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Cliffhanger
She disappeared. The truth didn't.
Philip Sanders lost his perfect life when his wife fell from 25,000 feet.
Grief should have been the end. It wasn't.
When fragments of evidence begin to surface, Philip is forced to confront an impossible his wife's death may not have happened at all—and her life may have been bound to forces far darker than he ever imagined.
Drawn into New York's hidden networks of crime, exploitation, and power, Philip follows a trail that dismantles everything he thought he knew. About his marriage. About his city. About himself.
Every truth he uncovers brings him closer to clarity—and closer to danger.
Cliffhanger is the first novel in the Zone of Deceit trilogy, a psychological suspense series about grief, identity, and the cost of pursuing the truth.
The truth is not the end. It is the beginning of the Zone of Deceit.
Philip Sanders lost his perfect life when his wife fell from 25,000 feet.
Grief should have been the end. It wasn't.
When fragments of evidence begin to surface, Philip is forced to confront an impossible his wife's death may not have happened at all—and her life may have been bound to forces far darker than he ever imagined.
Drawn into New York's hidden networks of crime, exploitation, and power, Philip follows a trail that dismantles everything he thought he knew. About his marriage. About his city. About himself.
Every truth he uncovers brings him closer to clarity—and closer to danger.
Cliffhanger is the first novel in the Zone of Deceit trilogy, a psychological suspense series about grief, identity, and the cost of pursuing the truth.
The truth is not the end. It is the beginning of the Zone of Deceit.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2026
About the author
A.P. Foster
3 books14 followersAndrew Foster began his writing career in the theater. Six of his plays were produced in New York City and at regional theaters across the country, including productions at Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Horizons, New York StageWorks and Louisville Actor’s Theatre. His debut play, Reunion, received high honors from the Village Voice.
Chemical Reactions was selected for Best American Short Plays 1986.
After a three-decade career in the visual arts world, including senior roles at global auction houses and work with major private collectors, he returned to writing in 2020.
He is the author of the Zone of Deceit trilogy of psychological and political suspense set in New York during the turbulent 1980s and ‘90s.
He lives and writes in Harlem and upstate Massachusetts.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/A-P-Fos...
Chemical Reactions was selected for Best American Short Plays 1986.
After a three-decade career in the visual arts world, including senior roles at global auction houses and work with major private collectors, he returned to writing in 2020.
He is the author of the Zone of Deceit trilogy of psychological and political suspense set in New York during the turbulent 1980s and ‘90s.
He lives and writes in Harlem and upstate Massachusetts.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/A-P-Fos...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 27, 2026
“Zone of Deceit” pulled me in immediately and never let go. What starts as a devastating story about grief quickly spirals into a dark, fast-paced mystery full of corruption, secrets, and paranoia. The idea that Philip’s wife may not have died in the plane crash was enough to hook me, but the deeper he dug, the more intense and unsettling the story became.
This book constantly keeps you questioning what’s real, who can be trusted, and how far powerful people will go to protect the truth. The atmosphere feels tense the entire time, with twists that make every answer feel more dangerous than the last.
If you love conspiracy thrillers, hidden identities, dangerous secrets, and stories that keep you second-guessing everything, this one is definitely worth picking up.
This book constantly keeps you questioning what’s real, who can be trusted, and how far powerful people will go to protect the truth. The atmosphere feels tense the entire time, with twists that make every answer feel more dangerous than the last.
If you love conspiracy thrillers, hidden identities, dangerous secrets, and stories that keep you second-guessing everything, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I wanted to like this book. in spots it got super interesting and then, I'd get lost in the "drama". There is to much going on and what's going on isn't interesting. It's taken me four days to read this book when it should have taken me a couple of hours.
I don't want to be mean, I wanted to DNF during the first chapter.
I don't want to be mean, I wanted to DNF during the first chapter.
Review of advance copy
The book titles Cliffhanger by A.P. Foster is a superb read. This book in the first one in a trilogy the Zone of he Dead. The series is classified as a psychological thriller. This is a too simplistic classification. The author cleverly incorporates several subgenres in his story. The inclusion heightens the tension in the story but challenges the reader as well.
The setting of the story is essential to the progression of the plot. The setting of the story is crucial because it acts as a foundation. The time, place, and environment influencing the characters' actions and development of the plot are revealed in the setting of the story. A well-crafted setting is not just where the story happens but how it happens, and connecting all the story elements into a cohesive whole.
Mr. Foster sets the story in 1984 New York City. In 1984, this time period lacks modern digital surveillance, smart phones, widespread internet, and the technology one takes for granted today. The lack of technology allows mysteries to be pursued in a more thoughtful manner as opposed to the reliance on technology. Philip Sanders, the protagonist, in the story, needs to relay piecing the physical in a deductive method. This adds hindrances in his search for his wife who is missing.
Not only is the year significant, but the locality of the story is significant to the plot. The city was in the midst of urban decay. The gritty environment mirrors Mr. Sanders' psychological descent into the "zone." The "zone" is a place where corruption is rampant and the authorities cannot be trusted.
The technological gap forces Philip to relay on his deductive prowess. His journey is defined by his legwork and the need to have personal encounters throughout the story. The psychological tension increases by encounters with other characters in the story who act as his antagonists.
The book is not only entertaining by will challenge the readers' intellect as well. It is an old fashioned thriller which will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Mr. Barden in his time machine story retrieves a part of history which has been forgotten. You will not be disappointed if you read this book. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this trilogy.
The setting of the story is essential to the progression of the plot. The setting of the story is crucial because it acts as a foundation. The time, place, and environment influencing the characters' actions and development of the plot are revealed in the setting of the story. A well-crafted setting is not just where the story happens but how it happens, and connecting all the story elements into a cohesive whole.
Mr. Foster sets the story in 1984 New York City. In 1984, this time period lacks modern digital surveillance, smart phones, widespread internet, and the technology one takes for granted today. The lack of technology allows mysteries to be pursued in a more thoughtful manner as opposed to the reliance on technology. Philip Sanders, the protagonist, in the story, needs to relay piecing the physical in a deductive method. This adds hindrances in his search for his wife who is missing.
Not only is the year significant, but the locality of the story is significant to the plot. The city was in the midst of urban decay. The gritty environment mirrors Mr. Sanders' psychological descent into the "zone." The "zone" is a place where corruption is rampant and the authorities cannot be trusted.
The technological gap forces Philip to relay on his deductive prowess. His journey is defined by his legwork and the need to have personal encounters throughout the story. The psychological tension increases by encounters with other characters in the story who act as his antagonists.
The book is not only entertaining by will challenge the readers' intellect as well. It is an old fashioned thriller which will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Mr. Barden in his time machine story retrieves a part of history which has been forgotten. You will not be disappointed if you read this book. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this trilogy.
January 31, 2026
Cliffhanger by A.P. Foster is a thriller that wants you to know it is Important. Tragic things happen. People are sad about them. Everyone speaks and behaves as if joy has been permanently outlawed. The tone is so relentlessly somber that it starts to feel less like suspense and more like a prolonged emotional endurance test.
The main character is defined almost entirely by grief and confusion. This is understandable. It is also his only setting. He reacts to new information the same way he reacts to old information, which is to spiral inward and think very hard about how bad everything feels. After a while, you stop wondering what will happen next and start wondering if he has ever experienced a second emotion.
The supporting cast exists largely to be ominous. They appear, say just enough to suggest secrets, and disappear again. Any personality they might have is buried under layers of seriousness and withheld exposition. Everyone feels less like a person and more like a plot device wearing a trench coat.
The tone never lets up. There are no tonal shifts, no moments of relief, no sense of escalation because everything starts at maximum bleakness and stays there. When every moment is heavy, none of them feel especially impactful. The book keeps insisting something huge is coming, and eventually you believe it. Not because it happens, but because the story keeps reminding you.
Cliffhanger is not bad. It is competently written, clearly plotted, and committed to its mood. It is just so committed that it forgets to make the characters feel alive rather than miserable on schedule. I finished it. I was mildly interested. I was not emotionally moved.
The main character is defined almost entirely by grief and confusion. This is understandable. It is also his only setting. He reacts to new information the same way he reacts to old information, which is to spiral inward and think very hard about how bad everything feels. After a while, you stop wondering what will happen next and start wondering if he has ever experienced a second emotion.
The supporting cast exists largely to be ominous. They appear, say just enough to suggest secrets, and disappear again. Any personality they might have is buried under layers of seriousness and withheld exposition. Everyone feels less like a person and more like a plot device wearing a trench coat.
The tone never lets up. There are no tonal shifts, no moments of relief, no sense of escalation because everything starts at maximum bleakness and stays there. When every moment is heavy, none of them feel especially impactful. The book keeps insisting something huge is coming, and eventually you believe it. Not because it happens, but because the story keeps reminding you.
Cliffhanger is not bad. It is competently written, clearly plotted, and committed to its mood. It is just so committed that it forgets to make the characters feel alive rather than miserable on schedule. I finished it. I was mildly interested. I was not emotionally moved.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book by AP Foster that I have had the pleasure of reading. My literary inclinations typically include works by authors such as Harlan Coben, Stephen King, Lee Child, Tom Clancy, Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen, Clive Cussler, Preston W. Child, C.L. Sutton, KB Fisher, Joe Talon, and Judah Lamb—the latter five of whom I recently discovered. I am particularly drawn to narratives that quickly captivate my attention and tend to avoid those with slow beginnings.
"Cliffhanger" serves as the inaugural novel in the "Zone of Deceit" trilogy, a psychological suspense series that explores profound themes of grief, identity, and the repercussions of seeking the truth. Set against the backdrop of New York's clandestine networks of crime, exploitation, and power, Philip embarks on a journey that challenges his perceptions of his marriage, his city, and ultimately, his own identity. While the book aspires to accomplish many objectives, it occasionally feels as though it overextends itself, resulting in a slight loss of narrative coherence. Despite this, I am eager to explore the second installment of this captivating series.
I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Cliffhanger" serves as the inaugural novel in the "Zone of Deceit" trilogy, a psychological suspense series that explores profound themes of grief, identity, and the repercussions of seeking the truth. Set against the backdrop of New York's clandestine networks of crime, exploitation, and power, Philip embarks on a journey that challenges his perceptions of his marriage, his city, and ultimately, his own identity. While the book aspires to accomplish many objectives, it occasionally feels as though it overextends itself, resulting in a slight loss of narrative coherence. Despite this, I am eager to explore the second installment of this captivating series.
I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
Cliffhanger by AP Foster delivers exactly what the title promises—a suspenseful ride that keeps you teetering on the edge of your seat. Foster’s writing style is super accessible, making it easy to get lost in the story without feeling bogged down by unnecessary details. The pacing is quick, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, the author throws in a twist that makes you question everything.
What I really enjoyed was how relatable the characters felt. They make mistakes, have doubts, and their reactions to high-stress situations feel authentic. The setting adds another layer of tension, with vivid descriptions that make the danger feel real.
If you’re into thrillers that don’t let up and enjoy trying to piece together the mystery before the big reveal, Cliffhanger is definitely worth a read. It’s the kind of book you pick up just to read a few chapters and end up finishing in one sitting.
Thank you, BookSirens for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I really enjoyed was how relatable the characters felt. They make mistakes, have doubts, and their reactions to high-stress situations feel authentic. The setting adds another layer of tension, with vivid descriptions that make the danger feel real.
If you’re into thrillers that don’t let up and enjoy trying to piece together the mystery before the big reveal, Cliffhanger is definitely worth a read. It’s the kind of book you pick up just to read a few chapters and end up finishing in one sitting.
Thank you, BookSirens for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2026
This book starts with a drug-induced description, which fosters a disjointed, surreal feeling. Phillip has lost his wife, Eleanor, in a plane crash and is bringing up his young son, Chris. Grief engenders the reader’s sympathy, especially since he does not appear to be coping very well. Therefore, the disjointed nature due to grief is understandable, but initially, the drug addiction and drug dealers make no sense. Equally, the film company, real estate and child pornography are presented as a patchwork of events, obscuring the clarity and continuity of the narrative. When we learn more about his late wife’s work, I can understand why the protagonist wanted to delve into the seedy underworld, which his wife was trying to expose, but there is too much going on with little character development of the antagonist to support the plot. As others have suggested, this book tries to do too much and, as a result, lacks the clarity and tension of a thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was not a fan of this one. Uthought that the missing spouse plot was really far-fetched I get it, this is cloak and dagger, but it was just too far out. I also found the thought that the drug dealers wouldn't have taken our guy AND his son out immediately really hard to believe. They killed the commmunity organizer but not the guy doing the rabble raising? Nope I just couldn't relate to any of the characters and I found many of the actions of these folks cartoonish. This guy is a devoted dad, but leaves his child with this woman he barely knows to smoke crack? Riiiiiight.
This book wanted to do many things, but it felt like it tried way too hard to do all of them, and a little edit would have helped considerably.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book wanted to do many things, but it felt like it tried way too hard to do all of them, and a little edit would have helped considerably.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2026
I think Mr. Foster has given me a case of whiplash with this story. Is Ellie alive? Is she dead? Was she having an affair? Was she faithful? Was she tied up in a criminal enterprise? Was she even who Phillip thought she was? All of these questions hit one right after another and kept me turning pages long after I should have gone to bed. Mr. Foster's writing style is easy to read, moves smoothly along (until he pulls one of his whiplash changes), and easily keeps the reader engaged. I did not like having to put the book down and couldn't wait to get back to it. I recommend this book for all mystery and thriller fans. It is a great read. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
April 22, 2026
All along Philip thought his wife Ellie had died in a plane crash and as he mourns her, has to take on the role of being an only parent to their son Chris. He is also forced to move back East and try to figure out life again in a place he had already left before.
