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Deadly Truth: John Decker Universe
A small town driven to madness...
Something is very wrong in the small town of Blatchford, Pennsylvania. Previously law abiding citizens are being driven to extreme acts of paranoid violence and even murder. Is it just a rash of unusual crimes, or is there a more sinister explanation?
Classified Universal Special Projects specialist Colum O’Shea and ex-FBI agent turned CUSP operative Shelby Beck are sent there to find out.
What they find in the small rural town is even more baffling and dangerous than either of them could imagine . . . The question is, can they stop it before more people get hurt?
Deadly Truth is the first in a new series featuring characters from the John Decker Supernatural Thriller books. Each one can be read as a standalone, but reading the John Decker series first will add to the enjoyment.
Something is very wrong in the small town of Blatchford, Pennsylvania. Previously law abiding citizens are being driven to extreme acts of paranoid violence and even murder. Is it just a rash of unusual crimes, or is there a more sinister explanation?
Classified Universal Special Projects specialist Colum O’Shea and ex-FBI agent turned CUSP operative Shelby Beck are sent there to find out.
What they find in the small rural town is even more baffling and dangerous than either of them could imagine . . . The question is, can they stop it before more people get hurt?
Deadly Truth is the first in a new series featuring characters from the John Decker Supernatural Thriller books. Each one can be read as a standalone, but reading the John Decker series first will add to the enjoyment.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2023
274 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 20, 2023
Very nice first entry into the CUSP series, offshoot of the John Decker stories. I like the idea that the series will focus on different CUSP operatives, allowing us to learn more about the team that hunt with John Decker. The first in the series focuses on Colum O'Shea, who is a former Irish Army Ranger. I was intrigued by his character in prior John Decker books that he appeared in and this gives us a wee peek closer into who the man is. In DEADLY TRUTH, he and a partner are sent to a small town in Pennsylvania when strange occurrences reek of something more than just a bad Saturday night. As always, Anthony writes very real characters put into very unusual circumstances. It was an interesting read, I enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
May 13, 2023
AM I READY FOR THE NEXT JOHN DECKER BOOK IN THE (CUSP SERIES) - HELL YES!!!!
(Especially after this book I ask the author)!!
This book is a new series a spin off from the John Decker books with adventures with some of the characters we have come to love, well I have. Each book will focus on different characters from the John Decker books if you have read any you'll know them well.
This book is set in a small town called Blatchford. If you've read any of the John Decker books there are weird and weirder occurrences that are are unexplainable and Collum and Shelby are on this case oh dear I wonder what is driving the residents to do crazy things, you'll have to read to find out.
Well, what can I say this is the 1st book in this series and I have absolutely loved it. But just as I thought phew, I could relax with this book, the author throws in another twist and in my opinion, oh no you can't do that to me, shouting at the book I know.
I have been reading this author's books over many years and have read them all and everytime he draws me in from the first word to the very last in the book, I literally devoured this book, wow just brilliant, looking forward to the next book, addictive and unputdownable!!!!!
(Especially after this book I ask the author)!!
This book is a new series a spin off from the John Decker books with adventures with some of the characters we have come to love, well I have. Each book will focus on different characters from the John Decker books if you have read any you'll know them well.
This book is set in a small town called Blatchford. If you've read any of the John Decker books there are weird and weirder occurrences that are are unexplainable and Collum and Shelby are on this case oh dear I wonder what is driving the residents to do crazy things, you'll have to read to find out.
Well, what can I say this is the 1st book in this series and I have absolutely loved it. But just as I thought phew, I could relax with this book, the author throws in another twist and in my opinion, oh no you can't do that to me, shouting at the book I know.
I have been reading this author's books over many years and have read them all and everytime he draws me in from the first word to the very last in the book, I literally devoured this book, wow just brilliant, looking forward to the next book, addictive and unputdownable!!!!!
March 21, 2023
I received This book from the author to give an honest unbiased review. As you can see from the cover this is a CUSP novella with Colum O'Shea taking the lead. As readers will know he has already appeared in several John Decker novels and his character is already fairly well fleshed out. I have always thought he was strong enough to carry a storyline of his own and it's great to see Anthony has done this with him and continued to flesh him up even more. He is working with an ex FBI agent, Shelby Beck, on some strange goings on in Pennsylvania. Sorry no spoilers here. I will say that like the Decker novels this is pacy with plenty of room for twists and turns to keep you guessing. This is an excellent novella which I will give a five star as I'm not enthusiastic about them this short, usually waffle with not a lot going on until the end. So as I really enjoyed it as it was written like a full size novel, plenty going on, and I am looking forward to the next CUSP novella, then yes 5 stars.
July 13, 2023
Kindle Unlimited Read
The CUSP Files are a spin off of the excellent John Decker series. Decker himself doesn't appear in this one, with series regular Colum 'O Shea taking over as the main character and investigating some strange happenings in a quiet Pennsylvanian town.
At a little over 150 pages, it won't take long for Decker fans to get through this one. It isn't a bad story but nothing particularly noteworthy either. I think most readers will catch on to the cause of the town's problems pretty quickly and there's no real reasons given as to why this is happening now to this town in particular, why some people are affected and not others, or how any of this is even possible.
I read this one on Kindle Unlimited which I'm happy about because $2.99 for this seems a little high, especially when many of the books in the main John Decker series (which have a lot more pages and substance) are priced the same or slightly higher. Anyway if you're a Decker fan this is worth a look. I'm hoping the second book has a little more meat on its bones.
The CUSP Files are a spin off of the excellent John Decker series. Decker himself doesn't appear in this one, with series regular Colum 'O Shea taking over as the main character and investigating some strange happenings in a quiet Pennsylvanian town.
At a little over 150 pages, it won't take long for Decker fans to get through this one. It isn't a bad story but nothing particularly noteworthy either. I think most readers will catch on to the cause of the town's problems pretty quickly and there's no real reasons given as to why this is happening now to this town in particular, why some people are affected and not others, or how any of this is even possible.
I read this one on Kindle Unlimited which I'm happy about because $2.99 for this seems a little high, especially when many of the books in the main John Decker series (which have a lot more pages and substance) are priced the same or slightly higher. Anyway if you're a Decker fan this is worth a look. I'm hoping the second book has a little more meat on its bones.
March 21, 2023
Never a dull moment in the John Decker Universe.....
This first story in the CUSP Files satisfies 100%. Being a "spin-off" of the John Decker series shares the same mystery and high speed action as its predecessors. Mr. Strong never disappoints. His way of crafting these stories keeps you riveted from page to page and leaves wanting more (trust me on that). Now I'm once again waiting On new material. If you have not yet taken the jump into the Decker universe, what are you waiting for?
This first story in the CUSP Files satisfies 100%. Being a "spin-off" of the John Decker series shares the same mystery and high speed action as its predecessors. Mr. Strong never disappoints. His way of crafting these stories keeps you riveted from page to page and leaves wanting more (trust me on that). Now I'm once again waiting On new material. If you have not yet taken the jump into the Decker universe, what are you waiting for?
May 1, 2023
After getting to know Colum O'Shea in the John Decker series, its great to now follow Colum on his own adventure, in this new spin off series, by the extremely talented Anthony M. Strong.
Colum is a big, handsome, Irish agent for CUSP, with an easygoing charm, and yet he hides his deadly professional expertise. Teaming up with Shelby Beck, together, they investigate strange happenings in the little town of Blatchford, as an old nemesis rears his ugly head.
I really enjoyed this first, fast paced introduction to this new series and I am looking forward to reading more.
Colum is a big, handsome, Irish agent for CUSP, with an easygoing charm, and yet he hides his deadly professional expertise. Teaming up with Shelby Beck, together, they investigate strange happenings in the little town of Blatchford, as an old nemesis rears his ugly head.
I really enjoyed this first, fast paced introduction to this new series and I am looking forward to reading more.
January 29, 2025
Biting my nails at midnight
If Anthony Strong doesnt have you sitting on the edge of your bed biting your nails at midnight nothing will. He starts slowly building the suspense up to heart thumping terror. h knowes his subject well. i have read litterly thousand of books in my 81 years on this planet .Mr. Strong is the best author of suspense and terror that i. have ever read. that includes King and Koonts.
If Anthony Strong doesnt have you sitting on the edge of your bed biting your nails at midnight nothing will. He starts slowly building the suspense up to heart thumping terror. h knowes his subject well. i have read litterly thousand of books in my 81 years on this planet .Mr. Strong is the best author of suspense and terror that i. have ever read. that includes King and Koonts.
July 17, 2025
A look into the others in John Deckers world
This is going to be a great series, I can already tell. Excellent writing, excellent storyline and the characters we love from the John Decker series. This was a quick read with a whole lot going on. People going loco all over a small town for no apparent reason, but CUSP obviously thi ks something is up and sends in Colum to investigate. What he finds is crazy! Highly recommend if you love the Decker series!
This is going to be a great series, I can already tell. Excellent writing, excellent storyline and the characters we love from the John Decker series. This was a quick read with a whole lot going on. People going loco all over a small town for no apparent reason, but CUSP obviously thi ks something is up and sends in Colum to investigate. What he finds is crazy! Highly recommend if you love the Decker series!
April 11, 2023
Good story
I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't already have a weapon like this one in the book. Very good storyline and a great cast of characters. Mr Strong has a vivid imagination. Not a very long book but it got the job done. I recommend reading this to all that like fiction and adventures.
I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't already have a weapon like this one in the book. Very good storyline and a great cast of characters. Mr Strong has a vivid imagination. Not a very long book but it got the job done. I recommend reading this to all that like fiction and adventures.
March 20, 2023
This is an excellent novella, showcasing other investigation's that Decker isn't involved in. I liked the way the characters are introduced and fleshed out. The storyline is strong and keeps you engaged throughout. I recommend this book and look forward to the next installment.
March 25, 2023
Excellent Novella
Good Solid start to the new series full of action and intrigue . Characters and story line bode well for a good series of books looking forwards to the next bring it on. In Case You didn't get my message I enjoyed it and highly recommend it
Good Solid start to the new series full of action and intrigue . Characters and story line bode well for a good series of books looking forwards to the next bring it on. In Case You didn't get my message I enjoyed it and highly recommend it
April 7, 2023
Deadly Truth is the first book in the new CUSP Files set in the John Decker Universe. This is a fast paced quick read - I liked the characters and the unusual cirmcumstances of the investigation. Looking forward to more in the series
April 9, 2023
Strange happening in a small town
Strange things are happening in a small Pennsylvania town and CUSP is sent to investigate. Interesting, quick read with plenty of action, weird incidents and a group of shadowy operatives combine to make a great start to a new series.
Strange things are happening in a small Pennsylvania town and CUSP is sent to investigate. Interesting, quick read with plenty of action, weird incidents and a group of shadowy operatives combine to make a great start to a new series.
April 9, 2023
Spin off series featuring characters from the John Decker series. Colum O’Shea is sent to investigate when a small town has a spate of violent outbreaks, which are out of character. Good story, as Colum takes the lead role.
April 19, 2023
Good but anti-climatic
A sibling to the Decker series. This first book did little beyond re-introduce characters from the Decker series. The plot was thin and provided little intrigue. Will continue with next book to see if this was a one off….
A sibling to the Decker series. This first book did little beyond re-introduce characters from the Decker series. The plot was thin and provided little intrigue. Will continue with next book to see if this was a one off….
July 6, 2023
5 Stars
Great a new series of books in the John Decker saga. Decker isn't in this one but Column and a new agent are their to solve a string of unexplained violence in a small Pennsylvania town.
Great a new series of books in the John Decker saga. Decker isn't in this one but Column and a new agent are their to solve a string of unexplained violence in a small Pennsylvania town.
September 10, 2023
Fact or Fiction
I believe there are a lot of hidden agendas going on around us. The government
won’t release the files on JFK. My daughter was born that month in “63” and I will never forget seeing that on the news. We will never know what all the government does and hides.
I believe there are a lot of hidden agendas going on around us. The government
won’t release the files on JFK. My daughter was born that month in “63” and I will never forget seeing that on the news. We will never know what all the government does and hides.
January 27, 2024
Entertaining Cusp novel
Intriguing, clever short story, enjoyed reading about Collum again, kept me guessing until the end. Developing an interesting opponent for Cusp and our heroes in a future novel.
Intriguing, clever short story, enjoyed reading about Collum again, kept me guessing until the end. Developing an interesting opponent for Cusp and our heroes in a future novel.
March 23, 2023
Exciting
I am a huge fan of Strong’s creation but a little disappointed, seems like I was just getting into the story and then it ended. 🥲
I am a huge fan of Strong’s creation but a little disappointed, seems like I was just getting into the story and then it ended. 🥲
April 4, 2023
A pretty good book, but the ending was a bit of a fizzle. Not quite as exciting as the John Decker series.
May 22, 2023
Fun and exciting
Even if John Decker isn't in this story, it was still an exciting read. Looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
Even if John Decker isn't in this story, it was still an exciting read. Looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
July 11, 2023
This was ok…. Not as good as the John Decker series. I was kinda hoping for a little more the this spin off. I did however like the characters. Good to see Colum again. Happy Reading :)
July 22, 2023
Interesting and good
Good offshoot on the John Decker series. Original story idea that progressed well and ended with a promise of more to come. Looking forward to the next one.
Good offshoot on the John Decker series. Original story idea that progressed well and ended with a promise of more to come. Looking forward to the next one.
September 24, 2023
Not crazy about the ending.
Very good tho
Very good tho
February 3, 2025
Okay But a Bit Disappointing
This was not as good as the Decker books. Too short and nothing paranormal. I doubt if I will continue to read this series.
This was not as good as the Decker books. Too short and nothing paranormal. I doubt if I will continue to read this series.
May 29, 2025
Enjoyed the novel. I wished it had been longer. A nice little side quest.
June 23, 2025
OK filler. Just a bit of excitement. Actually, kind of a letdown at the end, but there was a twist I didn't see coming, so that was good.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews