Deceptive

On the Run #3

by Sara Rosett

alternate cover edition of ASIN B00DY5YL12

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a missing Monet painting is worth millions in cold hard cash…

Freelancer Zoe Hunter specializes in living in the moment and keeping her options open so she holds back when her ex reappears, wanting to reboot their relationship. Zoe’s not sure she can handle a second crash and burn in the love department, but that issue takes a backseat when one of her clients dies.

Zoe discovers the death is linked to a stolen Monet painting, and she’s being set up to take the fall for both the murder and the black-market art sale. To clear her name, Zoe plunges into the shadowy world of art theft, teaming up with a former goth girl hacker, a persistent reporter, and a retired FBI agent turned cruise ship enthusiast.

With the help of her ragtag crew and her sexy ex, Zoe’s hunt takes her from Paris to sun-drenched villas on the Mediterranean coast. As she finds her way through a maze of lies and deceit, Zoe discovers staying alive is a fine art.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Suspense

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.

She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.

Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.

Reviews

[Janice Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this third book in Sara Rosett's On the Run series.

This time Zoe and Jack end up in Italy, looking for a stolen Monet painting. They have strong motivation for finding it. The action is top-notch, the settings so well-described I feel I've been there, and the romance element kept me turning pages right to the end.

One of my favorite aspects of Rosett's stories is that they are clean as well as fast-paced and intriguing. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the action/romance combination.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, this chick boldly goes where most readers won't go, to book 3 in a series without reading the first 2 books.

Oh yeah. That's me. That's how I roll.

If Deceptive is any indication of what the other two books are like, then they have to be fantastic.

There are so many things to love about this book, let me count the ways.

1. It is super fast paced, from the time the body is discovered until the final page, you won't want to put the book down.

2. Zoe and Jack = best book couple ever. They are both smart and sassy. I love that they are a couple that don't bumble through solving a case. They get things done!

3. Art theft and murder..oh and not just any piece of art...Marine by Monet, which actually was stolen in 2006.

How do things get going? Well Zoe goes to work only to find her boss with a knife in her back and she's about to be implicated. This sets off a chain of events that leads her and her ex-Jack to Paris and Italy. (Can I add this is the second book I've read in 2 weeks where the characters are near Pompeii!)

This was a great read for anyone that loves a little romance and mystery.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hovered between a 3.5-4 on this because at times Zoe irritated me. However, the mystery. While far fetched at times, was still good. The action was well paced, and it was to see some old characters in a new setting, (looking at you Mort:)

[moxieBK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deceptive (On the Run #3) Sara Rosett - (21 chapters) January 29, 2017

I read this as a part of the three book series, On the Run Boxed Set. For an overall impression of that book, check out my review on that book set dated January 29, 2017.

The third book in the “On the Run” series finds Zoe back home for a little bit, before she heads out again to Paris and Italy to clear her name after a client winds up dead.

This story was better than the previous book; still not as strong as the first one. Again, Helen makes an appearance….and a personal issue is revealed about her, but, again, the author lets the matter drop and we never figure out what happened to her. Helen does show up a little later in this story, but contradicts what Helen was in previous stories…so that was a little disconcerting if not disheartening.

Jenny also makes an appearance (first since the first book.) And one other character (Carla?) who seems to have a background with Zoe, but it is never really explained. (I do not remember reading about this character in either of the two earlier book I read.) I wish the author would have explained her past a little more. I was confused about why she was in this story.

I am starting to realize this author does this a lot: bring back a fairly well-liked character, only for a cameo, and then the character disappears oncer again.

Fortunately for this one, a reoccurring character appeared and didn’t automatically disappear…so there is hope for future re-appearances for this and other characters!

And again, the author does nice job at the end of the story of explaining locations and events that happened in the book. I really like this approach she takes. It’s more interesting than recipes, and it’s still fairly rare in appearance.

I think most cozy enthusiasts will enjoy this series. The character interactions, and the way the plot unfolds feels natural and real. Great escapism for the day.

Three stars.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceptive by Sara Rosett is a great fun read. Zoe and Jack have another murder to solve. This is one murder they MUST solve because if they don’t Zoe will take the rap. She is being framed and has only three days to find a missing Monet painting or the dead body will be found with a direct link to Zoe. Trying to solve both mysteries will take them throughout Italy and the Mediterranean and, as the reader, it’s a fun trip to be dragged along on.

The writing style flows easily and the book is a quick easy read. The writing is very descriptive, whether describing the settings or the action taking place. Humor and wit abound in the story. There is a combination of mystery, romance and suspense that is the perfect blend.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted humorous mystery. This is book three is the series and the first book that I have read. I have read other books in a different series by Sara Rosett and really enjoyed them. I will definitely be getting the other two books in this series to read and I’m pretty sure I won’t be disappointed. You won’t be either when you pick up Deceptive.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe and Jack are off on another exciting adventure to clear Zoe after she has been frame for murder and art fraud. Zoe stops to deliver some flyers to a client and finds her dead. Before she can react she is hit on the head. As she awakens Zoe is in her car ad no blood is around. The body has,disappeared and the police do not believe. At home Jack and Zoe have a visitor, Oscar who tells her she has 3 days to find the painting and give it Daris Grey or the police would find the body which now barriers in their backyard and the missing $12,000 will show she deposited the money.
Zoe tries to reach Matt, her FUN friend only to learn he is on a cruise. Jack and Zoe fly to Paris and onto Naples to locate the painting. Will they find the painting and clear Zoe of all the charges.
I have read most of this author's work and have not been disappointed.

Full Disclouse: Received a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review

[♥ ♥ ♥ Martina ♥ ♥ ♥]

Loved this book. It got off to a great start with me anyway as I enjoy the whole mystery set in a Europan location setting. Sara Rosett is a new author to me and this is the 3rd book in the On the Run series.

Jack and Zoe are a fantastic couple travelling through France and Italy to find out who has stolen a famous work of art (by Monet, no less), murdered her boss and implicated her in the crime.

Wonderfully descriptive fast pace adventure. Each scene just flows and it was a pleasure to read.

Thanks so much to Sara Rosset for a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deceptive is the third book in this series. Zoe has been framed twice...once for a stolen painting and as a result of that, now she is framed for murder. If she doesn't return the painting ( which she doesn't have), her friends are in danger as well. Now she and Jack are being chased by the FBI and Mr. Gray as they travel Europe in a series of exciting adventures. A fun read with a satisfying conclusion.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, it was well written and held my attention through out. Jack and Zoe are such an awesome couple who cannot seem to stay out of trouble, this time they end up in Paris and Italy. Plus some time on a cruise ship! The ending is wonderful and I will not give it away. You must read this book.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I thoroughly enjoyed this third in the series of a divorced couple living with the consequences of the ex-husband´s former CIA career. In this one Zoe is framed for stealing a stolen Monet painting and for killing one of her clients. To clear her name, she and Jack once again head for Europe. As usual, the settings and the relationship make the mystery work.

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I haven't read the other 2 in the series, but am going to do that asap.

The book is filled with suspense, fast paced, interesting locations, great characters, great story and a fun love story.

The book is very well written, moves fast and keeps you turning pages.

[Book Shop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I read some negative reviews about this series, but I love it! The combination of mystery, romance and far away places is delicious. I am so happy that there is one more....so far...! I will definitely be telling friends.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, clean, cozy mystery. Zoe and Jack find themselves in trouble again. Traveling internationally to find a stolen painting. 3.5 stars

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deceptive by Sara Rosett is the third (and final?) book in the On the Run Trilogy (possibly series).

First Paragraph:

"The woman with long red hair appeared to be leisurely browsing one of the clothing racks in the Paris boutique, but her attention was less focused on the fabric and cut of the dresses than on the art gallery visible through the shop's front window. When a couple, obviously tourists- easily identifiable because of their camera case, sensible tennis shoes, and bright jackets- exited the gallery and wandered away to explore more of the Seventh Arrondissement, the woman abandoned the boutique and quickly crossed the narrow Rue Andre to the arched doorway under five stories of iron balconies."

PLOT

Beware: spoilers of the first two books, Elusive and Secretive, beyond here. You can check out my reviews of those two books here: http://needtoreadgottowatch.blogspot.... and here: http://needtoreadgottowatch.blogspot...., respectively. Final warning.

A few months after the events of the last book, and almost a year since those in the first, Zoe and Jack are back in hot water. At the end of the last book, Anna had devised a scheme using the painting she stole from Costa. All these months later, she's finally putting it into play.

Disguising herself as Zoe, she is selling the painting in Paris. What makes the plan so perfect is that Costa set it up for Zoe and Jack to take the fall too. He created an account with the stolen GRS money that was the plot for the last two books, labelling Zoe as the owner of the account.

Meanwhile, unaware of the events taking place, Zoe is getting used to having Jack back in her home and her life. Jack's made it very clear he wants to try getting back together-taking it slow this time, so as not to make the same mistakes as before. But Zoe isn't sure that's what she wants. She can't deny the attraction, but she's wary after how their marriage fell apart. They worked well together on the run, but there's a big difference between being a 'couple under pressure' and a real-life couple, capable of handling even the mundane together.

