Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception

by Kimberly Mullins

Priest, Stolen Jewels, Mystery and Murder!!
A friend needs help when a family member is viciously murdered. Emma and Jeremy must juggle new family responsibilities and an undercover investigation. The situation becomes complicated quickly with more than one suspect desperately seeking money that the deceased may have been hiding. Is there money to be found? Murder and mayhem abound, and Emma and Jeremy will have to use all their skills to solve this case!

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Kimberly Mullins is the author of a series of books called “Notebook Mysteries”. She also writes Adult historical fiction under the name K. R. Mullins. She holds a BS in biology and a Masters in business. Her favorite classes were in history. She lives in Texas with her husband and son. When she is not writing she works as a Process Safety Engineer at a large chemical company. You can connect with her on her website at kimberlymullinsauthor.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Kimberly's "Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception" is another great addition to her series. It's based on true events and weaves historical aspects into an entertaining tale. While each book in the series can be read on its own, I recommend starting with the first one, "Emma (Notebook Mysteries #1)."
In this book, we reunite with old friends from the previous books and meet new well-written characters. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and the story to life. Emma and Jeremy are back in super sleuth mode as they battle behind the scenes to find a treasure and track down a killer involving an ex and his pregnant wife, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the criminals.
Although there are already many books in this series, I can see many more to come because each one is different, and the adventures and mysteries are endlessly intriguing.

[Alison Risher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers are transported to Chicago of the late 1800s/ early 1900s. The culture is different from our culture of today. Readers are treated to characters who strive to treat everyone with dignity. Readers learn about an historic confidence scheme. Characters learn about the statute of limitations, as well as restorative justice. As with all books in this series, family, (either born or chosen) features as an important theme.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Kimberly's "Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception" is another great addition to her series. It's based on true events and weaves historical aspects into an entertaining tale. While each book in the series can be read on its own, I recommend starting with the first one, "Emma (Notebook Mysteries #1)."
In this book, we reunite with old friends from the previous books and meet new well-written characters. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and the story to life. Emma and Jeremy are back in super sleuth mode as they battle behind the scenes to find a treasure and track down a killer involving an ex and his pregnant wife, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the criminals.
Although there are already many books in this series, I can see many more to come because each one is different, and the adventures and mysteries are endlessly intriguing.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading the Notebook Mysteries series. Kimberly Mullins is an amazing author who pays special attention to details while writing her mystery books. This allows the reader to delve into the process of trying to solve the mystery right along with our main characters. I love that each story in this series continues to build upon the characters' backstories, making them more and more dynamic as we delve deeper into their pasts and examine their current relationships with one another. It is also amazing that any one of the books in this series can be read as a stand-alone, although I recommend you read all of the series from the beginning, which is something I am going to go back and do since I jumped into reading the middle of this series. The characters are so relatable, the settings are realistic, and the events that happen are believable, which is so important to a good mystery book. Some parts progressed a little slower at times, but it makes it worth the reader's time to stick with it because details in a mystery read are so imperative to not miss. This is a great series to read if you love a good mystery that has you guessing throughout the book and then continues to be filled with unexpected twists and turns right to the very end. Happy reading, until next time!
@Brandy Rymer
08/2024

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series that I have enjoyed from the first book I picked up. It is a series that keeps getting better and better with each book.. I enjoy this author’s ability to pull me into her stories with her creative writing skills and her loveable characters. This book is no different. It is a well written, engaging, hard to put down story. Emma is back in another mystery and what happens is something you don’t want to miss. Emma and Jeremy are faced with new family responsibilities and an undercover investigation. Using their skills will they solve this mystery? Emma is my favorite character and I am always excited to see what case she finds herself mixed up with. They are connectable and relatable characters that bring the story to life. They are characters that make this story easy and entertaining to read. If you haven’t picked up this series I highly suggest you do, you won’t regret it. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to seeing what is next. I highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer P Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding many readers enjoying this series, I decided to give a try with their holiday novella and now with this new selection. Although I do plan on going back from the beginning of the series to get a better understanding of the characters’ background, you can simply pick this one up as a stand alone story. I absolutely love detective stories, especially those with a strong female lead as the detective. Emma and Jeremy have grown as investigators from their previous cases and have become sought out commodities when things go awry. When a family member goes missing and then found murdered, the family reaches out to Emma and Jeremy to help in discovering many unanswered questions about the situation. One thing after another is a mystery, such as random and recent relocation to Chicago, sudden departure and traveling alone and past life unknown. The story takes you through a journey of adventure, intrigue, twists and turns.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy and Emma are it it again but this time the stakes are a little higher I’d say because there’s emotional involvement this time , there’s a family friend that needs help 🌸

Peggy and Tony are married and very excited with the imminent arrival of their little bundle but then her brother “disappears “ and they turn to their sleuthing friends for help ….

I felt for Peggy because she and her brother were en strangled for a while and now their “ reconciliation “ is no more because he has died 🥲

Emma pretends to be his sister to see if she can find out how and what really happened and those she comes into contact with underestimate her because she’s a brave and determined girl 🥰

Another instalment to tick off ❣️📚

[La Toya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Deception is the latest book in The Notebook Mysteries Series. Emma and Jeremy find themselves investigating the murder of their friend Peggy’s brother. As they investigate, they also have to juggle the care of their ward Hen. This story is very intriguing. It is interesting to see how they fit Hen into investigating. She is such a sweet and curious young lady. I loved the mystery but I also loved the family aspects. Emma and Jeremy love their friends and family, which shows in their care to disrupt things as little as possible. The story is well-written as usual. The plot is engaging and there is plenty of action in the story. This book was a very enjoyable continuation of the series.

[Jules Herbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this series and this latest addition to the series did not disappoint in any way at all! This super talented author always writes so vividly that you can truly see all the characters and events that are happening as if you were really there! The way she weaves her storylines and historical aspects is incredible. This can be read as a stand alone, as all the books in the series can be BUT I say go read them all! You will love them and want to know everything I promise you!

[Enchanted Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peggy’s brother, Teddy went missing. Peggy and her husband Tony enlist the help of an investigation company to help them find out what happened to her brother. This is definitely a book that you need to pay attention to detail. Twisty aspects, multiple characters involved, and the unexpected twist to what finally happens. A wonderful mystery to read.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun series to read and this one continues that enjoyment! Based on an actual crime that took place in the at the turn of the 20th century, Emma and Jeremy are embroiled in yet another mystery. They have a family now so that is complicating a few matters but it won't stop them! There are secrets, mysteries, some laughter and even a bit of romance to keep the reader entertained!

[Paula Sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the seventh book in the Notebook Mysteries series!! The book was fast paced and a page turner. Peggy's brother is thrown from a train and dies. Emma and Jeremy are determined to find out who did it and to bring them to justice. This is a great historical fiction. Looking forward to more of this series.

[Terri McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Jeremy have settled into a familiar routine with their charge, Henrietta. Things are going smoothly until a body thrown from a train turns out to be a close friend’s brother. When evidence doesn’t add up, Emma and Jeremy go undercover to solve the mystery. I have loved all of these books and hope the series continues.

[Jonathan T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry in this series. It just keeps getting better with each both.
I love the true historical aspects of the story and it really helps bring it alive.
I love the banter between Emma and Jeremy. You can tell they really love each other.
I can't wait for the next book!

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest installment of The Notebook Mysteries was worth the wait. Jeremy and Emma are once again undercover but this time they are helping a family friend. Emma goes undercover as the deceased man's sister to see what can be found out about his demise. It seems the motive was money, but where is it? Was the money real or just a way to get attention? All of these books have been fun to read. They all have little ways of tying the books together but they don't necessarily need to be read in order. I do highly recommend you read them in order so you can get a broader picture of this complex group of characters.

[Amber Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notebook Mysteries The Art of Deception is the latest book in the series, however it is the first book that I am reading by this author.

The book is quick paced. We get right into the mystery. Emma is crafty and resourceful. There were a few twist and turns. I really enjoy her and Jeremey’s relationship. Although it’s possible to read this book as a stand alone I think I would have more understand with background information on each character from the previous books.

I definitely give it a 4/5 stars.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 Stars

Art of Deception is the seventh book in the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. This is an intriguing historical mystery with challenges, crime and investigation, agendas, danger, action, drama, family, friendship, treasure, fun, and adventure.
The ‘mystery’ of the story is based on a ‘real-life’ scam called The Priest Scam/Man of the Cloth- which the author explains at the back of the book. I found this to be quite fascinating and it gave the whole story an extra element of interest for me.
I have been really enjoying this series and look forward to each new addition. The series goes from strength to strength, with each new addition bringing something ‘new’ to keep me engrossed. Again, Ms. Mullins grabbed my attention right from the outset, pulling me in and keeping me immersed in all the adventure as I followed along to find out how everything would play out in the end.
As I have mentioned before, the books in the series could be read as standalones, if you really wanted, without feeling like you are missing anything major. But having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous books before starting on this one, as I feel that knowing what happened previously will give you a greater appreciation of the stories, characters, and other important details- which will then enhance your reading experience of this book.
Looking forward to seeing what comes next…..
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Kimberly Mullins!

