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The Art Of Deception: Trade Edition
For most women, a positive pregnancy test would bring joy. But for Angie, it marks the beginning of a nightmare that will bring heartbreak and despair. All too aware of the dire consequences she faces, she knows she never should have gotten pregnant in the first place. Her husband doesn’t know the family secret that killed her mother and overshadows his happiness at becoming a father - and Angie isn’t going to be the one to tell him. As her marriage and her life begin to fall apart, can Angie overcome her demons and find peace... And is there something even she doesn’t know? This is the trade paperback edition of The Art Of Deception, with a 5" x 8" trim size.
- GenresFiction
324 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2021
137 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Peter Martin
234 books29 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 17, 2020
The Art of Deception
Peter Martin
Gumshoe, Mar 2020
287 pages
Psych Suspense
Provided by Author
Triggers: mental illness/bipolar, depression, alcoholism
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover is not the least bit appealing to me, but it is totally appropriate to the story within the covers. Looking at it with the eye of an artist, it is quite well done and thought-inspiring.
Thinking back on the story I just finished, it is not the least bit appealing and I am going to have nightmares about it for a while, but trying to think of it from a review POV strictly, it is something of a masterpiece. This is not my kind of book in the least and I hope the author never contacts me again for a review of one of his books if this is typical of his writing. But I have to admire the artistry that went into the crafting of such a work.
The author has created a character who for almost the whole book I disliked and who disgusted me with her treatment of her husband and her attitude towards her in-laws and her pregnancy/child. She had no tolerance for anyone other than her father, who appeared to be something of a recluse. And yet, she was an extremely successful real estate agent, which requires quite a bit of personality and socializing. Angie. She is the focus of most of the book. Even when she wasn’t the character on stage, they were talking about her and what she was doing or could be expected to do next.
The twist doesn’t come until almost the end of the book, and even then the author suggests it might be another rather than who it really is. At this point, it borders on a horror story in its feel. I didn’t like the ending. It seemed too simple actually once I read it and thought about it. Not necessarily what happens, but the way it’s written. This is it?
If you are the type of person who can’t stand to read a book about people hurting people they love, then please, don’t read this book. If you like books about ill and/or unhappy people doing unkind/horrible things to people they are supposed to love, then this might be your sort of book. Recommended.
Peter Martin
Gumshoe, Mar 2020
287 pages
Psych Suspense
Provided by Author
Triggers: mental illness/bipolar, depression, alcoholism
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cover is not the least bit appealing to me, but it is totally appropriate to the story within the covers. Looking at it with the eye of an artist, it is quite well done and thought-inspiring.
Thinking back on the story I just finished, it is not the least bit appealing and I am going to have nightmares about it for a while, but trying to think of it from a review POV strictly, it is something of a masterpiece. This is not my kind of book in the least and I hope the author never contacts me again for a review of one of his books if this is typical of his writing. But I have to admire the artistry that went into the crafting of such a work.
The author has created a character who for almost the whole book I disliked and who disgusted me with her treatment of her husband and her attitude towards her in-laws and her pregnancy/child. She had no tolerance for anyone other than her father, who appeared to be something of a recluse. And yet, she was an extremely successful real estate agent, which requires quite a bit of personality and socializing. Angie. She is the focus of most of the book. Even when she wasn’t the character on stage, they were talking about her and what she was doing or could be expected to do next.
The twist doesn’t come until almost the end of the book, and even then the author suggests it might be another rather than who it really is. At this point, it borders on a horror story in its feel. I didn’t like the ending. It seemed too simple actually once I read it and thought about it. Not necessarily what happens, but the way it’s written. This is it?
If you are the type of person who can’t stand to read a book about people hurting people they love, then please, don’t read this book. If you like books about ill and/or unhappy people doing unkind/horrible things to people they are supposed to love, then this might be your sort of book. Recommended.
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April 22, 2020
John and Angie received the best Christmas gift a happy couple could wish for – she’s pregnant. While the prenatal period should be one of cherished memories, a traumatic experience pulls Angie back to her childhood past. The agony starts, and the inner demons are released. Will she cope with all the various emotional states? What’s the hidden family secret? Will mental illness engulf her?
I was impressed by Peter Martin’s ability to explore complex themes in such an easy-to-read novel, The Art of Deception. The compelling dialogue kept me engaged until the last page. Witnessing John and Angie’s anguishing life challenge, a new perspective about the struggles with an anxiety disorder is revealed. Angie’s character clearly shines a light on how a mental health issue can overcome you. Through a new, distorted lens, you view your world and surroundings with suspicion and paranoia, believing all are conspiring against you. Prenatal and postnatal depression, along with their long-term effects, are further developed throughout the story. Couples who are expecting a new member in the family might appreciate John and Angie’s experiences as new parents. Bipolar disorder is another theme that the author effortlessly examines through vivid images of the condition’s characteristic unpredictable behavior.
An intriguing storyline, relatable characters, constructive dialogue, down-to-earth reactions, natural writing tone, and surprising closure — this book has it all.
*Disclosure Note: I voluntarily choose to review this book, and my opinions expressed here are the honest thoughts of a fellow reader, I. Many thanks to the author for the free copy and the great opportunity to explore his piece of work.
I was impressed by Peter Martin’s ability to explore complex themes in such an easy-to-read novel, The Art of Deception. The compelling dialogue kept me engaged until the last page. Witnessing John and Angie’s anguishing life challenge, a new perspective about the struggles with an anxiety disorder is revealed. Angie’s character clearly shines a light on how a mental health issue can overcome you. Through a new, distorted lens, you view your world and surroundings with suspicion and paranoia, believing all are conspiring against you. Prenatal and postnatal depression, along with their long-term effects, are further developed throughout the story. Couples who are expecting a new member in the family might appreciate John and Angie’s experiences as new parents. Bipolar disorder is another theme that the author effortlessly examines through vivid images of the condition’s characteristic unpredictable behavior.
An intriguing storyline, relatable characters, constructive dialogue, down-to-earth reactions, natural writing tone, and surprising closure — this book has it all.
*Disclosure Note: I voluntarily choose to review this book, and my opinions expressed here are the honest thoughts of a fellow reader, I. Many thanks to the author for the free copy and the great opportunity to explore his piece of work.
March 20, 2020
Angie did not marry John to firmly trick him. She loved him to the end. But Angie had some unresolved family past she needed to come to terms with. This became clear immediately she conceived. Things utterly fell apart in her life, marriage, and relationships, and dangerously threatened her immediate family.
Normally, people with bipolar undergo unprecedented mood swings that could be inexplicably violent. Manipulated by his bipolar father, Alan, she deliberately pursued courses she would not have chosen. This almost ruined her life, marriage, and family until her husband unconsciously killed her father in self-defence.
As a reader, you cannot put this book down until you reach the finish line. Even at that, you would surely love to read more. Constrained by time, I finished reading it in 2 days, keeping wake.
I do not approve that the book is ready for publishing. There are still some colour highlights used in editing that need to be removed with remarks numbered AB1 to AB25 littering from pages 17 to 197. The title “The Art of Deception” by Martin Perks or Peter Martin is too revealing. He could have considered these and other title variants: “Well-Kept Secrets,” “Blood in Tears,” “The Tearful End,” or “Cry a River of Tears.”
And there are some typographical omissions that can be corrected before the second publication.
Generally, the storytelling was fantastic, magnificent, and superb, well-laid out with the right suspense applied throughout. One could ask the author if he were involved in these fictional events. I am very appreciative of being asked to review a book like this.
Normally, people with bipolar undergo unprecedented mood swings that could be inexplicably violent. Manipulated by his bipolar father, Alan, she deliberately pursued courses she would not have chosen. This almost ruined her life, marriage, and family until her husband unconsciously killed her father in self-defence.
As a reader, you cannot put this book down until you reach the finish line. Even at that, you would surely love to read more. Constrained by time, I finished reading it in 2 days, keeping wake.
I do not approve that the book is ready for publishing. There are still some colour highlights used in editing that need to be removed with remarks numbered AB1 to AB25 littering from pages 17 to 197. The title “The Art of Deception” by Martin Perks or Peter Martin is too revealing. He could have considered these and other title variants: “Well-Kept Secrets,” “Blood in Tears,” “The Tearful End,” or “Cry a River of Tears.”
And there are some typographical omissions that can be corrected before the second publication.
Generally, the storytelling was fantastic, magnificent, and superb, well-laid out with the right suspense applied throughout. One could ask the author if he were involved in these fictional events. I am very appreciative of being asked to review a book like this.
February 25, 2021
Tedious
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
The main characters of this book, Angie and John, are young professionals with a serious need of mental health care. She is the poster child for selfishness, while he is a human door mat. Even with the specter of bipolar disorder and postpartum depression hanging over her, Angie is quite unlikeable, and therefore incapable of evoking any empathetic feelings. After the initial series of Angie's outrageous behaviors, John became an enabler. I felt no connection. The only one I felt sorry for was the baby.
For me, this book was a most tiresome read. Chapter after chapter seemed to present the same situation in an interminable repetition. I almost gave up multiple times, but plodded on under the expectation that the book had to improve. I believe Einstein stated that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Shame on me.
I received an ARC of this book. The honest evaluation is my own.
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
The main characters of this book, Angie and John, are young professionals with a serious need of mental health care. She is the poster child for selfishness, while he is a human door mat. Even with the specter of bipolar disorder and postpartum depression hanging over her, Angie is quite unlikeable, and therefore incapable of evoking any empathetic feelings. After the initial series of Angie's outrageous behaviors, John became an enabler. I felt no connection. The only one I felt sorry for was the baby.
For me, this book was a most tiresome read. Chapter after chapter seemed to present the same situation in an interminable repetition. I almost gave up multiple times, but plodded on under the expectation that the book had to improve. I believe Einstein stated that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Shame on me.
I received an ARC of this book. The honest evaluation is my own.
November 27, 2023
John and Angela say they want a baby...meaning in a few years. When they realize they're about to get one, that's different. Angela's fears of "turning into a whale" are only a mask for a deeper fear of whatever happened that caused her mother to die during a second pregnancy.
John's being cast as the perfect father-to-be while Angie becomes the perfect horrorcow shatter my suspension of disbelief, but the plot rolls on. One of their friends is a woman who really wants to be a mother. Another is her husband, who really doesn't want to be a father. Their marriage isn't perfect. Will she run away with John? Will Angie go back to live with her widowed father? Will she have to live with a stepmother, and what does this prospective stepmother have to teach her?
Peter Martin succeeds in the first duty of a mystery writer--to make the solution to a mystery baffle the reader up to the end, while seeming inevitable once it's revealed. If he'd done this with less exaggerated fear of pregnant women, this book would deserve five stars.
John's being cast as the perfect father-to-be while Angie becomes the perfect horrorcow shatter my suspension of disbelief, but the plot rolls on. One of their friends is a woman who really wants to be a mother. Another is her husband, who really doesn't want to be a father. Their marriage isn't perfect. Will she run away with John? Will Angie go back to live with her widowed father? Will she have to live with a stepmother, and what does this prospective stepmother have to teach her?
Peter Martin succeeds in the first duty of a mystery writer--to make the solution to a mystery baffle the reader up to the end, while seeming inevitable once it's revealed. If he'd done this with less exaggerated fear of pregnant women, this book would deserve five stars.
June 3, 2020
For most women, a positive pregnancy test would bring joy. But for Angie, it marks the beginning of a nightmare that will bring heartbreak and despair.
All too aware of the dire consequences she faces, she knows she never should have gotten pregnant in the first place. Her husband doesn’t know the family secret that killed her mother and overshadows his happiness at becoming a father - and Angie isn’t going to be the one to tell him.
As her marriage and her life begin to fall apart, can Angie overcome her demons and find peace... And is there something even she doesn’t know?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
All too aware of the dire consequences she faces, she knows she never should have gotten pregnant in the first place. Her husband doesn’t know the family secret that killed her mother and overshadows his happiness at becoming a father - and Angie isn’t going to be the one to tell him.
As her marriage and her life begin to fall apart, can Angie overcome her demons and find peace... And is there something even she doesn’t know?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
March 1, 2021
Boy! “The Art of Deception” by Peter Martin was a domestic explosion to say the least. The story took me up and down and side ways. And although I didn’t see the end coming, I was not pleased by the way it was concluded. Don’t get me wrong, I did not predict the ending, I was just shocked that it would be that wrapped. The author lead the reader to one conclusion which was a red herring. I gave the book three stars because I didn’t think it should have ended that way and I feel the title didn’t fit the story. Maybe it should have been titled, “A Life Divided” or maybe “An Unplanned Measure”.
The story is about a husband and wife, John and Angie who seemed to have a wonderful marriage until an unplanned pregnancy leads to chaos, hidden secrets and uncompromising changes. I thought John was a wuss and Angie was a crazy b*tch. This marriage was a nightmare on Elm Street and I will stop there. But think “Gone Girl 2” and you get the picture. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
The story is about a husband and wife, John and Angie who seemed to have a wonderful marriage until an unplanned pregnancy leads to chaos, hidden secrets and uncompromising changes. I thought John was a wuss and Angie was a crazy b*tch. This marriage was a nightmare on Elm Street and I will stop there. But think “Gone Girl 2” and you get the picture. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 19, 2020
wow. this book was great. at times i was like well i know how the heck this thing is ending and then bam! totally blind sided. john and angie have a great marriage. they are happy together. then they find out that they are pregnant and the crap hits the fan. angie is sick as a dog and is having mood swings and is worried she will be like her mother.she ends up running from her problems and turning the her father who in turn is worried as well. she tries to start her life over but she misses john and another huge road block turns up.
August 16, 2020
About bipolar
Know nothing about this illness, but was interested ,yet disturbed as to how it affects a person. I did not expect the twist at the very end,which was an unexpected surprise , can't help thinking it was brought to a very quick conclusion though.It seemed to have a good beginning & middle but a very short end.
The book was very insightful, but disappointingly the ending seemed rushed and abruptly closed. After all that detail previously, with a beginning ,middle , it lacked an understanding finish.
Know nothing about this illness, but was interested ,yet disturbed as to how it affects a person. I did not expect the twist at the very end,which was an unexpected surprise , can't help thinking it was brought to a very quick conclusion though.It seemed to have a good beginning & middle but a very short end.
The book was very insightful, but disappointingly the ending seemed rushed and abruptly closed. After all that detail previously, with a beginning ,middle , it lacked an understanding finish.
May 8, 2020
I found Angie to be a depressed individual who should have been seeing someone from the time she lost her mom. She sure acted like someone who has that sickness as well, attacking John as she did. I don't think she will change in her feelings toward the baby either. She is all about herself. Bless the victim, John, for being a loving father and son and living Angie after everything she put him through.
May 11, 2020
This has to be the strangest book ever!
It was hard to read from start to finish, but I couldn't put it down for fear of she was going to do next! The ending didn't ring true as no one could act as she did and suddenly become well and all be ok! Was her dad really to blame or did he take the blame for her? If nothing else this is one of those books that keeps you thinking about it long after you finish it!
It was hard to read from start to finish, but I couldn't put it down for fear of she was going to do next! The ending didn't ring true as no one could act as she did and suddenly become well and all be ok! Was her dad really to blame or did he take the blame for her? If nothing else this is one of those books that keeps you thinking about it long after you finish it!
February 28, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a well written story about a woman who finds herself pregent. As the story goes things start falling apart for her. She has a past with some demons. What will happen to her and will her husband find out? I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story as they made it feel realistic. It is fast paced and full of action. I highly recommend this book.
May 7, 2021
Peter Martin understands the art of deception extremely well; he misleads readers convincingly to the very end. The male character, John, steps off the page, he is so well portrayed. How a male author gets under the skin of a woman in the early stages of pregnancy (part one) or during and after her baby’s birth (part two) I have no idea, but Martin succeeds. The result is a psychological thriller based on ordinary people; John and Angie could so easily be the couple next door...
March 30, 2020
Loved this book! The main characters were fascinating, and I was eager to see how the relationships between all the characters would evolve over the course of the book. A fantastic twist at the end, too. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that's a real page-turner, check out The Art of Deception. I recommend it highly.
July 13, 2020
Bit of a slow go at first but keep reading
This story was definitely an interesting one! The character build up, the family quarrels, the mind cracking, all blown away at the end. If you're reading this story and you think you know what's going to happen, you're wrong. Well done!!
This story was definitely an interesting one! The character build up, the family quarrels, the mind cracking, all blown away at the end. If you're reading this story and you think you know what's going to happen, you're wrong. Well done!!
March 1, 2021
Wow. The blurb made this book sound interesting. Boy was I wrong. I hate writing reviews like this but there isn't anything good about what I read. Each chapter was repetitive. I hated Angie from the get go. Nothing to like about her. Both her and John needed therapy. The characters needed more developement. The storyline was slow. The ending was a surprise which was the only good thing about this book. It was one I never saw coming. Also, page numbers and other random numbers fell in odd places which made this book hard to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 3, 2023
If you want to read a pleasant book that makes you feel good, this is definitely not the one to choose. I nearly pulled the plug several times but kept on reading. When I reached the ending, I was sorry that I had kept going. It was a horrible ending to a very depressing book.
Cancer is no doubt a serious and awful disease, but mental illness is the WORST.
Cancer is no doubt a serious and awful disease, but mental illness is the WORST.
August 22, 2020
You can’t guess who did it!
Heartbreaking book about a family and of the phycological, sometimes cruel and violent twists of bipolar disease. Devastating twists that physically harm the family and friends you care about.
You won’t see the shocking ending coming!
Heartbreaking book about a family and of the phycological, sometimes cruel and violent twists of bipolar disease. Devastating twists that physically harm the family and friends you care about.
You won’t see the shocking ending coming!
August 27, 2020
Surprise ending....I didn't see that coming!
John deserves a nomination for sainthood after enduring the physical and mental abuse from Angie. This wasn't my usual genre of books but an interesting read, nonetheless
John deserves a nomination for sainthood after enduring the physical and mental abuse from Angie. This wasn't my usual genre of books but an interesting read, nonetheless
September 12, 2020
Notes: truly despicable main character, unrealistic and ridiculously-repetitive dialogue, continued to read based on promise of something unexpected at the end, good story overall, ending was goo abrupt and unreasistic.
February 9, 2022
Good psychological thriller
This book was pretty interesting delving into an unbalanced character. I think it dragged on a little bit. Loved the twist st the end. Not sure if I would recommend the author.
This book was pretty interesting delving into an unbalanced character. I think it dragged on a little bit. Loved the twist st the end. Not sure if I would recommend the author.
May 19, 2020
I got about 20% through this and just couldn't keep going.
May 31, 2020
I have read the sample and the story line appears to be interesting and makes one want to read more
August 17, 2020
Boring
Not impressed. The ending was even terrible. I do not recommend you waste your time in this book. . .
Not impressed. The ending was even terrible. I do not recommend you waste your time in this book. . .
September 13, 2020
Repetitive
Not a page turner, almost didn't finish this but had to skim through several chapters to get to the story. Unbelievable ending. Everybody lived happily ever after ?????
Not a page turner, almost didn't finish this but had to skim through several chapters to get to the story. Unbelievable ending. Everybody lived happily ever after ?????
October 30, 2021
good read
At times thought a bit slow, predictable and lacking of true emotions. Felt was just reading words, but the surprise ending pulled it out for me. Not a complete waste.
At times thought a bit slow, predictable and lacking of true emotions. Felt was just reading words, but the surprise ending pulled it out for me. Not a complete waste.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews