Lies and Deception: A Reggie da Costa Mystery

by Laraine Stephens

Lies + Deception = Murder

Melbourne 1925. Jasper Fitzalan Howard is found stabbed to death in his room at The Hotel Windsor. In a bizarre twist, he is clutching a tarot card, the Ten of Swords, in his right hand. Initially, the police identify him as a wealthy investor and a cousin of the Duke of Norfolk. However, while investigating the murder, Reggie da Costa, The Argus’s celebrated crime reporter, uncovers a web of lies and deception surrounding Howard’s carefully constructed façade. It seems that Howard has engaged in swindling wealthy businessmen whilst blackmailing their wives, giving Reggie a host of suspects for the murder. Enlivened by what he discovers, Reggie embarks on a crusade to rid the city of confidence men and ‘snake oil’ salesmen, while tracking down a killer.

Lies and Deception is the fourth in the Reggie da Costa Mysteries.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

About the author

After nearly forty years of working as a teacher-librarian and Head of Library, Laraine Stephens decided to experience life on the other side of the bookshelves and became a writer of historical crime fiction.

Her debut novel, 'The Death Mask Murders', the first in the Reggie da Costa Mysteries, was published by Level Best Books, in 2021. 'Deadly Intent' followed in May 2022, with 'A Deadly Game' in 2023, ‘Lies and Deception’ in 2024 and ‘The White Feather Murders’ in 2025.

Laraine is a member of Sisters in Crime Australia, the Australian Crime Writers Association, the Crime Writers Association of the UK, and International Thriller Writers.

When she isn’t writing, travelling or playing golf, Laraine speaks to groups and clubs about the historical background to her novels and her path to being a published author. Laraine lives in Beaumaris, a bayside suburb of Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, Bob, and her maladjusted red toy poodle, Zoe.

Reviews

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reggie da Costa, Crime reporter and all-round sophisticat is on the case again. This time he is in hot pursuit of the murderer of a notorious con man. This is another wonderful and engaging mystery, replete with 1920s fashion, underworld events, snake-oil merchants, shady psychics and even includes a day at the Cup. It's a fabulous read and I look forward to the next one (no pressure).

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐
Delightful callback to the golden age of mysteries of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh and Dorothy Sayers. Instead of a gentleman detective, Reggie Da Costa is the premier crime reporter in Australia, and a gentleman and a little bit of a dandy. Snake oil salesmen, confidence men and fortune tellers are motivated by greed and unhindered by a conscious. So it's understandable that they might die by violence, but being discovered in a ritzy hotel with multiple stab wounds and the tarot card Ten of Swords by his body is a tad bizarre. Loved the characters, especially Reggie and his girlfriend, but each of the victims and their stories were interesting. Now I have to add the earlier stories to my TBR. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla Gómez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!!!
I do realize that I am a generous reviewer but I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up to read it three or four times and could only read 10-20 pages at a time because I was distracted with other things. Once I was able to sit down and really devote time to focusing and reading, I read the whole book in two sittings (about 50% before falling asleep and the rest of the book while my husband was golfing). The book is set in the 1920s in Australia and the descriptions on the outfits and scenes really made me feel like I was there with Reggie.

This is part of a series and I have not read any of the other books. I didn't feel lost or like I was missing any details so it can definitely be read on its own.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Reggie da Costa Mystery series, and I believe it’s the best of the series so far. It does help to read the first three books just to get background on Reggie, a senior crime reporter for the newspaper The Argus in 1930s Melbourne, Australia; his relationship to his mother Mavis, and how he met and developed his relationship with his now girlfriend, Ruby Rhodes, who has a prominent role in this book. However, each book’s story is complete and you can read them out of order. Reggie has grown on me. I wasn’t sure I liked him in the first couple of books. He is very obsessed with his looks and his dress, and his beloved automobile the Hupmobile. While he is still all those things, he has mellowed some and is no longer looking for a woman who is beautiful and also has money and social status. Ruby has looks, but not money or status. What Ruby has is guts and a sharp mind, with a strong independent streak. Reggie likes talking with her and being with her. Ruby’s brother Dusty has become Reggie’s reporting assistant at the paper and they make a good team.

