What do you think?
Rate this book
Jade O'Reilly #1
Private Deception
Sassy private investigator Jade O’Reilly thinks she’s hit rock bottom when, in the midst of obtaining photos of a cheating spouse in a second-story apartment, she falls off a swing set to the feet of an attractive mystery man. But the next day, when Jade discovers the man’s identity—he’s a detective with the local Sweetwater, NC, police—she learns that the cheating spouse was murdered and Jade herself is a suspect. Rock bottom just got a new definition.
Private Deception is the first novel in the Jade O’Reilly Mystery series by Amazon Bestselling Mystery and Romantic Suspense Author Tamara Ward. The novel’s prequel, the short story Jade O’Reilly and the Ice Queen, joins Jade O’Reilly and the Mysterious Musician, a short story that follows Jade on an adventure after this novel. In all three, action and light romance combine with engaging characters and humor for page-turning whodunits set in the fictional coastal town of Sweetwater, NC.
Private Deception is the first novel in the Jade O’Reilly Mystery series by Amazon Bestselling Mystery and Romantic Suspense Author Tamara Ward. The novel’s prequel, the short story Jade O’Reilly and the Ice Queen, joins Jade O’Reilly and the Mysterious Musician, a short story that follows Jade on an adventure after this novel. In all three, action and light romance combine with engaging characters and humor for page-turning whodunits set in the fictional coastal town of Sweetwater, NC.
205 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2012
29 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 5, 2012
This is an engaging, character driven mystery. Jade is complex enough to be interesting, but not so complex you get tired of her—if that makes any sense. My favorite character was Mack. His portrayal in the book was perfect. He added the perfect conflict element for Jade.
The storyline was solid and had enough twists that I kept guessing who “done it”—and I kept guessing wrong, much to my delight. I’m fearful of revealing too much, because I’d hate to spoil the ride Ward takes us on in this book.
I really enjoyed Ward’s first book, “Storm Surge”, so I was anxiously looking forward to her next release. “Private Deception” feels a bit more adult—there is a harder edge to it, but nothing I found offensive.
Excellent read! I highly recommend it!
The storyline was solid and had enough twists that I kept guessing who “done it”—and I kept guessing wrong, much to my delight. I’m fearful of revealing too much, because I’d hate to spoil the ride Ward takes us on in this book.
I really enjoyed Ward’s first book, “Storm Surge”, so I was anxiously looking forward to her next release. “Private Deception” feels a bit more adult—there is a harder edge to it, but nothing I found offensive.
Excellent read! I highly recommend it!
August 13, 2012
I loved this book. Getting to know Jade was such a great experience, as the layers of her life are revealed, and how what happened in her past affects her present. I don't read mysteries often, because I have a habit of guessing the ending about halfway through the story. But Tamara Ward is a genius at throwing red herrings, and this kept me guessing up to the end.
I can't wait for the next installment!
Note: I received an ARC from the author without any expectation of a review.
I can't wait for the next installment!
Note: I received an ARC from the author without any expectation of a review.
August 23, 2012
3-3.5 stars
This is the first full-length book featuring Jade O'Reilly, a 20-something Private Investigator. She's hired to prove that Bill, a lawyer, is cheating on his wife, Evelyn. And boy, does Jade get some great pictures of Bill and Candy, his mistress! She also runs into the latest Sweetwater detective, Keith - handsome, but all business.
Then it turns out that Bill was shot and killed minutes after Keith asked her to leave private property... now Jade's a suspect, although it's more likely the police are simply trying to shake her down for information and her hunches, based on the investigating she's been doing for Evelyn.
Meanwhile, her boss Rex has assigned Jade and Mack to track down 17-yr old Lily, the daughter of Melissa - a woman that Rex wants to date. Putting Mack and Jade on a case together is like oil-and-water; can the two of them overcome their generation gap and mutual dislike for one another long enough to get the job done?
And why can't Jade shake the feeling that Lily is somehow tied into Bill's death?
==================
I liked this story - it shows promise. At times, it read a bit slow and frustrated me. The story's not action-packed or fast-paced, but there are 2 deaths and 1 missing girl, not to mention the drama at home between Jade and her ex-fiancee Dale, who is still in love with her and who her brothers think she should still marry. But Jade is attracted to Keith and Benton Rowe, a millionaire client of Bill's and a man that Jade just can't quite read.
Is Benton flirting with her to get information or because he really likes her? And what's up with Benton's remarks about how Jade is like her father? When Jade finds her father's investigative reporting notes
about Benton Rowe and his businesses from before he died, she starts to wonder if Rowe is somehow connected with her father's stabbing.
The slow-down parts were around trying to find Lily. Seems to me that Jade, being in her 20s and a rebel in her own right, should have been able to think of many, many places in Sweetwater and around the college campus that Lily would have hung out. Finding Lily and how she connects to everything just took way too long. It made Jade and Mack look downright dumb, although I realize the idea is that they don't like each other and don't work well together. Still... And then Jade allows Mack to take the lion's share of the credit?
The Lily subplot seemed a convenient way to keep Jade occupied and not thinking 100% about Bill's murder.
But, overall, the book was well written and engaging. The author has established a firm foundation for the major characters, and she's provided a lot of room for growth. They aren't static characters by any means.
I located another short story about Jade, which I'll read next. Hopefully, there will be another full-length Jade story coming soon. That will help establish, for me, whether this series is one I will continue with.
This is the first full-length book featuring Jade O'Reilly, a 20-something Private Investigator. She's hired to prove that Bill, a lawyer, is cheating on his wife, Evelyn. And boy, does Jade get some great pictures of Bill and Candy, his mistress! She also runs into the latest Sweetwater detective, Keith - handsome, but all business.
Then it turns out that Bill was shot and killed minutes after Keith asked her to leave private property... now Jade's a suspect, although it's more likely the police are simply trying to shake her down for information and her hunches, based on the investigating she's been doing for Evelyn.
Meanwhile, her boss Rex has assigned Jade and Mack to track down 17-yr old Lily, the daughter of Melissa - a woman that Rex wants to date. Putting Mack and Jade on a case together is like oil-and-water; can the two of them overcome their generation gap and mutual dislike for one another long enough to get the job done?
And why can't Jade shake the feeling that Lily is somehow tied into Bill's death?
==================
I liked this story - it shows promise. At times, it read a bit slow and frustrated me. The story's not action-packed or fast-paced, but there are 2 deaths and 1 missing girl, not to mention the drama at home between Jade and her ex-fiancee Dale, who is still in love with her and who her brothers think she should still marry. But Jade is attracted to Keith and Benton Rowe, a millionaire client of Bill's and a man that Jade just can't quite read.
Is Benton flirting with her to get information or because he really likes her? And what's up with Benton's remarks about how Jade is like her father? When Jade finds her father's investigative reporting notes
about Benton Rowe and his businesses from before he died, she starts to wonder if Rowe is somehow connected with her father's stabbing.
The slow-down parts were around trying to find Lily. Seems to me that Jade, being in her 20s and a rebel in her own right, should have been able to think of many, many places in Sweetwater and around the college campus that Lily would have hung out. Finding Lily and how she connects to everything just took way too long. It made Jade and Mack look downright dumb, although I realize the idea is that they don't like each other and don't work well together. Still... And then Jade allows Mack to take the lion's share of the credit?
The Lily subplot seemed a convenient way to keep Jade occupied and not thinking 100% about Bill's murder.
But, overall, the book was well written and engaging. The author has established a firm foundation for the major characters, and she's provided a lot of room for growth. They aren't static characters by any means.
I located another short story about Jade, which I'll read next. Hopefully, there will be another full-length Jade story coming soon. That will help establish, for me, whether this series is one I will continue with.
April 21, 2013
I was first introduced to Tamara Ward and her fabulous character Jade O'Reilly in the book Tales From The Mist and was immediately captivated by the character and the writer's talent. When Tamara mentioned to me that there were full length novels and shorts to be enjoyed, I was on board faster than a pirate following a barrel of rum.
Jade is a very enigmatic character that Ward has worked very well on crafting in a way that she is both likable and yet spunky enough to be approachable from a male perspective. So men, do not blanch away from reading these books. There are some fine male characters that are highly integral to the web that is Jade's life. She is a private investigator in a company highly testosterone filled. She is the only daughter in a family of four, and her brothers are all older, and in their opinion, wiser. She is also being pursued by a very male police force in the small town of Sweetwater. One would imagine if the girl could get a break. Thankfully she is very resourceful and very independent, sometimes too much so for her own good.
Private Deception, the first full length story in the series presents a series of events that would typically send most females running to the nearest man for help. Instead Jade spends most of the excellently written story fighting off the numerous males trying to dictate what she does, when she does it, and with whom she does something. Sorry fellows that doesn't fly when you're dealing with Jade. A top-notch mystery filled with plenty of twists and turns that come to an interesting though semi open-ended conclusion, this is clearly a 5 Star read. Yes, I am handing those things out like candy all of a sudden. What has gotten into me?
Jade is a very enigmatic character that Ward has worked very well on crafting in a way that she is both likable and yet spunky enough to be approachable from a male perspective. So men, do not blanch away from reading these books. There are some fine male characters that are highly integral to the web that is Jade's life. She is a private investigator in a company highly testosterone filled. She is the only daughter in a family of four, and her brothers are all older, and in their opinion, wiser. She is also being pursued by a very male police force in the small town of Sweetwater. One would imagine if the girl could get a break. Thankfully she is very resourceful and very independent, sometimes too much so for her own good.
Private Deception, the first full length story in the series presents a series of events that would typically send most females running to the nearest man for help. Instead Jade spends most of the excellently written story fighting off the numerous males trying to dictate what she does, when she does it, and with whom she does something. Sorry fellows that doesn't fly when you're dealing with Jade. A top-notch mystery filled with plenty of twists and turns that come to an interesting though semi open-ended conclusion, this is clearly a 5 Star read. Yes, I am handing those things out like candy all of a sudden. What has gotten into me?
August 27, 2012
This is the first full-length book in the series following the sleuth trial of private investigator, Jade O'Reilly. The search for the truth behind the homicide of a lawyer, coupled with an ancillary storyline to locate and return a 17-year-old runaway to her mother, was engaging with its twists and turns. Jade was quite an emotionally scarred character with a troubled past in her teenage years as a result of the violent deaths of her parents. The romance in the story could have been better as the chemistry between Jade and the potential love interest was lacking (though I liked that she understood her true feelings towards her ex-fiancé). Hopefully the next book in the series will make up for it.
May 16, 2013
Jade O'Reilly,private investigator, a runaway teenager, a waitress, a dead man from years ago, a legal assistant and a dead lawyer are all characters in this story that twists and turns until the killer is revealed. Jade O'Reilly is new at being a private investigator when her case goes from following a cheating husband to finding who murder him. When her boss insists she and her co worker find a missing teen. The story bogs down, with Jade dealing with her ex finance and her brothers. And, dealing with the local police detectives. It then picks up again, as Jade confronts the killer and almost gets killed herself. This series is similar the Stephanie Plum series... You will either love it or hate it. Its up to you to decide.
June 6, 2013
Tamara Ward snares her reader from the first page as Private Investigator Jade O'Reilly works the deceptively peaceful town of Stillwater. Soon, the discovery of the body of a man suspected of infidelity combines with the case of a missing teenager to turn Jade's life into a whirlwind of sleuthing--one matched only by the turbulent emotions generated by her off-hours life. Solving multiple homicides takes on new importance when Jade becomes a suspect herself. Clearing her case load becomes a matter of self-preservation in a mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the end.
A snag-free, enjoyable read!
A snag-free, enjoyable read!
September 10, 2016
Suspense and Humor..
Jade O'Reilly, the female lead and private investigator is on a cheating husband assignment.
The husband ends up murdered and Jade is a suspect.
Jade thinks that the detective on the murder case is hot and she ends up head over heels at his feet, literally.
Jade was a strong, smart, funny lead.
The characters were written well, the book has humor and suspense that keeps the reader guessing to the very end. .
Julie Hoverson did a good job with the narration.
Note:
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
October 23, 2012
If it weren't for my dissatisfaction with the ending, this book would have earned more stars. It is a well-written mystery and I thought more of it than I often do of PI mysteries.
But unfortunately the case is solved more by coincidence than sleuthing. I prefer mysteries that rely on careful interpretation of the clues, where I can try to solve the mystery myself as it proceeds.
But because I liked the characters and it was well written otherwise, I would be interested in more from this series and author.
But unfortunately the case is solved more by coincidence than sleuthing. I prefer mysteries that rely on careful interpretation of the clues, where I can try to solve the mystery myself as it proceeds.
But because I liked the characters and it was well written otherwise, I would be interested in more from this series and author.
July 7, 2015
Ms. Ward is an "Amazing" story tseller.
Normally I am not a fan of female detectives PI's etc. However Jade didn't pretend to be all bad. Great character. I loved this story because it had spice, intrigue, mystery, and two male macho jerks that everyone with the exception of their supervisors seemed to know. I disliked Jade's boss for the Super male pig that he was. President of the "Good Old Boys Club." Oh by the way I disliked him so much I can't remember his name. Great read.
Normally I am not a fan of female detectives PI's etc. However Jade didn't pretend to be all bad. Great character. I loved this story because it had spice, intrigue, mystery, and two male macho jerks that everyone with the exception of their supervisors seemed to know. I disliked Jade's boss for the Super male pig that he was. President of the "Good Old Boys Club." Oh by the way I disliked him so much I can't remember his name. Great read.
March 2, 2016
I gave it two hundred pages. At that point, it was abundantly clear that it was time to set this one aside. One star is for main character PI with some depth. The cons include a murder victim about whom we know only profession and questionable behavior. Virtually every other character is one-dimensional stereotype, the floozy, the deceased's odd spouse, but the men are worse, the hunk cop, the town rich guy, the selfish partner, the overbearing cop. Lousy even if it's chick lit.
December 28, 2012
Private Deception is a very enjoyable mystery. Jade O'Reilly is believable and very easy to like. As a private investigator, Jade encounters some prejudice, some danger, many red herrings, lots of frustration, and moments of embarrassment. The mysteries of a missing teen and a lawyer's murder are nicely constructed. Tamara Ward has created a heroine who will be fun to follow.
May 18, 2013
Weell, at the author's request, I will be happy to write a review of Tamara Ward's mystery which involves a private detective named Jade O'Reilly (I think) and solving 2 murders and a mysterious newspaper clipping from years ago in a small North Carolina coastal town. This is one quick enjoyable read!
Frank
Frank
September 7, 2012
Loved it! Jade O'Reilly is a great character. She's like-able and spunky. The characters were well developed. The fast-paced action kept me turning the pages. A very fun read that I highly recommend. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
August 24, 2012
Jade O'Reilly is a fun character that you can't help but like. She's a smart tomboy with her share of vulnerabilities. I liked the warm touches of her caring, teasing brothers and the romantic elements that keep you guessing as much as the suspenseful murder mystery. A great read.
November 6, 2012
Loved this.
Jade is a wonderful character, full of spunk with quick and sassy one liners that made me laugh. Ms Ward is brilliant at writing the romantic element in suspense and making it believable.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Jade is a wonderful character, full of spunk with quick and sassy one liners that made me laugh. Ms Ward is brilliant at writing the romantic element in suspense and making it believable.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
September 5, 2014
A good read
I liked the quick beginning of action and character development without lengthy superfluous wordiness just to fill pages. I enjoyed it and did find myself reading quickly!
I liked the quick beginning of action and character development without lengthy superfluous wordiness just to fill pages. I enjoyed it and did find myself reading quickly!
May 14, 2015
This was a fun read. Jade O'Reilly is a fun, interesting character. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery in this book. When Tamara Ward promises fun to read adventures, she isn't lying. A nice mystery with a fun protagonist.
August 23, 2012
Looking forward to #2. Good character development and story.
September 8, 2012
It wasn't a shocking mystery/conclusion. Jade is very similar to Stephanie Plum. I like TW, but I'm not sure I'm in the mood to read more so so mystery/romance series. Easy and enjoyable though.
August 19, 2013
I liked this book better that I thought I would. Not a glowing endorsement. But it was probably 3.5 stars to me but I erred on generosity. I'll read more sometime.
August 23, 2012
A fun read. Good character development.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews