Deceived

Hannah Smith #2

by Randy Wayne White

An almost twenty-year-old unsolved murder from Florida’s pot-hauling days gets Hannah Smith’s attention, but so does a more immediate problem. A private museum devoted solely to the state’s earliest settlers and pioneers has been announced, and many of Hannah’s friends and neighbors in Sulfur Wells are being pressured to make contributions.The problem is the whole thing is a scam, and when Hannah sets out to uncover who’s behind it, she discovers that things are even worse than she thought. The museum scam is a front for a real estate power play, her entire village is in danger of being wiped out—and the forces behind it have no intention of letting anything, or anyone, stand in their way.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Suspense, Thriller, Audiobook, Detective

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2013

About the author

aka Carl Ramm, Randy Striker

Randy Wayne White (born 1950) is an American writer of crime fiction and non-fiction adventure tales. He has written best-selling novels and has received awards for his fiction and a television documentary. He is best known for his series of crime novels featuring the retired NSA agent Doc Ford, a marine biologist living on the Gulf Coast of southern Florida. White has contributed material on a variety of topics to numerous magazines and has lectured across the United States. A resident of Southwest Florida since 1972, he currently lives on Pine Island, Florida, where he is active in South Florida civic affairs and with the restaurant Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grill on nearby Sanibel Island.

Series:
* Doc Ford Mystery

Reviews

[Cathy DuPont · Rating 3 out of 5]

A number of years ago I decided to read as many Florida mystery writers as possible. If I didn't care much for the writing, I just wouldn't read another one. (Old story, so my apology for repeating myself.)

At my favorite used book store my friend Vanessa suggested Randy Wayne White and fortunately she had the first book in the Doc Ford series, Sanibel Flats.

I recall reading the first page of the first book and was immediately hooked. To this day I remember exactly how Doc Ford was introduced and what happened in the first chapter, can still recall the entire storyline and how it ended. I can’t say that about many books. Sanibel Flats made such an impression on me I still think about it today from time to time.

Couldn't wait until I started The Heat Islands which was book number two in the series. I continued reading in order and mostly back to back.

I snagged all seven of the Dusky MacMorgan series which was located in Key West and written under RWW’s pen name, Randy Striker. I devoured them. They were great with a different character but that same style of writing which reminded me some of John D. MacDonald with lots of scenery descriptions.

So smitten with the Doc Ford series, I attended a book signing (in 2010) in Jacksonville Beach for #17 in the series, Deep Shadow. After reading Deep Shadow I remember closing the book and thinking to myself that RWW was a tad off the mark with his usual writing and storyline, which at the time, I had become very familiar with.

Then I bought the first two of men’s adventure written under RWW’s pen name of Carl Ramm. The first one, Florida Firefight well, let’s just say it wasn't my “cup of tea.” It was more a man’s man book (is there a genre?) with guns, guns and more guns and oh, shooting, too, the bad guys whoever they were, I can’t recall. Didn't like the storylines so never bothered to read the second one.

RWW was in St. Augustine in 2011 for the Florida Writer’s Conference and I attended an hour long workshop of his talking about his writing career, suggestions on writing and the Doc Ford series.


RWW at his Chasing Midnight book signing in Neptune Beach (next door to Jax Beach)

When Night Vision came out, I once again went to Jax Beach for another RWW book signing at the Bookmark.

Began reading Night Vision and I struggled with it from the beginning. I wanted to like it, wanted to love it like I loved Sanibel Flats and any one of the earlier books. I do not put books down easily but about three-quarters through, I couldn't read another page and closed it. It was the probably the third book I’ve ever put down.

After that, I began thinking about how I felt about the last few books I had read and decided that the quality of his storyline and writing, in my opinion, began floundering with Deep Shadow. Maybe, changed is a better word, although I hate to say that.

Hannah Smith was introduced in one of the earlier Doc Ford series, as a walk-on character but RWW wrote the first of her series last year which I was waiting for in paperback...used paperback. This book, Deceived is the second in the series.

Not sure how I received this ARC but I’m always happy to get a free book especially when it's by a writer I've loved. I was a Shelf Awareness winner for an ARC entry.

At this time I have read a total of 26 1/2 books written by Randy Wayne White so I feel confident that I know his writing and know it well.

Now I'm wondering is RWW really writing every book that is published under his name? The writing, since Deep Shadow has seemed off track for RWW’s writing which I'm obviously familiar with.

And as far as RWW losing his writing voice, the one we ardent followers and fans have loved from the beginning, well, I’m not alone in that respect. I haven’t read other reviews recently, but did read some more than a year ago where others were asking similar questions; that his more recent books simply sound differently than his original books.

Therefore, my three stars. At first I had two, which as we know means “it was ok” but thought about it and decided on two and a half and I do round up, therefore three.

Disappointment is not the word I want to use as to how I feel about Randy Wayne White’s books these days. I am disappointed and annoyed with his new and different voice.

I can always reflect on reading that first chapter of Sanibel Flats. I remember how I said to myself I've got to read everything this guy has written. Unfortunately, that's no longer the case.


*******************

1 September 2013

I was almost finished with about a 600 word review, when I stupidly closed Goodreads without saving it.

May write another...but not now. I do want to substantiate my two star rating for now. Just finished book this am, so I may give it another star but right now, I'm so angry at myself about that wasted time...

Settled down some now after running five miles, thinking, and decided that I'm upping to two and a half stars, and since I round up, I'm moving to three stars. Well, wasn't exactly running and it wasn't exactly five miles either but I did settle down.

Later...

******************

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Info: Genre: Mystery
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of mysteries with strong women, set in Florida, fans of the author
Book Available: September 3, 2013 in Hardcover and Kindle editions
Trigger Warnings: pit bulls, sharks, murder, domestic violence, drug abuse, violence
Animal Abuse: pit bulls kept as watch dogs attack and Hannah has to hit them with a shovel to escape since they won't back off, then one is killed (by someone else); also the pit bulls had obviously been traumatized to become vicious

My Thoughts: I absolutely adored the first book in this series. The humor evinced by Hannah, and her true strength (as opposed to the often too-stupid-to-live stubbornness being pawned off as strength in too many modern works) really appealed to me, so I was incredibly psyched to have a chance to read this book!

I liked the story, don't misunderstand, but I was disappointed that it lacked the humor and warmth of the first story. Hannah exhibits compassion to a suicidal point when attacked and escapes by pushing her assailant into a fire-ant hill, only to come back and help said assailant instead of running away. She also really needs to stop with the negativity toward the gun; if you need protection, you better take a gun with you and be willing to use it.

On the other hand, I really liked Birdy. Hannah needed a female friend, and Birdy is a great foil to her deliberateness and straitlaced nature. I'm hoping Birdy will manage to loosen Hannah up a bit. I like her relationship with Doc Ford, but seem storm clouds on that horizon if she doesn't stop doubting herself all the time.

So, all-in-all, a disappointing second entry to this series, but not enough to keep me from continuing to follow the series for now. Fans of strong women characters, mysteries set in Florida, and of Randy Wayne White should check this book out. It'll be available in September, and I've included links above (where formatting allowed) for you to preorder the book if you would like to.

Series Information: Hannah Smith series
Book 1: Gone, read and reviewed February 2013, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 2: Deceived, scheduled for publication September 2013.
Additional books are being negotiated for. I shall certainly hope to see more!

Disclosure: I received an ARC copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: A twenty-year-old unsolved murder from Florida’s pothauling days gets Hannah Smith’s attention, but so does a more immediate problem. A private museum devoted solely to the state’s earliest settlers and pioneers has been announced, and many of Hannah’s friends and neighbors in Sulfur Wells are being pressured to make contributions.

The problem is, the whole thing is a scam, and when Hannah sets out to uncover whoever’s behind it, she discovers that things are even worse than she thought. The museum scam is a front for a real-estate power play, her entire village is in danger of being wiped out—and the forces behind it have no intention of letting anything, or anyone, stand in their way.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hannah Smith, the main character. She’s smart, tough, and she cares about the people of her community. This book is the second Hannah Smith novel. I have not read the first but I enjoyed this one so much I plan to find the first one. The book take place in the Sanibel and Captiva Islands area of southwestern Florida. Hannah is a fishing guide and private detective, having inherited her uncle’s business when he passed away. Her family has lived in the area for generations, one of many families that made their living fishing until fishing regulations twenty years ago caused some families to turn to pot-hauling and worse to make ends meet.

Hannah’s mother convinces her to check on an old friend after her mother does not hear from the friend for a couple of days. When Hannah gets to the home, which is located in an isolated area, she finds that the front door has been broken with an ax. When she goes inside to look for her mother’s friend she is attacked by two pit bulls and a person in a mask and raincoat wielding an ax. She escapes and returns with the police to find that the house has been cleaned up. The body of her mother’s friend is found in a pond on the property. While Hannah is being questioned by the police her fishing client from the day before shows up. It turns out he is the county special prosecutor. He appears to be romantically interested in Hannah even though after she lets him know she is already in a relationship. He hires Hannah in her role of private detective to help investigate some possible cases of fraudulent charities targeting the elderly. Hannah’s mother and her friends are among those targeted by one of the charities so Hannah takes the case. In addition, Hannah’s mother’s new neighbors are harassing her mother about her garden. The new neighbors somehow able to get permits which allowed them to destroy an ancient Indian shellmound to build their mansion. When a local police officer begins asking questions about what happened to the artifacts on the site Hannah joins her in investigating the new owners and where they dumped the shellmound. It turns out the new neighbors have a shady past. Hannah ends up with several close calls before putting the pieces together to solve the murder and find the people behind the charity fraud.

Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it.

[Cathe Fein Olson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deceived is the second book in the Hannah Smith series--apparently a spin off of a minor characters in White's Doc Ford books. When I knew I was getting this one to review, I actually went back and read the first one, Gone, so I would get the complete story, but I really feel this series does not work very well if you haven't read his Doc Ford books--which I haven't. It is very obviously assumed that we know who Marion Ford is and what he is like because there is really no description of him at all in this book--and there are other characters like Tomlinson that I also feel it is assumed we know.

That is a minor annoyance though, the real problems lie with the book characters and story. Hannah Smith, the main character and narrator is doesn't have any personality. The only thing that really stands out is her obsession with her own looks and her feeling that practially every man--and woman--who speaks to her wants to have her. As for the writing, the mystery reads like a Scooby Doo episode and the excessive use of exclamation points is almost comical.

Like I said, I haven't read White's other series, but I was not at all impressed with this one and not recommend it.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I love most of Randy Wayne White's writing... and part of the appeal of his books is that they're set in my hometown area. He captures the place well, and I often am a bit less and more homesick while reading his books (if that makes sense).

AND... it's entirely possible that in my current sleep deprived state, I'm missing a few things. But the original death that kicked off the whole plot chain of events was... natural? Then why was there an attack at the homestead before the body was discovered? The ending tried to tie it all together, but there were a few minor points I am still mulling over. Just enough to keep it from being a 5 star review.

My other issue is that Hannah Smith is a great, strong character- but she doesn't get herself out of any jam. She seems to rely on a bit of help from others and/or luck. That is such a contrast to Doc Ford, who can save himself and the world in any given situation, that it's a bit disappointing.

BUT - I haven't read the first novel or a lot of Doc ones recently, so maybe my memory is going on me. Truth is, I'm looking forward to MORE Hannah and Doc novels...

[Dan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A twenty-year-old unsolved murder from Florida’s pot hauling days gets Hannah Smith’s attention, but so does a more immediate problem. A private museum devoted solely to the state’s earliest settlers and pioneers has been announced, and many of Hannah’s friends and neighbors in Sulfur Wells are being pressured to make contributions.”

[Cindy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the plot, characters & believable baddies. Some profanity. Well performed and recommended.

[Tex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t test the bonds of friendship

A lifetime of connections pulls these women together. Hannah Smith (H4) struggles with her own new friendships, the absence of her lover Marion Ford, and a mother with dementia and a mysterious former lover.

[Jeff P · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 2 1/2 stars...

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Randy Wayne White novel. I'd been hearing about him for years. My family visits the Sanibel area on a regular basis, and Doc Ford's (his restaurant) is one of our absolute favorite places to eat. Just before our last trip to Sanibel, I was in the library looking for beach reads and decided to check out a Randy Wayne White mystery. What could be better than reading a book that takes place exactly where you are, right? Deceived caught my eye because of the female protagonist. Something about it appealed to me, so I took it home. I sure am glad I did! I couldn't put it down! I have to admit, Hannah Smith is not the cuddliest of characters. If I met her in person, I doubt we'd be friends. However, the storyline itself kept me flipping pages. Hannah's mother's best friend disappears suddenly. When Hannah stops by her house to check on her, she has a run in with an axe-wielding stranger. It only gets better from there. Throw in bogus charity schemes that prey on the elderly, destruction of state artifacts, a twenty- year- old unsolved murder from the early days of Florida's drug smuggling...plus a love affair with Doc Ford, the hero of Whites other mystery series...and you have a book that is hard to put down. (My husband is reading it now.) I loved this book and can't wait for the next. I'll probably go back and read the first in the Hannah Smith series as well. This corner of Southwest Florida is stunning, and White's knowledge and love of the area are evident. I enjoyed reading my copy under an umbrella just down from Bowman's beach. Pick your favorite spot and try it out. :)

[Janet Newport · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

I do enjoy Randy Wayne White's books along with James W. Hall's Thorn series. His books have the 3 essential elements I require for a really good &/or great read....interesting and complex characters; are well-plotted at a good pace; and finally some sort of resolution to a moral ambiguity. Deceived delivered all for me.

I do consider the State of Florida to be an essential character of these books. I've been visiting the Florida panhandle for forty-plus years now, have some family living there, etc and do find Florida to be accurately protrayed in these books...especially the small (and endangered) fishing villages. I like Hannah. I like Doc, too... but after 15 plus books, it feels like there's not too much more lint left in his navel to examine. Deceived is a nice fast read and is mostly Hannah's story. But I do hope there is more of Hannah's story to come. I also liked "Birdy" and hope to see her again in the future.

Another review mentioned Hannah's aversion to guns as if it were a bad thing...I am of a different opinion. I like Hannah's pragmatism and deliberate thought processes.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good mystery, full of twists and turns. An old murder, a recent murder and an attempt on Hannah, exploitation of the elderly and weak for profit, and the destruction of an ancient Indian Mound, all combine in a harrowing plot. It also further develops the character of Hannah Smith as detective and fishing guide, and a strong, self made woman. Yes, she makes mistakes at times, misjudges people and motives, but she perseveres. It is helpful to have read a few Doc Ford novels, as the characters cross in both, but not absolutely necessary. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and both of Randy Wayne White's series.

[wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part time private investigator Hannah Smith gets caught up in a mystery that involves her mother and the death of one of her mother's best friends which centers on an area of Florida where ancient native American tribes once lived and the possible development of the land where her mother now lives. As she unravels the depth of the mystery the book is checkered with lots of surprises with regard to a nonprofit organization and her mother's past. I don't want to give too much away but it easy to read and I was honestly taken off guard by some of the twists and turns. A nicely done mystery.

[Stacy Bearse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has Randy Wayne White jumped the shark? I discovered this author with SANIBEL FLATS and enjoyed most everything he has written. But the new Hannah Smith novel, DECEIVED, was disappointing on many levels. The quality of the writing is not up to RWW's historical record of excellence. The cardboard characters are stereotyped. And the plot ... well, it's the dynamic plot that saves the novel from one-star oblivion. I'm not ready to give up on the author; let's see what his next effort looks like.

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed Hannah, but it was so incredibly dumb not to learn how to use her firearm and carry it when confronting 300lb men in the swamp. Guess I expected more of her. Would have changed the plot, but would also have made this a 4 star book.

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fictional Hannah Smith, a licensed private investigator and fishing guide in Florida, is engaged in her fishing guide duties the day the 100-pound tarpon flings itself into her boat, dislodging a fisherman and causing no end of chaos. That’s a highly memorable opening to a book, and the plot stays memorable.

While she’s dealing with airborne fish, Hannah is working through her increasing love for Doc Ford, a marine biologist who is the main character of another series written by the author. She’s an unusual woman. She is physically impressive and has a mental strength that rivals any female character you’ll read. She knows the backwaters of her area as well as anyone and better than most. She doubts her ability to accurately judge men, recognizing that progenitors with her same first name have done badly in that arena. That self-doubt stuff is a bit tiresome, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Someone murders a woman who is a friend to Hannah’s mother. Hannah doesn’t find the body, but she nearly dies when two starved Pitbulls try to attack her. There are several edge-of-the-seat scenes like that here, and all of them kept me eagerly engaged with the book. I’m hopeful you have a similar experience if you read it.

A group of newcomers to town claim they’re setting up a museum dedicated to the state’s early fisherfolk. Those who contribute will get tax write offs, so the developers claim. But Hannah figures it’s a scam, and the more she digs, the more she deals with corrupt local and state politicians. For what it’s worth, she befriends a deputy sheriff Massachusetts transplant whose character will add much to future books if she’s in them.

[Bonnie Gleckler Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

If continue reading Randy Wayne White novels as have done so for several years. My plan is to continuing to follow the exploits of Doc Ford.
I had no idea that White had written a “Hannah Smith” series until I downloaded this book from my public library. And, of course this is the second in her series. So now, I’m going to have to download the first one just to catch up.
This is a good one… At least a good one for me to start drawing my interest into the series. Oh yes, Tomlinson (Doc Ford’s hippie friend) is one of the characters included in the series. But we also meet Hannah’s mother Loretta, and a couple new characters that I hope stick around.
Yes, the series continues to take place on Florida’s Southern Gulf Coast. So we revisit places like Dinkin’s Bay, Sanibel Island, and Fort Myers.
Keep writing Randy, you have a fan in me.

[Kathy S Bushman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had hoped I would like the second Hannah Smith book more than the first, but not the case. Hannah seems to lack in common sense and not be able to get herself out of a jam - why? Because she's a woman? Doc Ford doesn't seem to have that problem . . . . ! I was also very disappointed in the ending. So much of the plot was left open-ended that I thought I had accidentally skipped some pages! So many hints that "Rance" was up to no good and no loose ends tied up as far as his story? And how do people who hire employees to murder someone (tire shredder?) get to walk free? I think I'll go back to the Doc Ford series - writing seems to be better.

[Joan Westgate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I"ve only read two of his books prior to this one, none of the "Hannah" series, though this one was a #2 in a series. You do not need to read them in order, as I followed through quite well, with the plot. It's an enjoyable mystery, a little bit of romance, and a women friendship, which all plays out well. A fun, quick read by Randy Wayne White, and I'm looking forward to reading the first one in this series.

[GreenBayTina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed other books by this author, particularly since when "snowbirding" Sanibel Island, where some of the story takes place, if one of my all time favorite vacation spots. This mystery novel - #2 of the Hannah Smith novel series - was a good read. The connection between Doc Ford - White's main mystery series character - and Hannah is a good one. I will look for more books in The Hannah Smith series.

[Jo DelVero · Rating 5 out of 5]

We winter in Largo, Florida less than 5 minutes from Indian Rocks Beach. Our son lives in Tampa. I enjoy Randy Wayne White's novels not only for the adventure but also the intriguing, historic and somewhat scary, setting of Florida. I particularly am interested when the plot oftentimes alludes to local politics and scandals that might not be recognized unless a reader was familiar with them having lived there! RWW's political views are easily recognized..

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm stuck between 3 and 4 stars. I really enjoyed this book - I couldn't put it down, but the ending was such a disappointment. I could be missing something, but it seems that so many points were left open. I'm still not sure how the whole nonprofit organization played into everything. Nevertheless, I did like Randy White's writing style, so I will be trying another one of his books!

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, I'd give this 2.5 stars if I could. I like Hannah Smith and I like the setting but the plot never pulled me in. There was also too little dialogue for my taste; mostly first person narrative. I've not read #1 (GONE) but I don't understand why she needs to be in a relationship with Doc. If I want Doc, I'll read that series!

[Carole Hardinge]

In this book, the Randy Wayne White I have always enjoyed was back! He kept you guessing and engaged. I'm glad I didn't give up on the Hannah Smith series after Gone. I think sometimes in the first in series the author is so involved in developing the characters that the plot takes a back seat. Not so in Deceived.

[Susan Stans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the thriller from start to finish. Like White’s other books it takes place in the islands around Ft.Meyers and Sanibel island. Wonderful tales of the locals (fiction) and developments over time. White always gets into the development and destruction of the natural environment. Which I hope it inspires others to ethical treatment to our last natural treasures.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like mysteries that are set in Florida, and read a bunch of different ones. I was in a thrift shop the other day and say this one -- and thought I'll buy it, and see if I can add this author and series to my ever-growing lists. Well, it was a good story, and I enjoyed it; but just decided it wasn't another one that I needed to add now.

[Jay Welch · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pretty good story, but still believe the RWW does a much better writing job with the Doc Ford novels than the Hannah Smith novels. I don't know if it is his perspective of writing for a female character, or if the character herself isn't as appealing to myself as a reader. They are worth a read, but not as captivating as his other novels.

[Lucretia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Smith is a smart and tough lady who faces the ghosts of her family's past to bring her investigations to a final conclusion with plenty of twists along the way. The story and characters are complex and kept me interesting.

[Cathy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read!

I discovered this author by accident. Got the first Hannah Smith book from the free book shelf at the doctors office. Liked it so much purchased this one. Both books good, solid characters. Looking forward to reading next in the series.

[Janice Llewellyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay. I was interested in the location. Enjoyed the references to South Western Florida..Sanibel Island, Captiva Key. That was the best part of this book.
Didn't like the main character at all..
Found the plot boring..