Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Deepfake

Rate this book
Having just completed a challenging case, private detective Terry Luvello was hoping for some rest. Instead, a 3:00 a.m. visit from a thirteen-year-old neighbor is a prelude to what will soon become the most perplexing case of his career. The girl’s father, the director of the Cleveland Federal Reserve, has just been accused of murder. Even worse, the police are in possession of evidence that seems to confirm the father’s guilt.

Reluctant though intrigued, Terry is soon thrust into the world of deepfake videos—fabricated recordings so real they are virtually impossible to disprove. Shortly after Terry begins his investigation, similar videos implicate four other individuals with ties to high finance.

With the help of his partner and girlfriend, police detective Hannah Page, Terry soon realizes that disproving the videos is only half the battle. In a case filled with misdirection, Terry and Hannah must determine the true motive behind his client’s frame while matching wits with an unknown adversary willing to kill anyone who stands in his way. As they learn more about their enemy’s true intentions, Terry and Hannah race against time to prevent a crime on a scale far greater than they could have ever imagined.

A transgender male with a uniquely wry sense of humor, Terry seeks to solve his case while continuing with the clinical transition he began months earlier. As the investigation reaches a climax, he must decide just what he is willing to sacrifice to save the woman he loves.

ebook

Published June 13, 2023

2 people want to read

About the author

Joe Rielinger

3 books3 followers
Joe Rielinger lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife, Lisa, and their two fun-loving, though often borderline crazy golden retrievers. With a lifetime love of mystery, crime, and detective novels, Joe is currently working on the third book in the Terry Luvello series. When he isn’t writing, Joe likes to cook, read, and pretend he might someday learn something about training his two dogs.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
7 (58%)
4 stars
4 (33%)
3 stars
1 (8%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
1,370 reviews111 followers
June 28, 2023
Terry Luvello, a seasoned private investigator, finds himself thrust into yet another enthralling and urgent matter. This time, it is a desperate plea from thirteen-year-old Allison West, seeking Terry’s extraordinary abilities to exonerate her father from a grave murder accusation. As if one perplexing case wasn’t enough, Terry’s significant other, Hannah Page, a respected detective with the Cleveland Police, presents him with yet another captivating investigation employing similar tactics. Together, these two intrepid detectives embark on a riveting and pulse-pounding journey to uncover the hidden truths behind these interconnected cases.

In DeepFake by author Joe Rielinger, readers are treated to an immersive and electrifying expedition alongside the indomitable Terry Luvello as he unravels intricate mysteries. Rielinger’s masterful portrayal of each character grants them captivating depth and individual storylines, elevating the overall narrative to a truly engaging and unforgettable level. The inclusion of delightful and well-placed humor within the various plotlines adds a delightful touch, injecting moments of levity and bringing an extra dimension to the book’s essence. One aspect that I appreciated is the meticulously crafted plot and the steady rise of the story. Rielinger deftly keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the narrative unfolds, skillfully weaving suspense and intrigue throughout. The vividly depicted characters truly shine, adding a profound and special significance to every scenario, fostering a deep emotional connection with the reader.

DeepFake is a remarkable novel that envelops readers in a world of suspense, mystery, and relentless excitement. With its intricately woven plotlines, compelling characterizations, and intellectually stimulating narrative, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an unputdownable and thoroughly satisfying literary adventure. Prepare to be spellbound and captivated by this extraordinary work of fiction, as it leaves an indelible mark on the minds of its fortunate readers.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,491 reviews210 followers
June 10, 2023
3.75stars-DEEPFAKE is the second instalment in Joe Rielinger’s contemporary, adult TERRY LUVELLO mystery, suspense series focusing on transgendered male, private detective Terry Luvello. DEEPFAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Terry) following several paths, DEEPFAKE follows in the wake of a 3am visit from PD Terry Luvello’s thirteen year old neighbor who claims her father has been arrested for murder. Ray West, a single father, is the director of the Cleveland Federal Reserve and has been accused of the killing of a female friend. An anonymous witness has come forward with a video showing someone who looks like Ray at the scene of the crime, a video that may or may not be a deepfake recording. With the help of his girlfriend, police detective Hannah Page, and IT genius Tomas O’Malley, Terry will begin to unravel the clues that lead to a well-planned, and soon to be executed theft of millions of dollars but Ray West is not the only high profile figure to be targeted in similar videos, videos that may all lead back to a familiar foe. An arson investigation ends with the death of a suspect, an investigation that also leads back to an unlikely source. From the Boston Irish Mob to the FBI, everyone becomes suspect in a technological nightmare.

