Islands of Deception

by Chris G. Thelen

Who can you trust when nothing is as it seems?

“Guard it with your life!” Chuck says as he hands Cally evidence that will take down corrupt officials. Cally reluctantly agrees but soon learns how powerful these officials are when he is imprisoned for a murder he did not commit. Now the people who put him there are threatening to kill his family unless he turns over the evidence. Can Cally get the help he needs to free himself and save his family?

Detective Fallon McElliot is trying to get to the bottom of possible government corruption. As he pursues leads, he keeps coming across the name of Henry Massey, a tech billionaire, and his Archipelago software. Fallon soon learns that everything is not as it seems as his life and investigation become intertwined with Cally’s pursuit of freedom and Massey’s tech empire ambitions.

Can friendships and family bonds withstand the political schemes that threaten both life and freedom?

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2023

Reviews

[Rebecca R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing read! The book kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat - so many twists and turns. You never know who to trust! I literally shouted out loud at so many points during the book. I am a very picky reader - this book had just the right amount of thrills and quiet, pensive moments to keep me engaged. Would definitely recommend this excellent thriller. As a bonus, if you enjoy Northern Michigan summers, you will love the local “Up North” settings!

[Margaret Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Islands of Deception and can’t wait for the next book. It was well written, easy to understand and very interesting. I felt comfortable with all the characters and even though there are many twists and turns, I was able to easily keep track of each character. Well done, Chris. Congratulations. It was great to have a mind’s eye on the locations visited in the book. ❤️

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! What a page-turner!

I really enjoyed this book with the suspense, surprises, action, car chases, escapes, and so much more. Crime ring or domestic terrorists or…? No romance, for those who don’t like that part. Characters are well-developed. Light faith thread. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up on Beaver Island this summer.
Loved the familiar locations throughout Michigan.
And any book that has a character that uses “Albert Kaline” who lives on Trumbull St, gets 5 stars from me!

[Carole Stefon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner! It kept me reading. I loved reading about familiar Michigan places and names. I had the privilege of meeting the author and that makes it even more exciting! Check this one out!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing plot. Never a dull moment!

[Rachel Copelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! It's fast paced and has some good twists! It's a pretty easy read and is well written. Definitely recommend if you enjoy crime novels and political intrigue!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story line/plot. There will obviously be a sequel, since there were a few loose ends.

[JR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my usual genre, so I can't really compare it to others in the genre. However, I can say it was an engaging and fun read. Since I am from Michigan, I appreciated the locations and detail given to them. I liked the characters and look forward to future books continuing the adventure.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced thriller with fascinating characters, intrigue at every turn. I enjoyed the old Dodge Dart with crank windows and a manual shift on the column. Readers are left with loose ends, so I hope there's a sequel.