/5, I didn't see the twists coming, I only wish they got there sooner. The distinctly Australian feel is a bonus. A must for fans of true-crime TV shows and podcasts.
March 6, 2020
So a caveat before I begin. About four months ago, I began taking a new opiate for chronic pain management. I hadn’t THOUGHT it was having any effect on my thought processes. Trying to muddle through this plot, however, has made me wonder if perhaps these drugs are more potent than I realize. It’s either that OR this is just really confusing storytelling, written without regard to chronology and lacking any real method of organization. It’s as if the author put together a series of significant events, placed each on a separate sheet of paper, then drew them randomly from a fishbowl to determine the order in which they appeared in the book. No? Maybe it’s me. With that said, the chapters alternate between different moments in the past and present, jumping from one to the other like a hooker at a truck stop. Add to this frenetic approach the author’s tendency to be over indulgent with language, and what could have been a fine read becomes nothing more than an exercise in one’s ability to puzzle out the sequence of events and follow the chaotic musings of the main character, Jack. The worst example of this is as follows, as Jack attempts to describe his bulimia:
“He could feel the food inside him, acutely aware of where it sat. It swelled, an island, the seas of his stomach sloshing against it. But the cliff faces of that island weren’t eroding and falling into the sea, as they should have been. Instead, they were taking hold, scuttling ships and pulling more rocks into their tide. Clogging him up. He felt it. His acrobat, arms extended, wandered from shipwreck to shipwreck, mast to mast, above the jagged outcrop and vicious seas. Twirling his baton, jester’s hat wobbling, bells ringing. The sea arced beneath the acrobat, spat up, hissed.�
Seriously.
Read at your own intellectual peril.
“He could feel the food inside him, acutely aware of where it sat. It swelled, an island, the seas of his stomach sloshing against it. But the cliff faces of that island weren’t eroding and falling into the sea, as they should have been. Instead, they were taking hold, scuttling ships and pulling more rocks into their tide. Clogging him up. He felt it. His acrobat, arms extended, wandered from shipwreck to shipwreck, mast to mast, above the jagged outcrop and vicious seas. Twirling his baton, jester’s hat wobbling, bells ringing. The sea arced beneath the acrobat, spat up, hissed.�
Seriously.
Read at your own intellectual peril.
September 14, 2019
Wow! This was extremely confusing!! I ordered the paperback version of this book and found it impossible to read due to the print. I have had a series of eye surgeries, the latest yesterday. I struggled for a couple of chapters and was enthralled with the atmospheric setting and the author's unexpected phrases and dialogue, but had to give up.
In trying to find a Kindle version, I discovered the same book is also published under the title of GREENLIGHT, but only in paperback in North America. I finally found the Kindle version under the title TRUST ME WHEN I LIE. I downloaded the ebook and finding it very readable on Kindle, but going back to the beginning and starting again. I think it is very strange and confusing that it has been published under at least 3 titles.
In trying to find a Kindle version, I discovered the same book is also published under the title of GREENLIGHT, but only in paperback in North America. I finally found the Kindle version under the title TRUST ME WHEN I LIE. I downloaded the ebook and finding it very readable on Kindle, but going back to the beginning and starting again. I think it is very strange and confusing that it has been published under at least 3 titles.
March 18, 2022
Another great Aussie book... a murder in the Hunter Valley and a podcast helps free the convicted killer. A great listen, highly recommend
October 11, 2018
Eliza Dacey � itinerant grape picker � disappeared and was brutally murdered after a period of incarceration. Her killer, winemaker Curtis Wade, was caught almost immediately and jailed for the crime. Four years later and producer Jack Quick was into the final stages of a true crime documentary with the story of Eliza’s murder on everyone’s lips.
When Jack uncovered a minor piece of evidence not long before his show’s final episode, he was in two minds as to what to do with it. After he spoke to Alexis, the top lawyer involved in the case, his decision was made � his disposal of that evidence meant the finale showed that Curtis was innocent of Eliza’s murder. But not long after Curtis� release from prison, another murder victim was found � the MO was the same as in Eliza’s murder. What had he done? Was Jack to blame for this next murder?
Greenlight is the debut novel by Aussie author Benjamin Stevenson and is set to the north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley. The vineyards were a great setting with the beauty of the vines; the peace of the vineyards themselves and the small town nearby � all very familiar to me as I live nearby. Filled with twists and turns, Greenlight will keep you guessing until the last page! Recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Jack uncovered a minor piece of evidence not long before his show’s final episode, he was in two minds as to what to do with it. After he spoke to Alexis, the top lawyer involved in the case, his decision was made � his disposal of that evidence meant the finale showed that Curtis was innocent of Eliza’s murder. But not long after Curtis� release from prison, another murder victim was found � the MO was the same as in Eliza’s murder. What had he done? Was Jack to blame for this next murder?
Greenlight is the debut novel by Aussie author Benjamin Stevenson and is set to the north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley. The vineyards were a great setting with the beauty of the vines; the peace of the vineyards themselves and the small town nearby � all very familiar to me as I live nearby. Filled with twists and turns, Greenlight will keep you guessing until the last page! Recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2019
*
*
**3.5 stars**
Greenlight by Benjamin Stevenson. (2018).
4 years ago in the small town of Birravale, Eliza was murdered and within hours her killer Curtis was caught. But is he really the killer? Jack produces a true crime documentary about the case and his belief Curtis is innocent. Just before the final episode, Jack uncovers a minor detail that could prove Curtis guilty... so he gets rid of it. Not long after Curtis is released from prison, a new victim is found with horrifying similarities to Eliza's murder. Did Jack help a killer walk free? He returns to Birravale to look for answers and the truth.
I liked this book, but I think I would have REALLY liked it if I had been able to read it in a couple of sessions instead of many mini sessions (thanks life for getting in the way of my reading haha). I think it was a great debut for the author and I'm definitely interested in reading future books. I did think the flow of the novel could have been better in sections; a few times I had to flick back and double check what I had just read. Also while the story was certainly enthralling and engaging I do think there was perhaps a few too many twists and the narrative could have had more of an impact if there was less of that.
Overall it was an interesting story that fits in with the current popular topic of true crime documentaries and makes the reader question if Curtis is guilty or not. I think many readers would enjoy this book.
*
**3.5 stars**
Greenlight by Benjamin Stevenson. (2018).
4 years ago in the small town of Birravale, Eliza was murdered and within hours her killer Curtis was caught. But is he really the killer? Jack produces a true crime documentary about the case and his belief Curtis is innocent. Just before the final episode, Jack uncovers a minor detail that could prove Curtis guilty... so he gets rid of it. Not long after Curtis is released from prison, a new victim is found with horrifying similarities to Eliza's murder. Did Jack help a killer walk free? He returns to Birravale to look for answers and the truth.
I liked this book, but I think I would have REALLY liked it if I had been able to read it in a couple of sessions instead of many mini sessions (thanks life for getting in the way of my reading haha). I think it was a great debut for the author and I'm definitely interested in reading future books. I did think the flow of the novel could have been better in sections; a few times I had to flick back and double check what I had just read. Also while the story was certainly enthralling and engaging I do think there was perhaps a few too many twists and the narrative could have had more of an impact if there was less of that.
Overall it was an interesting story that fits in with the current popular topic of true crime documentaries and makes the reader question if Curtis is guilty or not. I think many readers would enjoy this book.
February 24, 2019
With the increasing popularity of true crime documentaries and podcasts this is a timely novel highlighting the role this type of media plays in influencing public opinion. By failing to reveal an important find towards the end of his documentary series on the death of English backpacker Eliza Dacey, Jack Quick has allowed the public and justice system to believe that Curtis Wade was falsely convicted of her murder. However after his release from prison, when another woman is murdered in a similar fashion, Jack begins to have doubts about whether Curtis was innocent. Jack is compelled to go back to the scene of the crime, the tiny town of Birravale in the Hunter Valley wine region where Eliza had been hired to pick grapes.
This is a very impressive debut thriller with complex characters and a plot that constantly changes direction. Jack Quick is a damaged soul with a secret guilt he carries from his childhood and an ongoing eating disorder that he struggles to control. However, he is determined to get to the truth even if it does mean overturning the findings of his earlier podcast. Neither vineyard owner Curtis Wade nor Andrew Freeman, the owner of the winery next door, who employed Eliza are likeable characters. They have a long standing feud with Andrew seeing Curtis as a Johnny-come-lately who has no business buying a vineyard. Tightly plotted and masterfully executed, the strands all come together in an ending I'm sure no one could have forseen.
This is a very impressive debut thriller with complex characters and a plot that constantly changes direction. Jack Quick is a damaged soul with a secret guilt he carries from his childhood and an ongoing eating disorder that he struggles to control. However, he is determined to get to the truth even if it does mean overturning the findings of his earlier podcast. Neither vineyard owner Curtis Wade nor Andrew Freeman, the owner of the winery next door, who employed Eliza are likeable characters. They have a long standing feud with Andrew seeing Curtis as a Johnny-come-lately who has no business buying a vineyard. Tightly plotted and masterfully executed, the strands all come together in an ending I'm sure no one could have forseen.
September 17, 2019
I felt this was an intriguing, complicated mystery, but the biggest puzzle was why the book is available with three different titles. This caused a lot of confusion when searching for a Kindle version.
Jack Quick is producing a crime documentary with the aim of proving to the TV audience that Curtis Wade, in prison for murder, is innocent. In the beginning, the initial descriptions of both these men are wickedly amusing.
Jack has suffered from bulimia and PTSD ever since he witnessed a childhood accident which resulted in his brother being in a vegetative state. It describes his cold, thin hands with the bones showing through.
� Vampiric fingers designed to protrude from, curl around the lids of coffins.�
Curtis speaks with a vocabulary influenced by his time in prison and experience with the court system. This belied his lack of intelligence and education.
In court his statement, “I didn’t stab the bitch, Your Honor� after a couple of years becomes, � I did not implicate those lacerations as identified by the prosecutor on this bitch, Your Honor�.
I wished for more such dark humour in the narrative, but much of the book deals with Jack pondering moral and ethical questions on the nature of truth, and when lies of omission or commission might be acceptable. Jack is ambitious and feels that it matters little whether Curtis was guilty or innocent, but the success of the program would be based on raising doubts that he had a fair trial.
The atmospheric plot takes place in Sydney and in a small town in the wine-producing Hunter Valley to the north. Four years ago the body of a young woman, Eliza, was found in Wade’s vineyard. She was a backpacker travelling around Australia, and at the time she disappeared she had been working picking grapes at a neighbouring property belonging to a very wealthy man in the wine business. Curtis had been convicted of the murder on flimsy evidence and was an unpopular figure in the town due to his previous destructive actions.
During the course of the documentary, Jack finds some evidence which points to Curtis’s guilt but hides the object. The show proceeds with the theme of his possible innocence, circumstantial evidence, sloppy police work and an unfair trial. This has made for popular TV, and Curtis is freed on retrial.
Another woman is found murdered in a similar manner, and so the strong suspicion is that Curtis has killed again. Jack is guilt-ridden, as he feels his show was instrumental in freeing Curtis, and that his hiding evidence leading to the second murder. He feels compelled to find the truth about both killings.
There is much that is thought-provoking, dealing with moral and ethical choices.
I learned more about vineyards and wine production that I ever cared to know. I never anticipated the final twist!
*3.5* Stars.
Jack Quick is producing a crime documentary with the aim of proving to the TV audience that Curtis Wade, in prison for murder, is innocent. In the beginning, the initial descriptions of both these men are wickedly amusing.
Jack has suffered from bulimia and PTSD ever since he witnessed a childhood accident which resulted in his brother being in a vegetative state. It describes his cold, thin hands with the bones showing through.
� Vampiric fingers designed to protrude from, curl around the lids of coffins.�
Curtis speaks with a vocabulary influenced by his time in prison and experience with the court system. This belied his lack of intelligence and education.
In court his statement, “I didn’t stab the bitch, Your Honor� after a couple of years becomes, � I did not implicate those lacerations as identified by the prosecutor on this bitch, Your Honor�.
I wished for more such dark humour in the narrative, but much of the book deals with Jack pondering moral and ethical questions on the nature of truth, and when lies of omission or commission might be acceptable. Jack is ambitious and feels that it matters little whether Curtis was guilty or innocent, but the success of the program would be based on raising doubts that he had a fair trial.
The atmospheric plot takes place in Sydney and in a small town in the wine-producing Hunter Valley to the north. Four years ago the body of a young woman, Eliza, was found in Wade’s vineyard. She was a backpacker travelling around Australia, and at the time she disappeared she had been working picking grapes at a neighbouring property belonging to a very wealthy man in the wine business. Curtis had been convicted of the murder on flimsy evidence and was an unpopular figure in the town due to his previous destructive actions.
During the course of the documentary, Jack finds some evidence which points to Curtis’s guilt but hides the object. The show proceeds with the theme of his possible innocence, circumstantial evidence, sloppy police work and an unfair trial. This has made for popular TV, and Curtis is freed on retrial.
Another woman is found murdered in a similar manner, and so the strong suspicion is that Curtis has killed again. Jack is guilt-ridden, as he feels his show was instrumental in freeing Curtis, and that his hiding evidence leading to the second murder. He feels compelled to find the truth about both killings.
There is much that is thought-provoking, dealing with moral and ethical choices.
I learned more about vineyards and wine production that I ever cared to know. I never anticipated the final twist!
*3.5* Stars.
April 24, 2019
Jack is a TV journalists who is working on a story of a murdered woman.
He is convinced that the wrong man has been convicted and works to get the conviction overturned. After the man has been released from prison another murder is committed that looks like the same killer.
I found the characters in this book unlikeable and the writing style also made it difficult for me to engage with the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton off my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
He is convinced that the wrong man has been convicted and works to get the conviction overturned. After the man has been released from prison another murder is committed that looks like the same killer.
I found the characters in this book unlikeable and the writing style also made it difficult for me to engage with the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton off my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
A gripping debut by Benjamin Stevenson
Jack has a podcast on true crimes. He finally has a big break with a docu-drama story he is doing for TV. Curtis Wade was convicted of a murder of a girl named Eliza. Jack's drama showed that Curtis was convicted with insufficient evidence and was released after 4 years in prison. Soon after another dead body shows up.
Now Jack isn't so sure that Curtis is so innocent after all.
The story is set in Australia, has great character development. The triple twist at the end omg.
Thank you #netgalley and #sourcebooks for the advanced readers copy for an honest review. 4/5. #trustmewhenilie
Release date August 13, 2019
Jack has a podcast on true crimes. He finally has a big break with a docu-drama story he is doing for TV. Curtis Wade was convicted of a murder of a girl named Eliza. Jack's drama showed that Curtis was convicted with insufficient evidence and was released after 4 years in prison. Soon after another dead body shows up.
Now Jack isn't so sure that Curtis is so innocent after all.
The story is set in Australia, has great character development. The triple twist at the end omg.
Thank you #netgalley and #sourcebooks for the advanced readers copy for an honest review. 4/5. #trustmewhenilie
Release date August 13, 2019
March 1, 2023
Set largely in the New South Wales wine region of the Hunter Valley, Greenlight is a thought-provoking mystery featuring a cast of hot-tempered characters ensuring a hot-tempered story chock full of fiery confrontations. This is a very strong debut by Benjamin Stevenson that shines a spotlight on the ethical veracity of the true-crime documentary field and its role in meting out justice.
Documentary true crime maker Jack Quick has just put the finishing touches on a local murder case in which he put the theory forward that the man currently serving out a sentence in gaol, Curtis Wade, may not be the person who killed Eliza Dacey.
Quick has put together a compelling argument with evidence examined from a different light. Fast forward to after the show is aired and, what do you know, Curtis Wade has been released from prison. Almost immediately Jack doubts himself - has he just helped a murderer get out of prison early? The sudden appearance of a new piece of evidence, a shoe in fact, starts to really trouble him and he decides he needs to go over the case all over again.
A further blow to his confidence is crushingly delivered to him while on-air on a chat show when it is revealed a second murder, eerily similar to the original, has just been carried out on a woman close to the original case. With Wade now out of gaol, could it be possible he’s done it again? Surely, not…but maybe.
Forced to return to Birravale, the small town where the original murder took place, Jack quickly discovers the hatchet-job he’d done on the townsfolk wouldn’t be easily forgotten or forgiven. Finding a motel room, a meal to eat or a civil conversation is not going to be easy. But he has to persevere if he is to properly re-investigate the case.
Via his re-investigation we are given an in-depth look at Jack himself. He is a deeply troubled man with a tragic past. And that past is slowly laid bare to reveal deep psychological scars that he continues to struggle with.
Equally, we are fed a procession of characters, each of whom may have had the motive and opportunity to have committed one or other of the murders. The list of suspects grew, doubts over who to believe clouded my mind and I found myself at a loss over what actually happened. That is, until the monumentally shocking unveiling(s).
Through outstanding pacing and a finely described setting, this is a murder mystery that plays with your mind. It’s heavy with emotional turmoil, uncomfortable confrontations and a compelling, consistently interesting plot.
Documentary true crime maker Jack Quick has just put the finishing touches on a local murder case in which he put the theory forward that the man currently serving out a sentence in gaol, Curtis Wade, may not be the person who killed Eliza Dacey.
Quick has put together a compelling argument with evidence examined from a different light. Fast forward to after the show is aired and, what do you know, Curtis Wade has been released from prison. Almost immediately Jack doubts himself - has he just helped a murderer get out of prison early? The sudden appearance of a new piece of evidence, a shoe in fact, starts to really trouble him and he decides he needs to go over the case all over again.
A further blow to his confidence is crushingly delivered to him while on-air on a chat show when it is revealed a second murder, eerily similar to the original, has just been carried out on a woman close to the original case. With Wade now out of gaol, could it be possible he’s done it again? Surely, not…but maybe.
Forced to return to Birravale, the small town where the original murder took place, Jack quickly discovers the hatchet-job he’d done on the townsfolk wouldn’t be easily forgotten or forgiven. Finding a motel room, a meal to eat or a civil conversation is not going to be easy. But he has to persevere if he is to properly re-investigate the case.
Via his re-investigation we are given an in-depth look at Jack himself. He is a deeply troubled man with a tragic past. And that past is slowly laid bare to reveal deep psychological scars that he continues to struggle with.
Equally, we are fed a procession of characters, each of whom may have had the motive and opportunity to have committed one or other of the murders. The list of suspects grew, doubts over who to believe clouded my mind and I found myself at a loss over what actually happened. That is, until the monumentally shocking unveiling(s).
Through outstanding pacing and a finely described setting, this is a murder mystery that plays with your mind. It’s heavy with emotional turmoil, uncomfortable confrontations and a compelling, consistently interesting plot.
September 25, 2018
There's a something about GREENLIGHT that feels like a non-too-subtle dig at the commercialisation of true crime. There's always been a sub-set of true crime writing that's been about the crims, their exploits, personalities and too big to be believable criminal histories. Ranging from reflective and analytical in style, to tongue in cheek, many books and programs seem to have contributed to the rise of the "celebrity criminal".
It's no surprise then that the rise and rise of the true crime investigative journalist is increasingly leaking over into the crime fiction realm, with GREENLIGHT by debut Australian author Benjamin Stevenson introducing documentary maker Jack Quick doing a major TV program on the murder of Eliza Daley. Not exactly a cold case, this was supposedly solved, the owner of the property where her body was found already convicted of her murder. Starting out with the chilling final moments of Eliza's life, as the walls of the cellar she's been held in start to "bleed", GREENLIGHT then switches to the final episode of Jack Quick's TV series, and doubt being cast on the conviction of Curtis Wade for her murder. Once Wade is released, it takes the copycat murder of his defence lawyer to trigger a crisis of confidence in Quick and his return to the small winemaking region around Birravale.
Whilst there is much to be made of the true crime industry, GREENLIGHT doesn't lose track of the core crime fiction component of solving an actual crime. In this case the murder of Eliza Daley is treated as a part cold case and part possible miscarriage of justice, with Quick starting out assuming the later, and things rapidly taking on the hue of the former. The murder of Wade's defence lawyer ramps things up substantially, with the idea that Quick's program may just have allowed a killer to walk free, but it also creates a more immediate sense about the investigation - it's a current case that is in the focus now, with echoes back to the murder of Daley.
Set in a rural location, GREENLIGHT has some street cred in terms of setting and the dynamics in which the original murder took place. A predominantly wine-growing region a few hours outside Sydney, Birravale has problems. A small community, made up of original families, and blow-in's, dealing with the complications of an incoming workforce of backpackers, tourists and now, investigative journalists, Birravale daily life revolves around the pub, but the wineries bring the people and the money in.
Adding to the mix in this novel is the "hero" of the piece as a flawed individual in his own right. An accident in their teenage years has meant that his older brother is comatose, cared for by their father, the circumstances of his brother's accident aren't clear but it's obvious that there is something very traumatic happened to them both. It has triggered bulimia in Quick, a condition that's rare in males, and the source of many complications in his life and relationships. As the story of Eliza Daley's murder plays out, Quick's personal story is revealed, balancing nicely, explaining much about his behaviour, rounding out the reader's connection and understanding of both.
Playing with this cast of characters, their connections, the things that bind them and drive them apart, there's a great sense of small community, shared and private secrets, and people searching for ways forward. The plot is fairly laid out, allowing the detective readers to solve the mysteries along the way or simply ride along with Quick as he searches for the truth. Well paced out, populated by flawed but approachable characters, set in a location that doesn't feel manipulative or convenient, GREENLIGHT is about crime, greed, money, influence, bad decisions and human frailty and nastiness.
It's no surprise then that the rise and rise of the true crime investigative journalist is increasingly leaking over into the crime fiction realm, with GREENLIGHT by debut Australian author Benjamin Stevenson introducing documentary maker Jack Quick doing a major TV program on the murder of Eliza Daley. Not exactly a cold case, this was supposedly solved, the owner of the property where her body was found already convicted of her murder. Starting out with the chilling final moments of Eliza's life, as the walls of the cellar she's been held in start to "bleed", GREENLIGHT then switches to the final episode of Jack Quick's TV series, and doubt being cast on the conviction of Curtis Wade for her murder. Once Wade is released, it takes the copycat murder of his defence lawyer to trigger a crisis of confidence in Quick and his return to the small winemaking region around Birravale.
Whilst there is much to be made of the true crime industry, GREENLIGHT doesn't lose track of the core crime fiction component of solving an actual crime. In this case the murder of Eliza Daley is treated as a part cold case and part possible miscarriage of justice, with Quick starting out assuming the later, and things rapidly taking on the hue of the former. The murder of Wade's defence lawyer ramps things up substantially, with the idea that Quick's program may just have allowed a killer to walk free, but it also creates a more immediate sense about the investigation - it's a current case that is in the focus now, with echoes back to the murder of Daley.
Set in a rural location, GREENLIGHT has some street cred in terms of setting and the dynamics in which the original murder took place. A predominantly wine-growing region a few hours outside Sydney, Birravale has problems. A small community, made up of original families, and blow-in's, dealing with the complications of an incoming workforce of backpackers, tourists and now, investigative journalists, Birravale daily life revolves around the pub, but the wineries bring the people and the money in.
Adding to the mix in this novel is the "hero" of the piece as a flawed individual in his own right. An accident in their teenage years has meant that his older brother is comatose, cared for by their father, the circumstances of his brother's accident aren't clear but it's obvious that there is something very traumatic happened to them both. It has triggered bulimia in Quick, a condition that's rare in males, and the source of many complications in his life and relationships. As the story of Eliza Daley's murder plays out, Quick's personal story is revealed, balancing nicely, explaining much about his behaviour, rounding out the reader's connection and understanding of both.
Playing with this cast of characters, their connections, the things that bind them and drive them apart, there's a great sense of small community, shared and private secrets, and people searching for ways forward. The plot is fairly laid out, allowing the detective readers to solve the mysteries along the way or simply ride along with Quick as he searches for the truth. Well paced out, populated by flawed but approachable characters, set in a location that doesn't feel manipulative or convenient, GREENLIGHT is about crime, greed, money, influence, bad decisions and human frailty and nastiness.
November 30, 2020
I liked it but I didn’t love it.
There’s a decent story here; it reminded me a lot of Charlie Donlea’s Don’t Believe It, but I think the main gripe I have with this book is that it’s exhaustingly overwritten. Language can create the world with which a story is set, but language can also be its downfall.
There were so many spelling and grammatical errors, repetitive sentences, and even character mix ups, all of which should have been picked up by the editor/s, and it became tedious after a while.
I couldn’t warm to any of the characters and found the time-shifts/flashbacks to be awkward and confusing. They interrupted the flow of pivotal moments, while other important parts that I feel should have been included, were glossed over in a matter of a few sentences after the fact.
Shame really, I had such high hopes, but this one just wasn’t for me.
There’s a decent story here; it reminded me a lot of Charlie Donlea’s Don’t Believe It, but I think the main gripe I have with this book is that it’s exhaustingly overwritten. Language can create the world with which a story is set, but language can also be its downfall.
There were so many spelling and grammatical errors, repetitive sentences, and even character mix ups, all of which should have been picked up by the editor/s, and it became tedious after a while.
I couldn’t warm to any of the characters and found the time-shifts/flashbacks to be awkward and confusing. They interrupted the flow of pivotal moments, while other important parts that I feel should have been included, were glossed over in a matter of a few sentences after the fact.
Shame really, I had such high hopes, but this one just wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2018
My View:
About Benjamin Stevenson (
Benjamin Stevenson is an award-winning stand-up comedian and author. He has sold out shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has appeared on ABCTV, Channel 10, and The Comedy Channel. Off-stage, Benjamin has worked for publishing houses and literary agencies in Australia and the USA. He currently works with some of Australia’s best-loved authors at Curtis Brown Australia. Greenlight is his first novel.
I have just finished reading Greenlight and wanted to know a little bit about the author as I was very impressed with this debut. What a surprise � a comedian? There is no comedy in Greenlight. Works in the publishing industry, I was sure I was going to find but didn’t � works in the film industry, specifically on documentaries, his protagonist Jack has an authentic documentary maker voice. I loved this aspect of the book.
Back to the book � this is a brutal, dark and intriguing crime fiction narrative.
I like how Stevenson has turned the stereotype regarding eating disorders on its head; a sad yet refreshing and honest approach here.
Consequences, guilt, redemption and acceptance are themes that are sited in small town prejudices. Tension, tension, tension. And the ending � no spoilers here. Think you have it worked out? Think again.
A great read.
About Benjamin Stevenson (
Benjamin Stevenson is an award-winning stand-up comedian and author. He has sold out shows from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has appeared on ABCTV, Channel 10, and The Comedy Channel. Off-stage, Benjamin has worked for publishing houses and literary agencies in Australia and the USA. He currently works with some of Australia’s best-loved authors at Curtis Brown Australia. Greenlight is his first novel.
I have just finished reading Greenlight and wanted to know a little bit about the author as I was very impressed with this debut. What a surprise � a comedian? There is no comedy in Greenlight. Works in the publishing industry, I was sure I was going to find but didn’t � works in the film industry, specifically on documentaries, his protagonist Jack has an authentic documentary maker voice. I loved this aspect of the book.
Back to the book � this is a brutal, dark and intriguing crime fiction narrative.
I like how Stevenson has turned the stereotype regarding eating disorders on its head; a sad yet refreshing and honest approach here.
Consequences, guilt, redemption and acceptance are themes that are sited in small town prejudices. Tension, tension, tension. And the ending � no spoilers here. Think you have it worked out? Think again.
A great read.
February 17, 2019
Note: I read an advanced proof of the UK release which is retitled "She Lies in the Vines" and will be released here 5th Sept.
I'll be reviewing it nearer the time but I thoroughly enjoyed this. With our Making a Murderer and similar obsession this looks at a different angle for that kind of documentary- the filmmaker. How they manipulate an audience and in this case take that a little too far then have to live with the guilt.
Clever and involving. Re commended.
I'll be reviewing it nearer the time but I thoroughly enjoyed this. With our Making a Murderer and similar obsession this looks at a different angle for that kind of documentary- the filmmaker. How they manipulate an audience and in this case take that a little too far then have to live with the guilt.
Clever and involving. Re commended.
February 29, 2024
When a podcaster decides to investigate a murder that happened 4 years ago, he unknowingly sets off a chain reaction that will eventually lead to another murder. After helps Curia get out of prison, Jack is starting to think he had it all wrong. For the most part I enjoyed this. There were a few chapters that I wished the story moved forward, but that ending was excellent!
May 1, 2024
3.5 🌟
I flew through the first half of this book rather intrigued but the last half dragged. I was tired of the storyline and characters. Also, I totally guessed the killer from the beginning. Not bad for a debut novel, but I enjoyed his books Everyone in my family has murdered someone and Everyone on this train is a suspect way more, highly recommend those!
Trigger warning for eating disorder
I flew through the first half of this book rather intrigued but the last half dragged. I was tired of the storyline and characters. Also, I totally guessed the killer from the beginning. Not bad for a debut novel, but I enjoyed his books Everyone in my family has murdered someone and Everyone on this train is a suspect way more, highly recommend those!
Trigger warning for eating disorder
August 6, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
Trust Me When I Lie had a really interesting premise, but it never quite lived up to it’s potential for me.
