What do you think?
Rate this book
Cypher
When a hitman kills the wrong person, a Greenville, SC detective confronts hidden agendas and conflicting motives in a powerful local family, while trying to control his attraction to the intended victim—a woman who should be dead, but instead is hell-bent on saving the remnants of her family. Unwilling to stand by while her family and world are destroyed, she rips apart the secrets surrounding Cypher, the company her father built—and will take any measures to defend.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Perkins
17 books138 followersAn award-winning author, Cathy Perkins works in the financial industry, where she's observed the hide-in-plain-sight skills employed by her villains. She writes financial-based mysteries but enjoys exploring the relationships in her characters' lives.
A member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers, she is a contributing editor for The Big Thrill, handled the blog and social media for the ITW Debut Authors, and coordinated the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.
When not writing, she can be found doing battle with the beavers over the pond height or setting off on another travel adventure. Born and raised in South Carolina, the setting for CYPHER, HONOR CODE and THE PROFESSOR, she now lives in Washington with her husband, children, several dogs and the resident deer herd.
A member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers, she is a contributing editor for The Big Thrill, handled the blog and social media for the ITW Debut Authors, and coordinated the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.
When not writing, she can be found doing battle with the beavers over the pond height or setting off on another travel adventure. Born and raised in South Carolina, the setting for CYPHER, HONOR CODE and THE PROFESSOR, she now lives in Washington with her husband, children, several dogs and the resident deer herd.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 8, 2016
A couple is brutally murdered, other murders and shootings follow as the police in Greenville, South Carolina try to solve the cases. At the heart of all of the crime is the Wainwright family and possibly Cypher, the company Alan Wainwright started.
This is an intricate story of high finance, big time drug dealers, dedicated police officers, and a dysfunctional family that will keep you reading until the end and will not soon forget.
This is an intricate story of high finance, big time drug dealers, dedicated police officers, and a dysfunctional family that will keep you reading until the end and will not soon forget.
September 16, 2015
What a sheer pleasure it is to read a full length novel again, one that takes the time to set the scene, develop the characters and provide a fast, well-structured plot. At 323 pages on Kindle, Cypher is a satisfying read that you can't just do in a single sitting. So many of today's novels seem more like stretched short stories, but not Cypher. This is a good, solid novel that I enjoyed very much.
On initial glance Cypher might seem like your typical formulaic crime/cop story, but it is much more than that. Caroline Wainwright's life is falling apart around her, as her friends, her brother and finally her father seem caught up in some massive criminal conspiracy where all roads appear to lead to the Father's beloved company Cypher, a high-tech R&D company that handles defence contracts, but do they? Of course there is always the handsome, young cop David to simplify matters and maybe to fall in love with.
There are so many twists and turns in this fast-paced story that so much of the reader's time is spent speculating just who it might be that's behind this terrible business. I know I was forced to revise my theories on more than one occasion. This is definitely the skill of Author Perkins who handles everything so extremely well. Even the ending surprised me, which is a great testament to the author.
If your favourite genre is cop mysteries, with some nice romance thrown in for good measure, then Cypher really is a must read. I can recommend this book to anyone who just likes a good, well constructed story. It fully deserves the five stars I've given it. I'l be looking out for more of Perkins' books. Top read!
On initial glance Cypher might seem like your typical formulaic crime/cop story, but it is much more than that. Caroline Wainwright's life is falling apart around her, as her friends, her brother and finally her father seem caught up in some massive criminal conspiracy where all roads appear to lead to the Father's beloved company Cypher, a high-tech R&D company that handles defence contracts, but do they? Of course there is always the handsome, young cop David to simplify matters and maybe to fall in love with.
There are so many twists and turns in this fast-paced story that so much of the reader's time is spent speculating just who it might be that's behind this terrible business. I know I was forced to revise my theories on more than one occasion. This is definitely the skill of Author Perkins who handles everything so extremely well. Even the ending surprised me, which is a great testament to the author.
If your favourite genre is cop mysteries, with some nice romance thrown in for good measure, then Cypher really is a must read. I can recommend this book to anyone who just likes a good, well constructed story. It fully deserves the five stars I've given it. I'l be looking out for more of Perkins' books. Top read!
August 13, 2014
Life throws curve balls…and sometimes it hits you right between the eyes.
Cara Wainwright is still processing her mother’s diagnosis of terminal cancer when her house guests turn up dead. She’s devastated by their loss, horrified their killer is on the loose and furious when the police tag her as their number one suspect instead of catching the murderer.
Luckily for her, Detective David Morris isn’t buying the obvious clues. The political and familial ties revolving around the investigation complicate his job. But he’s got questions, and he’s not afraid to rattle a few doors to get the answers.
The investigation throws Cara and David together, forcing them to trust one another in order to solve the case before anyone else gets hurt. Mutual attraction and dangerous circumstances create a bond between the two, but obligations and the reality of their circumstances could tear them apart.
I love when a book’s plot line and character development are equally strong. Ms. Perkins kept me guessing who was behind the murders and why until the real killer was revealed. The characters were interesting and well-developed. Cara is a strong heroine, both in personality and relatable faults. Detective Morris is a solid alpha hero with a gentle, nurturing side. I also appreciated the theme of strong family ties that gelled these characters at their core.
Cypher delivers a solid mystery with satisfying elements of romantic suspense. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Perkins’ work.
*purchased copy
Cara Wainwright is still processing her mother’s diagnosis of terminal cancer when her house guests turn up dead. She’s devastated by their loss, horrified their killer is on the loose and furious when the police tag her as their number one suspect instead of catching the murderer.
Luckily for her, Detective David Morris isn’t buying the obvious clues. The political and familial ties revolving around the investigation complicate his job. But he’s got questions, and he’s not afraid to rattle a few doors to get the answers.
The investigation throws Cara and David together, forcing them to trust one another in order to solve the case before anyone else gets hurt. Mutual attraction and dangerous circumstances create a bond between the two, but obligations and the reality of their circumstances could tear them apart.
I love when a book’s plot line and character development are equally strong. Ms. Perkins kept me guessing who was behind the murders and why until the real killer was revealed. The characters were interesting and well-developed. Cara is a strong heroine, both in personality and relatable faults. Detective Morris is a solid alpha hero with a gentle, nurturing side. I also appreciated the theme of strong family ties that gelled these characters at their core.
Cypher delivers a solid mystery with satisfying elements of romantic suspense. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Perkins’ work.
*purchased copy
November 17, 2014
I am going to keep this review pretty short. The reason being that it's been a couple weeks since I finished the book. I have been so busy that I'm just now getting a chance to write the review and I don't know that I can do the book proper justice this far removed.
I loved this book, I can tell you that with no hesitation! In fact I read it relatively quickly. What I don't love is the cover art. I received an ARC copy with just a plain red cover and I liked it better that the actual cover. Pay no heed to the cover, though, the story is excellent. It's well plotted and the character development is fantastic.
This is a murder/mystery/thriller with romance thrown in, which is always a plus for me. Cara finds herself the lead suspect when two of her friends are found dead in her apartment. We know they were killed by a hit man, but who hired the hit man is unknown. The lead detective is convinced that it was Cara, but his partner David questions what her motive would have been. He is drawn to her and is convinced of her innocence and plans to prove it while trying to fight his mounting feelings for her.
This story is full of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who the real killer is. There were moments when I was sure I knew who it was only to be proven wrong in the end. All in all, I loved the story and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good romantic thriller!
I loved this book, I can tell you that with no hesitation! In fact I read it relatively quickly. What I don't love is the cover art. I received an ARC copy with just a plain red cover and I liked it better that the actual cover. Pay no heed to the cover, though, the story is excellent. It's well plotted and the character development is fantastic.
This is a murder/mystery/thriller with romance thrown in, which is always a plus for me. Cara finds herself the lead suspect when two of her friends are found dead in her apartment. We know they were killed by a hit man, but who hired the hit man is unknown. The lead detective is convinced that it was Cara, but his partner David questions what her motive would have been. He is drawn to her and is convinced of her innocence and plans to prove it while trying to fight his mounting feelings for her.
This story is full of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who the real killer is. There were moments when I was sure I knew who it was only to be proven wrong in the end. All in all, I loved the story and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good romantic thriller!
July 2, 2015
When Detective David Morris heads out to a murder scene little does he know how involved he is about to get. With a mistaken identity of the victim, Caroline Wainright, he knows in his heart that she is innocent but things are happening around her that is making her look involved.
Yet, Caroline feels that it either involves drugs or her dad's company, Cypher. She is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, even with her life in danger.
Will David be able to sort out the truth and help Caroline or will he find out that she is involved as the murders keep happening. Or will his personal feelings and attraction to Caroline get in the way?
This book is hot and filled with lots of mystery!! What a great read and I look forward to reading more by this author as it was my first time!!
Yet, Caroline feels that it either involves drugs or her dad's company, Cypher. She is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, even with her life in danger.
Will David be able to sort out the truth and help Caroline or will he find out that she is involved as the murders keep happening. Or will his personal feelings and attraction to Caroline get in the way?
This book is hot and filled with lots of mystery!! What a great read and I look forward to reading more by this author as it was my first time!!
September 7, 2014
This was such a riveting story! The details about the city of Greenville, SC were so spot on! I live and work in the Greenville area and it was so cool to be able to read the story and know exactly where the author was writing about. Cara was such a very strong character even though some of the other characters did not see her strength. The relationships between all of the characters were very well written and made you feel like you knew them and could almost predict their reactions to the situations as they occurred. The suspense was not just an afterthought and was an integral part of the story and a true romantic suspense. It makes me want to go visit the detectives downtown and look for Detective Morris! Definitely deserves to be put on your TBR pile and read right away!
September 8, 2014
Do you love a good puzzle or a mystery that throws you lots of twists and turns? Welcome to Cypher. Ms. Perkins takes us on a ride filled with murder, betrayal, pride, trust , love and a mystery. As you are introduced to a variety of characters you are mentally trying to make connections and figure out the players. There are a lot red herrings to lead you off track. Are you a good enough sleuth to see past the distractions? This has a well thought out storyline that keeps you on your toes. It is well written and keeps your interest to the very end.
November 16, 2014
Great mystery! I never saw the ending coming, even though there were clues. The police investigation led me to believe that Perkins had law enforcement experience, but her bio doesn't mention it. She does a great job of keeping you guessing about what's really going on. In Cypher, she's created a cast of engaging and interesting characters and a love story that unfolds believably and inevitably. I will definitely look for more of her stories.
February 11, 2015
Cathy Perkins has another hit. Cleverly plotted and well written. Her knowledge of the financial world forms an excellent foundation for a highly believable story. Frequent twists and turns keep the reader guessing. Strong characters to care about and root for. Looking forward to the next book!
November 26, 2016
I admit, I'm prejudiced - I fell in love with these characters while writing their story. Watching David and Cara grow and fight for what they really want - while staying ahead of a twisting suspense that was also a blast to write - made this one of my favorites stories.
June 23, 2015
This book is amazing, it's a very well written story one that I know I will be able to read again and again. This is my first book by Cathy Perkins and it will not be my last. The Characters were very well developed.
July 18, 2017
GREAT BOOK WELL WRITTEN
The title says in all. One of those books I pick up and find difficult to put down. Great characters with depth, a ‘who done it which kept me guessing’ and some interesting facts about the finance world. I shall look out for more books by this author.
The title says in all. One of those books I pick up and find difficult to put down. Great characters with depth, a ‘who done it which kept me guessing’ and some interesting facts about the finance world. I shall look out for more books by this author.
September 13, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
-
I'm really torn between 3 and 4 stars, maybe somewhere in between, I'll be good and say 4 for now. On a general scale, I loved the story, but there were some aspects I did not enjoy. For the most part, Cypher was a complete pleasure to read. In true mystery novel fashion, the book lays out the groundwork from the very beginning. There's no easing into the story so to speak, the reader is plunged headfirst into crazy.
Pennell (lead detective 1) was a horrible person and an indispensable character. He drives Morris (lead detective 2) up the wall, which in turn, makes Morris more likeable in comparison. Ironically, I liked Pennell for his faults. While I don't condone his dismissive arrogance, I did unfortunately share his disdain for the wealthy and privileged. I really didn't like Cara (Caroline), but that's a personal issue, objectively, she's quite a strong character. Conversely, Morris's feelings towards Cara was the exact opposite. I liked that Morris trusts Cara was innocent, a good thing since Pennell's dead set on her being the prime suspect.
To be fair though, with Pennell's utter hatred of Cara and Morris as his partner in solving her case, it kind of all evens out. They're both biased and sitting at the opposite ends of the spectrum with Cara caught in the dead centre. And all the while, the real killer is tucked away in a dark, safe, unseen, corner.
Purely objectively, this was a really strong book. There's also a good dose of politics mixed in for those that like your murder mystery with a dose of high profile political drama. The story does a good job at keeping the reader guessing and absolutely nothing is simply skin deep. False clues and leads are planted throughout. Everything happens for a reason. Everyone has a role to play leading into the grand reveal.
-
I'm really torn between 3 and 4 stars, maybe somewhere in between, I'll be good and say 4 for now. On a general scale, I loved the story, but there were some aspects I did not enjoy. For the most part, Cypher was a complete pleasure to read. In true mystery novel fashion, the book lays out the groundwork from the very beginning. There's no easing into the story so to speak, the reader is plunged headfirst into crazy.
Pennell (lead detective 1) was a horrible person and an indispensable character. He drives Morris (lead detective 2) up the wall, which in turn, makes Morris more likeable in comparison. Ironically, I liked Pennell for his faults. While I don't condone his dismissive arrogance, I did unfortunately share his disdain for the wealthy and privileged. I really didn't like Cara (Caroline), but that's a personal issue, objectively, she's quite a strong character. Conversely, Morris's feelings towards Cara was the exact opposite. I liked that Morris trusts Cara was innocent, a good thing since Pennell's dead set on her being the prime suspect.
To be fair though, with Pennell's utter hatred of Cara and Morris as his partner in solving her case, it kind of all evens out. They're both biased and sitting at the opposite ends of the spectrum with Cara caught in the dead centre. And all the while, the real killer is tucked away in a dark, safe, unseen, corner.
Purely objectively, this was a really strong book. There's also a good dose of politics mixed in for those that like your murder mystery with a dose of high profile political drama. The story does a good job at keeping the reader guessing and absolutely nothing is simply skin deep. False clues and leads are planted throughout. Everything happens for a reason. Everyone has a role to play leading into the grand reveal.
July 15, 2015
All in all, this story was good but I'll be honest...I had to stop multiple times to read other things because I lost interest so easily. It took me 3 weeks to read this and normally only takes me a day or two to read something if it holds my interest. It wasn't until the last 50 to 75 pages that I was able to really get into the book and enjoy it.
This story had mystery, suspense, violence, intrigue, denial, deception, heartache, and a wee bit of romance. Written as a multi pov. Everything happens over a short amount of time. The story concept itself was good, most of the dialogue entertaining and the descriptions to details were good. However, there were times in the story that it was bogged down and had sections that could have been deleted because it really did not progress the story.
So.....
Would I recommend this book? I wouldn't discourage you from reading this book.
Would I read more from this author? I would be willing to give her one more chance.
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
This story had mystery, suspense, violence, intrigue, denial, deception, heartache, and a wee bit of romance. Written as a multi pov. Everything happens over a short amount of time. The story concept itself was good, most of the dialogue entertaining and the descriptions to details were good. However, there were times in the story that it was bogged down and had sections that could have been deleted because it really did not progress the story.
So.....
Would I recommend this book? I wouldn't discourage you from reading this book.
Would I read more from this author? I would be willing to give her one more chance.
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
February 15, 2015
I obtained this book from Reading Deals Review Club in exchange for an honest review.
This story is a Police Procedural with a romantic twist.
Caroline has a lot on her plate, she's trying to balance work and taking care of her mother. When she comes home from the hospital one morning, she is surprised to learn what happened in her apartment. This is only the beginning of what one could describe as a living nightmare.
This story has so many knots and twists that it seemed that it may never come untangled. Only sleep and obligations kept me away from reading until the end.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Adult Language, and sexual situations.
This story is a Police Procedural with a romantic twist.
Caroline has a lot on her plate, she's trying to balance work and taking care of her mother. When she comes home from the hospital one morning, she is surprised to learn what happened in her apartment. This is only the beginning of what one could describe as a living nightmare.
This story has so many knots and twists that it seemed that it may never come untangled. Only sleep and obligations kept me away from reading until the end.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Adult Language, and sexual situations.
December 19, 2015
This was a good, solid mystery/thriller. With a side of romance. I really enjoyed reading about the two main characters, Cara and David. They both seemed well developed and interesting.
Someone is trying to kill Cara, and it is up to Detective David to find out the why and the who. The book dives into drugs, and corporate takeovers. Cara's family business, Cypher, is developing a new product that is supposed to be a game changer. Exactly what the product is is never fully revealed. But it is something with the potential to make a lot of money.
The book started out a little slow for me, but the second half picked up speed. I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers.
Someone is trying to kill Cara, and it is up to Detective David to find out the why and the who. The book dives into drugs, and corporate takeovers. Cara's family business, Cypher, is developing a new product that is supposed to be a game changer. Exactly what the product is is never fully revealed. But it is something with the potential to make a lot of money.
The book started out a little slow for me, but the second half picked up speed. I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers.
November 2, 2015
I unequivocally recommend this book to everyone who likes mysteries. It is well written and well researched. Loved the flow of the characters, good ones and bad. It was a page turner from the beginning and I couldn't close the book after the first few pages. The writing pulled me right into the story, like I was a part of the story it was that good. Cathy Perkins, you are good. Your style reminds me of James Patterson and Michael Connelly, both of whom are great authors.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Read
May 16, 2015Cara Wainwright arrives home to find the police investigating the murder of her house guests, dead in her bed. As a suspect she tries to convince detective David Morris of her innocence. But she soon suspects those in her father's business and even her family of the murder. The book starts slowly but soon races to a satisfying end.
January 11, 2015
3.5/5.0
Cathy Perkins rolls out the mystery right from the first page of "Cypher".
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Cathy Perkins rolls out the mystery right from the first page of "Cypher".
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 7, 2016
Sort of a police procedural with some romance, this story went in some directions that did not seem the most intuitive. The mystery and the suspense needed to be tighter, and might have been if the characters were more endearing.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews