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Focus on Deception
Her picture-perfect life is a lie.
The target on her back is real.
In a world of PTA meetings, soccer games and wine moms, Stella Meyers fits right in. No one in her ritzy Connecticut suburb suspects the photographer who captures weddings, parties and fundraisers by day is robbing people blind at night.
Stella lives for the thrill, but her longtime business partner and mentor thinks it’s time for her to stop taking risks and go legit.
After an unexpectedly exhilarating date with her daughter’s new teacher, a 401k and steady paycheck start to look more enticing. Until a ruthless blackmailer uncovers Stella’s true identity and threatens her daughter…
Then all bets are off.
Click “buy now” to see Stella’s double life exposed today!
The target on her back is real.
In a world of PTA meetings, soccer games and wine moms, Stella Meyers fits right in. No one in her ritzy Connecticut suburb suspects the photographer who captures weddings, parties and fundraisers by day is robbing people blind at night.
Stella lives for the thrill, but her longtime business partner and mentor thinks it’s time for her to stop taking risks and go legit.
After an unexpectedly exhilarating date with her daughter’s new teacher, a 401k and steady paycheck start to look more enticing. Until a ruthless blackmailer uncovers Stella’s true identity and threatens her daughter…
Then all bets are off.
Click “buy now” to see Stella’s double life exposed today!
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
6 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Pecci
1 book12 followersKendra Pecci lives for the thrill—both on the page and in real life. She spent her younger years riding horses, winning cop car chases, and jumping out of airplanes.
Now she gets her adrenaline fix by writing women's suspense novels for readers who want to escape into stories with complex, independent heroines who live life on their own terms.
When she’s not putting her characters into complicated situations that get her own heart racing, she’s immersed in a Stephen King novel, deconstructing her father-in-law’s meatball recipe, or chasing her next adventure in the Colorado Rockies.
Now she gets her adrenaline fix by writing women's suspense novels for readers who want to escape into stories with complex, independent heroines who live life on their own terms.
When she’s not putting her characters into complicated situations that get her own heart racing, she’s immersed in a Stephen King novel, deconstructing her father-in-law’s meatball recipe, or chasing her next adventure in the Colorado Rockies.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 16, 2026
Focus on Deception is one of those thrillers that quietly hooks you and then refuses to let go. From the very beginning, Kendra Pecci draws you into a world where nothing is as it appears, and every choice feels layered with consequence. The story immediately felt smart, tense, and incredibly addictive, the kind of book that makes you want to read “just one more chapter.”
What truly sets this book apart is the protagonist. She is complex, morally gray, and endlessly fascinating to follow. I loved how Pecci allows her to be flawed without asking the reader to excuse every decision. Instead, we’re invited to sit in the discomfort, to question motives, and to wonder just how far someone will go when survival and identity collide.
The pacing is excellent; it’s steady, intentional, and filled with moments that made me stop and say wait… what? The suspense builds naturally, with twists that feel earned rather than forced. Just when you think you have a handle on where the story is going, it shifts in a way that keeps you fully engaged. Beneath the tension, there’s also a strong psychological layer, exploring trust, control, and the masks people wear to protect themselves.
I’d highly recommend Focus on Deception to readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with depth. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, Ashley Elston, Lisa Jewell, or Alice Feeney, this book should absolutely be on your TBR. Especially, if you love morally complex leads, mounting tension, and stories that keep you guessing without relying on shock alone, this is absolutely one to pick up. It’s gripping, thoughtful, and hard to put down.
Focus on Deception is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that stays with you. It balances suspense and emotional complexity beautifully, making it a standout read for fans of smart, atmospheric thrillers.
Until next time,
Happy Reading! 📖
What truly sets this book apart is the protagonist. She is complex, morally gray, and endlessly fascinating to follow. I loved how Pecci allows her to be flawed without asking the reader to excuse every decision. Instead, we’re invited to sit in the discomfort, to question motives, and to wonder just how far someone will go when survival and identity collide.
The pacing is excellent; it’s steady, intentional, and filled with moments that made me stop and say wait… what? The suspense builds naturally, with twists that feel earned rather than forced. Just when you think you have a handle on where the story is going, it shifts in a way that keeps you fully engaged. Beneath the tension, there’s also a strong psychological layer, exploring trust, control, and the masks people wear to protect themselves.
I’d highly recommend Focus on Deception to readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with depth. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, Ashley Elston, Lisa Jewell, or Alice Feeney, this book should absolutely be on your TBR. Especially, if you love morally complex leads, mounting tension, and stories that keep you guessing without relying on shock alone, this is absolutely one to pick up. It’s gripping, thoughtful, and hard to put down.
Focus on Deception is a compelling and well-crafted thriller that stays with you. It balances suspense and emotional complexity beautifully, making it a standout read for fans of smart, atmospheric thrillers.
Until next time,
Happy Reading! 📖
November 16, 2025
Focus on Deception is absolutely a 5-star read. I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in two days and only took a break because I needed to sleep.
I loved reading about Stella’s journey as a devoted mother with an unexpected and fun side to her. By the end, I was so invested in Stella and her loved ones, that I was mad at myself for finishing it so fast.
With unexpected twists and amazing writing that had me picturing everything so clearly in my mind, I absolutely recommend this book to anyone.
I loved reading about Stella’s journey as a devoted mother with an unexpected and fun side to her. By the end, I was so invested in Stella and her loved ones, that I was mad at myself for finishing it so fast.
With unexpected twists and amazing writing that had me picturing everything so clearly in my mind, I absolutely recommend this book to anyone.
November 6, 2025
What a fantastic read. I'd give Focus on Deception ten stars if I could. Honestly, I sat down to read this at breakfast and was still in my pyjamas at lunchtime because I could not put it down.
I loved the characters and their relationships, the intrigue, the twists and how the tension builds until the worst happens - and then it is a roller coaster ride as we follow Stella's desperate attempts to get out of a no-win, life and death situation and save her daughter.
What really got me hooked was the depth of the relationships - and the fun of Stella's double life - combined with the turns and twists of the action. Thank heavens the author pulled off a truly satisfying end. Except that now I'm in love with this world and the characters and want to know what kind of trouble Stella gets into next. From the buzz it seems like this might be the first book in a series. Can't wait.
I loved the characters and their relationships, the intrigue, the twists and how the tension builds until the worst happens - and then it is a roller coaster ride as we follow Stella's desperate attempts to get out of a no-win, life and death situation and save her daughter.
What really got me hooked was the depth of the relationships - and the fun of Stella's double life - combined with the turns and twists of the action. Thank heavens the author pulled off a truly satisfying end. Except that now I'm in love with this world and the characters and want to know what kind of trouble Stella gets into next. From the buzz it seems like this might be the first book in a series. Can't wait.
November 8, 2025
What a fun, thrilling read! From the first page, I could not put it down. Pecci takes the reader on the ride with Stella, and we’re all in. “Focus” had everything a thriller needs—heart-racing plot, characters you’re rooting for (or against) and some laughs along the way. Hopefully there is another Stella adventure coming!
Read
January 4, 2026This is the first book I've picked up in almost a year and I finished it in less than 3 days! It was so fun and the ending was just what it should be. Looking forward to whatever the author comes up with next.
January 14, 2026
The author is a friend of mine & I bought the book to support her. I fully prepared myself to read a mediocre book & still give it a rave review. Shows you what I know. The book wasn’t mediocre at all & this is an honest raving review. I loved it! Stella kept me chasing her page after page & it was exhilarating. I feel confident she’ll have more adventures & I sure hope so because I’ll be waiting. Well done, Kendra! I’m so proud of you!!!
November 16, 2025
Great read
I read the book in two days. I couldn’t put it down.
I could feel the tension and stress of the characters.
I can’t wait for Kendra’s next book.
Bravo!
I read the book in two days. I couldn’t put it down.
I could feel the tension and stress of the characters.
I can’t wait for Kendra’s next book.
Bravo!
December 26, 2025
This book was so much fun. I couldn't put it down. I kept trying to figure out the "bad guy" and kept changing my mind as the story developed.
I want to hang out with Stella and get into a little trouble with her, who's with me?
I have my fingers crossed for this to turn into a series.
I want to hang out with Stella and get into a little trouble with her, who's with me?
I have my fingers crossed for this to turn into a series.
February 5, 2026
A fun and thrilling read
If you’re looking for a thrills that pulls at your heart strings and gets your heart pounding, this is your book. Join Stella for her wild double life of single mother meets crime genius! Such a fun read
If you’re looking for a thrills that pulls at your heart strings and gets your heart pounding, this is your book. Join Stella for her wild double life of single mother meets crime genius! Such a fun read
November 23, 2025
This book was so much fun to read. I literally did laugh out loud. The characters were well-developed and easy to love and some were easy to despise. Who can be trusted?
I am looking forward to reading the sequel or the next book from this author. Will it be a series?
I am looking forward to reading the sequel or the next book from this author. Will it be a series?
October 31, 2025
From the very first page, Pecci’s writing grips you with a crisp, clean precision—a hallmark of a master thriller. Her prose flows effortlessly, whisking the reader into a world where every twist lands with impact and every moment pulses with tension.
What makes this story so compelling isn’t just the relentless pace (which is spectacular), it’s the way Pecci intertwines high-stakes drama with the intimate, relatable choices women face every day: balancing ambition and motherhood, loyalty and self‑preservation, risk and reward.
The characters and their dilemmas feel real and meaningful. And the collision of their lives with a plot so intense gives the novel a thrilling emotional pull.
As the plot hurtles forward, I couldn’t put the book down. The final 25 % had me holding my breath, turning pages faster than I thought possible, utterly invested in how it would all end.
And what an ending. The final scene was a true “chef’s kiss”, leaving me simultaneously satisfied and exhilarated.
Focus on Deception is the kind of thriller you devour in one sitting, carried along on the current of suspense until you reach the end with your heart in your throat. A definite must read.
What makes this story so compelling isn’t just the relentless pace (which is spectacular), it’s the way Pecci intertwines high-stakes drama with the intimate, relatable choices women face every day: balancing ambition and motherhood, loyalty and self‑preservation, risk and reward.
The characters and their dilemmas feel real and meaningful. And the collision of their lives with a plot so intense gives the novel a thrilling emotional pull.
As the plot hurtles forward, I couldn’t put the book down. The final 25 % had me holding my breath, turning pages faster than I thought possible, utterly invested in how it would all end.
And what an ending. The final scene was a true “chef’s kiss”, leaving me simultaneously satisfied and exhilarated.
Focus on Deception is the kind of thriller you devour in one sitting, carried along on the current of suspense until you reach the end with your heart in your throat. A definite must read.
October 26, 2025
Focus on Deception pulls you into a world of perfect façades and hidden crimes and refuses to let go. Stella Meyers is the kind of protagonist you root for even when she’s making questionable choices. She’s a thief, a mother, and a woman trying to protect the life she built on lies. The tension between her suburban calm and her dangerous alter ego makes this story absolutely addictive.
Kendra Pecci balances the glossy perfection of suburban life with the grit of high-stakes suspense in a way that feels fresh and cinematic. The pacing is sharp, the dialogue snappy, and the emotional beats hit hard especially when Stella’s daughter becomes part of the danger.
By the final chapters, the twists land perfectly, and Stella’s transformation feels both earned and exhilarating. Fans of Big Little Lies and Gone Girl will devour this.
Can’t wait for this one’s release it’s the kind of thriller that keeps you double checking who you can really trust.
Kendra Pecci balances the glossy perfection of suburban life with the grit of high-stakes suspense in a way that feels fresh and cinematic. The pacing is sharp, the dialogue snappy, and the emotional beats hit hard especially when Stella’s daughter becomes part of the danger.
By the final chapters, the twists land perfectly, and Stella’s transformation feels both earned and exhilarating. Fans of Big Little Lies and Gone Girl will devour this.
Can’t wait for this one’s release it’s the kind of thriller that keeps you double checking who you can really trust.
November 17, 2025
Stella Meyers is juggling responsibilities, attachments, and a couple of blind spots, but 'secret life in suburbia' is more than just a trope in this debut novel. Author Kendra Pecci does a great job creating moral tension around how far Stella will go and what she is willing to risk to protect what matters most. Themes of identity and self-preservation make her struggles extraordinarily relatable, and brisk pacing / clever use of tech keep those pages turning, but it’s the nuanced interpersonal relationships that stand out to me. Mothers and their children; friends you can’t imagine living without; strangers who rise to the occasion when the stakes are impossibly high. It's beautifully done, so to anyone about to step into Stella’s world for the first time, I say this: you're in for a treat. Enjoy the ride!
February 6, 2026
I absolutely devoured Focus on Deception! This book hooked me from the first page and never let go. Stella Meyers is such a compelling, layered heroine equal parts relatable suburban mom and adrenaline-fueled mastermind. The contrast between wine-mom normalcy and high-stakes crime is deliciously addictive. The pacing is sharp, the tension relentless, and the emotional stakes especially involving her daughter hit hard. I loved the romance thread and how it complicates Stella’s choices without slowing the plot. Kendra Pecci delivers twists that genuinely surprised me and an ending that left me breathless. I’m still thinking about it and desperately want more.
October 27, 2025
Focus on Deception is my favorite kind of thriller—it grabbed me from the first page and kept me guessing until the end. Stella is an intriguing character—eminently relatable despite her hidden life!
I knew I was hooked when my Oura ring told me I needed to relax only a few chapters in, but the book plays on every mother’s worst fears, and I blew through the book more quickly than I have in a long time. This book would translate well to the big screen, and I’m already feeling greedy awaiting Stella’s next chapter!
I knew I was hooked when my Oura ring told me I needed to relax only a few chapters in, but the book plays on every mother’s worst fears, and I blew through the book more quickly than I have in a long time. This book would translate well to the big screen, and I’m already feeling greedy awaiting Stella’s next chapter!
January 31, 2026
This novel delivers a sharp, fast-paced blend of suburban drama and high-stakes suspense. Stella is a refreshingly complex protagonist, balancing motherhood and normalcy with a dangerous double life that keeps the tension high. The contrast between PTA politics and criminal thrills is handled with wit and confidence, while the emotional stakes especially where her daughter is concerned -add real weight. A smart, engaging read for fans of morally gray heroines and contemporary thrillers with bite.
November 11, 2025
Wow, this sounds like such a thrilling and unpredictable story! The idea of a suburban mom living a double life, stealing by night and blending in by day really caught my attention. I love how the summary hints at danger, secrets, and even a bit of romance. Definitely seems like a fast-paced read!
December 3, 2025
This book was nothing short of fantastic! I’m an avid reader and limit myself to only reading before bed, or nothing else gets done. I started this one on a flight yesterday and could not stop myself, less than 24 hours later and I was done. The plot was fast-paced and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I can’t wait for book 2 to see what Stella gets up to next!
November 30, 2025
“Focus on Deception” was such a fun and engaging read! The story kept me guessing right up until the very end, and I found myself completely absorbed into the characters and storyline. I really enjoyed this book and I’m already looking forward to whatever Kendra Pecci writes next!
December 3, 2025
Fell into this terrific book and resented every distraction that tore me away! Finished in just under 3 days because I had to know what happened. Pecci is an excellent story teller and I am a big fan of thrillers. This one is a must read!
December 20, 2025
Such an amazing novel! My wife showed me this book and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Stella’s story was so thrilling and unexpected. I strongly recommend this book!
January 16, 2026
Focus on Deception was such an enjoyable read—I genuinely had a great time with it. The story pulled me in right away, and I found myself completely absorbed in the twists and energy of the plot. Books like this are some of the most fun for me; they’re the perfect break from the heavier or more serious reads on my TBR.
At moments, I would have liked a bit more romance or to feel that element play out more fully, but I have a feeling that may come in future installments of what’s hinted to be a series.
Overall, it was a thoroughly satisfying and entertaining escape.
At moments, I would have liked a bit more romance or to feel that element play out more fully, but I have a feeling that may come in future installments of what’s hinted to be a series.
Overall, it was a thoroughly satisfying and entertaining escape.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews