A double murder, disguised as a boating accident, claims the lives of two cousins, leaving an immense fortune hanging in the balance. Haunted by a past tragedy, Detective Sean Lloyd travels from London to Halifax Manor to investigate.
While there, Lloyd is drawn into a dark web of household secrets, implicating the remaining four cousins. When Lloyd becomes attached to one of the cousins, Evie Osborne, he is forced to confront his demons. As Lloyd probes the girl's mind for clues, he summons up more than he bargains for. As he races against the clock to solve the crime before the murderer strikes again, every revelation brings him closer to a shocking and unforgettable conclusion.
Detective Sean Lloyd's tormented past and sense of duty provide a compelling backdrop to a tale that delves deep into the intricate dynamics of a family bound by a chilling pact. From the moment I entered the shadowed halls of Halifax Manor, I was entranced by Hanley's ability to craft an atmospheric setting that served as a character in its own right. The secrets and betrayals that shroud the cousins create an addictive sense of anticipation. With each twist and revelation, I found myself caught in the tangle of lies and motives that gradually unraveled, much like a complex puzzle coming together. Each character introduced to the story is considered a suspect, especially with all the secrets and mistrust between the family. Evie and her cousins traverse a landscape of intricate emotions, every step sparking doubt and introspection. As their motivations are laid bare, questions emerge—do they act out of loyalty or self-interest?
Beneath its suspenseful veneer, Sixfold Betrayal unfurls as a psychological voyage, delving into the very essence of human vulnerability and motive. Beyond the allure of mere mystery, it dissects the intricate fibers of the human psyche laid bare by circumstances and secrets. For those in search of an intellectually stimulating, emotionally charged thriller, this book stands as a true gem—one that glimmers with thought-provoking revelations and immersive storytelling that lingers long after the final page is turned.
"I love mysteries. Sixfold Betrayal was a great story that kept me wanting to know who done it right to the end."
"Sixfold Betrayal ticks all the boxes of a great cozy mystery. I felt the author authentically portrayed the times in England that led up to the Second World War. Aside from being a great mystery, it also had great character development and an excellent pace."
The BookViral Review:
An excellent read, with all the elements of a great mystery thriller, ‘Six-fold Betrayal’ is a gripping page-turner which leaves you guessing to the very end.
Once entangled, Detective Sean Lloyd fights to maintain distance as he picks through clues and evidence, even venturing into the psyche of Evie, one of the young cousins with whom he has become inextricably linked. In the vulnerable and seemingly defenceless Evie, he sees his own daughter, Ellen, cruelly snatched from him years before by the very crime he now investigates, as he finds himself hopelessly falling for her Mother, Anna.
Hanley carefully leads her reader through a minefield of deception, half-truth and emotional wreckage as aunts and cousins unravel in a fascinating spider web of cat and mouse, with Lloyd placed firmly at the helm of its development.
Ruthlessly swaying her reader’s emotions between pity and disgust, her characterisation is clever and complex, each player developed fully with a decisive hand. A perfect smattering of tension is enhanced by great descriptive prowess, with heart-stopping moments completing a full spectrum of curiosity to sickening terror, rendering Six-fold Betrayal a faultlessly structured tale of murder and mayhem.
Wonderfully absorbing descriptive passages enhance the plot and atmosphere, lending a sense of reality to each scene, from the deliciously appointed Halifax Manor to the mists and rain of an English climate.
An entertainingly immersive read in memory of Hanley’s inspirational literary role model, Agatha Christie, and a perfect Sunday afternoon prelude to high tea Six-Fold Betrayal is certainly recommended.
"As a fan of Hercule Poirot and British mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed Sixfold Betrayal. It’s the perfect book to dive into on a frosty winter night, or a sunny day at the beach."
Author Sandy Hanley has written an alluring tale that masterfully intertwines complex characters, a haunting atmosphere, and a gripping mystery. Detective Sean Lloyd's journey from London to Halifax Manor is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, duty, and personal reckoning. Hanley's deft descriptions transport readers to the heart of the manor, where each corner holds secrets waiting to be unveiled.
Lloyd's connection with Evie Osborne injects the narrative with raw emotion, providing a refreshing contrast to the intricate mystery that shrouds the cousins and their disturbing pact. As the layers of family history are peeled back, I found myself on the edge of my seat, piecing together the puzzle that Hanley had so brilliantly crafted.
The narrative's seamless transitions between past and present weave a rich story that immerses readers in both the current investigation and the haunting events that led to the cousins' secret pact. The web of lies, betrayal, and hidden motives is intricately constructed, and Hanley skillfully keeps readers guessing until the final, shocking reveal. Hanley delves deep into the characters' emotions, fears, and desires, allowing readers to connect on a personal level.
Hanley's storytelling prowess and ability to evoke emotions make this book an unforgettable reading experience that will linger long after the final page.
"An enjoyable read full of completely unexpected twists and turns. I definitely recommend Sixfold Betrayal.
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