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Deception
What happens when the person closest to you has led a life of deception?
After the funeral of her mother, Sally, Alice Kent is approached by a man named Angus Tweedy. He claims to be her father and tells her that he served time in prison for marrying Sally bigamously.
What does he hope to gain by telling her this now, thirty years on?
How can her adored dad Ralph not be her true father?
And why did her mother betray her so badly?
She had accepted Sally's many faults, and her reluctance to ever speak of the past. But faced with this staggering deception, Alice knows she must uncover the whole truth about her mother.
Whatever the cost.
As Alice journeys into the past she discovers her mother may never have been the woman she claimed to be . . .
After the funeral of her mother, Sally, Alice Kent is approached by a man named Angus Tweedy. He claims to be her father and tells her that he served time in prison for marrying Sally bigamously.
What does he hope to gain by telling her this now, thirty years on?
How can her adored dad Ralph not be her true father?
And why did her mother betray her so badly?
She had accepted Sally's many faults, and her reluctance to ever speak of the past. But faced with this staggering deception, Alice knows she must uncover the whole truth about her mother.
Whatever the cost.
As Alice journeys into the past she discovers her mother may never have been the woman she claimed to be . . .
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2023
697 people are currently reading
1179 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Pearse
71 books2,212 followersLesley Pearse is one of the UK's best-loved novelists with fans across the globe and sales of over 2 million copies of her books to date. A true storyteller and a master of gripping storylines that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end, Pearse introduces you to characters that it is impossible not to care about or forget. There is no formula to her books or easily defined genre. Whether crime as in 'Till We Meet Again', historical adventure like 'Never Look Back', or the passionately emotive 'Trust Me', based on the true-life scandal of British child migrants sent to Australia in the post war period, she engages the reader completely.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
July 5, 2022
After the funeral of her mother, Sally, Alice is approached by a man call Angus Tweedy. He claims to be her father and tells her that he served time in prison for marrying Sally bigamously. What does he expect to get from telling her this now, thirty years on? How can her adored dad Ralph not be her true father? And why did her mother betray her so badly?
This story has a dual timeline, Alice, trying to piece together the secrets her mother had kept from her and, Sally, from when she was younger. Some of the things that are hidden away in Sally's past are quite heartbreaking. The more that Alice digs into her mother's past, she finds out some interesting things. This is a story of hard times and abuse, but it's also of survival too. Lesley Pearse has a canny knack for telling a good tale. keeping your attention throughout and never disappoints.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #MichaelJoseph #PenguinRandomHouse and the author #LesleyPearse for my ARC of #Deception in exchange for an honest review.
This story has a dual timeline, Alice, trying to piece together the secrets her mother had kept from her and, Sally, from when she was younger. Some of the things that are hidden away in Sally's past are quite heartbreaking. The more that Alice digs into her mother's past, she finds out some interesting things. This is a story of hard times and abuse, but it's also of survival too. Lesley Pearse has a canny knack for telling a good tale. keeping your attention throughout and never disappoints.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #MichaelJoseph #PenguinRandomHouse and the author #LesleyPearse for my ARC of #Deception in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2022
I’m nearly half way and I just don’t care enough to keep going.
February 21, 2024
"I just finished reading Deception by Lesley Pearse and it was such a captivating book. The story kept me engaged and I loved the way the details were gradually revealed. It was interesting to learn about how mothers behave in difficult situations. The book takes you back in time to wartime and explores what people are capable of doing to ensure their survival. Overall, a great read!"
June 29, 2022
On the whole a good read, at times it was almost a relaxing read ( at other times,see below,it was the opposite ) based around about a woman’s quest to find out the truth about her Mum (who once died was found to have secrets a plenty ) and her Dad ( still alive ), the book was told by the daughter and also back in time by the Mum, both sides of the story fused well throughout the book, I think I favoured the Mum’s as she had had quite the past and many a tale to tell!
The Mum (who had various names)had started life terribly and went on to work in theatre, fascinating to read about this and shocking how it must have been for young ladies in that era, as a trigger point for readers the subject of rape features twice in the book but without unnecessary detail and handled sensitively and with emotion
The ending which the book had been leading up to pretty much since page 1 was a whimper not a bang but, well, taking it all into account it didn’t matter too much
A part historical part now family saga thriller maybe sums it up
8/10
4 Stars
The Mum (who had various names)had started life terribly and went on to work in theatre, fascinating to read about this and shocking how it must have been for young ladies in that era, as a trigger point for readers the subject of rape features twice in the book but without unnecessary detail and handled sensitively and with emotion
The ending which the book had been leading up to pretty much since page 1 was a whimper not a bang but, well, taking it all into account it didn’t matter too much
A part historical part now family saga thriller maybe sums it up
8/10
4 Stars
May 6, 2022
A light and easy to read story. This is a holiday book as opposed to a good novel.
Lots of characters and none of them have any depth to them.
Nonetheless I will continue to read Lesley Pearse.
Lots of characters and none of them have any depth to them.
Nonetheless I will continue to read Lesley Pearse.
July 22, 2022
Boring
Not a good read at all very dull and predictable. Not up to the usual Lesley Pearce standard I was very disappointed with this one
Not a good read at all very dull and predictable. Not up to the usual Lesley Pearce standard I was very disappointed with this one
June 11, 2022
I have read all of Lesley Pearse’s books over the years and as a rule thoroughly enjoy them. However this is not one of my favourites.
I personally love a dual timeline but so did not find that this flowed too week, it was quite disjointed.
Unfortunately neither of the two protagonists endeared me at all.
I found her Alice aggravating and unlikeable, and her mother (though gains some sympathy due to her abusive childhood) is also not a nice character with literally no redeemable features.
This would not put me off reading anything new from the author as like I said all her other novels to date have been great. Definitely give them a try!
I personally love a dual timeline but so did not find that this flowed too week, it was quite disjointed.
Unfortunately neither of the two protagonists endeared me at all.
I found her Alice aggravating and unlikeable, and her mother (though gains some sympathy due to her abusive childhood) is also not a nice character with literally no redeemable features.
This would not put me off reading anything new from the author as like I said all her other novels to date have been great. Definitely give them a try!
July 12, 2023
Alice and Emily Kent are at their mother’s funeral. When Alice notices a man that she has never met before at the back. When she talks to him, she finds out that his name is Angus Tweedy, and he wants to talk to them both about their mother. He claims to be their biological father.
Alice talks to Angus and discovers that her mother is not the woman that she thought she was and that her life was all a lie. Because of this she decides to find out the truth about her mother, visiting places of her mother’s past and her old friends to discover the truth.
This is a dual-timeline story Interspersed with Alice's story in 2015 and that of her mother from childhood onwards.
Alice talks to Angus and discovers that her mother is not the woman that she thought she was and that her life was all a lie. Because of this she decides to find out the truth about her mother, visiting places of her mother’s past and her old friends to discover the truth.
This is a dual-timeline story Interspersed with Alice's story in 2015 and that of her mother from childhood onwards.
April 22, 2025
Primeiro livro lido desta escritora e adorei. Vou continuar a descobrir Lesley Pearse.
June 30, 2022
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
UK historical fiction sensation Lesley Pearse is in top form with her latest melodrama about a daughter confronted with a truth that leads to her unraveling the past.
Alice’s mother Sally Kent passes away and while attending the funeral, a mysterious man approaches her.
He makes a claim that he’s Alice and her sister Emily’s biological father, Angus.
He also went to jail for marrying Sally bigamously.
Now in a state of shock, Alice believes she needs to search for the truth.
She already knows her mother was manipulative at times, vain, very secretive and never spoke of the past.
As Alice digs deeper she finds deception, lies and eventually the facts.
Lesley is international writing royalty, with her thirtieth novel about to fly into the world she has always been a firm favourite in our home.
A whiz at authentic plots, a master at characters and a wonder of historical backdrops and settings.
There’s many shiny, clever and fascinating moments here in this dual timeline wonder.
A true highlight for me was Sally, a very intriguing character, leading a very colourful life, I could have easily read a whole book on just her and what happened.
A gifted storyteller who continues to give fans, old and new, quality entertainment and another addictive, engrossing saga.
A British staple that really needs no introduction, grab yourself a copy and set aside the afternoon and be enthralled.
UK historical fiction sensation Lesley Pearse is in top form with her latest melodrama about a daughter confronted with a truth that leads to her unraveling the past.
Alice’s mother Sally Kent passes away and while attending the funeral, a mysterious man approaches her.
He makes a claim that he’s Alice and her sister Emily’s biological father, Angus.
He also went to jail for marrying Sally bigamously.
Now in a state of shock, Alice believes she needs to search for the truth.
She already knows her mother was manipulative at times, vain, very secretive and never spoke of the past.
As Alice digs deeper she finds deception, lies and eventually the facts.
Lesley is international writing royalty, with her thirtieth novel about to fly into the world she has always been a firm favourite in our home.
A whiz at authentic plots, a master at characters and a wonder of historical backdrops and settings.
There’s many shiny, clever and fascinating moments here in this dual timeline wonder.
A true highlight for me was Sally, a very intriguing character, leading a very colourful life, I could have easily read a whole book on just her and what happened.
A gifted storyteller who continues to give fans, old and new, quality entertainment and another addictive, engrossing saga.
A British staple that really needs no introduction, grab yourself a copy and set aside the afternoon and be enthralled.
June 3, 2022
I always enjoy books by this author and enjoyed Deception very much! The story gets going at the funeral of Sally. At the funeral her daughters, Alice and Emily, meet Angus who claims to be their father. This is a complete shock to the girls who believe Sally's husband to be their father. We then have a dual time line where we follow Alice in her efforts to discover the truth and that of Sally so we get to see her story unfold too.
In many ways this is a sad story of struggle, abuse and hard times. In another its a really uplifting story about survival and triumph over adversity! I think this author is so skilled in making what should be a really straight forward moral situation and weaving a story round it that means we really empathise and understand its easy to make judgements about people and situations but the reality is far more complex.
In many ways this is a sad story of struggle, abuse and hard times. In another its a really uplifting story about survival and triumph over adversity! I think this author is so skilled in making what should be a really straight forward moral situation and weaving a story round it that means we really empathise and understand its easy to make judgements about people and situations but the reality is far more complex.
December 16, 2022
I don’t get this author. Seriously can anyone help me see the appeal? This one I gave 2 stars but that’s only because it was a marginal improvement on last years offering. That said, it was was still laughable. Half of the novel is set in the present day and yet all the characters speak as though they are set in the 1950s. The main protagonist is searching for answers about her mother and she phones random strangers, all of whom accept her into their lives with no questions asked. There are characters thrown into the story with no point or relevance to the plot, and the storyline gets weaker and weaker to the point that it completely fizzles out at the lacklustre ending. I am seriously confused as to why this author gets so many rave reviews.
August 6, 2023
Once again, Lesley Pearse delivers a captivating blend of personal drama and mystery in "Deception." Her writing style is a breath of fresh air, effortlessly guiding readers through a story that is both engaging and easily digestible.
Pearse skilfully weaves a tapestry of intrigue that keeps you eagerly turning the pages.
A standout feature of "Deception" lies in Pearse's skilful exploration of triumph over adversity. This underlying thread is seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story, allowing readers to connect with characters who navigate challenges and setbacks. Pearse's ability to make this theme accessible and relatable is commendable.
The brilliance of "Deception" is in how seamlessly it integrates this theme with the overarching plot. The fusion of these elements adds depth to the reading experience, showcasing Pearse's mastery of storytelling.
The book maintains a very good balance, offering just the right amount of intensity without overwhelming the reader. As the story reaches its conclusion, it does so in a satisfying yet somewhat anticipated manner. Nonetheless, the journey to that point is fulfilling and rich in emotional resonance.
Personally, I found "Deception" to be thoroughly enjoyable. Lesley Pearse’s work is a definite recommendation if you have an affinity for crime and mystery genres.
I really enjoy her novels because they capture your imagination and keep you hooked until the last page.
Pearse skilfully weaves a tapestry of intrigue that keeps you eagerly turning the pages.
A standout feature of "Deception" lies in Pearse's skilful exploration of triumph over adversity. This underlying thread is seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story, allowing readers to connect with characters who navigate challenges and setbacks. Pearse's ability to make this theme accessible and relatable is commendable.
The brilliance of "Deception" is in how seamlessly it integrates this theme with the overarching plot. The fusion of these elements adds depth to the reading experience, showcasing Pearse's mastery of storytelling.
The book maintains a very good balance, offering just the right amount of intensity without overwhelming the reader. As the story reaches its conclusion, it does so in a satisfying yet somewhat anticipated manner. Nonetheless, the journey to that point is fulfilling and rich in emotional resonance.
Personally, I found "Deception" to be thoroughly enjoyable. Lesley Pearse’s work is a definite recommendation if you have an affinity for crime and mystery genres.
I really enjoy her novels because they capture your imagination and keep you hooked until the last page.
May 13, 2025
Adorei o facto de terem personagens secundárias Portuguesas. Um romance com um mistério envolvido e toda uma vida escondida de dor.
Uma estreia com esta escritora e gostei bastante da própria narrativa e o desenvolver da história.
Uma estreia com esta escritora e gostei bastante da própria narrativa e o desenvolver da história.
November 30, 2023
What even is this??!! 😂😂😂
What mad alternate Goodreads universe have I landed in that rates this dumpster fire 4.06 stars??!!
Maybe it's a joke? Like that wolf moon shirt on Amazon years ago.... 🤔
I feel like I'm on one of those comedy prank shows where there's one unsuspecting person being set up and everyone else are actors. And all the actors do bizarre things and watch the confused person slowly start to imitate the strange behaviour so that they fit in.
Seriously though, this book is so bad! Like SO bad! It's maybe not the literal worst book I've ever read but it's certainly on the list.
What mad alternate Goodreads universe have I landed in that rates this dumpster fire 4.06 stars??!!
Maybe it's a joke? Like that wolf moon shirt on Amazon years ago.... 🤔
I feel like I'm on one of those comedy prank shows where there's one unsuspecting person being set up and everyone else are actors. And all the actors do bizarre things and watch the confused person slowly start to imitate the strange behaviour so that they fit in.
Seriously though, this book is so bad! Like SO bad! It's maybe not the literal worst book I've ever read but it's certainly on the list.
July 31, 2022
This book was an ok read for me. It is an easy read but it’s not one that I thought Wow that was good after I’d finished reading it.
December 13, 2022
An enjoyable but not really believable story.
July 10, 2022
Incredibly Deception is Lesley Pearse’s 30th book and as I sit here writing this review I can see all of her previous books taking pride of place on my bookshelves. Lesley’s writing has brought me many hours of reading pleasure and long may she continue to do so. She has written such a wide variety of books and her latest, Deception is an another good addition to her extensive back catalogue. I will say that this wasn’t my favourite read of hers but nonetheless it was enjoyable and I would never miss out on reading a book from my all time favourite author.
This is a dual timeline story moving forward and back between Alice in 2015 and her mother Sally in the 1950’s. Sally as a character goes through a number of name changes throughout the book for various reasons, all of which do become clear but it does require some attention to keep track of who she was and why she altered her name. But the timelines moved effortlessly back and forth and I didn’t find it difficult to follow the two strands of the story which eventually do intertwine.
Alice is attending her mother Sally’s funeral who has recently died of cancer. She has a sister Emily and her father is Ralph. Alice is divorced having married at only aged 21 but she is capable and can handle anything thrown at her and is still hoping for the great love affair that will turn her world upside down. Alice acknowledges straightaway that Sally wasn’t some sort of saint and their relationship has been a strained one. She could be selfish, callous and she had a strong assurance about her that she was always right. Sally avoided any questions regarding her life before her daughters were born which had always aroused curiosity in Alice but her mother was unrelenting in that she declined to answer questions. What could have happened in her past for her to be so secretive?
On the day of the funeral an unknown man appears claiming to be Alice’s father. Angus Tweedy was a man Alice had never seen or heard of before and she doesn’t quite know whether to believe what he says and delve a little deeper or else to send him away. He explains his background and situation to Alice, which I won’t detail here as it gives away far too much of the story even though the blurb does give away some of it, but it does make Alice sit up and take notice and she desperately wants to know more about the mother who was apparently not all she seemed and for very good reason. I did think, why was quite a lot revealed about Alice and her situation when Angus arrives but then over the course of the book I realised that there were many layers to Alice and you really have to sit back and just let the story unfold. Another thing that did niggle away at me was why didn’t Alice tell Emily what she had learned because if she had have done this Emily could have been much more involved in the investigations.
Sally was very much a closed book but with her new found surprising information Alice is very much determined to open it up. Alice starts to dig into her mother’s past and she throws up some surprising facts that she perhaps wished she had left buried but at the same time a clearer picture of her heritage starts to form for her and along the way she does find some romance. The majority of the book centres around Sally and her deception of which there were many. It begs the question what happens when the person closest to you has led a life of lies and secrets and deceived so many?
The majority of Sally’s, whose real name was Janet, decisions can be justified due to the events that we learn occurred in her childhood which in turn subsequently moulded how she was an adult but still Janet was a character who I never really liked and she wasn’t one bit endearing. She sets about changing her life but to be honest as I couldn’t warm to her at all I didn’t feel overwhelming hope for her that she would do well in life. I didn’t find myself overly rooting for a positive outcome for her because to be honest she just came across as someone mostly out for herself. She was deceitful, conniving, a schemer, treacherous and nasty and despite her childhood I questioned was there really any necessary reason for her to turn out in such a manner? Janet goes through an awful lot but I think thanks to her upbringing she knew no different in how to act and she should have known better. Janet is driven by a demon and manipulation, always wanting to be the top dog and used both men and women to get money and power. But will the road she trod upon turn out to have what she feels be a happy ending? Will Alice too be able to find some understanding from what she uncovers?
This book reminded me of some of the author’s very early work which focused solely on one character. Georgia, Camellia, Ellie and many more all featured young girls/women down on their luck or who had gone through some incredible trauma or adversity. They were brilliant reads and real page turners and I remember virtually inhaling the stories because they were so gripping and I really felt as if I went on a journey with the characters and I was rooting for them. Deception had echoes of those books but because the main character wasn’t all that likeable I didn’t feel as deeply invested as I should have. She really had no redeeming features. There was just something missing in this story that I still can’t quite put my finger on and that big shock reveal well it wasn’t there for me and I was left wondering where did the story really go? It seemed to peter out towards the end. Saying all that, this is Lesley Pearse and I have been a fan for so long that I will always read anything she publishes just sadly this one didn’t always fully live up to my expectations.
This is a dual timeline story moving forward and back between Alice in 2015 and her mother Sally in the 1950’s. Sally as a character goes through a number of name changes throughout the book for various reasons, all of which do become clear but it does require some attention to keep track of who she was and why she altered her name. But the timelines moved effortlessly back and forth and I didn’t find it difficult to follow the two strands of the story which eventually do intertwine.
Alice is attending her mother Sally’s funeral who has recently died of cancer. She has a sister Emily and her father is Ralph. Alice is divorced having married at only aged 21 but she is capable and can handle anything thrown at her and is still hoping for the great love affair that will turn her world upside down. Alice acknowledges straightaway that Sally wasn’t some sort of saint and their relationship has been a strained one. She could be selfish, callous and she had a strong assurance about her that she was always right. Sally avoided any questions regarding her life before her daughters were born which had always aroused curiosity in Alice but her mother was unrelenting in that she declined to answer questions. What could have happened in her past for her to be so secretive?
On the day of the funeral an unknown man appears claiming to be Alice’s father. Angus Tweedy was a man Alice had never seen or heard of before and she doesn’t quite know whether to believe what he says and delve a little deeper or else to send him away. He explains his background and situation to Alice, which I won’t detail here as it gives away far too much of the story even though the blurb does give away some of it, but it does make Alice sit up and take notice and she desperately wants to know more about the mother who was apparently not all she seemed and for very good reason. I did think, why was quite a lot revealed about Alice and her situation when Angus arrives but then over the course of the book I realised that there were many layers to Alice and you really have to sit back and just let the story unfold. Another thing that did niggle away at me was why didn’t Alice tell Emily what she had learned because if she had have done this Emily could have been much more involved in the investigations.
Sally was very much a closed book but with her new found surprising information Alice is very much determined to open it up. Alice starts to dig into her mother’s past and she throws up some surprising facts that she perhaps wished she had left buried but at the same time a clearer picture of her heritage starts to form for her and along the way she does find some romance. The majority of the book centres around Sally and her deception of which there were many. It begs the question what happens when the person closest to you has led a life of lies and secrets and deceived so many?
The majority of Sally’s, whose real name was Janet, decisions can be justified due to the events that we learn occurred in her childhood which in turn subsequently moulded how she was an adult but still Janet was a character who I never really liked and she wasn’t one bit endearing. She sets about changing her life but to be honest as I couldn’t warm to her at all I didn’t feel overwhelming hope for her that she would do well in life. I didn’t find myself overly rooting for a positive outcome for her because to be honest she just came across as someone mostly out for herself. She was deceitful, conniving, a schemer, treacherous and nasty and despite her childhood I questioned was there really any necessary reason for her to turn out in such a manner? Janet goes through an awful lot but I think thanks to her upbringing she knew no different in how to act and she should have known better. Janet is driven by a demon and manipulation, always wanting to be the top dog and used both men and women to get money and power. But will the road she trod upon turn out to have what she feels be a happy ending? Will Alice too be able to find some understanding from what she uncovers?
This book reminded me of some of the author’s very early work which focused solely on one character. Georgia, Camellia, Ellie and many more all featured young girls/women down on their luck or who had gone through some incredible trauma or adversity. They were brilliant reads and real page turners and I remember virtually inhaling the stories because they were so gripping and I really felt as if I went on a journey with the characters and I was rooting for them. Deception had echoes of those books but because the main character wasn’t all that likeable I didn’t feel as deeply invested as I should have. She really had no redeeming features. There was just something missing in this story that I still can’t quite put my finger on and that big shock reveal well it wasn’t there for me and I was left wondering where did the story really go? It seemed to peter out towards the end. Saying all that, this is Lesley Pearse and I have been a fan for so long that I will always read anything she publishes just sadly this one didn’t always fully live up to my expectations.
December 22, 2022
The past and the present collide!
An interesting story told across time and generations. The conflict between what is known to be true and what Alice comes to discover is the gripping aspect of the story. I really enjoy a novel that makes me wonder what I would do in the same circumstances- and this is one of those books. Part historical, part contemporary; the writing is wonderful.
Gripping and gutsy.
An interesting story told across time and generations. The conflict between what is known to be true and what Alice comes to discover is the gripping aspect of the story. I really enjoy a novel that makes me wonder what I would do in the same circumstances- and this is one of those books. Part historical, part contemporary; the writing is wonderful.
Gripping and gutsy.
February 10, 2023
Everything Alice Kent thought she knew about her happy upbringing is about to be proven otherwise.
After her mother Sally's funeral, Alice is approached by a mysterious stranger. Angus Tweedy has some shocking revelations in store. Not only had he served time for marrying Sally bigamosly, Angus also claims that Alice and sister Emily are his biological children.
Suddenly, all of her mother's odd behaviour over the years makes sense. There's only one thing to do in order to make sense of all the chaos- to learn more about Sally and her hidden past. And oh boy, isn't it colourful.
For me, Sally's tale was one of harshness, harrow and sorrow. There's little wonder why Sally continually reinvented herself to chase away those unbearable situations she found herself trapped in time and time again. It also becomes quite clear why she also chose to remain a closed book with her children and second husband. I actually preferred Sally's encounters to Alice's, whose were a bit too brief for my liking.
Whilst Deception dragged a bit towards the end, it was still a satisfying read.
TW: child neglect/physical abuse, rape, mentions of prostitution
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
After her mother Sally's funeral, Alice is approached by a mysterious stranger. Angus Tweedy has some shocking revelations in store. Not only had he served time for marrying Sally bigamosly, Angus also claims that Alice and sister Emily are his biological children.
Suddenly, all of her mother's odd behaviour over the years makes sense. There's only one thing to do in order to make sense of all the chaos- to learn more about Sally and her hidden past. And oh boy, isn't it colourful.
For me, Sally's tale was one of harshness, harrow and sorrow. There's little wonder why Sally continually reinvented herself to chase away those unbearable situations she found herself trapped in time and time again. It also becomes quite clear why she also chose to remain a closed book with her children and second husband. I actually preferred Sally's encounters to Alice's, whose were a bit too brief for my liking.
Whilst Deception dragged a bit towards the end, it was still a satisfying read.
TW: child neglect/physical abuse, rape, mentions of prostitution
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
September 22, 2023
Nem tudo o que parece, é.
História contada a dois tempos - passado e presente - como eu gosto! Muito bonita e de leitura fácil.
História contada a dois tempos - passado e presente - como eu gosto! Muito bonita e de leitura fácil.
May 4, 2025
Betrayal was a quick yet deeply emotional read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Lesley Pearse masterfully tells Janet’s story through multiple voices, shifting seamlessly between Janet, Fleur, and Helen to paint a vivid picture of her life and the trauma she endured.
At the heart of the novel is a painfully heart-wrenching tale of a girl who is repeatedly failed by the very people and systems meant to protect her. From her mother, who denied her the love and care every child deserves, to a society that cast her out at sixteen, to the employers who violated her trust in the worst ways—Janet's life is marked by betrayal at every turn.
Her story reminds me of Khaled Hosseini’s words in A Thousand Splendid Suns: “Though there had been moments of beauty in it, Mariam knew that life for the most part had been unkind to her.”
The world had certainly been unkind to Janet, and any fleeting moments of joy in her life felt painfully temporary.
Pearse doesn’t shy away from portraying the heavy themes in this novel, especially the abuse of power and the deep scars left by betrayal. Yet, despite its emotional weight, the story is well-tied together, offering closure without leaving loose ends.
I loved this book and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who appreciates emotionally driven stories.
At the heart of the novel is a painfully heart-wrenching tale of a girl who is repeatedly failed by the very people and systems meant to protect her. From her mother, who denied her the love and care every child deserves, to a society that cast her out at sixteen, to the employers who violated her trust in the worst ways—Janet's life is marked by betrayal at every turn.
Her story reminds me of Khaled Hosseini’s words in A Thousand Splendid Suns: “Though there had been moments of beauty in it, Mariam knew that life for the most part had been unkind to her.”
The world had certainly been unkind to Janet, and any fleeting moments of joy in her life felt painfully temporary.
Pearse doesn’t shy away from portraying the heavy themes in this novel, especially the abuse of power and the deep scars left by betrayal. Yet, despite its emotional weight, the story is well-tied together, offering closure without leaving loose ends.
I loved this book and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who appreciates emotionally driven stories.
January 10, 2024
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages -
Publisher - Penguin
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
What happens when the person closest to you has led a life of deception?
After the funeral of her mother, Sally, Alice Kent is approached by a man named Angus Tweedy. He claims to be her father and tells her that he served time in prison for marrying Sally bigamously.
What does he hope to gain by telling her this now, thirty years on?
How can her adored dad Ralph not be her true father?
And why did her mother betray her so badly?
She had accepted Sally's many faults, and her reluctance to ever speak of the past. But faced with this staggering deception, Alice knows she must uncover the whole truth about her mother.
Whatever the cost.
As Alice journeys into the past she discovers her mother may never have been the woman she claimed to be . . .
My Review
When Sallys mum died getting to the funeral is the priority, being a little bit late she clocks a car tailing her and thinks nothing of it. Once the funeral is passed she meets a man who tells her something that will turn her whole world upside down. Did Sally ever really know her mother? Now she is determined to do some digging and get answers about her mother, who she really was and her past.
The book flips between present day and back to Sally's mums youth and the years leading up to meeting Sally's dad. Back and forth we learn the impact of secrets of Sally's mum, what made her the way she was and of course the ripple effects it has on Sally.
As we delve into the past we deal with some pretty horrific encounters, abuse, manipulation, pregnancy (and things surrounding it of that time period), adoption, death/loss. You know what Pearse's books bring especially those set in the time period, women being abused, unwanted pregnancy etc. Emotive at times as is the author's signature, 4/5 from us.
Pages -
Publisher - Penguin
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
What happens when the person closest to you has led a life of deception?
After the funeral of her mother, Sally, Alice Kent is approached by a man named Angus Tweedy. He claims to be her father and tells her that he served time in prison for marrying Sally bigamously.
What does he hope to gain by telling her this now, thirty years on?
How can her adored dad Ralph not be her true father?
And why did her mother betray her so badly?
She had accepted Sally's many faults, and her reluctance to ever speak of the past. But faced with this staggering deception, Alice knows she must uncover the whole truth about her mother.
Whatever the cost.
As Alice journeys into the past she discovers her mother may never have been the woman she claimed to be . . .
My Review
When Sallys mum died getting to the funeral is the priority, being a little bit late she clocks a car tailing her and thinks nothing of it. Once the funeral is passed she meets a man who tells her something that will turn her whole world upside down. Did Sally ever really know her mother? Now she is determined to do some digging and get answers about her mother, who she really was and her past.
The book flips between present day and back to Sally's mums youth and the years leading up to meeting Sally's dad. Back and forth we learn the impact of secrets of Sally's mum, what made her the way she was and of course the ripple effects it has on Sally.
As we delve into the past we deal with some pretty horrific encounters, abuse, manipulation, pregnancy (and things surrounding it of that time period), adoption, death/loss. You know what Pearse's books bring especially those set in the time period, women being abused, unwanted pregnancy etc. Emotive at times as is the author's signature, 4/5 from us.
April 4, 2023
This was my first Lesley Pearse novel, an author that my mother in law used to love. I actually bought ‘Deception’ to read to her in her last week. We only got several chapters in. Now, four months after her passing, I picked this up again. She always wanted me to read these books, and, I can see why she enjoyed them so much. Compelling, with a bit of mystery, drama and romance. Alice has discovered that her recently passed Mum was not who she said she was. Alice goes on a journey of times gone by to uncover so many secrets of her mother’s past. I’m glad I read it, and this won’t be my last Lesley Pearse novel.
Thanks Mum Bell for the author recommendation. I’ll get onto reading more Lesley Pearse books, just for you ❤️
Thanks Mum Bell for the author recommendation. I’ll get onto reading more Lesley Pearse books, just for you ❤️
August 20, 2025
3,5 ⭐
Escrita fluida e leve. Embora tenha gostado, a autora habituou-nos a mais história, podia ter desenvolvido mais.
Escrita fluida e leve. Embora tenha gostado, a autora habituou-nos a mais história, podia ter desenvolvido mais.
July 11, 2023
7 de 10*
Opinião:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Opinião:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
July 28, 2023
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI.
December 3, 2024
A good story about a woman discovering the truth about her evasive mother’s past. Lots of characters but easy to keep up.
April 27, 2023
... Este livro é um engano 😂
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