False Hope

Blake Willis Thriller #3

by Steve Shipley

Some secrets should never see the light of day.

When a priceless religious artifact vanishes, cybersecurity expert Blake Willis is thrust into a perilous race against time. The trail of the stolen treasure winds through shadowy global markets, where power and greed collide—and where murder is only the beginning.

As Blake digs deeper, his investigation unearths a chilling connection to his own family. To infiltrate the illegal art trade and find the thief, he reluctantly agrees to an audacious plan: sending an untested yet brilliant art historian undercover. She’s determined, seductive, and dangerously close to the truth.

As she becomes entangled in a web of lies in the ruthless art underworld, her mission takes a deadly turn. With time running out, Blake must make an impossible choice—sacrifice a priceless artifact, or risk his agent’s life to expose a billion-dollar conspiracy that could shatter the art world.

Can Blake save either or both before it's too late, or will false hope be his undoing?

380 pages, ebook

First published February 25, 2025

Reviews

[Lynsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering the fate of the Saint John's Bible was a thrilling experience, and I was particularly drawn to the character of Lucie and her connection to a powerful billionaire. The quest by Blake and Rebecca to retrieve the Bible, including their decision to collaborate with the prime minister, will keep you engaged until the wee hours.

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

AI, Dark Web Conspiracies, and a Stolen Masterpiece, A Must-Read Thriller!

More than just a fast-paced thriller, False Hope is a masterful fusion of art history intrigue, high-stakes suspense, and cutting-edge digital forensics. Steve Shipley weaves an intricate tale of theft, deception, and murder centred around the disappearance of the legendary Saint John’s Bible. With an even more complex plot and richer character development than the previous two books, I believe this is Steve’s best work yet. Spanning multiple continents, the story throws the protagonist into a dangerous whirlwind of duty, loyalty, and peril, keeping you hooked from the very first page.

As the story unfolds, the stakes escalate relentlessly. The tangled web of conspiracies, shadowy organizations, and deeply personal dilemmas makes for an utterly gripping read. The action is intense, the technology is fascinating, and the moral choices the characters must make add accurate emotional weight. Just when you think you’ve figured it out—think again.The twists and turns will leave you breathless.

False Hope perfectly blends mystery, cyber intrigue, and heart-pounding action. With every chapter packed with tension, surprises, and exhilarating moments, this book delivers on every level. I can’t wait to see what challenges await Blake and Rebecca in the next instalment. Bring on book four !!!! 

[Nataliesimmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel hooked me from the very first line Some secrets should never see the light of day and never let go. What starts as the theft of a priceless religious artifact spirals into an intricate, globe-trotting chase through the ruthless and glittering world of illegal art dealing.

Blake Willis is a protagonist I immediately connected with: sharp, driven, but human enough to be vulnerable when his own family’s history collides with the case. The dynamic between Blake and the undercover art historian is electric equal parts professional tension, mutual respect, and the quiet awareness that every move could be their last. She’s a fantastic character in her own right: resourceful, fearless, and a little dangerous in ways Blake can’t quite control.

The pacing is spot-on, balancing adrenaline-fueled action with the kind of art history and black-market detail that makes the world feel fully lived in. The conspiracy at the heart of the story isn’t just about money or greed it’s about power, legacy, and the value we attach to beauty.

By the end, I was torn between racing through to see how it all resolved and savoring the tension of every scene. This is a thriller for readers who love international intrigue, morally complex heroes, and the intoxicating mix of art, danger, and deception.

[Julie Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to feel the level of anticipation and suspense I experienced as I read False Hope. I love a good fast-paced thriller and this story did not disappoint. Steve writes tight, dangerous dialogue, and effortless action scenes. His characters are well developed and had me cheering them on to the end. I can't wait for Steve's next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I enjoyed every moment of reading it. Blake, his wife Rebecca, and all the other characters make this book a page-turner that's really difficult to put down. Great world-building and the suspense made me chew on my fingernails; it's like watching a movie. Now, I'm going to do my best to buy the previous two books of the series. I can't wait to read book 4, I'm certain it will just be as brilliant as this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.