Illusions

Detectives Daniels and Remalla #8

by J.T. Bishop

Alliances are questioned…

Detectives Daniels and Remalla become entangled in a web of danger, betrayal, and deceit when a serial killer strikes again, a loved one is accused of murder, and a secret society is revealed.

As the threat grows closer, and the web tightens around them, they’ll be forced to decide whose side they’re on and how far they’re willing to go to protect the ones they love.

When all you hold dear is at risk, is saving it worth losing yourself?

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author, J.T. Bishop, is a writer of mystery thrillers with a supernatural edge. Growing up, she read books by Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, and Dean Koontz, devoured every episode of The X-files, and watched plenty of TV shows with great partnerships that left her wanting more. She loves tangled relationships, unexpected twists and turns, heart-stopping love stories and the complications that come with all the above. Throw in a little supernatural fun and she’s hooked. Her evil plan is to hook you, too.

She’s the author of The Red-Line Trilogy and its sister series, The Fletcher Family Saga, which features touches of urban fantasy, light sci-fi, and paranormal romance. She’s also happily writing mystery thrillers featuring two charismatic detectives who may occasionally encounter a supernatural villain or two, and a crossover series which follows the exploits of a gifted, but troubled, paranormal P.I. and his spunky sister.

All the above keeps her busy, but in her spare time, she loves a good movie, tasty food, an unfortunate sugar addiction, and traveling.

Get caught up with J.T. and her writing adventures at www.jtbishopauthor.com. And while you’re there, get a short story prelude to her first book for free, plus a novella and a few other offerings. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable continuation of the Daniels and Remalla series. The author provides action and detective work with a sprinkling of the paranormal. As a long time reader of her novels, I really enjoyed the insight that the author gave into the motivations of the detectives as they reflected on their feelings of being cops. We always knew they were dedicated, but this is hearing it straight from the horses mouth. The only negative that I would really have is that this would not be a good stand alone novel. There are just too many allusions to previously occurring events that precipitated the events of this novel. I had to wrack my brains to recall some specifics, so full enjoyment might elude someone reading the series for the first time. Instead….start on book one and have many enjoyable reading experiences ahead of you!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story has Eem and Daniels looking into a case involving protestors that have disappeared. There also a 2nd case that Monk and Manetti have which relates to the discovery of a body and trying to find the killer. Information is scarce for both cases, but the one Monk is working on explodes after the identity of the body. Monk has his eye set on one suspect and is doing everything to bring it to conclusion.

Dem and Daniels originally start out with 3 missing protestors, but that number soon is increased by two more. One of the last two has a connection to Mikey. Rem and Daniels also get involved with a journalist that is helping them. In addition, another of their leads is coming from a clairvoyant artist. As they close in on location of the missing protesters, things get dangerous.

To discover what information Rem and Daniels received from the artist and journalist, who Monk's suspect was, what dangers Rem and Daniel faced and how it all worked out in the end, then you need to read this. I know I can't wait for the next book and you won't either.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read other books by this author featuring Detectives Daniels and Remalla. This one starts out with kidnappings. As they investigate, they find out things about a secret society in the city. I guess after they get too close, things turn deadly and there is a murder. Are they safe? There is some paranormal in this book as a clairvoyant is helping them. Or is she leading them astray? As with the other books, there is danger and suspense making the book enjoyable. I enjoy seeing how the characters evolve through the course of different stories. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ILLUSIONS - The author warned to read the first book of this series before reading Illusions. I did not since I did not have a copy and did not miss the first book until I read the last chapter of this book. The story continues in a third book although small pieces of the big puzzle were found but the ending did not satisfy me. The first book is not rehashed, just bits mentioned here and there, which did not interfere with the story lines. I would recommend reading the first book since there's more to the story ranging over at least one more book. Good story lines and good characters. Source: The author. 4*

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illusions: A Detectives Daniels and Remalla Mystery Thriller), my eighteenth read from author J.T. Bishop. This 399-page crime thriller was well-crafted, & flowed smoothly & quickly, building on characters introduced in earlier works. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author, Murder Unveiled: A Murder Mystery Thriller (Detectives Daniels and Remalla) is next on my TBR list as I try to sort out how the Daniels and Remalla and Redstone Chronicles series intertwine. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

a decent read

The main plot is interesting enough to keep me reading the series. However, for me, sometimes the detectives seem too weak. Physically and mentally. Especially Remalla. He seems to break down easily and has ptsd too severe for the circumstances. I am getting a bit weary of reading about Allison and Margaret. Those two are becoming boring and so over done. I rated the series a 3 because of the plot, but I’d rate the writing a 2. Book 9 was clumsy in that regard.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rem & Daniels are back and when a body is discovered following a tip-off it plunges them back into elements of their past they'd rather not revisit.

With danger approaching from all directions, can they complete their investigations whilst keeping their families safe.

With all the usual twists, this is a great entry in the Daniels and Remalla series. Whilst it reads nicely as a stand alone, I'd advise reading the previous book in the series to get the full benefit with this one.

If you like detective duos with a Starsky & Hutch style banter-filled relationship then you'll love this pair of lovable sleuths who'll stop at nothing to get the job done.

[Judy Kay Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many ways the author bends the reader's mind! It was as if I was in a bumper car! Go this way...bam...back up, go another way...bam. Over and over. I thought I knew the way the plot was going but heck no! It twisted and turned like a pretzel. LOL. This is a great next book in this series that you will thoroughly enjoy.

[Rita M Kryglik · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time reader of the Daniels and Remalla stories, I Love the character and plot lines. Was a bit disappointed with the use of the slang "My Bad" by one of the characters. After following the characters, I can not envision either one being exposed to the continual use of the slang for them to use such a ridicules fraze.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so love this series, in fact I love all this authors works they are right up my street. And this one was no different. Full of twists and turns all the way, you just didn’t know what would happen next. I was so engrossed I just couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended.

[KR Pendergrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful rollercoaster ride of highs, lows, gut-punches and victories for two of the best characters I’ve ever read! Detectives Daniel’s and Remalla have the strength and the banter to makes this installment the best yet! Can’t recommend this book or series enough.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniels and Rem are assigned to investigate the disappearance of three protestors. A clairvoyant artist does paintings of visions she gets helps to expose the truth. Kidnapping and murder lead Daniels and Rem to find the truth.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Daniels and Remalla are involved in solving a crime with the suspect someone close to them. Will they find the real truth ASAP. Filled with suspense and secrets. They will discover the truth if anyone can.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot to follow

This edition is filled with so many different investigations that seem to be converging into one huge battle. I've been following this series since the beginning and things just continue to get more and more complicated. Love the mystery but hate the waiting.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illusions

Oh my God.   If you haven't read the previous Detective Daniels and Remalla books, do it now before reading this one.  This series is a crazy ride full of deception and  intrigue and this book is no different and it delivers. Daniel and Remalla don't know who to trust as the web of evil grows.  However allies can be found in some unexpected people.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.