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art of Deception is the seventh book in the Notebook Mysteries series. I enjoy this historical mystery series for the detailed setting and the broader cast of friends and relatives who help Emma and Jeremy solve their cases.

In Art of Deception, Emma and Jeremy get involved when their friend Peggy’s brother disappears, and then is found dead. They have to find out what happened to him, whilst keeping heavily pregnant Peggy as safe as possible.

I like how we see Emma in this book adapting to her responsibilities for Henrietta. She is learning to consider the impact of what she does on Henrietta and how to make sure Henrietta feels included without being put at risk.

This is an intriguing mystery, with plenty of twists to keep readers turning the pages! This book gets five stars from me, and I’d recommend the series to fans of historical mysteries and found family dynamics. You could read this as a standalone, but starting from the beginning of the series will allow you to get to know the supporting characters as they are introduced.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and Jeremy are in the thick of it with this mystery! When their friend's brother ends up dead and no leads on who or why, they are thrown into the middle of a mystery! In order to flush out a past that is full of questions, they have to go undercover. As the investigation progresses, so do the stakes. With their family growing and responsibilities changing, can they balance it all to find out who the culprit is before it blows back on their family and friends? Or have they finally met their match?

I truly enjoy these stories! To me, this one felt a little like a novella than a novel. Usually there are multiple mysteries happening that all kind of feed into each other in some way; this one is not like that at all. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining! It was quite nice to just have the one mystery to keep track of in my mind. I liked getting to know a new character that is very similar to Emma. I think she needed someone to give her a run for her money! I hope to see their return in any upcoming books!

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in the world of Emma and Jeremy on another adventure and mystery. This time they are investigating the murder of a friends brother and have to go undercover to see what has happened and what lies in store. Recruiting his sister and her husband to help the merry band of four of them have to try uncover the secrets with lie ahead.

As always they are plunged into danger, action and thrilling adventures which adds to the twists and turns of the book, as you are taken along the journey you just want to dive straight in and become one with the characters.

I have read many of this authors books in this series and they are all unique and thrilling with the twists and turns and the way the story flows having you anticipating the next jump are clue to the mystery and this book does not disappoint. With all the same old characters which we all love mixed in with some fresh new ones you will be swept away with the whole story.

I can't wait to read the next instalment in this wonderful series.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. I have loved every one of these cosy mysteries. They are historical mysteries set in a time in the past which the author does an amazing job of bringing that time period to life for the reader. This is a story of murder, secrets, deception, danger, friendship, family and mystery.
When Emma's ex flame Tony cames to her looking for helps, she and Jeremy don't hesitate to jump at the case.
Tony's brother in law has been found murdered and no one can understand why.
Now Jeremy and Emma and their team have to solve the mystery of this case. Was was Peggy's brother murdered? Was it a targeted attack or could Peggy be in danger? What exactly will they uncover about the brother Peggy hasn't seen in years?

As with all these stories they can be read as standalones as they focus on different cases however that being said I have a feeling once you read one you will want to read them all.
If you like cosy mysteries with a strong determined female slueth then i definately recommend reading these books

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favorite mystery-solving duo is back again in this great addition to the Notebook Mysteries series. Emma, with Jeremy by her side again, has a new case. Their very pregnant friend Peggy has contacted them because her brother has gone missing. When he is found deceased, the case is afoot! While they're used to working on jobs together, they are not used to having to factor in family related responsibilities while they do.

While they already wanted to quickly solve the case for Peggy's sake, when multiple suspects appear with an interest in money from the victim, it becomes apparent that if they don't quickly find the solution that it may be too late to catch the culprit. Layers of mystery and lots of chaos are loaded into the newest addition to the series. As usual, the story is beautifully well written with tons of great visuals and historical aspects to get you in the scene. This can be read as a standalone, but the world is so well described and the character building throughout the series is a joy to follow from book 1. Another win!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notebook Mysteries-Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins. I love this series and say I love each book more than the last. This one finds Emma & Jeremy helping her old flame Tony and his pregnant wife Peggy. Peggy's brother has been murdered and she is next on the list. Emma & Jeremy actually take on the role of other people to investigate the murder before another murder occurs. Emma is a different kind of women with it being in the 1800s Chicago and she is the lead PI, Jeremy is her boyfriend and he follows her lead. They uncover all kinds of unsavory things as they investigate this murder and put themselves in all kinds of danger. Fighting all kinds of dangerous criminals Emma is a woman beyond her time. This book is such a fun young adult mystery that will keep you turning pages until you are finished. You don't have to read these in order but I always recommend doing so to better understand the characters and story.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to this latest edition and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed being back with Emma and Jeremy as they have a new mystery to solve. The couple are now having to juggle new family responsibilities with their undercover investigations. When a friend’s family member is murdered Emma and Jeremy investigate. However, things get complicated when they discover that multiple suspects are looking for money that the deceased may have been hiding. Emma and Jeremy once again have to use all their skills to solve the case. This series has just gotten better and better, and I love being back with Emma and Jeremy who are like old friends now! I was transported back in time by the descriptive narrative along with the added historical details. As usual I felt immersed in the story and was hooked by the intriguing storyline, whilst the plot twists kept me guessing. An enjoyable and engaging read.

[Devon Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series never disappoints! We continue following Emma and Jeremy on an investigation that would involve some of their very own "family". This investigation leads to Emma and Jeremy having to play the role of being someone else, being away from their family and brings more family into the picture.

This particular book in the series just kept me guessing all the way until the end! Just when you think Emma was going to solve it, or that you had guessed what was next, something else exciting happened. This case has Emma and Jeremy working with Tony and Peggy in order to find out who killed the brother of Peggy. So much is uncovered and revealed in this book in regards to a con scam, and missing jewels.

This could be read as a stand alone, however you should read from book 1 and continue. It will make the character connections make sense and just answer some questions that could come up with certain characters in this book.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notebook Mysteries: Art of Deception is Book Seven in the Notebook Mysteries Series. It is an historical crime book full of danger, drama, action, adventure, mystery, hidden agendas, intrigue, hidden deception, stolen jewels, and crime. Although this book is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. I do, however, recommend reading all the books in this series because it is an amazing series with interesting characters and intriguing storylines. As with all books in the series, this one pulled me right into the story and had me hooked until the end. Our MC, Emma is off on another adventure that involves her ex and his pregnant girlfriend. Emma and her boyfriend Jeremy join forces to hunt down a killer and find a treasure. A great story full of twists and turns and another great addition to this amazing series!

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. Once I started reading I just could not put it down. It was so good.

Peggy and her brother had lost touch for a while and then he showed up in their town. He set it up with them that they had a standing invitation to have dinner with him every Thursday night. When Peggy and her husband showed up to have dinner with him on Thursday they realized that he had cleaned out his apartment and there were no traces of him left there.

She was concerned because he never said anything about leaving town. Then she finds out that he died falling off a train. Check out this story I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins


Notebook Mysteries ~Art of Deception is a Historical Crime that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till you’ve finished. This series just keeps getting better and better with each new addition and this one may be my favorite yet. I got cozy on the couch and pretty much read this in on sitting. I had to know what was going to happen next. Emma and Jeremy are back at it again but this time they are faced with new family jobs and uncover an investigation. These two are my absolute favorite characters I’m always thrilled to see what they are up to. This story is packed with action, mystery, suspense and so much more. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m already looking forward to the next book by this author.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art of Deception is the next in the Notebook Mysteries series. I have read them all, and love them. The author is also getting better at writing, as the books go on, which is even better. While the characters lives do evolve throughout the series, I think you could start anywhere in the series and enjoy the book. It is very untraditional, but action packed. Emma is a detective in 1800s Chicago, and likes to challenge the status quo. She is in a long term relationship with Jeremy, who have taken in a child Hen, but they are not married. Her family lives in a communal living, and their residents are like family. They don't play much part in this book, as we focus as Emma and Jeremy try to solve the murder of one of their friend's brother in law. There was a lot of character development in this book, so I really look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the seventh in the series overall and I truly think the series goes from strength to strength. I wasn’t sure I would even enjoy the series when I first started reading and yet, with each new book released, I find myself eagerly picking up the latest book.
I loved getting back into Emma and her adventures. They are always so exciting and well written. This book has everything that I have come to expect from this author and the series. I enjoyed watching Emma develop as this book went on. This far into a series I usually find the character development tapers off. And yet, the author seems to know exactly how to keep her moving forwards. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book and a great series overall.