Canvas of Deception: An Organized Crime Thriller

by M.A. Rothman

Get ready for a pulse-pounding thriller from the USA Today bestselling author that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. In "Canvas of Deception," Levi Yoder, a mafia fixer with a knack for getting things done, finds himself caught in a web of deceit and danger.

When a mob boss enlists Levi's help to track down a forger who duped him with a forged artwork, Levi reluctantly agrees. But when the FBI approaches him with a proposition to crack a money laundering scheme involving art forgery, Levi's world spirals into chaos.

At the heart of the criminal network is a mysterious figure known only as The Maestro, a ghostly presence whose true identity remains shrouded in secrecy. Levi's quest for answers leads him to unexpected places, including Fort Detrick, a notorious hub for infectious disease weapons research.

As Levi delves deeper into the twisted machinations of The Maestro, innocent lives hang in the balance. With the body count rising and danger lurking around every corner, Levi must use all his cunning and skill to outwit an opponent who is as elusive as he is deadly.

Prepare yourself for a gripping ride through the shadowy underworld of crime and deception in "Canvas of Deception."

344 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2025

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author, M.A. Rothman, is one of the most unlikely novelists you'll ever meet. He's an engineer first and foremost, with a background in the sciences, and somehow or another, this writing habit of his has turned into a bit more than just a run-of-the-mill hobby.

He primarily writes stories that focus on two things: technology and international intrigue. This writing tends to span the genres of science fiction, techno-thriller, and mainstream thrillers.

When not writing, he enjoys cooking, learning about new technology, travel, and spending time with his family.

Reviews

[Nick Yau · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed both Levi’s series and Alicia Yoder’s spin-offs up to this point, but this book left me more frustrated than satisfied.

Alicia already has four books of her own, where she grows, stumbles, and comes into her own, with Levi occasionally popping in to help when needed. That dynamic works great. But here, in what’s supposed to be a Levi book, she takes up so much space that it ends up feeling like a muddled crossover no one really asked for.

What’s more confusing is the author actually asking readers whether Alicia should keep doing her own thing or team up with Levi more permanently… hasn’t that decision already been made? Her series exists. This feels like walking backwards.

As for the story itself, it felt half baked. The setup was promising, but it was over before it really began. The climax was anticlimactic, and a character death came out of nowhere, seemingly just for shock value. No emotional payoff, no narrative purpose.

I loved the previous books in this series, so it’s disappointing to say this, but this one felt like filler. Here’s hoping the next entry brings back the focus, depth, and pacing that made this series so compelling to begin with.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating – 4 1/4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series, but I have to admit that I found this book a bit confusing because it had introduced Yoder‘s daughter Alicia, who had not been mentioned in the other books. I then find out, after the fact, that she has her own series. As I have not read Alicia‘s series, I’d be curious to find out whether Levi is mentioned and his connection to their timeline. I personally found that with Alicia‘s storyline included, it took away all that was special about Levi and his sense of justice. I was a bit disappointed how the bad guy came to his demise because I felt there was such a buildup, it was almost anti-climatic when he met his end! This book was good, but I found the other four books were better.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter and Dad

the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Alicia’s character adds a lot to this series, improving the plots, scenarios and most definitely the perspective. again, a great read.

[Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Always An Excellent Read

I love the Yoders and can't wait for the next in the series! Read the whole series, it's awesome. Roth an does a whole bunch of other books as well.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow start but Levi and Alicia soon ramp things up.