The story here is a doozie. Of course, we have a murder (or maybe more than one?) for which Reggie is grateful since there hasn’t been much Melbourne crime to report lately. Equally important is another story concerning patent medicines and their hucksters. Is there a connection between the murder and a mysterious fortune teller who also sells patent medicines? You’ll have to read the book to find out more.

Ms. Stephens paints a picture for the reader as she writes – we get a full description of the clothing (especially Reggie’s since he prides himself on dressing well), the environs, and any other physical descriptions of place and person that might draw the reader fully into the story. The action is non-stop and we discover clues along the way with Reggie and Dusty. Nothing and no one is as it or they seem, and the ending may be a bit of a surprise. The story is complete in this book, although there were a couple of loose ends that weren’t tied up and probably won’t be in future books. But one never knows; only the author knows if those couple of loose ends will surface in a future Reggie mystery. All in all, I found Lies and Deception to be a thoroughly entertaining mystery. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received an Advance Review Copy of Lies and Deception for free. I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies and Deception by Laraine Stephens takes us to Australia where we meet crime reporter supreme, Reggie da Costa. Reggie works for the Argus, a popular newspaper where he is currently reporting to the society editor as his own editor is ill. He is frustrated with the situation. He has an assistant: Dusty Rhodes, the brother of his girlfriend, whom he is grooming to be a copy of himself. He is making progress in all but appearance; Reggie is a clothes horse and chooses each outfit carefully. Dusty isn’t there yet. There have been no hard crime stories recently and Reggie is chomping at the bit. Then, there is a murder, a gory one. Simply the best kind. Reggie rushes to the hotel where he poses as a coroner and talks to maids. He has found they are his best source of information as they are not bound to silence as the front desk clerk is. He and Dusty begin their investigation, which takes them all around the city, conversing with the rich and famous, where they discover lies, adultery, blackmail, and fraud. They also discover links. Then, there is another murder, another hotel, same MO. At the same time the investigation into patent medicine progresses. There is to be a law taking effect in the new years, forcing the manufacturers to list ingredients. It is causing a furor.

Reggie is a unique character. He investigates as he would if he were the police, but with fewer parameters. He has a good nose and is a fair man, not wanting to ruin lives of the gullible and innocent. His girl, Ruby, is quick and bright. She is a match for him in every way, although she does not join him in his investigations. This was an intriguing crime with excellent conspirators, who travelled to all major Australian cities to perpetuate their crimes. The story is a testament to just how trusting silly people can be. Stephens hits the nail on the head. It is an enticing story of an investigation and the many people involved. Give it a try!

I was invited to read Lie and Deception by Level Best Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #LevelBestBooks #LaraineStephens #LiesAndDeception

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies and Deception by Laraine Stephens
Reggie da Costa Mystery #4

Killer story with conmen, shysters, and snake oil peddlers fleecing innocents of their life savings – no Robin Hood thief in this one but a cold reckoning for more than one.

What I liked:
* Reggie da Costa: crime scene journalist, dapper dresser, image conscious, mentor, truth seeker, loves a good mystery/story, intrepid fact finder, loving son rather taken with Ruby
* Ruby Rhodes: secretary typist, helped raise her brother, inherited from her twin sister, bright, curious, attractive, rather taken with Reggie
* Dusty Rhodes: journalist, Reggie’s assistant and reporter, loving brother, looking forward to watching him develop as the series progresses
* Detective Sergeant Clary Blaine: dedicated police officer, likes his whiskey, relied on by Reggie for latest cases, good at what his job
* The writing that felt “of the era” and described in a way that I felt I was watching a movie if not actually there
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* How the mystery of the murders was solved
* Thinking about how different life must have been almost 100 years ago – and being glad I live now – although there is a bit of “romance” to this era of the past in the costumes, cars, and art deco feel
* The status of Reggie and Ruby’s relationship at the end of the book
* Looking forward to reading the next book in the series

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about people willing to divest gullible people from all they have and their ability to do so without a qualm
* Realizing that there are still crooks out there bent on harming others for their own gain

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Shireen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This was a book I had a hard time putting down once I started it! I'm not familiar with 1920's era Australia so it was fun romp through a place I've never been taken before, with an interesting array of characters - medical charlatans, upper crust society ladies, newspaper columnists, gangsters, con artists, and more. The plot was compelling and kept me guessing about the murderer until almost the very end! (I realized my initial suspect was incorrect about halfway through the book. Well played.)

This is the fourth Reggie da Costa mystery, and I have not yet read the first three but I believe they are alluded to casually throughout the story. I enjoyed it and the characters enough that I want to go back and read the other da Costa mysteries, especially the one where he meets his current flame, Ruby Rhodes and her brother, Dusty; that one sounds like a super interesting story too!

Initially I found Reggie to be a little foppish, with his continual emphasis on clothes, his car, and grooming. But after getting into more of the story I started to realize that he has an incredibly smart head on his shoulders. And paying attention to those external things actually helps him win over the upper-class of Melbourne who might not otherwise want to bother associating with a newspaper man. He does make for an interesting protagonist - a well-known crime writer, willing to do what's necessary to uncover all the clues and help the police solve their murders. Honestly, it's not that I disliked him as a character, but he really had to grow on me a bit until I felt like I understood his motivations better.

Thanks to NetGalley, author Laraine Stephens, and Level Best Books for providing a digital ARC for me to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[Gayle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good historical fiction mystery. Not the first in the Reggie da Costa series, but you would not have had to read the other books to follow this story.
Mid 1920's Australia. A time of scam artists of all kinds. Fortune telling is popular. Tonics for whatever ails you are popular. Gadgets and gizmos to make you look better are popular.
A man is found stabbed to death in a hotel room with 10 stab wounds and a tarot card with 10 swords on it, on the man. As the police and Reggie da Costa (a crime reporter) investigate, they are led to a trail of wealthy men and women who have been scammed of money and the wives of the men. Many people with a motive. A second murder takes place and has ties to the first man.
Madame Esmeralda the tarot card reader is a common thread in high society, many women seeking her help in their lives. Dr. Hiram T Wishbone is a man who believes he has the cure for anything. Trouble is, he has been on the run from many authorities for quite awhile. He is working Melbourne now and doing pretty good for himself.
Very interesting look into the time period. The mystery held my attention. I did not see the ending coming. A good loose thread at the end for perhaps another book.
Reggie must figure out how all of these people and fit together to solve the murders.
A received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I do enjoy a Reggie da Costa mystery! This is the third I've read and it was as enjoyable as the first. (I never read the first in the series, I started with the second). Reggie is the very dapper fashion conscious investigative senior crime reporter for The Argus, premier newspaper in 1920s Melbourne, Australia. He solved his first case in 1919, that made his name. His last case introduced him to Dusty Rhodes, who is now his protegé at the paper, and Dusty's beautiful sister, Ruby. In this case, a man who is far from what he claims to be is found murdered in dramatic fashion, and soon after, his accomplice/sister is found dead in the same way. Whilst Reggie and Dusty are busy investigating the murders of one con man and woman, another is busy poisoning people, including Reggie's mother with his Patent medicines. So much is happening at once in this book, the author really gives the reader the feeling of the dark side of 1925 and the impression of a busy - but extremely well dressed - man, with the help of Dusty and Ruby, making Melbourne a safer place. This book is every bit as entertaining as the previous books and I'll be ready for the next one.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the series about the dashing and well-dressed Reggie da Costa. We are back in Melbourne in 1925 where the story is principally set. It also features Ruby and Dusty Rhodes who we met in a previous novel, "The Deadly Game".

Reggie, as Senior Crime Writer on "The Argus", is always on the look out for a front page story. Now he was investigating the murder of Jasper Howard, a con man masquerading as a smooth elegant Englishman. Doesn't sound like much when you say it like that, but there are many twists and turns in this investigation, including Tarot cards, and even Long Bay Gaol in Sydney. Naturally, Reggie's beloved Hupmobile motor car features prominently.

We tend to think about crime being a modern phenomenon, but these novels show that the 1920s was indeed a period that seemed to have produced the very ideal circumstances for crime to flourish. For a start, there was less regulation of "patent" medicines.

The characters of Ruby and Dusty are explored more than in the previous book and I was glad to see a softer side of Reggie. Not just in his feelings for Ruby but also in his worry for his mother.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Skye Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jasper Howard, an American gentleman with supposed ties to England’s elite, is found murdered––stabbed ten times in his bed at Melbourne’s prestigious Hotel Windsor–– crime reporter Reggie da Costa rushes to the scene, eager for a juicy story. The victim holds in his hand a peculiar piece of evidence––a tarot card that depicts the situation exactly: a man lying face-down with ten swords stuck in his back.
Soon Reggie learns the deceased wasn’t who he claimed to be. Probing deeper, he discovers a respected councilor’s wife may have been involved with the mysterious man and that before his violent death, Howard conned her husband into a financial scam that bankrupted the couple. It doesn’t take the intrepid Reggie long to compile a list of suspects the dead man swindled, each with an intriguing story and a motive for murder.
I enjoyed the period flavor Stephens brings to Lies and Deception, her protagonist’s attention to 1920’s style, and other historic touches that drew me into one of my favorite eras. I also liked the way the author infused her story with clues from the tarot. The clever plot and interesting characters make Lies and Deception an engaging read from beginning to end. –– Skye Alexander, author of the Lizzie Crane Roaring Twenties mystery series

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's sometimes difficult to read a story that is part of a series when you haven't read the earlier entries. Fortunately that is not an issue with this 4th entry in the Reggie da Costa series. The author does a great job of filling in any gaps where there's reference to the earlier books, which are mostly things related to Reggie and his personal life. The mystery here is completely independent and can be read as a stand-alone.

And what a mystery it is! The plot is clever enough to keep you guessing, and is helped along by very competent writing. I found myself utterly relaxed and enjoying the witty dialog and pace of the story. As an older reader, I found myself frustrated and sympathetic to Reggie's mother and her relationship with Ruby, Reggie's love interest, but thoroughly appreciated the outcome of their sparring. Both Ruby and Reggie show remarkable aptitude for reading people and deducting. In the end, the bad guys are caught and the heroes celebrated.

I enjoyed this enough that I will seek out the author's earlier entries in this series.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third of the Reggie da Costa series I have read and the fourth of the series. I kindly received an ARC of A Deadly Game and enjoyed it so much I bought the Death Mask Murders which I have not long read so it was great to read the next instalment off the back of it.

Reggie da Costa is an intriguing and stylish crime reporter and the story continues his ongoing search to investigate crime in Melbourne. The book has a couple of key parts to the plot.

I loved the books descriptions of Melbourne in the 1920s and the way it brings to life the environment and vividly describes life of the time for different people from different backgrounds. The author has a brilliant knack of describing the surroundings, feelings, and detail that makes me feel really involved and engaged.

It’s great to see the main character develop and follow him in his investigations and his personal life.

The story was gripping and brings in the “confidence man” and those around him to describe how people could so easily be deceived.

I didn’t guess the murderer at all which is great as the suspense kept on throughout. It’s well written and well structured I like that’s its nice bite size chunks of chapters that tell different parts of the story as I could pick it up easily and it only took me a few days to read.

Literally excited for the next one!

I kindly received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kymm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun series and in "Lies and Deception" main character Reggie da Costa finds love. Who knew the sometimes arrogant, always well-dressed crime reporter who seemed like such a playboy previously has found a smart, independent woman who begins helping him with his dangerous investigations. I love that the author gave Reggie a strong willed, outspoken and independent partner. He needed a good lady to keep him on the straight and narrow.

This time Reggie and gang are in the middle of a "patent" medicine scheme that ends up in murder in a most horrific way. The man's body is found with multiple knife wounds depicting the Ten of Swords tarot card which was found in his hand. The story is fast paced with multiple suspects, but Reggie is up for the challenge. He's all in to solve one more crime and grab the exclusive story for his paper. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good historical mystery. Happy Reading!

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lies and Deception was a very different sort of book for me. Australia is the main setting, Melbourne in particular, and the time period is in the early decades of the 20th century. A wonderful window into the history and culture of the time, and a a look at typical personalities and a changing time in the world. And some fun Aussie words and terms too! The book is very well written with excellent descriptions of people, the surroundings, and life at the time. It was the time of my grandparents, a world away from our current lives, and one that I enjoyed reading and learning more. At times some character backstories, thoughts and actions described became tedious to read, so some judicious editing would help and not detract from the story as a whole. I look forward to reading other books in the series.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and this review is voluntary.

[Jane Verco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 4 in Reggie da Costa's escapades - I was delighted to find that Ms Stephens had gifted us yet another tale to entrance us.

Continuing on from earlier stories in the series, Reggie and Ruby continue with their sleuthing - Reggie still a crime reporter at the Argus and Ruby now a fixture in his life, and involved in his intriguing cases. The author has a wonderful way of describing everything meticulous, from setting the scene of a dinner party to describing exactly what the characters are wearing - so much so that you feel you are viewing from within the story, not simply reading words on a page.

I can't wait to see what comes next in Reggie and Ruby's lives - these stories get better with each new addition to the series and we can't help but be fascinated.

Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC of this delightful book, which I happy review voluntarily.

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Sirens eARC. Life is good for Reggie La Costa in 1925 Melbourne. His career as crime reporter at the city's chief newspaper is going well as is his new relationship. When Jasper Howard is found in a local hotel stabbed ten times and holding the tarot card the Ten of Swords he is instantly intrigued. His digging uncovers a twisted trail of lies, blackmail and deception and too many suspects. I have enjoyed this richly detailed historical crime series since its inception. Reggie and the returning cast of characters are likeable and engaging while they investigate a solidly plotted crime. Reggie's inner musing reflect a snapshot of the fashion, culture and events of the time period. An entertaining, engaging series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melbourne 1925. Con man Jasper Howard is found stabbed to death, and holdings a tarot card. A dead con man in their midst is not the only problem for the police or for vain crime reporter Reggie da Costa as they investigate. As it seems the city as been infiltrated by harmful patent medicine which is a very lucrative investment but it is leading to blackmail and murder.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new death for Reggie to research. Why did the death occur in a fancy hotel? And why is there a second death in another fancy hotel? That is not good for the hotel business. I like Reggie and Ruby. They are good characters. And what about the dead folks? My goodness Reggie is uncovering all sorts of unfavorable details about them. I like all the details. Why aren't the police more interested in finding answer. Dusty is helping Reggie as his assistant. The small details are adding up to a good mystery. The guilty one is unexpected. A good story.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another entertaining read in this great series. Set in 1920s Melbourne, it vividly evokes a picture of life at the time. You could read this as a standalone but I'd recommend you read the earlier books to gain a better understanding of the characters involved.

I found this easy to read. The subject matter involved con artists and snake-oil salesmen which I found fascinating and often hilarious. Reggie, Ruby and even Dusty are growing greatly as characters and I look forward to seeing what is in store for them next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A team of schemes are able to convince people to go with their shady deals and ultimately one of them Jasper Howard is murdered. The Plumsteads hire Reggie to investigate . Then another murder rocks the community. Reggie with the help of Ruby his sister goes about finding evidence and finds that there is more than meets the eye. An intriguing read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 3 in a series which I didn't realise and haven't read the others. This did mean I felt confused about who was who and why a series of events happened that tied in with a previous book so might be best read in order. However it was well written and did get better as I got further into the mystery itself. Overall and enjoyable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen]

The 4th novel in the Reggie da Costa series, LIES AND DECEPTION is a nicely twisty tale of the just desserts served up to a serial conman and his accomplices by a determined crime reporter and his ... accomplices.

https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Intreging story.
Engaging, interesting characters.
Suspenseful.
Excellent writing.
Entertaining.
Enjoyable.
Don't miss.

[Mahnoor Lasania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I found Reggie to be a little foppish, with his continual emphasis on clothes, his car, and grooming. But after getting into more of the story I started to realize that he has an incredibly smart head on his shoulders. And paying attention to those external things actually helps him win over the upper-class of Melbourne who might not otherwise want to bother associating with a newspaper man. He does make for an interesting protagonist - a well-known crime writer, willing to do what's necessary to uncover all the clues and help the police solve their murders. Honestly, it's not that I disliked him as a character, but he really had to grow on me a bit until I felt like I understood his motivations better.