The author has held us in suspense wondering whether Ellie is alive or not. The reader will be taken on a journey of piecing information together with the husband, it’s almost like a Sherlock Holmes moment. This will appeal to the readers who love suspense.
When everything unravels and Philip gets to know what happened to his wife, it’s a moment filled with more questions than answers but above all he is happy that whoever was endangering his life and that of his son was no longer in the picture.
The author has held us in suspense wondering whether Ellie is alive or not. The reader will be taken on a journey of piecing information together with the husband, it’s almost like a Sherlock Holmes moment. This will appeal to the readers who love suspense.
When everything unravels and Philip gets to know what happened to his wife, it’s a moment filled with more questions than answers but above all he is happy that whoever was endangering his life and that of his son was no longer in the picture.
January 26, 2026
His wife disappeared and he thought she was gone forever. He then learns she may still be alive and he wants to find the answers he wants. He will be pulled closer to the truth but has he will get closer to danger. Follow his journey
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful thriller
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful thriller
July 3, 2026
Did his wife die, or didn't she? I really didn't like the main character Philip. He was grieving over his wife and getting himself into dangerous situations, but seemed to forget that he had a 4 year old son to care for. The drugs, violence and lack of trust with just about everyone he met got to be a bit tiring. The ending was better than most of the story; at least there was closure.
May 17, 2026
Grabs you by the throat!!
Wow! This book grabs your attention from the very beginning and you just hang on for dear life!! The emotional journey and the intense energy of looking for truth echoes throughout!! Really good writing!!! I truly hope to read more by this author!!
Wow! This book grabs your attention from the very beginning and you just hang on for dear life!! The emotional journey and the intense energy of looking for truth echoes throughout!! Really good writing!!! I truly hope to read more by this author!!
June 8, 2026
The plot was supposed to be about the wife who died in a plane crash but the author got completely sidetracked with too many rabbit holes. Some of the content was very disturbing and I almost did not finish the book. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
January 16, 2026
Interesting with much action.
February 19, 2026
I wasn't crazy about this. It had a lot going on that didn't make sense. It was also rather boring at times.
June 19, 2026
cliffhanger
The book flowed well. There was, constant action, twists and turns. I enjoyed it and look forward to book number two.
The book flowed well. There was, constant action, twists and turns. I enjoyed it and look forward to book number two.
May 12, 2026
A. P. Foster's CLIFFHANGER is a 1980s New York thriller but with an emotional core. He has used the crack epidemic along with politics, corruption, and gentrification as the base of the story.
The story starts with Philip, who has lost his wife in a plane crash. He, along with his son Chris, moves from LA to New York City and tries to start a new life. But then weird things start happening. He keeps finding strange clues about Ellie and starts wondering if he really knew her at all.
Soon Philip meets Lilian, who is a researcher. She connects the dots between the crack epidemic and high-end real estate. She shows him patterns of organized crime, which Phillip ignores most of the time. Later, he agrees to join her in the quest. The deeper he goes, the more dangerous things become.
The story jumps between Philip being super sad, taking care of Chris, and getting into danger. What I liked most about this book was the way Philip feels for Ellie. He is sad, confused, and angry throughout most of the story. This emotional complexity is shown beautifully in the book, and it makes the story alive. Even the portrayal of the villain is superbly done. He is shown as calm, polite, and caring, which makes him even scarier.
Some parts of the book are complicated because there are many details about business deals, crime, and corruption. Readers have to pay attention carefully. The ending in Vermont was exciting and emotional. Learning the final truth about Ellie was very sad, but it also helped Philip finally understand everything.
It is the first book in a series. Now I want to know what happens next.
The story starts with Philip, who has lost his wife in a plane crash. He, along with his son Chris, moves from LA to New York City and tries to start a new life. But then weird things start happening. He keeps finding strange clues about Ellie and starts wondering if he really knew her at all.
Soon Philip meets Lilian, who is a researcher. She connects the dots between the crack epidemic and high-end real estate. She shows him patterns of organized crime, which Phillip ignores most of the time. Later, he agrees to join her in the quest. The deeper he goes, the more dangerous things become.
The story jumps between Philip being super sad, taking care of Chris, and getting into danger. What I liked most about this book was the way Philip feels for Ellie. He is sad, confused, and angry throughout most of the story. This emotional complexity is shown beautifully in the book, and it makes the story alive. Even the portrayal of the villain is superbly done. He is shown as calm, polite, and caring, which makes him even scarier.
Some parts of the book are complicated because there are many details about business deals, crime, and corruption. Readers have to pay attention carefully. The ending in Vermont was exciting and emotional. Learning the final truth about Ellie was very sad, but it also helped Philip finally understand everything.
It is the first book in a series. Now I want to know what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews