Deceived (#03 in Private Justice Series)

This book is another fast paced suspense story from Irene Hannon. \\r\\n\\r\\nThe characters are well thought out with a good play off each other. It has both sad and sweet moments mixed in with the suspense. It's a page turner and fairly gripping, so don't read it late at night because you'll struggle to put it down. \\r\\n\\r\\nOpening the story we are introduce to a woman who lost her husband and son both in a tragic accident. Something weird happens that raises her suspicions about that accident, but it also makes everyone around her think she's lost her marbles due to the emotional strain of losing her husband and son. \\r\\n\\r\\nThe interplay is realistic for someone under the stress of not being believed in a distressing situation. I enjoyed this story as it combines and contrasts its elements well, pain and healing, sorrow and joy, loss but sacrificial love, fear and courage, discouragement and hope, and almost scoffing disbelief but quiet steadfast faith. If you enjoy romantic suspense you should read this, but keep a box of tissues close by if you are inclined to cry.

I really enjoy reading Irene's books, I initially picked it up because it was recommended by Dee Henderson and haven't been disappointed. \\r\\nI loved the journey that you are taken on as you follow Kate's story. You are immediately feeling empathetic with her character due to the exceptional writing style. Even though there is an underlying romance story in the background, it doesn't overpower the crime and suspense side of the storyline which I enjoyed. \\r\\nIt's a worthwhile read and a good way to spend time off

I've found the last couple of Irene Hannon romantic suspense novels I've read a bit flat. I'm relieved to report that Deceived is back to Hannon at her best. Okay, the first meet between Kate and Connor was probably more corny than cute, but the suspense plot was excellent (and the romance worked nicely). \\r\\n\\r\\nIt's an ambitious plot. Was the boy on the elevator Kate's son? If so, is the man with him involved? How exactly does a four-year-old """"drowning"""" victim resurface as a seven-year-old half a country away? Where has he been for the last three years? Who took him? And why? \\r\\n\\r\\nAt the same time as Kate and Connor are searching for the truth, we see Greg and Todd Sanders, to all outward appearances a loving father and son. This, in my view, is the real strength of Deceived, because Hannon hasn't depicted a clich """"villain"""" but a likeable and well-rounded character that I sympathised with. After all, if Kate is right, Greg and Todd are about to have their worlds ripped apart. Writing likeable antagonists is a real skill, especially when it comes to their motives, and I commend Hannon on the way she dealt with Greg's backstory. When the full story came out, it all seemed horribly plausible. Recommended. \\r\\n\\r\\nThanks to Revell and Netgalley for providing a free ebook for review.