Deception: the BRAND NEW moral dilemma thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author

by Jack Jordan

A deadly game. The ultimate price. The Chain meets Squid Game meets Emily the Criminal in this pulse-pounding new thriller from the master of the moral dilemma, Jack Jordan.

‘No one crafts a dilemma quite like Jack Jordan’ Janice Hallett
‘Jack Jordan goes from strength to strength’ L. V. Matthews  

Emma and Miles are out of options. Their son needs life-saving transplant surgery, but in a world of privatised healthcare and impossible costs, they can’t afford it.

Then comes the a shadowy syndicate known only as The Levels promises them the exact amount of money they need. All they must do is complete a series of tasks.

The catch? Each task is a crime. With every level the stakes rise, the payout grows and the line between right and wrong blurs.

But Emma and Miles aren’t the only ones playing this deadly game. As the competition intensifies and they struggle under the weight of their choices, they’re faced with the ultimate

How far would you go to save the one you love?
 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 4, 2026

Reviews

[Stu Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you say you’d do anything for someone you love…do you really mean *anything*?

It’s something we say say all the time about our loved ones (especially our children), but it’s something Jack Jordan makes his characters prove in DECEPTION. There’s a reason he’s is known as the King of the Moral Dilemma and this book is further evidence of his mastery of this particular type of thriller (his books just keep getting better and better too!). DECEPTION is both an incredibly fast-paced, action-packed, blockbuster of a suspense thriller, and also an incredibly topical novel with devastating emotional depth (I’m not lying when I say it’s the literary equivalent of a wrecking ball!). As a dad this book absolutely destroyed me! It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, the tension ratcheting up as Emma and Miles tackle each of the Levels. It builds to the most explosive of conclusions and I’m not too proud to say that I actually shed a tear (it doesn’t happen often!). Emma and Miles are put through absolute hell in their pursuit to save their son Ryan, and I felt like I really got to know them and form an incredible bond with them over the course of the narrative. I felt genuine empathy and affection for them. They are a couple pushed to the limits of their physical, mental, and moral capacities. Jordan is relentless in what he throws at them, but also an incredible writer who really gets inside both characters’ heads to bring every element of anguish, despair, resilience, and determination to the story. The narrative is the perfect blend of high-octane, Hollywood action (there’s a real entertaining popcorn thriller element here), and intense psychological suspense that evens the pace and brings the human element to the proceedings. I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, absolutely inhaling the action and becoming more and more emotionally invested as things progressed. I was completely gripped!

Jordan continues to amaze me with his ability to conjure up such engaging and entertaining plots, whilst also layering them with such topical and hard-hitting themes. DECEPTION is a novel that can be read on so many levels. On the surface it’s 100% about parenthood, unconditional love, and sacrifice. Emma and Miles put their money where their mouths are (or more accurately for them, their mouths where their money should be!) when it comes to demonstrating just how far they will go to save their son. However, just underneath this sits a novel that really scrutinises the U.S. healthcare system. It criticises political corruption, greed, privilege, and the economic disparity that makes accessing life-saving treatment impossible for many. In doing so, this book becomes so much more than the exhilarating, teeth-grinding, suspense-fest it seems on the surface. It’s profound and devastating in places. Jordan never shies away from savagery and DECEPTION explores this in the most heart-wrenching way. Ultimately, this is a story about love and the ends we will go to demonstrate it. It’s about sacrifice, desperation, and finding strength when you think you’re depleted. It’s a truly powerful novel that will get you thinking, whilst also entertaining you to the max. It’s an incredibly filmic, intense, edge-of-your-seat ride that is absolutely begging to be adapted for the screen.

If you like books that will have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks, DECEPTION should be your gift to 2026 you - pre-order it immediately!!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me questioning my own moral compass and how far would people go when put in the position to save the one they loved.
This had me well and truly gripped and I’ve never felt so tense while reading a book before and also so many emotions!
How this was written just had me rooting for the main characters stories so much that I was fully invested in them.
This is my 3rd book by this author and I think it’s actually my favourite.
A definite bingeable book which will have you on the edge of your seat and questioning all morals

[Izzy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

King of the moral dilemma, Jack Jordan you know how to tug on our heart strings. This is one of those books that you end up thinking about for a long time. This feels like a black mirror episode crossed with Squid Games, but with Jack's trademark moral dilemma being the main focus.

I loved this, it was so fast paced and had my heart racing. I think people are going to really like this.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 3.5 stars (come on Goodreads let’s introduce those 1/2 stars!
🛑 An insane read
🛑 It takes you on a wild ride
🛑 A dramatic moral dilemma
🛑 Suspend belief while reading
🛑 A fast and pacy plot
🛑 Perfect for fans of Squid Game and Alice in Borderland
🛑 A heart in your mouth read
🛑 Will make a great movie
🛑 A WTF ending

Enjoyed it but it was a little too far fetched for me, I like my books a bit calmer but it would make a fab Hollywood blockbuster and I know many would absolutely love it.

[UKDana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine-year-old Ryan is dying of congenital heart and lung failure. His parents, Emma and Miles, sit at his hospital bedside in despair, wondering what they can do. Even if Ryan makes it to the top of the donor list, they can't afford the exorbitant cost. When they are suddenly offered the chance to earn enough money to cover the cost of the surgery Ryan desperately needs, the big question is what are they willing to do to save their son's life?

I've loved the books I've read by Jack Jordan, the king of the moral dilemma thriller, particularly Redemption (you can read my review here). Having been blown away by Redemption, I wondered how on earth the author could top it.

Deception is one of those "read in one sitting" novels. From the heartbreaking opening through to the gut-wrenching conclusion, you keep turning the pages, desperately needing to know more. The opening chapters are written with such empathy that they really set the scene for what is to follow. We learn that the couple has already faced bankruptcy as a result of the huge medical costs they have accrued over Ryan's short life. Miles is working three jobs simply to keep their heads above water. It is a stark reminder that the American health care system is a business. I could feel my chest tightening as Miles explained the predicament the family was in. Alongside this, we see that Emma is filled with doubt, wondering if they are doing the right thing by prolonging Ryan's life. She questions who they are actually doing it for.

When the family is offered the opportunity to earn enough money to cover the medical expenses of a heart and lung transplant for Ryan, you can feel their elation. There is also scepticism. Why would someone offer to give them so much money, and what do they have to do to earn it? This is where the moral dilemma happens: what would you be willing to do to save your child's life? Both Emma and Miles are adamant that they would do anything, but when it comes to putting words into action, will they?

Readers are taken on a rollercoaster journey as the couple are faced with a range of moral dilemmas and danger. It is impossible not to put yourself in their place, wondering if you would have the courage and ability to carry out the tasks they are given. This is a novel where moral ambiguity is pitted against amorality, and we are faced with the question: Is it acceptable to do the wrong thing to negate or expose something even worse?

The pace never lets up, as the couple is faced with crisis after crisis. You are taken through a series of highs and lows as you will the pair on, hoping for success. I particularly loved the way in which we participated in the emotional journey both Emma and Miles went on, seeing the way in which their conviction waxed and waned, and the strain it put on their relationship. By the conclusion, I was fully invested in the outcome, one which left the couple with an agonising decision to make.

If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/

or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read any of Jordan's other books, you will know he is the master of the moral dilemma and thrillers that will make you think, and question yourself about how you would react in certain situations. But in Deception he has taken it to another level, crafting a page-turning thriller that is also gut-wrenchingly emotional.

Emma and Miles are faced in a situation no parent wants to be in - their son Ryan urgently needs lifesaving $1.3 million surgery, but, living in the US and with no health insurance having bankrupted themselves to cover his treatment to date, they need to find the money to fund it. Desperate times lead to desperate measures and when an opportunity arises it seems like a dream come true - but Emma and Miles soon find themselves pushed to their limits and beyond as they are forced to confront the question of just how far they will go to save their son's life.

I went into this expecting nothing less than a gripping thriller from this author and it certainly delivered with a tension that builds and builds throughout the book, and had me holding my breath at times as it headed to its dramatic conclusion. But what I didn't expect was the emotional toll it took on me! Told from both points of view which works brilliantly in terms of getting to know them, it was impossible not to feel from Emma and Miles, their agony, their desperation, their despair but ultimately their determination to do whatever it took to save their son - and as a parent, of course I found myself reflecting on what I would - and could - do if I was in their situation. And as a damning indictment on the US healthcare system, it also made me reflect on how lucky we are in the UK.

It's a clever combination of tension-ridden thriller and heartbreaking story of how far you would go for those you love and is both entertaining and thought-provoking

[Katies_cosy_reading_corner]

This exhilarating book was a lot to digest; however, it was absolutely superb. It's a reading experience unlike any other, and I was completely absorbed.
This ice queen was brought to tears; it's rare for a thriller book to draw deep feelings from me, but this actually made me weep.

The tension and suspense were intense. I could feel it in my bones. This story was emotionally riveting and raw. It was powerful and yet so very painful. I was engrossed by the story and captivated by its profound plot.

This is a story of two parents who are willing to do anything to save their child. Emma and Miles have relentlessly done everything they possibly can to support their son, Ryan, who will only survive with a heart transplant. Although there is a whopping $1.3 million catch. These frantic parents are beyond desperation; they aren't bad people, but out of necessity, they are led to do bad things. Now the question is, would you?

It was astounding how brutal the American healthcare system is. It was an eye-opener. Made me even more grateful for the NHS. With my health conditions, there is no way I'd survive, that's for sure.

This story pushes the boundaries of moral dilemma and crosses into the point of no return. Heinous crimes you couldn't imagine, but in context, you begin to wonder where the line is that you'd cross.

At certain points, I was filled with dread and unease. I felt my toes curl and body tense.

The story has a perfect variable pace, which only complements the storyline and events as they unfold. Separated into parts, it has a very clever reference to the levels.

I felt enveloped by Jack's writing, truly immersed in his words and meaning. He has a very engaging way with words, with finite descriptions bringing the story to life.
This book is pure brilliance and certainly not one to be missed.
A guilty pleasure. I'd happily reread.

[Chelcie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

DECEPTION by Jack Jordan

ARC review thanks to @tandemcollectiveuk @lexbrookman @jackjordan_author @netgalley

10/10 ⭐️

‘𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶?’ 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. ‘𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘯?’

What would you do to save your child? How much would you sacrifice to save his life from the broken system that is willing to let him die? Emma and Miles have given everything, financially, mentally, emotionally and have nothing left to give, but their son Ryan finally has the chance at life saving surgery, for $1.3million.
With no where left to turn they’re approached with an unbelievable offer, which seems too good to be true but with nowhere else left to turn, what would you do?

Mini review;
*deep breath* Jesus. This was a lot, heartbreakingly painful read turn nail bitting thriller. The utter pain the parents and family must be living though, clinging onto the last shreds of hope to save Ryan. With 2 boys of my own it was a very uncomfortable read and you constantly question the main characters morals but can’t help but sympathise and think - what would I do?

‘𝘉𝘢𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵?’

This was a rollercoaster of tension and suspense, normal people pushed to do unthinkable things, no special skills or elite force, just parents with the fight to save their son. I predicted the ending but Jack’s writing had me begging to be wrong and reading through tears to finish the story. Well done Jack, you’ve broken me, and I see this book becoming a absolute hit.

Get this on your Wishlist/preorders now!
Due Publication; 04/06/2026

@likely_suspects #tandemcollectiveuk #groupread #tbr #arcreview #bookstagram #bookreview

𝘞𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for readers who are seeking a thrill and want to be kept on the edge of their seat at the end of pretty much every chapter. The book makes you want to cancel all of your plans and make you read it till the very end in one sitting.

The writing as in any other book by the author is brilliant, keeps the reader engaged and left wanting more. I really enjoyed the double POV from the couple, letting you know what they think in the given moment themselves, and see their conflicted thoughts on the situation they have found themselves in.

The only reason my rating is a bit lower is that I think that the book wasn’t fully for me due to the reason the couple found themselves in their situation being because they were left in a fight of life vs death for their son; children’s involvement in thrillers are very hit or miss for me in the recent months/years. I think the author spectacularly portrayed what for what I imagine for some parents is a reality of being pushed to the limits to save their children against all odds, in this case being money for life-saving surgery. However, such plot was just not fully for me, perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if the couple needed money for another reason, at the same time I understand why the author may have chosen this situation to be the case.

Nonetheless, having tried to overlook the heartbreaking context of the couple’s situation, the author still delivered a brilliant thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath at every turn of events.

I would really recommend the book to fans of thrillers! My three stars merely mean that some of the plot just wasn’t for me but I can see how other would love the book and rate it 5 stars, and if anyone would ask me to recommend a high stakes thriller, this is the book I will be recommending to them. I’m looking forward to reading other works by the author.

[Elena Zinonos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception will absolutely wreck you! From the first chapters, it is a book that you will want to keep reading until the last page.

The story revolves around a family facing every parent’s worst nightmare. Their son is ill and there is no way to pay for his treatment that could save his life.

The father works himself to the bone, juggling between multiple jobs to make ends. The couple’s relationship quietly fractures under the weight of exhaustion, fear, financial difficulties, a corrupt system and helplessness. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch them faint away through the fight to save their only son and still fall short.

There is a point at the book that flips the coin with an opportunity to move forward by having a chance to provide their son a normal life. Without apology anything, I’ll say that this book is pushing the characters to the edge.

It isn’t an easy read. It’s this type of book that will haunt you for a long time even if you turned the last page. The kind of book that makes you appreciate and be grateful for your loved ones.

It’s deeply human and carries a heavy subject with life cost decisions. The characters taking impossible and unimaginable choices with one aim to save their child.

If you’re looking for your first summer read with emotional devastation, you better add Deception to your TBR for June 2026. Just keep a pack of tissues close by.

❗️Warning - This book will absolutely break your heart. 💔

[Beth Reads Crime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored 'Redemption', so I was really looking forward to reading more from Jordan, especially with the comparisons to Adrian McKinty's 'The Chain', which is brilliant!.

The first 70 pages set up the background of parents Emma and Miles. Their son Ryan is in the hospital and the prognosis isn't good if he doesn't receieve the life-saving surgery he so desperately needs.

Only this is the US and Emma and Miles' health insurance has recently run out and their circumstances mean they're unable to reapply. This section is heavy and hard hitting. You absolutely feel for Emma and Miles, I found this particular dialogue between the pair particularly heartbreaking: "He's always been sick, and because of that, he's never been able to become his own person ... He's so sick that he can't be himself or even learn who that is"

The opening really grounds their situation in believability and makes it understandable why they’d be vulnerable to what comes next....

Emma receives a mysterious invite, a sketchy syndicate is promising to fund Ryan's very expensive surgery. The catch? Emma and Miles are to complete a series of Levels, each being more dangerous and challenging than the last.

A tense ride.

[Katiereadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal book from Jack Jordan. I couldn’t put it down and managed to finish it in 24hrs. Once you get into this one, the pages just fly by without realising.

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥.

Jack has written this book is first POV from Emma and Miles perspectives. A very interesting premise that will have you questioning what you would do, if you were in Emma and Miles’ shoes.

Emma and Miles, have a 9 year old son, Ryan. He’s been poorly since birth and needs a heart and lung transplant.
They live in NYC and don’t have the money to afford all the Hospital bills along with necessities they need to live. Miles works four jobs in order to get them by from month to month, while Emma stays with Ryan, and deals with the numerous calls with insurance companies, and the Hospital.
Ryan is on the transplant list and all Emma and Miles can do is hope that he moves up the list.
But they’re struggling with the bills as they are, how will they afford multiple surgeries and the recovery costs.
When all feels as if it’s over, Emma receives a strange card, with what could be their last chance.

𝑰𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒅𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒏?

With nail-biting choices at every turn, you will not be able to turn away from this story.

[Nadine-Sue Sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and Miles have one hell of a dilemma in front of them. Would you do absolutely anything to save your child's life? How far would you really go?

You can imagine how Emma and Miles are feeling - Sad, frantic, frustrating and powerless. Miles is burning the candle at both ends just to try and afford health care. It's not something we concern ourselves with in the UK. The NHS tends to look after us but if it didn't, a lot of us would be stuck. The thought of having to pay for health care and getting to a point where you have no funds to do so adds to the devastating situation Miles and Emma are in.

The Levels seem appealing when the pair have no understanding of what's expected of them. Seems that their goal of saving Ryan is reachable until reality hits and they have to keep giving me and more of themselves. It doesn't make anything any better for them.

Surprisingly quick read although I think this is mainly because I wanted to keep going and see where we'd end up. It's quite tense at times too as you wait for the next level and wait to see the outcome.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you get a chance to save your son’s life - would you do whatever it takes, regardless of the consequences? Well, then the levels could help, all it starts off with is a small crime, but would you be willing to go to the final level?

In this incredibly fast paced story of moral dilemmas, money and the difference between life and death, everything happens so fast as Emma and Miles battle against the clock to save their son. And I could not put it down. This is full of high stakes and tense page turning and not once was it predictable! The complexity and development of the characters was incredibly well done and served to make myself as the reader so invested in the plot.

This isn’t your average thriller, this is full of emotion and prepare to be on the edge of your seat as you devour this 400 page book in a matter of hours because it is SO addictive! I am so excited for this to be released and to see how the world reacts to Jack Jordan’s latest instalment!

[Kit Vickery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Tandam for the ARC of this!

I enjoyed this book, it's a thriller focused on a family with a sick and dying child as they try to find the $2.6m needed to cover life-saving surgery after their insurance policy is cancelled.

It was a book that hurt to read, watching these characters push themselves to their limits to try and save their son, and seeing all the things they were willing to do for medical care.

For me, a lot of this felt expected, there was very little I was surprised about, including the ending. I'm not trying to say I predicted any of it, but it all just felt like the logical next step which took me a beat away from the story.

Heartbreaking, tragic, but action packed and I genuinely wanted to know exactly what happened to all the characters in between the story beats. I felt like there was a good mix of action sequences and down time.

[Jess King · Rating 4 out of 5]

How far would you really go to save your child?

If you're looking for a moral dilemma thriller, you need to read this book!

The plot follows husband and wife Miles and Emma, as their son Ryan fights for his life in hospital with congenital heart disease. As Ryan's health deteriorates, and healthcare bills start piling up, Miles and Emma are invited to "Levels", where they are both truly tested on the lengths they will go to help their son survive.

The book has a dual POV and I think having the insights on both of the parents was really interesting on how far they were pushed, physically, emotionally and morally.

I enjoyed that we didn't learn what each of the tasks would be until they happened, so there's the element of suspense and not knowing what happens next!

I wouldn't say the book was really very twisty but it was full of suspense

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. I need at least five working days to recover from this story. Deception is an anxiety inducing and nerve shredding thriller that forces you to consider how far you would go to save someone you love. This book absolutely needs a warning because it is not for the faint hearted, yet it is an uncomfortably addictive and relentlessly gripping read that will stay with you for a very long time.

It is incredibly well written and hooks you from the very first page with breath snatching tension that builds with every level. This is an impossible book to put down. You will find yourself reading late into the night simply to uncover the next revelation and believe me it is worth every single minute. The final twist is twist shocked perfection and left me absolutely reeling.

An unforgettable and emotionally devastating thriller that delivers from start to finish. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Rebecca W · Rating 5 out of 5]

What lengths would you go to for the ones you love? That’s the core question that focuses around this story, and really brings some moral questions up. I was hooked in from the very start with this story. It’s devastating from the off, and really leaves you questioning everything. It shows the injustices faced by so many and leaves you thinking who the real villains are in the story.

The writing style is amazing, and the multiple POV adds to the impact of the writing as it allows to see the changing psyche of the different characters. The promise of the book is exciting and intriguing and the suspense really builds with each level.

The background trauma and timeframe also adds to the intensity and impact.

I didn’t want to put it down, and it left me wanting more which is always the sign of an amazing read.

[Elsbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I can never review a Jack Jordan book right after finishing. It needs a full 24 hours to absorb what I’ve read.

Deception hooks you from the very first chapter and never loosens its grip. It’s no slow burn! You’ll find a sharp, morally tangled plot that makes you question what you would do in the characters shoes.

Unique (as always), gripping and evenly paced.
Jack does it again. He can’t seem to do wrong.
Highly recommended

Gifted copy

[katie_the_bookishworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d give this 10* if I could. 
Jack writes moral dilemmas like no one else. This book is fast paced from the first chapter. Emma and Miles are so loveable but their flaws are front and centre, it makes them feel incredibly relatable. 
This book makes you so grateful for the NHS, the American health service feels so broken and unfair. 
This book broke me in the best way! 

[Kathryn Waites · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this thriller. It was fast paced and I liked how the chapters alternated point of view, which I love from a thriller!
The plot focuses on how far a couple will go to raise money to save their terminally ill child. I think the concept is really interesting and some of the themes reminded me of Squid Game.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me a while to get in to.. but once I did I couldn’t put it down. You do have to suspend your disbelief while reading, and ignore the jumps from one place to another to allow for the plot to speed along, but it truly is a gripping story. As a mother myself this one affected me deeply, and really made me think about what I’d do in Emma’s shoes. It would make an excellent film!

[iqra 🫧❤️‍🔥 · Rating 4 out of 5]

TANDEM ARC - THANK YOU!

This book is actually INSANE! Wow. I have no words 😶

The concept and execution was incredible and the plot was 🤯🤯

Really makes you question everything you know!!

[yazzyvb · Rating 4 out of 5]

another great book by jack jordan, really loved how everything came together at the end!