Meanwhile, and secondary to the main story line, Terry Luvello’s transition from female to male is about to enter the pharmaceutical phase of his evolution. At this stage in the series, we are not privy to the intimate details, only that strangers and friends are aware of Terry’s life changing transformation.

DEEPFAKE is a story of greed, power and murder, deception and betrayal. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are interesting and thought-provoking.

www.thereadingcafe.com
200 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2023
This is another enjoyable who dunnit with Terry Lovello. The transgender Terry is a marvelous character, he's clever, believable, with a side of vunerable, everything I like in a character.

I'm only giving this three stars because the multiple layers of the "why they dunnit", was just several layers too many. I'm afraid, after we've revealed about the third depth behind the original crime and another layer of the other crime, which, of course, is related to the first one, I stopped caring. I just wanted the book to end, and that's really sad. There just weren't enough moments of tension to carry me along.

There is also some risible dialogue. The author is great when he's got Terry and his girlfriend riffing off each other, the snark is good, but if Terry's talking to anyone else, it just doesn't read like real dialogue, particularly when it's a teenage girl.

I had an advanced copy and, I'm really hoping that the version that is going on sale has been proofread in the interim, because there were an annoying amount of typos too.

I'm really sorry to mark this book down. I really liked the first book and I love the character, but sadly the writing just let this down a little. It's still a mostly good read, and if you loved the first book I'd say, give it a go.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,457 reviews126 followers
July 28, 2023
I fell in love with Terry and Hannah in book one - they're great characters, and I love them as a couple. This time the stakes are high, and the pressure is on, as technology makes things even harder on Terry - and those accused of serious crimes. How do you prove someone is innocent when technology can create a deepfake video - one almost impossible to prove isn't real. The story opens with a bang (almost literally), and you're quickly drawn in before you know what's happening. Rielinger does an amazing job building tension, and taking the reader on a twisting journey from cover to cover. If you're looking for an exciting, thrilling mystery, with an unforgettable cast of characters, then dive into the world of advanced technology and high finance in this latest mystery/thriller from Rielinger, I promise you won't be disappointed!
106 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2023
Book 2 in the Terry Luvello series proves to be as compelling as the first. Terry has an interesting thought process that works well in solving his cases. He and Hannah, his detective girlfriend, work very well together at piecing together the clues as they find them. What starts out as a case of framing an innocent man for murder, quickly turns into a monumental case with ruthless players. The ending was tense and exciting. I didn’t see it coming.

The writing was very good with only one glaring mistake. At about the 25% mark, Terry called Hannah’s mother Mrs. Luvello. I hope the author can correct that. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,701 reviews27 followers
June 16, 2023
Having just completed a challenging case private detective Terry Luvello was hoping for some rest. A visit from thirteen your old neighbour Allison West disturbs his peace. The girls father Raymond West is accused of murdering Miriam Artest and the police have evidence against him. Terry now has a completed case with deepfake videos and fake recording to deal with. A lot of humour and a very exciting read to the finish. I received this book free via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
Profile Image for Terri.
199 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2023
Book 2 of this series is as good as the first was if not better. Getting more attached to these characters and hoping this series has many additions. Really enjoying following Terry's personal journey and the changes it may bring to the storyline in the future. Was a little surprised by the final twist which is always a good thing in my book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Louise.
1,523 reviews20 followers
September 2, 2023
Book 2, it might help to read book 1 to gain greater insight into PI Terry's character. Nonetheless, the story can be read as a standalone. Amidst Terry's transition and relationship, he investigates a case that introduces him to the world of deepfaking. There are various suspects to consider as the crime becomes a lot deeper than previously thought. The story is descriptive and immersive.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,522 reviews17 followers
December 17, 2023
Book 2, works well as a standalone but you are really missing out if you have not enjoyed book 1 as well. What can I say? It's just brilliant. Exciting and very clever indeed, with so many different strands that finally pull together into a totally unexpected finale. A super read, I cannot recommend it highly enough. More please!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews