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Dean Steele #14

The Great Betrayal

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When Joseph Palmer, one of the richest men in the world, was found murdered.
Dead by midnight, during one of the year's most extravagant parties at his palatial mansion.
Dean was hired to investigate the case.

Although the case is now closed, Dean can’t help but feel that there’s more to his story.
As he revisits the clues and digs deeper into Joseph’s past, he unearths a dark network.
One that could threaten his life and the life of those he loves most.

How did Joseph make his fortune?
What happened to his wife and child?

As the list of questions grows and the fabric of the case unravels,
it seems no one truly knew the famed man after all.

With countless theories, conspiracies, and the shadow of death looming over Dean,
it appears the time has come for him to become the ultimate hunter,
determined to take down one of the most formidable masterminds of corruption,
deadly intentions, and despicable abuse of power.

Betrayal comes at a hefty price.
PI Dean Steele is about to show this cabal what he’s truly made of.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2025

291 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Rivers

147 books1,523 followers

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5 stars
605 (73%)
4 stars
160 (19%)
3 stars
47 (5%)
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9 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
605 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2025
I feel breathless after finishing this. the events leading up to the end are non stop and kept me on the edge of my seat. between the Rowan and Hayden cases and the Board cases, I don't know which was more thrilling. the end felt rushed though after all of the excitement and I feel like there was a lot more to be explained. I hope Dean comes back with more cases soon though. In the meantime I'm looking forward to more Emma and Ava.
416 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2025
The Great Betrayal( Dean Steele Mystery Thriller Book 14)

I can't believe this is the end for Dean and Xavier, I have truly loved every one of these books, and I hope Dean, Xavier, Cupcake and Owen return in Emma's stories or I will truly mourn their loss. Now I have to find something else to read in between my regular books. Thank you for keeping me on the edge of my seat, making me laugh and cry, and truly keeping me entertained.
Profile Image for Kelly Smelcer.
393 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2025
It's the finale in the Dean Steele series, and I'm so sad about it! BUT: this one is a heart-pounding thrill ride that is so satisfying you just have to read it to believe it. Dean is so close to finding out the truth about The Board and the mysteries of Twilight Cove. Dive into this one today and see what Dean uncovers for yourself
257 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2025
Not quite goodbye, just see ya later

This may be the last of the Dean Steele series, but he (and Xavier) will still be around in Emma's books. But as a finale, it was great. Dean checked off everything on the last of the To Do list that grew over the last seven episodes. I loved this series.
724 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2025
This was a awesome story about Dean about trying the answers to the many questions why people were killed and tying up loose end about the carnival and also the board killing people and why . Thank you for this great story with lots of suspense and action . I’m sorry that Dean isn’t going to be the main character in your other stories but I got to enjoy the stories about him.
Profile Image for rubin lichtenstein.
19 reviews
May 29, 2025
Go.Dean Go

No matter where you decide to take us with this ending Dean Steele series, Dean will continue with me in my own adventures. Thank you A J for enriching my life with such wonderful characters that seem almost alive to me.. Actually I wonder if perhaps in some way they really are!
99 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2025
What a way to wrap it up!

Please continue Dean’s & Xavier’s storyline. This is a great series ad just to get glimpses of them in Emma’s isn’t enough. This book was excellent. I was pleased to read how both cases ended. We also need to see how Dean & Owen do, maybe join forces? Do Xavier/Cupcake get married? Dean/Heather story needs to continue!!!
1,507 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2025
The Great Betrayal

This is a very good thrilker. I t is full of exciitement. I could not put this book down I am going to miss this series I really enjoyed it. I hope Dean WILK be back in another series with Emma.
Profile Image for Marguerite Robinson.
573 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2025
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I loved every single book in this series. Dean and Xavier make a great team. Each book kept me reading till the end. But I'm so sad this is the end of Dean Steele series.😭😭😭
398 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2025
Great Reading

As usual, I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was very interesting, history and crime together. And of course the characters were great. Old friends on a new adventure, as Xavier would say. I know you will enjoy it too.
300 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2025
Could be confusing

If I had not read the previous books, I would not have understood the storyline or who the characters were. Thankfully I had and enjoyed the conclusion. Dean was a favorite only second to Emma.
1,386 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2025
Dean is like a bloodhound, always on the scent!

Good gosh, Dean gets into twisty situations just like Emma does! This was such a convoluted case for Dean, but such a page turner all the way! I smiled right along with him at this ending.
1 review
June 22, 2025
Great Series!

I loved this series and the characters while reading I felt like I was with them through their adventures I am going to miss all of them I will probably read the books again!
2 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2025
Great series

While sad that the series has ended, it was wrapped up beautifully. This has been one of the best series I have had the pleasure of reading. Great stories by a great author.
1 review
November 17, 2025
I love this series. I am bummed that I have to wait for the next one. I love the A.J. Rivers' series. All of them. I just got caught up on Emma and Dean. Read 12 books in 9 days. Lol. That is how great they are!
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,617 reviews8 followers
December 19, 2025
everything crescendos to a shattering end

So many threads finally segue together into a tapestry of deadly conniving, deceit, murder, and stolen heritage.

The past uncovered finally explains the present.
1 review
May 19, 2025
Loved this series.

What a great series this is. I hate to see it end. I have more than a few very late nights of little sleep because of it.
Profile Image for Kath.
1,066 reviews28 followers
May 19, 2025
I've read the series from the beginning. Dean and Xavier are two of my favorite characters that I've connected with. Xavier's ticks are well written too.
33 reviews
May 24, 2025
Closure

Another great book. Is it really over? Can't wait for the next one. Hope to read about the farm house in the next one
Profile Image for Debbie Pierce.
2 reviews
May 24, 2025
sad

I hate to know this is the end of Dean’s series!! I love all the books that have blossomed from Emma’s series! I wish this one didn’t have to end.
Profile Image for Beverly Calhoun.
83 reviews
May 25, 2025
Dean

Poor guy, has a rough time but always manages to pull through, looking forward to the next adventure in his life.
9 reviews
May 26, 2025
Perfect conclusion

Loved that all loose ends of the series were tied up. I really am pleased with all the Dean and Emma sagas.
467 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2025
Tying Up Loose Ends

While Rivers does an incredible job of providing background, I would recommend reading prior books about the carnival before this one.
545 reviews
June 7, 2025
Happy to have this series done. It was getting a bit tedious
Profile Image for Courtney Jones.
4 reviews
June 20, 2025
Just finished this book. I highly recommend the Dean Steele and Emma Griffin series that AJ Rivers has written. You want to read the books in one sitting.
6 reviews
June 27, 2025
twist and turns

The book was an easy read with a lot of twist and turns. Had to keep track of the players and the storylines. A definite good read.
118 reviews
July 4, 2025
So that was it I guess

So this is the end of Dean……. A weird rushed ending but I’m glad his series is over. It was beginning to drag.
17 reviews
July 23, 2025
Wow!

This was one of the most exciting Dean Steele books so far. Totally gripping, thrilling and exciting. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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