Deception: A Jack Ludefance Novel

Jack Ludefance #6

by Behcet Kaya

Imagine being hired by someone who says they’re already dead. A Jack Ludefance Novel, by award-winning author Behcet Kaya, is one of those wild and exciting stories which pulls you in from the very first chapter. It’s a crime thriller filled with twists, danger, and a private investigator who has to race against time to uncover the truth before it’s too late. The story starts when a man named Colonel Westerdam visits PI Jack Ludefance unexpectedly claiming that he’s been poisoned and only has a few days to live. He wants Jack to find out who did it - and to dig into some shady activities happening at the Colonel’s hospital. From there, the mystery grows fast. Jack must figure out who would want to kill the Colonel, how it happened, and what secrets the hospital might be hiding, all while time is running out. As the investigation continues, Jack meets a bunch of suspicious characters - from sneaky doctors to a disappearing waiter and a woman in a floppy hat who might know more than she lets on. There’s even a part where Jack must go on a long road trip to find a woman from the Colonel’s past. Bit by bit, Jack feels the pieces of the puzzle coming together but as he goes deeper, the more dangerous things become. The mystery in this story is adequately maintained throughout owing to its clear, fluid, suspenseful, and quick-paced storytelling. The story is built well, with each clue leading to new discoveries that keep you guessing. This book fits in with the crime and mystery genre, with a bit of political drama mixed in. It’s a great pick for teens and all readers who enjoy detective stories and real-life issues. Among its most important lessons are the need to tell the truth, especially when doing so puts one at risk, and the fact that doing the right thing is not always simple but is ultimately worthwhile. The author, Behcet Kaya, has written in a way which feels like a movie playing in your mind. Jack Ludefance is a strong and smart main character, but he also shows a lot of emotion, especially when caring about justice. Additionally, the book will also make you think about truth, lies, and how far someone will go to cover something up. If you like mysteries with a brave detective, secret plots, and a race against time, Deception by Behcet Kaya might just be your next favorite read!

Genres: Drama, Contemporary, Novels, Book Club

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

About the author

Behcet Kaya is the author of nine novels. His first literary fiction novel, Voice of Conscience, follows, to some extent, his own life experiences. His second novel, Murder on the Naval Base is a fast-paced who-done-it, his recently published third novel, Road to Siran, Erin’s Story is the eagerly awaited sequel to Voice of Conscience and the fourth Treacherous Estate is a crime thriller and the fifth Body in the Woods, Appellant Judge. Murder in Buckhead, Uncanny Alliance, Deception.

Born in northeastern Turkey, Behcet grew up in a very small village with long held traditions. His rebellious nature emerged at an early age and by time he was ten, he had read, in secret, all the Turkish translated stories of Mike Hammer. In addition, he read several of Dale Carnage’s works, and all of Yashar Kemal’s novels. His world burst out beyond that of his small village and he yearned for a more western way of life.

Defying his father, Behcet left home at fourteen and travelled first to Istanbul and then on to London. His obsession was to complete his high school education and then a college degree in engineering. He supported himself by working full-time and earning scholarships from Inner London Education Authority. His creative side began emerging when his drama and literature teacher cast him in a play in which his performance awed the audience. His insatiable appetite for literature widened to include the classics of Dickens, D.H. Laurence, and the Russian masters.

While at Hatfield Polytechnic, Behcet made his first visit to the US as an exchange student with the British Universities North American Club. He made the move to the US in 1976 and became a US citizen in 1985. While living in Atlanta, Georgia he followed his creative yearnings and attended the Alliance Theatre School and studied at the SAG Conservatory of Georgia, which earned him his Screen Actors Guild card. In 1994, Kaya and his wife moved to Los Angeles, where he continued his studies at the Roby Theatre Company and the Shakespeare, A Noise Within, Theatre Workshop.

In the soon to be released movie, “Being American” starring Lorenzo Lamas, Behcet plays the part of a Turkish Defense Minister.

Along with acting, writing became a natural outlet. In addition to his three novels, Voice of Conscience, Murder on the Naval Base, and Road to Siran, Erin’s Story, Treacherous Estate, Body in the Woods, appellate Judge and Murder in Buckhead will be published in 2022. Behcet has published numerous short stories and is currently working on his fourth novel, Body in the Woods.
Behcet Kaya received a BA degree in Political Science from California state university channel Island, 2017

Reviews

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a few years since I’ve read a book by this author, but when I did, I went down a rabbit hole. This new book doesn’t disappoint, jumping right in early on. Kaya steps on the gas and doesn’t let up until the very end.

Jack is a fantastically written PI with depth and a strong, passionate view of justice despite the numerous situations he’s found himself in. His healthy distrust of people doesn’t seem to thwart his view of what is right or wrong, and that character trait makes Jack a real hero.

Though the action starts pretty early on and grabs you, the plot itself unfolds just a tad slower...which is a clever way to get hooks in you. It’s clear that since I last checked out this author, his skill in his craft has grown. It’s worth checking out this book and series if you haven’t already!

[Harsh Jasuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scariest part was not the poison or the murders but the fact that the whole plot seemed so realistic. Overstrained hospitals, monetary rewards based on treatment options, procedures that are more harmful than harmful all of this sounded authentic in this manner that has kept me up late at night. The collapse of the Colonel had seemed like a matter of course and the battle that Jack had to fight against things that cannot be seen and heard was reminding me of how men could be so weak in holding truth. It is not a book that is read and put away but a book that sticks around and makes you reflect upon the world that we live in. An unbelievable true to life story.

[Sapna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical thriller it has weight. The poisoning mystery grips you instantly, but what kept me reading were the deeper layers: the moral conflicts, the human cost of deception, the loneliness of those who fight against powerful systems. Jack is such a compelling figure because he’s not invincible he’s scarred, conflicted, and constantly walking the line between duty and despair. The Colonel’s plight is both tragic and heroic, and the hospital conspiracy feels disturbingly plausible. By the end, I wasn’t just entertained I was unsettled, provoked, and oddly inspired. A story that proves suspense can be more than a puzzle; it can be a mirror held up to our times.

[Parvin Kayanth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bureaucratic Nightmare

The novel highlights a terrifying truth: sometimes the most dangerous villains are policies, not people. The bureaucratic layers surrounding the medical decisions were suffocating paperwork as a weapon, signatures as silencers. The passages describing how protocols were justified and rewarded financially were some of the most unsettling. There’s a quiet horror in watching a system run smoothly while lives crumble beneath it. The tension is relentless, driven not by action scenes but by the cold machinery of administration. A brilliant, haunting portrayal of institutional failure.

[AANVI WRITES · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many thrillers promise twists and shocks, but this one gives you heart instead. Don’t get me wrong it’s suspenseful and often terrifying. But beneath the surface, it’s a story about loyalty, love, and carrying on even when hope seems lost. I loved how Jack wasn’t painted as a flawless hero his doubts and emotions made him all the more compelling. And the Colonel’s tragic bravery broke me. The writing balances intensity with tenderness, leaving you shaken but strangely uplifted. This is a thriller with soul, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Fear
Fear is woven into every chapter of this novel not the cheap kind, but the quiet, unsettling dread that comes when truth is deliberately buried. From the Colonel’s poisoning to the whispered words at his funeral, the tension never fades. Jack’s role as investigator feels both heroic and lonely, a man carrying the weight of justice in a world full of shadows. The writing makes the reader feel that same unease, echoing long after the book is closed. An unforgettable experience.

[Asma · Rating 4 out of 5]

If deception were a mirror, it would reveal the flaws we attempt to conceal rather than just reflecting the exterior. It would reveal the indescribable price of knowing too much, the hollow ache of loss, and the covert corruption that lies beneath institutions. Expecting a mystery, I was pleasantly surprised by a slow, fiery meditation on sorrow, reliance, and the gradual decline of morality.

The narrative reads like a covert confession. The story is pulsating with tension and emotion as a result of the Colonel's suffering, Jack's unrelenting pursuit of the truth, and Rudy's quiet devotion. In addition to advancing the plot, each chapter deepens it by precisely revealing layers of humanity and guilt.

The story revolves around Jack's vulnerability. He is painfully human and not the invincible detective we frequently see. He stumbles, doubts himself, and bears his wounds like silent confessions. But despite everything, he continues to look for purpose amid the chaos. Deception's eerie depth stems from the fact that it's not just about exposing lies; it's also about comprehending the people those lies destroy.

The tempo is deliberate, building momentum like a storm approaching. The revelations come as a shock and an inevitable blow. The prose is simple yet effective, letting silence and sorrow speak louder than any new information.

By the time I got to the last page, I understood that I had experienced a mystery as well as read one. Long after the story concludes, deceit persists as a reminder that the most perilous truths are frequently those we hold within.

[Feathered Quill Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behcet Kaya’s Deception: A Jack Ludefance Novel plunges readers into a world of intrigue and danger set against the uncertain backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Private investigator Jack Ludefance takes on one of his most unusual cases when Colonel Westerdam approaches him with a chilling claim: he has been poisoned and has only days left to live. With time running out, Jack must uncover not only who is behind the attempt on the Colonel’s life, but also what dark secrets are hidden within the hospital where the Colonel has been treated.

The pandemic setting adds a gripping layer of realism and urgency. Kaya captures the unease of those early days, when trust was fragile and fear lingered in every interaction. This tension heightens the stakes of Jack’s investigation, amplifying the themes of truth versus deception, isolation, and the consequences of hidden agendas.

Kaya’s writing style is clear, fast-paced, and cinematic. Each scene propels the reader forward, while carefully planted clues maintain suspense without spoiling the surprises to come. Jack remains a deeply compelling protagonist – clever and determined, but also empathetic, making his pursuit of justice feel as personal as it is professional.

More than just a mystery, Deception explores timely questions: Who can be trusted when lies abound? How far will people go to conceal the truth? And what does justice mean in a world already shaken by crisis?

Quill says: Deception is a taut, pandemic-era thriller that combines Kaya’s talent for suspense with timely reflections on trust, truth, and survival – a must-read for fans of intelligent, fast-paced mysteries.

[Danelle✍🏽 Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception by Behcet Kaya is a mind-blowing thriller about money, greed, and power and the levels corrupt hospital officials and a government more interested in making a dollar than the well-being of the citizens is willing to stoop. Private Investigator, Jack Ludevance has just been given a case by a Colonel who is convinced that he's been poisoned, but even more horrifying is the claims that he's making: The Colonel is convinced that nefarious dealings are taking place at his hospital. Dealings that include injecting a deadly virus into innocent patients. He needs Jack to find who poisoned him and stop the deception before it reaches epedemic porpotions.


Fast-paced and captivating, Deception is every thriller junkie's dream. Kaya draws you in from the very first page with a main character that immediately sets you at ease with his charming wit and demeanour. I loved Jack's personality and couldn't get enough of him. I'm definitely continuing with the Jack Ludevance, P.I series!

[Rajnish Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fast-paced mystery-thriller filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected twists held me tight during the weekends. I enjoyed a good thriller in the form of Behcet Kaya's Deception. Although it is part of a series, you don't need to read the previous one to follow this one as it's a different story with the same central character.
A woman's mysterious death draws private investigator Jack Ludefance into what seems like a simple car crash case. But as he digs deeper, the blunt, old-school detective uncovers a maze of secrets, legal twists, and hidden motives far beyond the surface. Right from the start, the story would grab your attention, making you question who can genuinely be trusted in this world of lies. The suspense builds steadily as each character develops with the storyline and gets involved in this murder mystery. The author's writing is clear, vivid, and engaging, with sharp dialogue and vividly described scenes that make the book easy to follow and hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading more of these thriller reads to get lost in this world.

[00ssmink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I meant to read two chapters on my lunch break. I forgot my noodles, which tells you how this went. Deception opens with a small, unnerving scene: a retired military man—Colonel Westerdam—walks into PI Jack Ludefance’s office and says he’s already dying. Poisoned. He wants the truth before the clock runs out. It’s a classic hook, sure, but the book doesn’t treat it like a party trick. From that point on, time is the quiet antagonist humming under every conversation. Even when Jack is just waiting in a corridor or making yet another call, you feel the seconds scraping by.
Jack works because he’s not bulletproof. He notices things other people shrug past. He gets tired, he snaps once, he apologizes later. There’s a steadiness to him that I found weirdly comforting in a story that keeps tilting the floor. He isn’t a wisecracking caricature; he’s that person who shows up, even when it costs him sleep or worse. When bad news lands—there’s a moment tied to personal loss that comes in sideways—I had to close the book for a minute and look at nothing. It isn’t melodramatic; it’s the mundanity of grief, and it rings.
The hospital setting is used with nasty precision. On the surface: polished floors, polite staff, a labyrinth of departments where everybody knows which doors open for whom. Underneath: the kind of hush where powerful people can file cruelty under “policy.” Jack’s questions knock into walls made of smiles and clipboards. A doctor’s answers are just a little too rehearsed. A waiter who should be a nobody vanishes at the wrong time. And the woman in the floppy hat—perfect detail—knows enough to be useful and dangerous, depending on which way the wind blows. The book keeps returning to small objects—a phone that doesn’t ring back, a door that should open and doesn’t—as if to say: this is how harm hides, in ordinary places.
There’s a stretch on the road that I liked more than I expected. Stories sometimes throw in “road trip” as filler; this one doesn’t. Jack goes looking for someone from Westerdam’s past, and the trip reframes what we think we know. It gives the investigation texture, fresh air, and a kind of ache. The past isn’t just backstory here; it keeps reaching forward, changing the shape of every conversation.
Pacing-wise, it’s lean. Short chapters. Clean dialogue. No needlessly ornate metaphors trying to steal the scene. When violence arrives, it’s brief and ugly, the way real violence is. The tension comes less from explosions and more from realizing how far the rot has spread and how many people are invested in pretending it isn’t there. That’s the part that got under my skin. The book is blunt about silence: who benefits, who pays, who gets told to be “reasonable.” I found myself getting mad in that specific way—jaw tight, breathing shallow—because it feels plausible. Uncomfortably plausible.
Characters around Jack land well, even in quick sketches. A few are the kind of people you think you’ve met: the administrator whose smile feels like a locked drawer, the staffer who’s helpful in a way that sets off every alarm, a witness who seems flaky until the exact moment she isn’t. If I’m nitpicking, one secondary character I wanted more from slips offstage when the plot needs to sprint. Also, there’s a late reveal that leans on coincidence—close to the edge for me—but the emotional logic holds, and the payoff clicks into place with a quiet, satisfying thud.
What I didn’t expect was the warmth. Not big speeches—small things. Someone checking in after a brutal day. Coffee handed over without comment. A call returned when it would be easier not to. Those gestures keep the book from becoming misery tourism. They also explain why Jack keeps going when it would be smarter, safer, less painful to quit. The moral center here isn’t performative; it’s stubborn. I’m a sucker for that.
Is it perfect? No. I wanted a sharper sense of place now and then—the scenery blurs in a way that might be intentional, like the author wants you to feel “this could be anywhere,” but I still craved one or two anchoring details. And again, that one twist made me tilt my head for a second. Still, I can’t pretend I wasn’t hooked. I read past midnight, told myself “one more chapter,” lied to myself again, and kept going.
Call it four-and-a-qurter stars, so have to round down to 4. Smart, grounded, quietly furious about the right things. If you like crime fiction where the PI earns every inch by listening, noticing, and refusing to let go, this is an easy recommendation. Read the road section, then text someone you trust just to hear their voice. That’s the kind of mood it leaves you in.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception by Behçet Kaya is a psychological thriller that follows Jack Ludefance, a Private Investigator who accepts a case that ends up leading him through a labyrinth of secrets and moral conflict. The lines begin to blur between justice and obsession, and nothing appears as it seems.

The all-American, decorated military officer, Colonel James Westerdam wants Jack to uncover what’s really happening in his hospital and he believes that he’s been poisoned and only has days to live. Jack soon uncovers corruption, secrecy, and something even more sinister than he’d ever imagined. Kaya delivers this plot with realism, exposing how trust can be weaponized when science and ambition begin to overlap. It’s an intelligent and gripping thriller that prompts readers to question motives, but also the limits of their discernment.

In this story, curiosity definitely carries a cost. Kaya also explores what happens when there’s tension between ethics and power and how unchecked authority can lead to dangerous, even deadly rationalization. Kaya relies on the quiet uneasiness that builds suspense, rather than constant action. I found myself growing suspicious and becoming unsettled, even when it came down to reading details like the workplace rules or a seemingly routine conversation. You’ll begin to ask yourself the deeper questions that arise when it comes to institutional mistrust. Kaya did a great job layering this narrative with plenty of it.

In learning the personality of the characters, Jack Ludefance seems clever, perceptive, and resilient. He is a relatable character who, like many humans, has quiet doubts. But he has great instincts that say as much about him as his personal integrity and his investigative skills. He has a loyal assistant, Rudy, who has warm banter with Jack that levels out the tense moments in the story.

Some of the other characters who stood out for me were Mr. Sonora and Dr. Steinberger, who reminded me of people I’ve encountered in real life. Their characters made me feel like they had hidden motives underneath their professionalism. The story is rich in psychological tone; Jack’s moral compass contrasts well against the other characters who make questionable choices in the name of progress.

Deception has a cinematic style. Kaya has great descriptive control. For example, something as simple as the sterile hush of a corridor or a measured glance between colleagues is described with a quiet charge, and still very effective. It’s like a whispered fear that has a bigger effect than one that is shouting on every page. Kaya fully understands this. There’s psychological unease but there’s also some investigative realism present, and they work well together in this narrative. It reminds me of Robin Cook’s Coma and Alex Michaelide’s The Silent Patient, for its premise around moral ambiguities in science and the human mind.

The pacing is appropriately steady and that’s what a book like Deception needs. It is built with a steady rhythm, and I think readers will find that rewarding. By the time we get into the final act, that’s when Kaya surprised me with this subtle but stunning twist. Chapter thirty-two left me frozen for a minute. It revealed a very skillful twist that was shocking but also inevitable. Kaya carefully layered all the clues, and he did it in such a deliberate and confident manner. That’s how powerful his storytelling is.

This is the type of story that succeeds in its study of moral erosion under pressure. Overall, Kaya doesn’t focus on theatrics, but rather psychological truth. He writes with such conviction that makes this novel both cerebral and human. Readers who will appreciate it the most are those who enjoy intelligent suspense. Part of the Jack Ludefance PI Series, Behçet Kaya’s Deception is haunting, it’s timely, and deeply satisfying.

[John599 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception opens with a knock that isn’t quite a knock, more like fate clearing its throat. A sick, imperious colonel walks into PI Jack Ludefance’s life and declares he’s already been murdered. I loved the audacity of that. It’s pulp bravado with a moral spine: what if the clock is already running out, and what you need isn’t comfort but clarity? Behcet Kaya keeps the pace taut without skimping on texture. Jack—scarred, stubborn, a little theatrical in his restraint—moves through the case like a man who has made peace with solitude but not with injustice. I kept thinking: he’s decent in the old-fashioned way, and decency is dramatic when the world gets crooked.
The early restaurant sequence is deliciously uneasy. A favorite booth. A familiar bourbon. A waiter who vanishes for “a month.” A woman in a floppy hat gliding past the hostess like a rumor. It’s the kind of scene that would feel contrived if the details weren’t so specific. They are. The dialogue does a lot of the heavy lifting here; it’s quick and unshowy, and people talk like they have jobs to do. I grinned at little things—the manager’s pride curdling into panic, the chef bristling at the suggestion his kitchen could harm a regular—because they made the larger conspiracy feel plausible, which is half the job in a thriller.
What surprised me is how the book threads pandemic-era policy into the mystery without lecturing. There’s a hospital in the crosshairs, money tied to protocols, arguments about treatment that are both bureaucratic and deeply human, and a whisper at a funeral that honestly made my stomach drop. This is a crime novel that doesn’t just chase a culprit; it looks at systems and asks who benefits when truth gets fuzzy. I’m still turning over a certain eulogy, the pageantry of grief, the petty cruelty tucked inside it like a note you’re not supposed to read. It’s bold. Maybe a little on-the-nose in a scene or two, but bold in a way that pays off.
Jack’s dynamic with Rudy, the quietly brilliant IT guy, is a grace note I didn’t expect to care about and did. Their rhythm—deadpan, loyal, occasionally snippy—keeps the book warm even as the plot gets colder. The road-opening feeling, the way investigation becomes a ritual against helplessness, hit me harder than I’d like to admit. I’ve read a lot of PIs who posture; Jack simply perseveres. There’s a difference.
Is it perfect? No. A late reveal leans on a coincidence I side-eyed, and one confession arrives a touch too neatly. But I also don’t mind a little narrative flourish when the emotional math works. And here it does. The funeral sequence is a quiet knockout; the restaurant return, when pieces click, feels earned; and the last stretch leaves a bruise in the right place. I kind of loved how messy it all gets around the edges—grief is messy, institutions are messy, the truth is never a clean line.
I was gonna say four-and-a-half stars, but I’ll bump this up to 5. I came for the hook and stayed for the conscience. It’s a thriller that remembers people first, policy second, and spectacle third, which is exactly the order that keeps me reading at 2 a.m. I’m grateful for that.

[Cheerful G · Rating 5 out of 5]

California author Behçet Kaya is also known by his stage name as an actor Ben Kaya (`Fast Food', `The Practice', `Being American' on film and numerous roles on the legitimate stages such as The Noise Within). Whether it is the fallout of thinking though a storyline or actually taking on the role of a fictional character, the result in the case of Behçet Kaya heightens the verismo as is evident in his short stories and his novels VOICE OF CONSCIENCE, MURDER ON THE NAVAL BASE, ROAD TO SIRAN: ERIN'S STORY, TREACHEROUS ESTATE, BODY IN THE WOODS, APPELLATE JUDGE, UNCANNY ALLIANCE, MURDER IN BUCKHEAD, and now DECEPTION. True, his background of having been born and raised in a small village in Turkey, secretly consuming the exemplary works of the Turkish writer of Kurdish origin Yaşar Kemal, his subsequent rebellious flight to Istanbul and London, compelled and succeeding to earn a degree in engineering, his successful introduction to the stage while attending the inner London Education Authority and his subsequent move to the United States where he gained citizenship and worked successfully to achieve his Screen Actors Guild card after studies in Georgia, and then moving to Los Angeles to embrace both his acting ambitions and writing skills - all of this is the progress of a man committed to his art - and it shows.

Having experienced the pleasure of reading eight of Behçet’s novels, it is comfortable to share that his gifts multiply with each book – especially his Jack Ludefance PI series, of which this is Book 6. PI Jack is engaged by Col. Westerdam to investigate the person who has apparently poisoned the Colonel and the cast of well-crafted, suspicious characters includes physicians and others at the hospital as well as a mysterious woman, and some strange aspects from the Colonel’s past – all aspects that ignite in a fascinating riddle that only Jack Ludefrance can solve. Behçet Kaya's style of writing captures the essence of ‘mysteries,’ giving the reader a sense of place and tenor like few other writers are capable of achieving. He is obviously one of our more important writers of the time and his niche in literature is secure. Highly recommended on every level.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Deception" by Behcet Kaya is the sixth novel in the Jack Ludefance PI Series. In this installment, Jack takes on a new case from Colonel Westerdam, a man claiming he has been poisoned and will die within a week. The only option left is to find the killer. Here's the twist: it's 2020, at the outset of state lockdowns, mandates, and the invisible fear gripping everyone’s minds. The Colonel also wants Jack to investigate the mysterious COVID-19 deaths at the hospital he owns. Naturally, Jack engages in some dangerous actions to uncover the truth. Will he be able to recover from the mental and physical stress that this case inflicts upon him?

Behcet Kaya is one of my favorite authors in the mystery genre. His novel, Deception: A Jack Ludefance Novel, did not disappoint my expectations. The plot skillfully combines investigative mystery with psychological thriller elements. While I know Jack will think outside the box and take risks, in this book, he may have been outsmarted. I enjoy watching the characters develop and come to life. I'm already looking forward to the next book, Murder at Tutley Brewery.

[Reading Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story explores motives that stay buried beneath official statements and polished explanations. Every protocol, every chart, every “recommended procedure” feels like a cover for something darker. The writing invites the reader to look beneath the surface to question why certain decisions are made and who benefits from them. The slow unraveling of truth was incredibly satisfying, revealing a network of self-interest and manipulation that felt frighteningly plausible. A thought-provoking thriller that rewards careful reading.

69. The Data Trap

One of the most gripping aspects of this book is how data becomes a trap. Numbers replace patients, metrics replace outcomes, and statistics justify everything. The way records, spreadsheets, and coded entries dictated who lived and who didn’t was terrifying. The scenes focusing on data manipulation were some of the strongest quiet, technical, but emotionally devastating. This book brilliantly illustrates how technology and bureaucracy can hide moral decay. A sharp, unsettling look at the power of numbers when used without conscience.

[Verityy Veritty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I loved Behcet Kaya's work, I picked another book by him. Deception authored by him follows private investigator Jack Ludefance as he's hired to uncover the truth behind a suspicious death in Florida. A grieving sister insists her brother's fall from a hotel balcony was no accident. With further investigation, he uncovers webs of deceit, betrayal, and powerful interests disguised to keep them hidden.
With the help of his hacker friend Rudy and his sharp intuition, Jack navigates a trail of conflicting stories, high-stakes encounters, and personal risk. Readers get to enjoy the interplay of the inclusion of justice, trust, and the moral grey zones of detective work. Layer by layer, the story unfolds, and deeper secrets grab the reader's attention.
A crisp, cinematic, and dialogue-driven writing style makes the story flow with ease, while vivid descriptions and complex characters are vividly portrayed. I have always enjoyed suspense thrillers, but in this read, you'll find a definite edge of realism and portrayal of dilemmas, which makes it even more interesting.

[Dandade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception by Behcet Kaya is a mind-blowing thriller about money, greed, and power and the levels corrupt hospital officials and a government more interested in making a dollar than the well-being of the citizens is willing to stoop. Private Investigator, Jack Ludevance has just been given a case by a Colonel who is convinced that he's been poisoned, but even more horrifying is the claims that he's making: The Colonel is convinced that nefarious dealings are taking place at his hospital. Dealings that include injecting a deadly virus into innocent patients. He needs Jack to find who poisoned him and stop the deception before it reaches epedemic porpotions.

Fast-paced and captivating, Deception is every thriller junkie's dream. Kaya draws you in from the very first page with a main character that immediately sets you at ease with his charming wit and demeanour. I loved Jack's personality and couldn't get enough of him. I'm definitely continuing with the Jack Ludevance, P.I series!

[Manoj Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into this expecting a straightforward mystery, but what I got was so much more. Yes, the story is about poison, corruption, and hidden truths, but it’s also about grief, loyalty, and the fragile ties that hold people together. Jack’s relationship struggles and his moments of quiet pain added an unexpected depth. The Colonel’s trust in him felt almost symbolic like passing a torch before time runs out. Even when the action slowed, the emotional tension kept me turning pages. I found myself thinking about my own life, the institutions I trust, and how fragile truth really is. A moving, haunting story that refuses to let go.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this down. From the moment the Colonel demands Jack’s help, the urgency never stops. There’s something so raw about watching a man fight for truth while knowing death is near. The pacing is relentless, but there are moments of pause grief, reflection, tenderness that remind you these aren’t just characters, but people. The corruption within the hospital is terrifying, not because it’s unbelievable, but because it feels all too possible. Jack himself is a mix of grit and vulnerability, making him the kind of investigator you root for despite his flaws. This is a thriller with brains, heart, and a haunting realism.

[Teressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel felt like stepping into a shadowy world where truth and lies blur until you can’t tell them apart. Jack Ludefance isn’t just solving a case he’s unraveling a system built on fear, money, and silence. The Colonel’s story gutted me, especially the helplessness of knowing his time was running out. Every scene at the hospital hit like a gut punch, chilling in its realism. What really makes this book stand out is the way it connects suspense with moral questions. It dares to ask what justice looks like when the institutions meant to protect us are part of the deception. A smart, unsettling read that lingers long after the final page.

[Bhavna Malhotra · Rating 4 out of 5]

What struck me most about this story wasn’t the conspiracy itself, but the atmosphere. Every scene drips with tension, whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or a dangerous confrontation. The Colonel’s suffering is described with such weight that I found myself grieving for him. Jack’s journey isn’t just about solving a case it’s about carrying the burden of truth when it threatens to destroy everything around him. The writing has a rhythm that pulls you deeper and deeper into the darkness, until you feel trapped in the same maze of lies. This isn’t just a thriller it’s a meditation on loss, courage, and the cost of uncovering secrets.

[Debasish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like running an emotional marathon. The stakes are life and death, the corruption runs deep, and the personal grief woven into the narrative makes every chapter heavy. And yet, I couldn’t stop. The Colonel’s story alone broke me, but Jack’s struggles with loss, love, and his own vulnerabilities gave the novel an added weight. It’s not a light read at times I had to set it down to breathe. But that’s also what makes it so powerful. It drains you, challenges you, and stays with you long after the final page.

[Soma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t the kind of thriller that lets you escape into fiction. Instead, it shatters illusions, making you question the systems you’ve always trusted. The poisoned Colonel, the hospital deaths, the whispered truths all of it felt too close to reality to ignore. Jack’s relentless search for answers becomes a stand-in for the reader’s own unease, forcing us to confront the possibility that not everything is as it seems. It’s both disturbing and enlightening, a rare combination that makes it unforgettable. A story that unsettles in the best way possible.

[Durba Chakraborty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels like a tapestry, with every thread be it conspiracy, grief, or human resilience woven together into a striking whole. The intrigue around the hospital was fascinating, not just as a mystery, but as a commentary on larger issues of power and greed. What impressed me most was how bold the storytelling felt, unafraid to challenge or provoke. Jack’s role as investigator is compelling, but it’s the moral dilemmas he faces that give the book its weight. A story as intricate as it is daring, and one that deserves to be read more than once.

[Deb Pathak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike many thrillers, this one never forgets the people at its center. Jack’s vulnerability, Rudy’s quiet loyalty, and the Colonel’s tragic desperation give the story emotional weight that’s rare in the genre. The suspense is real, the danger palpable, but what lingers is the humanity. I felt the grief, the fear, the exhaustion. It’s not just a “who poisoned who” story it’s a layered exploration of trust, betrayal, and resilience in times of crisis. By the end, I wasn’t just hooked by the mystery I was invested in the people behind it. That’s what makes this novel extraordinary.

[Pingyolla Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t a book that rushes to reveal its secrets. Instead, it builds slowly, layering tension one scene at a time until you realize you’re completely absorbed. The Colonel’s confession sets the stage, but it’s Jack’s determination that keeps the narrative alive. I admired the way the story balances action with moments of quiet reflection, making the suspense all the more powerful. By the time I reached the later chapters, I was fully invested, almost dreading the outcome yet unable to stop reading. It’s a slow-burn thriller that rewards patience with emotional and intellectual depth.

[Diareadfantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book doesn’t tiptoe around sensitive topics it dives straight in, forcing the reader to confront uncomfortable possibilities. The Colonel’s confession and his desperate need for answers set the stage for a story that feels both daring and necessary. Jack’s investigation exposes corruption that is chilling in its familiarity, and the emotional stakes make it impossible to look away. I admired the courage in this writing both in the characters and in the narrative itself. It isn’t afraid to make you angry, uneasy, or even heartbroken. Bold, unflinching, and unforgettable.

[Partha Sarathi Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I took away most from this book was the courage it portrayed courage in the Colonel facing his inevitable death, courage in Jack fighting against impossible odds, courage in standing up for truth when silence would have been easier. The corruption and manipulation exposed here are chilling, but the human spirit at the core makes it hopeful rather than bleak. The writing is rich with detail, and the characters feel lived-in, flawed yet admirable. It’s a story that goes beyond suspense and speaks to resilience. A reminder that even in darkness, courage can shine through.

[Natasha Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening phone call to the final revelations, this book is a relentless puzzle that keeps shifting just when you think you’ve solved it. The poisoned Colonel, the hospital protocols, the shadowy figures circling around it’s a maze of deceit where every clue opens up new questions. What I loved most was how the story kept surprising me. It never settled into predictability, and even the quieter chapters carried tension. Jack’s persistence in the face of impossible odds made me root for him with everything I had. A taut, brilliantly constructed story that rewards every page turned.