FULL BOOK REVIEW

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"Don’t let the advertising fool you: Deliberate Deception is the second book in a trilogy, but that doesn't mean it requires prior familiarity with its predecessor, Solemnly Swear. It's relatively rare to note a trilogy addition that truly stands alone while enhancing others in the series; but Deliberate Deception is such an accomplishment, forging new ground while seamlessly integrating all the details of protagonist Alex Porter's life and personality. As such, it promises vivid interest not just to prior fans, but to newcomers who will appreciate its fast pace and engrossing plot.

Alex, a retired Air Force OSI agent turned private investigator, faces another big challenge to his skills as he confronts the results of a greedy corporation's raffle where the unexpected prize is death.

It's been only seven months since his wife and daughter were killed and Alex is still in full-fledged grief; but he is cognizant enough to respond when a lawyer's friend goes missing in Tucson. It's no surprise that his probe results in his own life being in the crosshairs; but when he uncovers allies among those who would harm him, the story really ventures into the unexpected.

The first big plus to Deliberate Deception is Alex's journey, which moves deftly from grief to full investigative mode with more than a few surprises during the process. Alex is steeped in military procedures, circles, and connections; but even these experiences don't translate to easy solutions to complex criminal activities. Joe Porrazzo's attention to detail flushes out Alex's personality, motivations, and conundrums to create not just compelling action scenes, but a character who is completely realistic and likeable.

Tough security questions, high tech answers, and Alex's first PI contract after moving to Tucson wind into a story line replete with action, intrigue, and a newfound problem that perp Diggs may just have to eliminate.

As a new holiday season (Alex's first without his wife and daughter) and romance enter the picture, readers are treated to a fast-paced story of a capable, authoritative PI who may be moving too quickly on many levels even as he perceives himself as inexplicably moving too slowly, compared with his past momentum. Readers will identify with his self-assessment and predicaments as they move through an engrossing series of changing scenarios.

His new girlfriend Missy is also cautious about changing her life ("Missy turned to leave, burdened by feelings of dread. She tried to shake them but she was convinced Alex wasn’t coming back. These feelings were new to her. Her whole life, she had fended for herself and never had to worry about anybody else. She was in uncharted territory and the panic wouldn’t let go."). As both explore new territory, events heat up to tackle themes of murder, responsibility, love, and unlucky, innocent people killed by greed on the cusp of what they believe to be their luckiest day of life.

Politics, terrorism, and greed together create a story that is hard to put down, filled with unexpected twists and turns powered by Alex's recovery and growth and Missy's newfound revelations about the world and her place in it. Once begun, it's nearly impossible to put down.

Readers looking for a thriller that grabs hold and doesn't let go will find Deliberate Deception just the ticket for a superior and satisfying blend of psychological detail and suspense."

- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review