All this is put to the back of her mind when she discovers the body of her occasional client, Lucinda. All she wanted to do was deliver the flyers ordered, but a note on the front door leads her to the garden, and the corpse with a knife in it's back- casually reclining on the chaise lounge. While trying to summon the courage to (unnecessarily) check for a pulse, she's knocked out by an unseen assailant- coming to in her car half an hour later. She immediately calls the police, but when they go to check the 'scene of the crime' all evidence Lucinda was ever there is gone. No flyers (which Zoe had dropped everywhere), no knife and no bloody Lucinda. Not even one drop of blood on the chaise lounge.

When the police check with Lucinda's office, they tell her that Lucinda left on holiday the day before. Thoroughly confused, and facing chargers for wasting police time, Zoe explains the situation to Jack on the way home, but they're stopped short when they see 'Green Lawn Care' vans parked outside their house, with a strange man waiting for them- holding the missing flyers Zoe dropped at Lucinda's.

Long story short, the man is Oscar. He works for Darius Gray, who believes they have something that belongs to him- the stolen painting. When they try to explain that Anna stole it in Germany, Oscar isn't having any of it. He doesn't care who has it, he only cares about getting it back- and has tasked Zoe with the job. Gray found the money trail leading to her, so she has to get it.

They know the missing painting is valuable, but not just how valuable it is until Oscar lets slip that it's the missing Monet painting 'Marine', that was stolen from a museum in Rio de Janeiro in 2006. And either they get it back to Gray in three days, or he will pile up the evidence that Zoe killed Lucinda- helpfully pointing out that her body is buried in Zoe's flowerbed- courtesy of 'Green Lawn Care'. That and he'll kill all her friends and family. If they succeed, Gray will forget it ever happened, destroy all evidence of the murder, and leave Zoe and Co alone. With little choice, Zoe and Jack are off on another adventure.

Her first instinct is to call Mort from the FBI- not knowing that he retired in the last book. When that fails, she decides to go it alone (with Jack of course), as she doesn't think the rest of the FBI will believe her story.

Meanwhile, Sato is getting used to his new partner and missing his old one. However, when they finally discover the money trail leading to Zoe and the painting, the new boy may be Zoe's saviour, as he believes the pieces fall into place a little too easily.

No possibility of questioning Zoe though, as she and Jack are off to Paris, following the only lead they have- Anna.

REVIEW

More travelling and espionage for the duo. This time through France and Italy, but the main focus of the story is the complicated relationship between Zoe and Jack. He wants to make it work, but she's afraid it can't- considering how badly their marriage went. There were many reasons it didn't last, and the air has to be cleared before they can ever have a second chance at working.

Because the focus is mainly on them, this book has a slower pace than the last- very hectic- two. They do have a very short, definite deadline here, but there's less travelling and hiding from the law to add tension.

The ending is suitably genre-savvy, full of warm fuzzes and dramatic revealing of emotions. Mostly, this book is a wrap-up to complete the series. The ending is still open to additions, and Zoe is awfully good at attracting unwanted attention, so though the trilogy has ended, the duo may return for further adventures. As I said, this is just a wrap-up mainly, with even Sato getting his own very mini arc. There are a a few tiny threads left dangling, but nothing important or overly relevant.

By now you know what to expect plot-wise, assuming you've read the first two. If I had to add a criticism, it would be the villain. In the previous books, the villains were threatening and intimidating, as well as being major parts in the stories. In this one, while the villain is named, he is only in the book for a few pages at the end, and certainly never seemed that dangerous- despite the threats and obvious capabilities.

On a small side note, the missing Monet painting is based on fact. The painting was stolen from the Chacara do Ceu Museum in 2006 in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. Other pieces were stolen along with it, by artists such as Picasso, Dali and Matisse.

In terms of ending the series, this one doesn't end the usual way- with a big finale. As I mentioned before, it wraps everything up, focusing more on conclusions that attention-grabbing. Both methods works- as long as they are done well, so no complaint from me with this ending.

Overall a fun series, not necessarily suspense- more of a cozy mystery- based on fraud more than murder. There may be 'bad', but it's more shenanigans than danger. Mystery with pleasantness.

In terms of the book alone, this was my least favourite of the series, but that by no means means it's bad, just that the others are better- in my opinion any way. They had more tension and more energy. If they're an all out sprint, this one is more of an amble.

In terms of the series as a whole, I would give it 4 stars. It was enjoyable, had entertaining characters and beautiful scenery- even if the plots started to become a little far-fetched as the series progressed. A perfect read for when you want something fun and quick, and don't want anything too serious.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edited to correct Ms. Rosett's misspelled last name. Sincere apologies, Sara Rosette!
4 stars -1 star for Anna issues = 3 stars

Just finished this third book in the “Zoe” series. “Deception” continues the series trend of daring adventures in gorgeously described locations.

The storyline was interesting, and the romance was predictable. Fortunately, the romance didn’t overwhelm or confuse the story.

My issue with this book is about character continuity. In book 2, “Secretive,” Sara Rosett explained Anna was a brilliant computer specialist who was smart enough to cheat an international crime boss out of a $12M painting. Anna was always one step ahead of Costa, said crime boss, in the second book.

Book 3 starts and suddenly Anna is not-so-smart. Oh, and that computer specialist background? Forgotten. Zoe is able to have a friend hack into Anna’s email. Really? Seems like a computer specialist who, one book earlier, noted that her boyfriend’s/lover’s habit of changing passwords every Monday was lax, would use a more secure email platform or something.

Then there’s Anna’s apparent inability to realize she’s being followed through two different countries. Maybe she was tired and didn’t notice Jack and Zoe were on the same plane. Sure, I get that. But Anna was hyper aware of her surroundings and people’s movements in Book 2, so it’s strange that she doesn’t notice she’s being tailed at the Louvre, at a restaurant, even up a narrow road with minimal traffic to her hilltop hideaway.

I’ve given the impression that I didn’t enjoy this book, and I apologize. I’ve found this series to be thoroughly entertaining with interesting characters and location descriptions that send me to Google so I can see them outside of my mind. Sarah Rosette has skillfully painted beautiful and vibrant European scenes in these books. The plot twists enhance the story. I’m enjoying the series, and enjoyed “Deception” overall. I would love to see significant characters have more page time (example: Helen pops into the story for 0.8 seconds, mentions something personal, pops back in later for the final 0.2 seconds, and we’re left with a hot second of Helen in the entire book. Also, hopefully, character continuity improves in the next books.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story picks up shortly after the one in the second book (Secretive). Zoe and Jack are living in their house again; he is job hunting and she is taking on lots of odd jobs. When she finds one of her clients dead, she is hit on the head and wakes to find that the body, and all traces of the death, have disappeared. Naturally, the police and the FBI don't want to believe her. In the previous book, Costa's secretary/mistress Anna has stolen a valuable Monet painting from him and disappeared. Now a strange man approaches Jack and Zoe - he believes that they have that painting stashed away somewhere, and demands it back or they will frame her for her client's murder. They end up running around Europe trying to find Anna and the painting. Zoe and her little band of helpers, including a retired FBI agent they track down in the middle of his Caribbean cruise, eventually rescue the painting. The relationship between Zoe and Jack is beginning to heat up a bit (although that really has nothing to do with the plot - fortunately it is not too detailed or intrusive enough to spoil the story.)

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Deceptive" follows as the third installment of our journey with Zoe and Jack as the untangling of their lives continues from the mess that was made in the first book with Costa, Anna and now a mysterious, Mr. Gray and his henchmen.

I absolutely love this series. The adventure, the mystery and the characters are all so great!
I wonder what the next book is going to cover, though, because from the conclusion of this book there didn't seem to be any lead-ins for anything more.
I'm moving on to the fourth now! I guess that I will find out!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

They just keep getting better.
I love the combination of suspense, mystery, romance, light humor, and travel.
I love that it's a clean story without unnecessary fillers.
I can tell the author did research and threw those elements in, in a seamless way, to make it more authentic.
I honestly don't invest much in physical copies of books unless I truly love them and would like to keep treading them throughout the years. I think this series will definitely be added to my physical bookshelf.

[Lynnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two books of this series very much but was disappointed with this one. Too much Zoe and Jack love angst, too much travel guide and not enough suspense. The painting was found very easily and the police and FBI cooperated with Zoe easily too and everybody was happy at the end (except for Zoe's client of course - killed simply to frame Zoe). By the way, who is Carla? I don't remember her from the previous books, yet she seems to be a friend.

[Jim Rehg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Sara. Mystery readers might find this three-book series interesting. Zoe the female protagonist stumbles into the murder and disappearance of her ex in book one. The same theme/plot continues through to book 2 and concludes in book 3. Keeping the suspense cranked up for three books is a chore, but Sara pulls it off. On to books 4, 5, and 6 and a second connected who-don-it. Great series.

[Ana Manwaring · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books just keep getting better

I'm a fan of art mysteries and Italy. With Zoe and Jack? How could the story disappoint? I'm excited about the team Zoe is putting together--even Sato! I'll start book 4 tomorrow.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to pass a long plane ride. Clever premise to start the story, with some travel across France and Italy to keep you enjoying the ride!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll keep walking and listening to the series.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast interesting plot. I loved it.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing on with the series... nice locations.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta love a good guy art heist.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the best in the series. Iblove the development and fast pace

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

We didn’t find it as interesting as the previous books in the series. Ending was less meaningful. Very self indulgent story line for the main part.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing read.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This is a spectacular clean mystery adventure with tight plotting, wonderful characters and dialogue, and a slow burn romance. Zoe and Jack are great fun!