Buried Lies - by Steven Tingle (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A former private detective with a penchant for trouble stumbles into a deadly conspiracy that puts him in a killer's crosshairs in this witty crime novel, perfect for fans of Timothy Hallinan and Janet Evanovich.

Former police officer turned private detective Davis Reed is taking refuge in the mountains of Cruso, North Carolina, after a run-in with a biker gang dealt him an unfavorable hand. When respected real estate agent Prentiss Wells is killed by an errant golf ball, Davis has no reason to suspect it wasn't an accident. But then a wealthy couple hires him to prove the death was murder and catch the killer. In desperate need of cash, Davis takes the job.

While Davis investigates who had the motive to kill Prentiss, Elizabeth Harper, an accountant who stirs butterflies in Davis's stomach, uncovers a tangled mess of shady real estate deals linked to Prentiss's firm. As the case garners media attention, Davis must carefully navigate a minefield of secrets and lies.

With the help of his friend Dale Johnson, a local deputy whose mood changes with the wind, and Dale's cousin Floppy, a mad-genius, motor-mouthed mechanic, Davis sets out to uncover a mystery that runs much deeper than he thinks.

Review Quotes

Praise for Buried Lies
"A colorful crime yarn that goes down easy."
--Kirkus Reviews

"A great novel . . . This one is not to be missed."
--Red Carpet Crash

"The Carl Hiaasen of the Carolinas returns with a new Davis Reed tale, and readers should rejoice. Steven Tingle crafts a love letter to his roots in my kind of crime novel--peppered with characters that zing, a bloodhound protagonist with a nose for mischief (and IPA's), wry humor, clever plotting and a mystery that sucks you in like a sand trap at St. Andrews. Buried Lies is a breath of fresh air in the dreadfully serious southern noir scene, a terrifically fun and engrossing jackpot that will keep you guessing between trips to the fridge for another cold one."
--Peter Farris, award-winning author of The Devil Himself

"Steven Tingle's sharp and witty PI, Davis Reed, is back and as refreshing to read as ever. I relished the rollercoaster that is Buried Lies like PI Reed does his guacamole and chips."
--David Swinson, author of The Second Girl and Sweet Thing

"Steven Tingle's Buried Lies is a top-notch whodunit, combining the intricate mystery of a Chandler novel with the knee-slapping wit of Joe Lansdale. The twists and turns were brilliant, and the eccentric cast of characters were the chef's kiss from Tingle. Sign me up for another in this series!"
--Scott Blackburn, author of It Dies with You

"If you're not yet acquainted with the eviscerating humor of Davis Reed, the self-deprecating traffic-cop-turned-aspiring-writer-turned-PI of Graveyard Fields, I suggest you catch up. In Buried Lies, Steven Tingle brings his signature absurdity, hilarious metafictional winks, and smart slapstick to another over-the-top whodunit. Death by golf ball, financial fraud, ceramic tchotchkes--there's a Tingle gift on every page."
--Chris Harding Thornton, author of Pickard County Atlas and Little Underworld

Praise for Graveyard Fields
"Tingle deftly evokes a very particular sense of place."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Lovely North Carolina scenery, plenty of good beer and classic rock 'n roll, and a hell of a fun and clever mystery to follow, Graveyard Fields is right down my alley. If you don't have a blast reading this book, I really can't help you."
--Ace Atkins, New York Times bestselling author of the Quinn Colson crime novels

"Steven Tingle's debut novel, Graveyard Fields, is a noteworthy, not to be missed summer read. His flawed, but still likable protagonist Davis Reed narrates and moves the story with wit and pedal to the metal."
--David Swinson, bestselling author of The Second Girl and City on the Edge

"Steven Tingle possesses a smooth and lyrical cadence that will keep you rolling through the pages of Graveyard Fields like a pick-up joyriding across the North Carolina landscape. This is a gripping read, both energetic and thoughtful, and will carry you deep into the night."
--Michael Farris Smith, author of Nick and Blackwood

About the Author

Steven Tingle is a former Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) and the former generalmanager of the western North Carolina golf course that his parents built in the late 1960's and operated for several decades. After leaving the golf industry in 2008 (not by choice; his mother fired him), Steven turned to writing, and his work has appeared in various national and regional magazines. Steven's debut novel, Graveyard Fields, was published by Crooked Lane Books in2021. He lives in Upstate South Carolina with his wife, Jess.