Jack was a popular true crime podcast host that got his big break investigating the trial of Curtis Wade. Curtis was convicted of killing a young woman with very little actual evidence. Jack creates a tv show chronicling the many errors of the case. He doesn’t really seem to understand there are real world implications to what his show produces and is only after telling a good story. When he comes across a piece of evidence that doesn’t fit into his narrative, he doesn’t share it. When Curtis eventually gets released from prison, Jack begins to worry that maybe he really is guilty and sets out to prove it.
I was disappointed that the tv show didn’t really play that big of part in the story. I expected more excerpts and interviews and “making of� moments. However, the story mostly takes place after the show has aired and there is very little shared about it, other than that Jack ruined people’s careers � and made others � and edited statements to his own purposes. The story mostly followed Jack bumbling around trying to figure things out and wasn’t as suspenseful or mysterious as I was hoping for. From very early on in the story I had a theory that ended up being right. There were a couple of red herrings throughout where I thought maybe my original theory was wrong, but it wasn’t. It made the “twist� really anti-climactic for me.
Overall, Trust Me When I Lie had enjoyable moments, but did not live up to my expectations. It didn’t involve the show as much as I wanted it to and the mystery held very few surprises. However, I enjoyed the dark humor and thought the characterization was really well done. I would be interested to see what Stevenson does in the future.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
Trust Me When I Lie had a really interesting premise, but it never quite lived up to it’s potential for me.
Jack was a popular true crime podcast host that got his big break investigating the trial of Curtis Wade. Curtis was convicted of killing a young woman with very little actual evidence. Jack creates a tv show chronicling the many errors of the case. He doesn’t really seem to understand there are real world implications to what his show produces and is only after telling a good story. When he comes across a piece of evidence that doesn’t fit into his narrative, he doesn’t share it. When Curtis eventually gets released from prison, Jack begins to worry that maybe he really is guilty and sets out to prove it.
I was disappointed that the tv show didn’t really play that big of part in the story. I expected more excerpts and interviews and “making of� moments. However, the story mostly takes place after the show has aired and there is very little shared about it, other than that Jack ruined people’s careers � and made others � and edited statements to his own purposes. The story mostly followed Jack bumbling around trying to figure things out and wasn’t as suspenseful or mysterious as I was hoping for. From very early on in the story I had a theory that ended up being right. There were a couple of red herrings throughout where I thought maybe my original theory was wrong, but it wasn’t. It made the “twist� really anti-climactic for me.
Overall, Trust Me When I Lie had enjoyable moments, but did not live up to my expectations. It didn’t involve the show as much as I wanted it to and the mystery held very few surprises. However, I enjoyed the dark humor and thought the characterization was really well done. I would be interested to see what Stevenson does in the future.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
September 27, 2018
Show, don't tell. How many times have I heard that, right back to when I was a kid in high school? So it still astounds me when books make it through to publication, seemingly oblivious to this rule.
Here we have a great premise. A TV show sifts through the evidence of an old open-and-shut murder case to free a wrongly-convicted man, only for a second identical crime to occur immediately after and throw the whole thing into doubt.
So springs the show's maverick host, Jack Quick, on a trail to uncover the real murderer(s), and really, from this point on, with twists and turns at every step (not to mention a police force of staggering ineptitude), it all starts to stretch the limits of credibility. It's not all bad though. It's honestly a decent yarn, and quite a refreshing take on the impact of reality television on, well, reality.
However, the one thing I cannot get over is the failure to observe novel writing 101 - show, don't tell. Constantly we are thrust into Jack Quick's head as a means of leading the reader into making the right conclusions "if this was really happening then he had to have known, Jack thought", and "he could see that she was hiding something, he just had to work out what it was and why," etc. Add in a bit of point of view ping-pong - "she wondered whether he really knew" - and I was ready to throw the book at the wall (please note quotes used are not actual quotes, just illustrations of the general theme).
It was marketed as the Australian thriller of the year. Sadly, for me, the premise was ruined by the execution.
Here we have a great premise. A TV show sifts through the evidence of an old open-and-shut murder case to free a wrongly-convicted man, only for a second identical crime to occur immediately after and throw the whole thing into doubt.
So springs the show's maverick host, Jack Quick, on a trail to uncover the real murderer(s), and really, from this point on, with twists and turns at every step (not to mention a police force of staggering ineptitude), it all starts to stretch the limits of credibility. It's not all bad though. It's honestly a decent yarn, and quite a refreshing take on the impact of reality television on, well, reality.
However, the one thing I cannot get over is the failure to observe novel writing 101 - show, don't tell. Constantly we are thrust into Jack Quick's head as a means of leading the reader into making the right conclusions "if this was really happening then he had to have known, Jack thought", and "he could see that she was hiding something, he just had to work out what it was and why," etc. Add in a bit of point of view ping-pong - "she wondered whether he really knew" - and I was ready to throw the book at the wall (please note quotes used are not actual quotes, just illustrations of the general theme).
It was marketed as the Australian thriller of the year. Sadly, for me, the premise was ruined by the execution.
January 9, 2019
GREENLIGHT is an incredibly topical thriller about a true-crime podcaster who gets a wrongfully convicted killer released from prison - and then, when another body turns up, realises that the guy might have been guilty after all. All the characters are damaged and intriguing, the Australian setting is authentic and sinister (often funny, too), and the last ten chapters worth of twists will take your breath away. I think GREENLIGHT is one of the best crime reads of 2018, and you should definitely check it out.
Favourite quote - there are so many, but this tickled me:
"James scratched the back of his wrists - his thinness gave him a good range of movement in the cuffs - and his forearms rattled in the loops like the ball of gas in a spray can."
It's also worth reading Stevenson's piece on the books that changed him:
Favourite quote - there are so many, but this tickled me:
"James scratched the back of his wrists - his thinness gave him a good range of movement in the cuffs - and his forearms rattled in the loops like the ball of gas in a spray can."
