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Deceit: A True Story of Domestic Infidelity and Betrayal with Salacious Details Recorded by Wiretap

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The lengths to which one loving father went to secure custody of his children!

A true story of a loving father facing formidable legal odds to secure custody of his two small children. Using wiretap technology in ways never seen before or since, he turns the tide in his favor in the case of a cheating wife and a predatory gynecologist. It’s a story of humility and perseverance triumphing over arrogance, status, and the powerful influence of sex addiction while delivering lessons in conscience and consequences. With recorded intimate details, this riveting account gained national acclaim for the legal precedent of the case which was unique in the annals of extramarital-affair litigation, making this a must read.



In this book, you will

Falling in “love” involves certain illusions; especially so, if it is lust rather than love that has been fallen into.The devastating effects of addiction to sex and pornography.The importance of awareness.How difficult it is to return to normalcy once trust has been broken.The importance of principle and priorities in all we do in life.Know who you trust.A highly-recommended read for anyone seeking a story of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of a parent’s love. Get inspired by this powerful, unique and untold narrative. Grab a copy now!

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2023

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About the author

Vernon Baumrind is a successful businessman in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the father of two adult children and grandfather of four. At 81 years of age, he holds a patent for a unique asphalt recycling technology and owns the copyright to this story.

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5 stars
67 (60%)
4 stars
26 (23%)
3 stars
13 (11%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for MM Suarez.
1,045 reviews77 followers
December 1, 2023
"I thought, her death would have been more acceptable than the dishonor of this behavior."

Seriously? The above statement tells me more about the husband/author than anything else in this book, it initially caught my eye because of the interesting legal aspects of wiretapping one's own phone to catch a cheating spouse, I should have passed on it. The writing is pretty awful, the husband sounds like a sanctimonious p***k and the wife and the doctor (her lover) are deplorable. I felt like I needed a shower after reading it.
Profile Image for Ana.
7 reviews
July 26, 2024
WOW!! What a book!! My best read so far. On work travel and finished it in almost three hours. Reading how this father kept himself in check because he was thinking about his kids. Just WOW. Not sure I would have that composure back in 1976 or now. My only issue he didn’t get more money from the Dr.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
June 28, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down!


Upon reading the first pages, I was hooked! In fact, I read it in a few hours, and stopped a couple times to refer the book to other friends! The author does a really wonderful job of bringing you into his life and understanding the gravity of the situation.
There is so much to be learned from this book! As someone who is two years married, it reinforces the importance of trust, as well as the pain that one can inflict (especially when children are involved ) when a door of infidelity is opened. I think this book is very important for couples to read. Whether or not you are in a rocky marriage or stable marriage, you can learn a lot.

I highly recommend this book !!
Profile Image for Lauren.
116 reviews12 followers
April 6, 2024
3.5

Deceit is a very real and raw story of a family torn apart by lying and cheating, and the struggles that follow as a father tries to hold on to the pieces that are left of his family and his heart.

The writing is lovely and captivating in a way that really brings you into the story and feel for this family. There is a fine line between preachy and moralistic. While I understand the deeper undertone of the story and the struggles of infidelity and how it affects a family unit. There is no need to be so on the nose with it toward the end.

The writing and the story speak for itself, and the author does a good job of getting their point across in the work without pointing it out in a sort of summery sort of way.
Profile Image for Courtnee Turner.
Author 12 books225 followers
December 4, 2023
Vernon Baumrind wrote his book, Deceit, after his children had moved out of the vulnerable stage of their youth and he saw the need to inspire others who were in similar situations. Baumrind and his wife, Linda, had been married for almost eleven years, and the author traced the reason for his declining marriage to the cause. Linda was having an affair with their neighbor, Jim Ewing, who was also her gynecologist. Feelings of betrayal mounted as Baumrind gathered evidence for his divorce and custody case. Federal wire-tapping statutes are called into question, and court proceedings involving a possible violation of rights are detailed.

It's hard not to feel the rollercoaster of emotions Vernon Baumrind experiences during his terrible ordeal. The person he had vowed to love forever had betrayed him on a level that would be a critical blow to the most stoic individual. The love he had - and has - for his children is clear throughout the book and is a significant source of his strength. The conversations between the offending individuals are taken from documents and referenced in court, making the sad case verifiable and tragic. Readers will rally for Baumrind as they read his story and validate the reasons for his actions, noting that the measures he took resulted from a desire to secure a wholesome environment for his children. The author hopes to help others in similar situations, assuring them they are not alone and still have a voice. Readers who enjoy true cases - especially with details previously undisclosed to the media - will not be able to put down Deceit.
29 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2024
WOW! This book was exceptional! I began reading it and I finished reading the whole book tonight. The author did a fantastic job of conveying his love for his children and his ex wife. What steps he took to protect his children and their lives and his also. Very brave steps and he has written a book that I shall recommend to everyone! I usually only read True Crime but there was something about this book that drew me to purchase it and read. BOY am I glad I did. Please everyone give this book a few minutes of your time and you will not be disappointed
24 reviews
March 24, 2025
stunning

The book was good from beginning to end. It’s always interesting what people will do to each . This book will make you look at your spouse in a different way. This story focuses on three main characters, two who are self-centered and selfish. Furthermore, the wire tape aspect really brought out how devastating infidelity can be. However, there were some areas that lagged but I’m sure the writer thought all his thoughts were important. This is a must read for married or single people. What an eye opener.
1 review
July 18, 2023
Absolutely incredible read

Wow! This book is incredible. My husband and I read 90% of it in one day because we could not put it down and finished it the following day.
It is hard to believe this is a true story since nothing like this could happen today (with the change in technology) but its all true and well detailed. It also gives me a new appreciation for family. Can't recommend this book enough!!
1 review
May 7, 2024
great writing

While I don’t necessarily agree with all of the authors views/decisions regarding some of the instances in this book this book was very well written. Heartfelt and heartbreaking. The message of warning against what those with great power and a lack of moral compass are capable of was very well written. This is the first autobiographical book I have ever read and it kept me engaged and reading.
Profile Image for A.
5 reviews
September 9, 2023
True story

The writing style is eloquent and immersive. The descriptions are vivid, painting a clear picture of the characters and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story. The dialogue is capturing the characters' voices and adding an additional layer of authenticity to their interactions
1 review
July 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was full of surprising developments. Each day was an opportunity to learn about about a new situation which kept me interested . I loved the authors dedication to his family too.
617 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2024
The ultimate form of justice with a cheating spouse for the betterment of the two children involved.
Profile Image for Fatima.
9 reviews
December 4, 2024
Good at first then a little too much detail with court transcripts. DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
180 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2025
Sometimes the best revenge is to shine light on the deeds of those who betrayed us.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews