The Deadliest Deceptions

by June Trop

Enter the world of first-century CE Roman Alexandria and participate in the perilous adventures of Miriam bat Isaac, budding alchemist and sleuth extraordinaire. Join her and her deputy Phoebe as they struggle to solve nine of their most baffling cases beginning with the locked-room murder of a sailor in which Miriam is confounded by not just who killed the sailor but how he could have died and how the killer could have entered and escaped from the room.

But be careful as you accompany them into the city's malignant underbelly. Whether or not you can help them solve the crimes, your blood will flow faster as you escape to that world of adventure we all long for. Enjoy!

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

June Trop and her twin sister Gail wrote their first story, "The Steam Shavel [sic]," when they were six years old growing up in rural New Jersey. They sold it to their brother Everett for two cents.

"I don't remember how I spent my share," June says. "You could buy a fistful of candy for a penny in those days, but ever since then, I wanted to be a writer."

As an award-winning middle school science teacher, June used storytelling to capture her students' imagination and interest in scientific concepts. Years later as a professor of teacher education, she focused her research on the practical knowledge teachers construct and communicate through storytelling. Her first book, From Lesson Plans to Power Struggles (Corwin Press, 2009), is based on the stories new teachers told about their first classroom experiences.

Now associate professor emerita at the State University of New York at New Paltz, she devotes her time to writing historical mysteries with a connection to early science. Her heroine, Miriam bat Isaac, is based on the personage of Maria Hebrea, the legendary founder of Western alchemy, who developed the concepts and apparatus alchemists and chemists would use for 1500 years.

June lives with her husband Paul Zuckerman in New Paltz, where she is breathlessly recording her plucky heroine's next life-or-death exploit. The Deadliest Lie is her first novel. Her second novel, The Deadliest Hate has won Honorable Mention in the 2016 New York Book Festival.

Visit June on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/June-T... and on her website http://junetrop.com, click on her contact page, and enter her contest to win a free book.

Reviews

[Susan Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit CSI, a little bit Sherlock Holmes, a little bit Miss Marple. In The Deadliest Deceptions, author June Trop takes the reader through the recollections of past “cases” of her central character, Miriam Bat Isaac. The short stories are little “who done its” that while simple, are not necessarily obvious , and showcase the breadth of knowledge and dedecutive reasoning of the heroine.
The mystery nuggets are entertaining, but the thing that sets this series apart is the period and setting. Mirian lives in Roman-occupied Alexandria, Egypt. A hebrew woman, and secret alchemist (scientist really) applying her observational skills and technical expertise to solving crimes in a suprisingly modern fashion.
Ms. Trop’s considerable research into the details of the reality of ordinary lives in that place and time shines through. The reader is transported to the ancient past in vivid detail with all the sights, sounds, tastes and especially smells (lots of smells) of the vibrant city of Alexandria. It is a picture one might not necessarily expect if their reference is Hollywood films.
So, settle in, dive into the past, try to figure out what happened and immerse yourself in an interesting culture.

[Kristina Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadliest Deceptions" by June Trop is a gripping mystery that blends history, art, and suspense into an unputdownable narrative. Set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, this collection of stories takes readers on a captivating journey through time. The author's ability to world-build transports the reader into a long-ago past with a nod and wink to Sherlock.

Trop's prose is elegant as it is evocative, effortlessly taking readers from the bustling markets of Alexandria to the opulent villas of the elite. June's writing prowess is evident as she seamlessly crafted detailed plots with multidimensional characters. For instance, Miriam (main character) is utterly charming as she is intelligent, steadfast, and vulnerable, but without being the typical Mary Sue. To sum up Miriam, she is an instantly relatable and admirable lead. This is definitely a good read for a high school classroom or a leisurely evening after work.

The intricate layers of deception, interwoven with betrayals and hidden motives, kept me on the edge of my seat. June Trop masterfully plants clues and red herrings, inviting readers to become amateur detectives. If you're looking for a well-researched and engaging tale, “Deadliest Deception” is worth your time.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love June Trop’s mystery series because it appeals to so many of my interests: ancient Egypt, strong female characters, a touch of humor, excellent plots, and twists at the end. Trop paints a tantalizing image of this exotic country; its sights, sounds, and smells. I can easily envision myself wandering through the souks, sitting down to a delicious meal of smoked fish, caraway muffins, and pickled cauliflower, and bravely scurrying through the dark alleys along the waterfront in search of a suspect. The Deadliest Deception is a collection of nine Miriam bat Isaac mysteries. Suppose Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were female and were transported back to ancient Egypt from the Edwardian/Victorian time. In that case, you have Miriam, an alchemist and investigator, and her co-conspirator and life-long friend Phoebe. Each story is cleverly written, often with Miriam recalling a case from the past as she relates the tale to Phoebe (as Holmes often did with Watson), whose curiosity is contagious. I’m hooked on these mysteries and plan on catching up on those I’ve missed.

[Debbiec · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating historical mystery set in ancient Alexandria in Egypt from June Trop
The Deadliest Deceptions - Ms. Trop has a keen eye for detail and a vast knowledge of the world of Roman-occupied Alexandria, drawing the reader in with her descriptions and immersing them in that world. It felt like stepping back in time, as if I were right in the room with Miriam, the Jewish old-world detective, and her best friend, Phoebe helping them to solve the case. Chapter after chapter, story after story, the author transports you back to this world where you join the super sleuths as they solve each mystery with a Sherlock Holmes-type of deduction and analysis of the crimes. Her side-kick, Phoebe adds some humor to the story. I learned a lot about a time period that I didn’t know about.
Kudos to June Trop for creating the very believable world of Miriam bat Isaac.