by Lorie Lewis Ham

Details at the end of this post on how to win a copy of Fake Truth. We also have a link to order it from Amazon, and from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.

Fake Truth is the third book in Lee Goldberg’s Ian Ludlow thriller series. It takes place shortly after the end of book two, Killer Thriller. Ian is a well-known thriller author whose books keep unintentionally turning out to be more truth than fiction.

In the second book, Ian and his research assistant/now secret agent Margo helped Chinese movie star Wang Mei defect. Now Ian is stuck with the actress as she fears for her life and doesn’t know what to do. He also has writer’s block, and now not only is his publisher waiting for another book, the government is as well since his books seem to have scenarios that really end up happening, that they never would have thought of. His first two books mirrored real life events, this time they are hoping he can predict one. No pressure there! While trying to come up with an idea for the new book, Ian and Margo stumble upon a secret Russian plot using “fake news” to make Americans believe what they want them to. Throw in a drug lord in Mexico, a killer in California, a big mouth TV pundit, two dead tourists in Portugal, and a rogue citizen army in Texas, and you have a great plot for a thriller–if only it wasn’t all happening in real life. Ian’s vivid imagination is their only hope to figure it all out and save the day, again.

This is such a unique idea for a series, filled with Lee Goldberg’s trademark wit. Fake Truth will keep you on the edge of your seat, but it will also keep you laughing. The plot is crazy and clever, and at times hits a little close to home. Maybe Lee’s books are becoming real too! The characters are fun and real–it is a nice change to have the hero be just a regular guy who somehow manages to step up and do what is needed. Ian and Margo have great chemistry (team chemistry not romantic) and are hilarious together. Adding Wang Mei to this story provided even more complications, and fun. One of my favorite side plots is the one about Ian’s once popular TV show about a plant superhero that starred actor Ronnie Mancuso. Ronnie is a conspiracy nut, who may not be as crazy as he seems.

Fake Truth has everything you could want in a thriller, but with a new twist that makes it a lot of fun. If you enjoy thrillers, don’t miss this book, but it is best if you start the series from the beginning. While this plot stands on its own, it is a lot more fun if you know the background of the characters and how Ian got himself into this life.

Check out our earlier interview with Lee about writing Fake Truth.

To enter to win a copy of Fake Truth, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “fake,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 13, 2020. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If you are entering via email please include you mailing address in case you win, it will be deleted after the contest. You can read our privacy statement here if you like. BE AWARE THAT IT WILL TAKE LONGER THAN USUAL FOR WINNERS TO GET THEIR BOOKS DUE TO THE CURRENT CRISIS.

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You can use this link to purchase this book from indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy, and KRL gets a portion of the sale:

Fake Truth (Ian Ludlow Thrillers #3)

You can use this link to purchase the book on Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.