It's also worth reading Stevenson's piece on the books that changed him:
February 6, 2020
3.5 STARS! I'd have rounded it down if not for that unique ending and how the last 2 parts/episodes wrapped it up perfectly. Despite its flaws and areas that needed improvement, this book still goes to my faves shelf, because it was remarkable.
RTC.
RTC.
December 27, 2021
I’ve read mixed reviews of this book so I was a little worried when I started reading and struggled to get into it. Then, about 50 or so pages in, something clicked and I started to connect with the characters until I was obsessively rushing to finish.
Jack Quick is a podcaster who breaks into the big time and creates a tv show featuring convicted killer Curtis Wade. A young English backpacker was found dead on Curtis’s vineyard in a [fictional] town in the Hunter Valley and Jack’s series focused on the police investigation and its inconsistencies. Soon the show is such a success that Curtis is released from gaol and Jack is enjoying fame and fortune. But, what if the police were correct and Curtis is a serial killer? And Jack has just enabled Curtis to walk free, ready to kill again?
I loved Jack. As always with this type of book, he’s a flawed hero but I thought Stevenson did this better than some other writers. He didn’t fall into the trap of giving him the usual drinking problem and/or ex-wife/girlfriend problem. Instead, his demons are unique and contemporary and really sad.
I wavered as to whether or not I thought Curtis was guilty or not throughout. One chapter I was sure he did it and the next I was sitting on the fence, uncertain. There’s other mysteries to solve and I don’t think I guessed too many of the final revelations so I would definitely say Greenlight had a few great twists.
To be honest, the one thing I was confused about was the title. I wasn’t a fan. The book has had a couple of other titles -- Trust Me When I Lie and She Lies in the Vines -- and if I had to choose, I’d probably go with the last one.
I switched between traditional reading and listening. The Audiobook was narrated by Rupert Degas who was once again great.
I’ve already bought book two featuring Jack. 5 out of 5
Jack Quick is a podcaster who breaks into the big time and creates a tv show featuring convicted killer Curtis Wade. A young English backpacker was found dead on Curtis’s vineyard in a [fictional] town in the Hunter Valley and Jack’s series focused on the police investigation and its inconsistencies. Soon the show is such a success that Curtis is released from gaol and Jack is enjoying fame and fortune. But, what if the police were correct and Curtis is a serial killer? And Jack has just enabled Curtis to walk free, ready to kill again?
I loved Jack. As always with this type of book, he’s a flawed hero but I thought Stevenson did this better than some other writers. He didn’t fall into the trap of giving him the usual drinking problem and/or ex-wife/girlfriend problem. Instead, his demons are unique and contemporary and really sad.
I wavered as to whether or not I thought Curtis was guilty or not throughout. One chapter I was sure he did it and the next I was sitting on the fence, uncertain. There’s other mysteries to solve and I don’t think I guessed too many of the final revelations so I would definitely say Greenlight had a few great twists.
To be honest, the one thing I was confused about was the title. I wasn’t a fan. The book has had a couple of other titles -- Trust Me When I Lie and She Lies in the Vines -- and if I had to choose, I’d probably go with the last one.
I switched between traditional reading and listening. The Audiobook was narrated by Rupert Degas who was once again great.
I’ve already bought book two featuring Jack. 5 out of 5
March 20, 2020
Brilliant
March 10, 2022
Being a fan of true crime documentaries myself, the premise for Greenlight by Benjamin Stevenson held immediate appeal. Jack is the creator of a true crime docuseries and succeeds in achieving a new trial for a wrongly convicted man who is later released. When a new victim is discovered, Jack is forced to question everything. Did he help a murderer walk free?
Set in NSW, the narrative involves a winery and a vineyard and several characters with questionable backgrounds and potential motives. The documentary scene was an interesting perspective and the Australian setting and dialogue was a joy to read.
There's also some terrific character insight, like this discussion between two characters about guilt and grief.
"Bullshit. Regret. Guilt. They don't exist. What you're really feeling is grief. Whatever decision you made, whatever you think you regret, you thought you were better than that. And then, when it came to the crunch, you weren't. And you know that now." Page 41
At this point in the novel, the character in question realises that he's grieving the loss of the person he thought he was. So profound!
Don't worry though, there's plenty of lighter moments too, like this one that made me snort (no kidding):
"You fuck with one of us, you fuck with all of us. I see you snooping again, I charge you. Got that? Now - he pointed to the door - I think you have a busy day of fucking off to take care of." Page 94
What a sensational insult! I'm trying to remember this so I can use it in the future but I doubt it'll pack as much punch as it does on the page. I found out after finishing this debut novel that in addition to being Australian, the author is a twin and together with his brother they are the Stevenson Experience. They've toured their musical comedy all around Australia and at the coveted Edinburgh festival, so it's no wonder the author was able to make me chuckle while reading a crime thriller. ( is brilliant at this!)
Greenlight by Benjamin Stevenson kept me entertained throughout and I didn't pick the 'whodunnit'. The tension continues to build until the exciting denouement and I can highly recommend this for fans of Australian crime fiction. Greenlight is the first in a series to feature producer Jack Quick and the second - released in 2020 - is called which I've added to my TBR.
Before I can get to that though, I've accepted a request from the publisher to review Benjamin Stevenson's latest book which is a standalone mystery coming out at the end of this month.
All in all, I've enjoyed my introduction to Benjamin Stevenson and am looking forward to the next one.
Set in NSW, the narrative involves a winery and a vineyard and several characters with questionable backgrounds and potential motives. The documentary scene was an interesting perspective and the Australian setting and dialogue was a joy to read.
There's also some terrific character insight, like this discussion between two characters about guilt and grief.
"Bullshit. Regret. Guilt. They don't exist. What you're really feeling is grief. Whatever decision you made, whatever you think you regret, you thought you were better than that. And then, when it came to the crunch, you weren't. And you know that now." Page 41
At this point in the novel, the character in question realises that he's grieving the loss of the person he thought he was. So profound!
Don't worry though, there's plenty of lighter moments too, like this one that made me snort (no kidding):
"You fuck with one of us, you fuck with all of us. I see you snooping again, I charge you. Got that? Now - he pointed to the door - I think you have a busy day of fucking off to take care of." Page 94
What a sensational insult! I'm trying to remember this so I can use it in the future but I doubt it'll pack as much punch as it does on the page. I found out after finishing this debut novel that in addition to being Australian, the author is a twin and together with his brother they are the Stevenson Experience. They've toured their musical comedy all around Australia and at the coveted Edinburgh festival, so it's no wonder the author was able to make me chuckle while reading a crime thriller. ( is brilliant at this!)
Greenlight by Benjamin Stevenson kept me entertained throughout and I didn't pick the 'whodunnit'. The tension continues to build until the exciting denouement and I can highly recommend this for fans of Australian crime fiction. Greenlight is the first in a series to feature producer Jack Quick and the second - released in 2020 - is called which I've added to my TBR.
Before I can get to that though, I've accepted a request from the publisher to review Benjamin Stevenson's latest book which is a standalone mystery coming out at the end of this month.
All in all, I've enjoyed my introduction to Benjamin Stevenson and am looking forward to the next one.
July 9, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy of She Lies in the Vines, a stand alone novel set in Australia’s Hunter Valley.
Jack Quick parlayed his true crime podcast about the four year old murder of Eliza Dacey and the conviction of her killer, Curtis Wade, into a documentary series questioning the evidence and Curtis’s conviction. When Jack finds evidence incriminating Curtis shortly before his final broadcast he buries it as it doesn’t fit his narrative. When Curtis’s conviction is overturned, based in part on the series, Jack is perturbed, knowing he’s guilty without being able to do anything about it. When another body is found, killed in the same way, Jack knows he has to do something about it.
I was looking forward to reading She Lies in the Vines as I like Australian fiction and I found the premise interesting and topical, the role true crime documentaries are currently playing in shaping the narrative of past criminal investigations. Unfortunately, the format and execution didn’t appeal to me and I struggled to finish the novel. The novel is told from Jack’s point of view and has a mostly linear timeline but it sometimes slips into the past with no real rhyme or reason and can be confusing. My main gripe, however, is the substance of the plot which has Jack running around to no good effect, based on whatever fancy his mind concocts that day. It is probably quite realistic in that I imagine it’s the way non professionals would go about investigating but it doesn’t make for good fiction as it comes across as muddled, and, after a few times, boring (“here we go again�).
The novel is not all bad as it has some good twists and an exciting finale. I also liked the writing about small town Australia which is atmospheric with the decaying economy, suspicion and defence of the rich man in town.
The novel revolves around Jack Quick and his motivations. He is well drawn but unappealing, being selfish, economical with the truth, not particularly bright and shallow. I assume that the novel is supposed to redeem him in its conclusion but I don’t really see it as his path hasn’t changed.
She Lies in the Vines is a solid read, just not to my taste.
Jack Quick parlayed his true crime podcast about the four year old murder of Eliza Dacey and the conviction of her killer, Curtis Wade, into a documentary series questioning the evidence and Curtis’s conviction. When Jack finds evidence incriminating Curtis shortly before his final broadcast he buries it as it doesn’t fit his narrative. When Curtis’s conviction is overturned, based in part on the series, Jack is perturbed, knowing he’s guilty without being able to do anything about it. When another body is found, killed in the same way, Jack knows he has to do something about it.
I was looking forward to reading She Lies in the Vines as I like Australian fiction and I found the premise interesting and topical, the role true crime documentaries are currently playing in shaping the narrative of past criminal investigations. Unfortunately, the format and execution didn’t appeal to me and I struggled to finish the novel. The novel is told from Jack’s point of view and has a mostly linear timeline but it sometimes slips into the past with no real rhyme or reason and can be confusing. My main gripe, however, is the substance of the plot which has Jack running around to no good effect, based on whatever fancy his mind concocts that day. It is probably quite realistic in that I imagine it’s the way non professionals would go about investigating but it doesn’t make for good fiction as it comes across as muddled, and, after a few times, boring (“here we go again�).
The novel is not all bad as it has some good twists and an exciting finale. I also liked the writing about small town Australia which is atmospheric with the decaying economy, suspicion and defence of the rich man in town.
The novel revolves around Jack Quick and his motivations. He is well drawn but unappealing, being selfish, economical with the truth, not particularly bright and shallow. I assume that the novel is supposed to redeem him in its conclusion but I don’t really see it as his path hasn’t changed.
She Lies in the Vines is a solid read, just not to my taste.
August 1, 2019
A brilliant thriller which brought a shiver down my spine. The story was quite different from what I have read in recent times.
A documentary made by Jack Quick investigating the case of Curtis Wade where going through the evidence got him a shocking discovery, and the documentary itself got Curtis's conviction overturned. But the story didn't end here. A murder brought Jack to the forefront when he realized height have made the biggest mistake of his life. And his real investigation began
Benjamin Stevenson's story had me excited from the get-go. The characters were well developed but flawed. Curtis appeared to be cooperating and kept reiterating he was innocent but was he? Jack too was a dubious one with a dark past. He seemed to be genuine, but was he?
The book had great twists which kept me thrilled, the turns had me dizzy which it's curves, and an absolutely gripping end had me gasping. I was completely astounded. A brilliant read.
A documentary made by Jack Quick investigating the case of Curtis Wade where going through the evidence got him a shocking discovery, and the documentary itself got Curtis's conviction overturned. But the story didn't end here. A murder brought Jack to the forefront when he realized height have made the biggest mistake of his life. And his real investigation began
Benjamin Stevenson's story had me excited from the get-go. The characters were well developed but flawed. Curtis appeared to be cooperating and kept reiterating he was innocent but was he? Jack too was a dubious one with a dark past. He seemed to be genuine, but was he?
The book had great twists which kept me thrilled, the turns had me dizzy which it's curves, and an absolutely gripping end had me gasping. I was completely astounded. A brilliant read.
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