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Deception: A SPKS Novel
This killer's not just upping the ante...He's changing the rules.
Come one, come all,as forensic psychologist Dr. Ellie Brynne and Inspector Gerard Renault pursue a depraved mastermind out to prove that anyone will kill for the right price.
Fresh off her first harrowing case, the unpredictable Ellie thinks the Cavalcade of Curiosities will be a welcome honestly, what's not to love about a traveling horror carnival? Its thrills and chills quickly spill into a very real murder spree, with a mysterious online character encouraging the chaos by handsomely rewarding his legions of followers for their participation in what promises to be an increasingly bloody real-life slaughter.
With Ellie's already fragile psyche unraveling, a seductress from Renault's shadowy past leaves him increasingly unhinged as the unlikely duo must untangle a twisted game of manipulation, murder, and illusion—before they become the next victims in a live-streamed descent into madness.
Come one, come all,as forensic psychologist Dr. Ellie Brynne and Inspector Gerard Renault pursue a depraved mastermind out to prove that anyone will kill for the right price.
Fresh off her first harrowing case, the unpredictable Ellie thinks the Cavalcade of Curiosities will be a welcome honestly, what's not to love about a traveling horror carnival? Its thrills and chills quickly spill into a very real murder spree, with a mysterious online character encouraging the chaos by handsomely rewarding his legions of followers for their participation in what promises to be an increasingly bloody real-life slaughter.
With Ellie's already fragile psyche unraveling, a seductress from Renault's shadowy past leaves him increasingly unhinged as the unlikely duo must untangle a twisted game of manipulation, murder, and illusion—before they become the next victims in a live-streamed descent into madness.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 25, 2025
Dark Psychological Murder
I think I should have read Dissonance first, as it was extremely difficult to follow the story. The characters are intense and the pace is rapid fire, but I felt like I was missing something important the whole time I was reading. Throw in all the typos, and I had to backtrack and reread constantly, just to try to understand what I was reading. Clearly, this is being written as a series where the end of each book is a cliffhanger, intended to get you to read the next. I thought about purchasing the first book in the series to read now, but I think I can live without it. Perhaps, if I had read it first, I would be interested in continuing with the series. Perhaps not.
I think I should have read Dissonance first, as it was extremely difficult to follow the story. The characters are intense and the pace is rapid fire, but I felt like I was missing something important the whole time I was reading. Throw in all the typos, and I had to backtrack and reread constantly, just to try to understand what I was reading. Clearly, this is being written as a series where the end of each book is a cliffhanger, intended to get you to read the next. I thought about purchasing the first book in the series to read now, but I think I can live without it. Perhaps, if I had read it first, I would be interested in continuing with the series. Perhaps not.
September 17, 2025
From its opening scene, Deception grips the reader by the throat and drags them into a labyrinth where fear is currency and morality is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Tabitha Winters has built more than a crime thriller—she has created a hall of mirrors where every reflection distorts, and every step feels like a wager with death itself. The traveling horror carnival, once an escape for Ellie Brynne, becomes a grotesque stage where illusion and atrocity fuse, and where terror is no longer theatrical but intimate, personal, and devastatingly real.
Ellie, still haunted by the scars of her first case, emerges here as a figure both fragile and unyielding. Her mind becomes the battlefield, her unraveling psyche a cracked vessel struggling to hold together fragments of reason, instinct, and dread. Alongside her, Inspector Renault—compelled by ghosts of passion and betrayal—teeters between duty and temptation. Together, they stumble through a world where even trust carries the taste of poison, and every ally could be a mask hiding the face of treachery.
Winters writes with a sharpness that cuts deeper than the crimes on the page. The chilling concept of ordinary people incentivized to kill by anonymous rewards mirrors the grotesqueries of our own digital age, where cruelty often masquerades as entertainment and morality bends beneath the weight of greed. Each murder becomes not just an act of violence, but a commentary on systemic failures, human vulnerability, and the thin veil separating order from chaos. Beneath the gore lies a question that gnaws at the reader: what would it take for us, too, to sell our conscience to the void?
By the final pages, the book crescendos into a macabre symphony of deception, betrayal, and unrelenting suspense. The Cavalcade of Curiosities may be the stage, but it is our own fears, our own fragile convictions, that are the true spectacle. Winters leaves the reader shaken, enthralled, and desperate for the next descent into this twisted series. Deception is not merely a thriller—it is a danse macabre where survival itself becomes the cruelest illusion.
Ellie, still haunted by the scars of her first case, emerges here as a figure both fragile and unyielding. Her mind becomes the battlefield, her unraveling psyche a cracked vessel struggling to hold together fragments of reason, instinct, and dread. Alongside her, Inspector Renault—compelled by ghosts of passion and betrayal—teeters between duty and temptation. Together, they stumble through a world where even trust carries the taste of poison, and every ally could be a mask hiding the face of treachery.
Winters writes with a sharpness that cuts deeper than the crimes on the page. The chilling concept of ordinary people incentivized to kill by anonymous rewards mirrors the grotesqueries of our own digital age, where cruelty often masquerades as entertainment and morality bends beneath the weight of greed. Each murder becomes not just an act of violence, but a commentary on systemic failures, human vulnerability, and the thin veil separating order from chaos. Beneath the gore lies a question that gnaws at the reader: what would it take for us, too, to sell our conscience to the void?
By the final pages, the book crescendos into a macabre symphony of deception, betrayal, and unrelenting suspense. The Cavalcade of Curiosities may be the stage, but it is our own fears, our own fragile convictions, that are the true spectacle. Winters leaves the reader shaken, enthralled, and desperate for the next descent into this twisted series. Deception is not merely a thriller—it is a danse macabre where survival itself becomes the cruelest illusion.
June 27, 2025
📚𝐵𝑂𝑂𝐾 :- ❞ 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 ❞
👨🦱𝐴𝑈𝑇𝐻𝑂𝑅 :- 𝑻𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
🌌𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺:- 𝟓/𝟓 🌟
𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾:- From the very first page of Deception, Tabitha Winters plunges readers into a chaotic, eerie, and brilliantly constructed world that blurs the line between psychological trauma and gripping suspense. This SPKS novel is a masterclass in tension, character development, and narrative misdirection, weaving a dark, immersive tale that kept me hooked until the final sentence.
The story opens with a chilling prologue inside a haunted house, quickly escalating into real horror — and the pace never slows. At its heart is Ellie, a protagonist who is equal parts vulnerable and razor-sharp, navigating trauma, fractured memories, and deeply buried truths. Winters has created a heroine who is as unpredictable as the plot itself — and just as thrilling.
What impressed me most was the novel’s ability to layer psychological complexity without sacrificing momentum. Dialogue crackles with wit, especially in scenes featuring Ellie’s dynamic with the unfiltered, hilarious Marcus. Their interactions bring levity to otherwise dark moments, offering balance in tone without undermining the gravity of the storyline
The setting — particularly the sinister carnival, haunted house, and Hall of Mirrors — is richly atmospheric. Winters’ descriptions are cinematic, and her control over suspense elements is exceptional. Just when you think you know where the story is going, a new twist shatters expectations.
There’s also a timely social undercurrent running beneath the action: power, corruption, psychological abuse, and systemic failure are all handled with subtle but poignant commentary. Yet the book never becomes preachy — it remains, first and foremost, a riveting thriller.
What sets Deception apart is its psychological insight paired with relentless energy. Winters explores the scars left behind by trauma with nuance, while crafting a story that’s fast-paced, darkly funny, and heart-poundingly intense. Fans of Gillian Flynn or Karin Slaughter will find themselves right at home.
September 16, 2025
The moment I opened Deception, I realized this wasn’t going to be just another thriller, just like Dissonance, it was an experience. Tabitha Winters doesn’t ease you in, she throws you headfirst into a world of haunted houses, fractured memories and sinister carnivals where every shadow feels alive. The result is a story that is dark, witty and relentlessly gripping.
At the center of it all is Ellie. She’s vulnerable yet razor-sharp, haunted by her past but unwilling to be defined by it. I found her messy, unpredictable strength incredibly refreshing, she’s not a polished heroine but a flawed, complex human being. Her dynamic with Marcus (who had me laughing out loud more than once) and her tense, layered connection with Renault add depth and balance to the chaos. What I loved most was how the characters aren’t framed as perfect saviors, they’re gritty, scarred and achingly real.
The carnival setting is a masterstroke. The Hall of Mirrors, the haunted rides, the lurking clowns - it all pulses with a nightmarish energy that feels cinematic. I could practically hear the eerie music in the background and smell the popcorn mixed with fear. The descriptions are so vivid they trap you inside the story, making you part of Ellie’s distorted reality.
But what elevates Deception beyond an adrenaline-fueled thriller is its psychological and social undercurrent. The exploration of trauma, power and corruption feels timely and unsettlingly close to real life. It asks uncomfortable questions while keeping the pace breakneck, never once losing its grip on suspense.
Deception is raw, fast-paced and wildly addictive - a perfect blend of chaos, grit and heart. If you’re a fan of flawed heroes, clever mysteries, creepy carnivals and psychological depth, this book deserves a spot at the very top of your list.
September 19, 2025
Tabitha Winters has a way of taking thrillers and turning them into something that feels almost immersive. Deception, much like Dissonance, isn’t simply a book you read , it’s a world you fall into, one full of fractured memories, eerie carnivals, and houses that seem to breathe with secrets. From the opening scene, the story grips you by the collar and refuses to let go.
Ellie, the protagonist, is the heart of the novel. What makes her stand out is her rough-edged authenticity. She’s not built to be perfect; she’s built to be real. Haunted by her past yet constantly fighting to define herself on her own terms, Ellie is as unpredictable as she is compelling. Her interactions , whether it’s Marcus providing sharp bursts of humor or Renault weaving tension into every encounter , layer the narrative with warmth, conflict, and grit.
The carnival backdrop is unforgettable. Winters crafts it with such sensory precision that the reader can almost taste the burnt sugar, hear the distorted laughter, and feel the oppressive atmosphere pressing in from the shadows. It doesn’t just serve as a setting; it becomes a character in itself, amplifying the sense of danger and unease.
What truly lifts Deception above standard thrillers is its depth. Beneath the breakneck suspense and constant twists lies an exploration of trauma, power, and corruption , themes that feel both raw and unsettlingly relevant. Winters blends psychological tension with social commentary in a way that makes the story linger long after the final page.
Dark, intense, and utterly unputdownable, Deception is a cocktail of razor-sharp writing, flawed but unforgettable characters, and a world that feels terrifyingly alive. It’s a must-read for anyone who craves thrillers with brains, bite, and a beating heart beneath the shadows.
Ellie, the protagonist, is the heart of the novel. What makes her stand out is her rough-edged authenticity. She’s not built to be perfect; she’s built to be real. Haunted by her past yet constantly fighting to define herself on her own terms, Ellie is as unpredictable as she is compelling. Her interactions , whether it’s Marcus providing sharp bursts of humor or Renault weaving tension into every encounter , layer the narrative with warmth, conflict, and grit.
The carnival backdrop is unforgettable. Winters crafts it with such sensory precision that the reader can almost taste the burnt sugar, hear the distorted laughter, and feel the oppressive atmosphere pressing in from the shadows. It doesn’t just serve as a setting; it becomes a character in itself, amplifying the sense of danger and unease.
What truly lifts Deception above standard thrillers is its depth. Beneath the breakneck suspense and constant twists lies an exploration of trauma, power, and corruption , themes that feel both raw and unsettlingly relevant. Winters blends psychological tension with social commentary in a way that makes the story linger long after the final page.
Dark, intense, and utterly unputdownable, Deception is a cocktail of razor-sharp writing, flawed but unforgettable characters, and a world that feels terrifyingly alive. It’s a must-read for anyone who craves thrillers with brains, bite, and a beating heart beneath the shadows.
September 10, 2025
Book: Deception
Author: Tabitha Winters
Genre: Dark, Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The moment I started Deception, I knew this wasn’t going to be a simple thriller. The story pulled me straight into a world of fear, manipulation, and shocking twists that kept me second-guessing every character and every motive. What I loved most was how Tabitha Winters wrote with such intensity that I felt like I was walking alongside Ellie, trapped in the same distorted game of illusion and reality.
Ellie, as a protagonist, fascinated me throughout the book. She’s vulnerable yet sharp, unpredictable but relatable, and watching her deal with her fragile psyche while still pushing forward made me connect deeply with her. Paired with Renault, whose complicated past only added to the tension, their partnership felt real and gritty. I liked how they weren’t portrayed as perfect heroes but as flawed individuals fighting through impossible circumstances.
The carnival backdrop was the highlight for me. It wasn’t just a setting it was a living nightmare, full of mirrors, shadows, and eerie details that gave the entire story an atmosphere of unease. Winters’ writing made every scene feel cinematic, and I often caught myself picturing the haunted house or the sinister Hall of Mirrors like I was actually there.
What made this book unforgettable, though, was how it wove deeper commentary into the suspense. The idea of people being paid online to commit violent acts was terrifying because of how close it feels to reality. That mix of psychological depth, relentless pacing, and timely themes made Deception more than just a thriller it was an experience.
Author: Tabitha Winters
Genre: Dark, Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The moment I started Deception, I knew this wasn’t going to be a simple thriller. The story pulled me straight into a world of fear, manipulation, and shocking twists that kept me second-guessing every character and every motive. What I loved most was how Tabitha Winters wrote with such intensity that I felt like I was walking alongside Ellie, trapped in the same distorted game of illusion and reality.
Ellie, as a protagonist, fascinated me throughout the book. She’s vulnerable yet sharp, unpredictable but relatable, and watching her deal with her fragile psyche while still pushing forward made me connect deeply with her. Paired with Renault, whose complicated past only added to the tension, their partnership felt real and gritty. I liked how they weren’t portrayed as perfect heroes but as flawed individuals fighting through impossible circumstances.
The carnival backdrop was the highlight for me. It wasn’t just a setting it was a living nightmare, full of mirrors, shadows, and eerie details that gave the entire story an atmosphere of unease. Winters’ writing made every scene feel cinematic, and I often caught myself picturing the haunted house or the sinister Hall of Mirrors like I was actually there.
What made this book unforgettable, though, was how it wove deeper commentary into the suspense. The idea of people being paid online to commit violent acts was terrifying because of how close it feels to reality. That mix of psychological depth, relentless pacing, and timely themes made Deception more than just a thriller it was an experience.
September 17, 2025
Deception is the second book in the SPKS series, and if you have read the first book, Dissonance, and think that it's a total edge-of-the-seat read, then Deception will leave you emotional, pensive and speechless.
Deception is again an intense psychological journey into questioning realities, trust factors and the scars of the past trauma that run deep into the present.
Ellie, the protagonist, is an expert psychologist, but her professional abilities are not really helping her in dealing with her own past trauma. She is depicted as intelligent and witty but also highly sensitive and prone to anxieties. But that is how most of us are, isn't it? We are all shiny and the best of ourselves when it comes to putting up appearances, but inside we are vulnerable. This part makes the novel relatable and immersive for a reader. A protagonist with her own search for healing.
With the eerie, nightmarish backdrop of Carnival, the novel promises and delivers chaotic psychological tension and a dash of humour and complexity of volatile emotions too. Author Tabitha Winters captures the world of trauma survivors delicately and sensitively.
From the very first page, Deception is all about blurring lines between reality and perception; the title is not just a metaphor, it's the backbone of the entire narrative.
Fans of psychological dramas and thrillers, Deception is for you; it's deep, gripping, and emotionally resonant.
Deception is again an intense psychological journey into questioning realities, trust factors and the scars of the past trauma that run deep into the present.
Ellie, the protagonist, is an expert psychologist, but her professional abilities are not really helping her in dealing with her own past trauma. She is depicted as intelligent and witty but also highly sensitive and prone to anxieties. But that is how most of us are, isn't it? We are all shiny and the best of ourselves when it comes to putting up appearances, but inside we are vulnerable. This part makes the novel relatable and immersive for a reader. A protagonist with her own search for healing.
With the eerie, nightmarish backdrop of Carnival, the novel promises and delivers chaotic psychological tension and a dash of humour and complexity of volatile emotions too. Author Tabitha Winters captures the world of trauma survivors delicately and sensitively.
From the very first page, Deception is all about blurring lines between reality and perception; the title is not just a metaphor, it's the backbone of the entire narrative.
Fans of psychological dramas and thrillers, Deception is for you; it's deep, gripping, and emotionally resonant.
September 16, 2025
Deception by Tabitha Winters is more than a thriller or just another thriller. It is an unsettling ride in a life of never ending dreams that are being mistaken for reality. From the first page, you are submerged into the dread, deception, and, quite frankly, shocking plot twists. Winters' writing is carefully crafted and truly engulfs the reader you feel tormented in a bad dream in tandem with Ellie.
Ellie continues to be a captivating protagonist, vulnerable yet driven, fragile but persistent, entirely unpredictable. Her partnership with Renault adds tension to the story. With his troubled past and stoic demeanor, the two share a relationship that appears believable but basks in tension. Together they are real and flawed, and their struggle to survive makes it more compelling.
The carnival setting is also a highlight. The numerous mirrors, shadows, and bone-chilling detailing make it a character within itself, enhancing the unrest on every page. You can nearly see and hear the sinister backdrop as you read along.
What makes Deception a memorable read is its current relevance. The chilling notion that people could be paid online to follow commands either for themselves or others to commit violent acts seems all too real. This meta psychological dive exhilarates; Deception is a great read, and hard to put down.
Ellie continues to be a captivating protagonist, vulnerable yet driven, fragile but persistent, entirely unpredictable. Her partnership with Renault adds tension to the story. With his troubled past and stoic demeanor, the two share a relationship that appears believable but basks in tension. Together they are real and flawed, and their struggle to survive makes it more compelling.
The carnival setting is also a highlight. The numerous mirrors, shadows, and bone-chilling detailing make it a character within itself, enhancing the unrest on every page. You can nearly see and hear the sinister backdrop as you read along.
What makes Deception a memorable read is its current relevance. The chilling notion that people could be paid online to follow commands either for themselves or others to commit violent acts seems all too real. This meta psychological dive exhilarates; Deception is a great read, and hard to put down.
September 19, 2025
A sequel better than the first book??? Yes, definitely yes, it's this one. It was so much fun to read. I was engaged in the story the whole time. This one was more intense, and I loved it. The pace was also smooth.
Just like Dissonance, Deception was also a masterpiece, but it was so much better. The concept, the storyline, the plotline, the twists and turns, and especially the character development. Everything was better in this one; the writing was improved.
Just after reading the blurb, I was instantly hooked and was unable to stop myself from buying the book.
The characters and storyline were dark and intense.
Ellie's character is amazing; she still hasn't properly coped with the scars of her first case and is ready to enter another battlefield to catch the killer. In this book we come across Renault's past that's not so good but actually horrible.
All other characters were well portrayed; I loved the character of Marcus, and I wanted more of his scenes in between. And yeah, there were clues in between, but I was so focused on finishing the book and reading the ending that I overlooked those clues, but you should look for them.
Overall, I really loved the book, and if you're someone who enjoys dark psychological thrillers that are gritty, raw, and have amazing plot twists with suspense and interesting twists, then you're going to love.
Just like Dissonance, Deception was also a masterpiece, but it was so much better. The concept, the storyline, the plotline, the twists and turns, and especially the character development. Everything was better in this one; the writing was improved.
Just after reading the blurb, I was instantly hooked and was unable to stop myself from buying the book.
The characters and storyline were dark and intense.
Ellie's character is amazing; she still hasn't properly coped with the scars of her first case and is ready to enter another battlefield to catch the killer. In this book we come across Renault's past that's not so good but actually horrible.
All other characters were well portrayed; I loved the character of Marcus, and I wanted more of his scenes in between. And yeah, there were clues in between, but I was so focused on finishing the book and reading the ending that I overlooked those clues, but you should look for them.
Overall, I really loved the book, and if you're someone who enjoys dark psychological thrillers that are gritty, raw, and have amazing plot twists with suspense and interesting twists, then you're going to love.
September 14, 2025
This book = chaos, trauma, clowns, carnivals, and pure adrenaline from page one, it throws you into a haunted house and never lets you breathe.
Ellie is THAT girl...flawed, sharp, unpredictable and her messy past makes her one of the most real thriller heroines I’ve read. Pair that with Marcus (hilarious king 😂), Renault’s haunting backstory, and a cast of shady characters, and you’ve got a recipe for obsession.
What I loved most? The balance. One page you’re laughing at the snarky dialogue, the next you’re clutching the book because of grisly murders and carnival madness. It’s dark, witty, and cinematic...like a psychological thriller binge but in book form.
And just when you think you’ve cracked it… boom. Another twist. Another cliffhanger. Another scream.
If you’re into flawed heroes, creepy carnivals, murder mysteries, and a touch of madness—this one’s for you.
Raw. Fast-paced. Wildly addictive.
Ellie is THAT girl...flawed, sharp, unpredictable and her messy past makes her one of the most real thriller heroines I’ve read. Pair that with Marcus (hilarious king 😂), Renault’s haunting backstory, and a cast of shady characters, and you’ve got a recipe for obsession.
What I loved most? The balance. One page you’re laughing at the snarky dialogue, the next you’re clutching the book because of grisly murders and carnival madness. It’s dark, witty, and cinematic...like a psychological thriller binge but in book form.
And just when you think you’ve cracked it… boom. Another twist. Another cliffhanger. Another scream.
If you’re into flawed heroes, creepy carnivals, murder mysteries, and a touch of madness—this one’s for you.
Raw. Fast-paced. Wildly addictive.
October 2, 2025
~ 🔥 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 🔥 ~
Deception is the second book in the SPKS series, and it pulls you straight into a world of secrets, fear, and mystery. From the very beginning, the story feels dark and gripping, with a carnival setting that makes everything even more spooky and exciting.
Ellie, the main character, is smart but also struggling with her own painful past. She feels real because she isn’t perfect. Sometimes she is strong and sharp, and sometimes she is vulnerable and scared. Her moments with Marcus bring humor, while Renault adds tension and mystery. Together, they make the story full of heart and emotion. ❤️
What makes this book stand out is how the carnival almost feels alive. You can imagine the creepy rides, the laughter echoing in the dark, and the shadows hiding secrets. At the same time, the story talks about trauma, power, and corruption, which makes it more meaningful. Deception is not just a thriller but an unforgettable journey that keeps you hooked till the very end. 🔥📖
Deception is the second book in the SPKS series, and it pulls you straight into a world of secrets, fear, and mystery. From the very beginning, the story feels dark and gripping, with a carnival setting that makes everything even more spooky and exciting.
Ellie, the main character, is smart but also struggling with her own painful past. She feels real because she isn’t perfect. Sometimes she is strong and sharp, and sometimes she is vulnerable and scared. Her moments with Marcus bring humor, while Renault adds tension and mystery. Together, they make the story full of heart and emotion. ❤️
What makes this book stand out is how the carnival almost feels alive. You can imagine the creepy rides, the laughter echoing in the dark, and the shadows hiding secrets. At the same time, the story talks about trauma, power, and corruption, which makes it more meaningful. Deception is not just a thriller but an unforgettable journey that keeps you hooked till the very end. 🔥📖
September 22, 2025
This is the third book, which I have read from the very same author and and honestly, I have become a fan. So I am sharing my thoughts on the book 2 i.e deception.
I felt that I was trapped in a nightmare carnival in this book 🎡!! The backdrop , the shadows, the broken laughter-- all this was so real I tell you I could hear it. I mean Readers can legit imagine it. I find myself laughing on one page and the next page I find myself low-key terrified and fighting for my breath. The messiness, the turns, the weird atmosphere? Pure adrenaline.
I mean idk how to write it ..itsis crazy, it is obsessive. Was more like you were reading a book but more like you were in a dream that you could not wake up, and frankly speaking? I loved every second.
I felt that I was trapped in a nightmare carnival in this book 🎡!! The backdrop , the shadows, the broken laughter-- all this was so real I tell you I could hear it. I mean Readers can legit imagine it. I find myself laughing on one page and the next page I find myself low-key terrified and fighting for my breath. The messiness, the turns, the weird atmosphere? Pure adrenaline.
I mean idk how to write it ..itsis crazy, it is obsessive. Was more like you were reading a book but more like you were in a dream that you could not wake up, and frankly speaking? I loved every second.
November 24, 2025
This book starts with such an interesting idea and intriguing setup. The first chapter especially drew me in and had me curious about where the story would go.
For me, the execution became a bit confusing as the story moved forward. There were several abrupt jumps within scenes where I wasn’t always sure how we had gotten from one moment to the next or how a character had reached a certain conclusion. The dialogue is very realistic, but at times I wished for a bit more clarity and context so I could stay fully in each conversation.
There are compelling moments throughout, but overall, I think this one just wasn’t quite the right fit for me as a reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For me, the execution became a bit confusing as the story moved forward. There were several abrupt jumps within scenes where I wasn’t always sure how we had gotten from one moment to the next or how a character had reached a certain conclusion. The dialogue is very realistic, but at times I wished for a bit more clarity and context so I could stay fully in each conversation.
There are compelling moments throughout, but overall, I think this one just wasn’t quite the right fit for me as a reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2025
Deception is not just a novel it's a ride. A haunting, hilarious, heartfelt ride through trauma, love, danger, and redemption.
Tabitha Winters brings a fearless, fresh voice to fiction and delivers characters you won't forget and a story that sticks.
If you love flawed heroes, snarky dialogue, clever mysteries, and a touch of madness, this book will speak your language.
A fierce, fearless read from a voice that deserves to be heard. Bravo, Tabitha Winters. You did something special here.
Tabitha Winters brings a fearless, fresh voice to fiction and delivers characters you won't forget and a story that sticks.
If you love flawed heroes, snarky dialogue, clever mysteries, and a touch of madness, this book will speak your language.
A fierce, fearless read from a voice that deserves to be heard. Bravo, Tabitha Winters. You did something special here.
June 24, 2025
Gripping and unsettling, this dark thriller pulls you into a twisted world of murder, manipulation, and mental unraveling. Ellie’s fragile psyche and the carnival’s eerie chaos create nonstop tension. The online killing game is terrifyingly real, making this a chilling, smart read that lingers long after the last page.
June 26, 2025
A killer is going to prove that anyone will kill if the price is right. Her last case had not been for her so she wants to enjoy the carnival but she is about to plunge into another case. Her mind will become unstable as they try to find out what is going on and why
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved it
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved it
July 8, 2025
This book took me on a psychological rollercoaster. Ellie Brynne is a beautifully broken protagonist, and watching her unravel inside the Carnival of Horrors was both haunting and heartbreaking. The concept of murder-for-hire as entertainment felt chillingly real in today’s world. It’s not perfect, but it stays with you long after the last page.
August 3, 2025
This book is so good! It has a great combo of dark horror and great comedy 🤍 As clearly stated, this is a book in a series and after reading 'Dissonance' and this one, I can't wait to read the next! I also love how the dialogue depicts exactly who the characters are and you can really get into their personalities! This is a must read if you love horror with a bit of laughs.
July 28, 2025
After the trauma and adventure that was DISSONANCE, there was no way a sequel could outdo it, right? WRONG! This book, picking up the plot points from its' predecessor, hits the ground running as the SPKS team gets involved in a series of grisly...and I mean GRISLY...murders at a carnival. Who could ask for more? Murders, shady characters, clowns, wild animals and a ton of intrigue.
Protagonist Ellie Brynne, recovering from the events in the first book, gets thrown in with little time to rest and, as expected, soon finds herself dealing with both flashbacks to her troubled past plus a mysterious organization that has ties to Renault. By the way: we learn more about Renault's own troubled past and it's some pretty grim stuff! Actually, grim may be a bit mild! It's pretty horrific and led to the person he became. All our favorite characters are here: Ellie, Renault, Marcus, Zeke, Dave, Hira, Amir, and Mikey, not to mention the evil of Sonny and the ever present Beechwoods. All in all, it's a crazy cast of characters.
Don't think that this is two and done because there is a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more! The plot is wild, breadcrumbs are dropped throughout for future stories, and Winters use of some great descriptive moments leaves the reader with a clear mental image of everything as it happens. It is a true psychological masterpiece!
This book is highly recommended. The story rocks, the characters are so well-crafted, even if their back stories tend to be vague(for good reason) and Winters' continuing use of so many Pop Culture references is amazing! Oh yeah: make sure you have a French to English dictionary handy. While not essential, it will certainly help during certain scenes.
I cannot completely put into words how much I have grown to love these characters and cannot wait to see what comes next. I have said it before and I'll say it again: the SPKS team NEEDS to make their way into a television mini-series. And I already have a cast in mind if that happens!
DO NOT SNOOZE on this series! At around 100,000 words, it is an intense read that can be banged out over a weekend or a couple of days at the beach. And it is the perfect beach book for the summer that will titillate your senses while the waves crash around you as your soundtrack.
Get lost in this book! It will leave you wanting the next title to come at you. Kudos to Winters on another killer novel...pun intended!
Protagonist Ellie Brynne, recovering from the events in the first book, gets thrown in with little time to rest and, as expected, soon finds herself dealing with both flashbacks to her troubled past plus a mysterious organization that has ties to Renault. By the way: we learn more about Renault's own troubled past and it's some pretty grim stuff! Actually, grim may be a bit mild! It's pretty horrific and led to the person he became. All our favorite characters are here: Ellie, Renault, Marcus, Zeke, Dave, Hira, Amir, and Mikey, not to mention the evil of Sonny and the ever present Beechwoods. All in all, it's a crazy cast of characters.
Don't think that this is two and done because there is a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more! The plot is wild, breadcrumbs are dropped throughout for future stories, and Winters use of some great descriptive moments leaves the reader with a clear mental image of everything as it happens. It is a true psychological masterpiece!
This book is highly recommended. The story rocks, the characters are so well-crafted, even if their back stories tend to be vague(for good reason) and Winters' continuing use of so many Pop Culture references is amazing! Oh yeah: make sure you have a French to English dictionary handy. While not essential, it will certainly help during certain scenes.
I cannot completely put into words how much I have grown to love these characters and cannot wait to see what comes next. I have said it before and I'll say it again: the SPKS team NEEDS to make their way into a television mini-series. And I already have a cast in mind if that happens!
DO NOT SNOOZE on this series! At around 100,000 words, it is an intense read that can be banged out over a weekend or a couple of days at the beach. And it is the perfect beach book for the summer that will titillate your senses while the waves crash around you as your soundtrack.
Get lost in this book! It will leave you wanting the next title to come at you. Kudos to Winters on another killer novel...pun intended!
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