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Dark Mountain #1
Cold Deception
Secrets, lies, deception. That's what it takes to stay alive.
At 20, Julia Taylor went to prison for murdering a man who deserved it. Ten years later, she's ready to put the past behind her and get on with her life. But someone won't let her. Someone will do anything to drive Julia away, including murder.
As the body count rises, Julia is forced to accept the help of Dylan Andrews, a cop with dark secrets of his own. Unfortunately help has a cost. Dylan is digging into Julia's past, uncovering secrets she is desperate to keep.
Julia must keep Dylan at a distance, or else risk her own safety, and the safety of everyone she loves ...
At 20, Julia Taylor went to prison for murdering a man who deserved it. Ten years later, she's ready to put the past behind her and get on with her life. But someone won't let her. Someone will do anything to drive Julia away, including murder.
As the body count rises, Julia is forced to accept the help of Dylan Andrews, a cop with dark secrets of his own. Unfortunately help has a cost. Dylan is digging into Julia's past, uncovering secrets she is desperate to keep.
Julia must keep Dylan at a distance, or else risk her own safety, and the safety of everyone she loves ...
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2015
1 person is currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
D.B. Tait
3 books13 followersBorn and bred in Sydney Australia, D.B. Tait is a life long lover of books in all forms but crime fiction in particular. She worked for many years in the criminal justice system before deciding a tree change was need, so decamped to the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Now she writes and works part time in the community sector. Her first full length novel, Cold Deception, was published by Momentum, the digital first line of Pan Macmillan in March 2015. Her second, Desperate Deception will be out in October 2015.
In another life, she is also erotica writer Keziah Hill and contemporary romance writer Deborah Tait.
In another life, she is also erotica writer Keziah Hill and contemporary romance writer Deborah Tait.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 15, 2015
As Julia Taylor waited outside the prison gates for Dee to collect her, she reflected on the ten horrible years she had spent inside. Ten years for murdering a man who was evil – but that was in the past. Scared and nervous as she was, she knew she needed to put it all behind her and get on with life. She had a family who loved her – Eleanor, Dee and her younger sister Blossom. She was determined to settle back into life in the Blue Mountains; in the home she had loved all her life, and move forward.
But within days Julia was struggling – some people didn’t want her around; others were happy to see her. But it seemed that there was more evil around her; someone was determined to put her back in prison – or worse. The threats to her family were terrifying – she could do nothing more than keep the secrets and lies tucked deep inside as she had for the past ten years; she needed to protect her family as she had always done. Julia would do nothing to hurt them again.
Then, with the involvement of Detective Sergeant Dylan Andrews in the Taylors’ lives, Julia could feel her strength cracking. Her resolve to stay strong was being undermined by this kind and caring man. With a suddenness which shocked them all, vicious murders began occurring – and it seemed they were connected to Julia. But would Julia be next? Or were the gossips right?
What an excellent crime novel from Aussie author D.B. Tait! I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace and deceptive plot – I had trouble putting it down. Well-crafted characters made for great entertainment. I have no hesitation in recommending Cold Deception highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
But within days Julia was struggling – some people didn’t want her around; others were happy to see her. But it seemed that there was more evil around her; someone was determined to put her back in prison – or worse. The threats to her family were terrifying – she could do nothing more than keep the secrets and lies tucked deep inside as she had for the past ten years; she needed to protect her family as she had always done. Julia would do nothing to hurt them again.
Then, with the involvement of Detective Sergeant Dylan Andrews in the Taylors’ lives, Julia could feel her strength cracking. Her resolve to stay strong was being undermined by this kind and caring man. With a suddenness which shocked them all, vicious murders began occurring – and it seemed they were connected to Julia. But would Julia be next? Or were the gossips right?
What an excellent crime novel from Aussie author D.B. Tait! I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace and deceptive plot – I had trouble putting it down. Well-crafted characters made for great entertainment. I have no hesitation in recommending Cold Deception highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Stars *****
For 10 years, Julia was in prison for a crime that she admitted to doing. When she was released, she returns to her old town. Some people thought her past action was justified, but others saw her as a cold murderer. She has her secrets... Unfortunately, some people won't let go of the past.
In my experience avoiding the truth is never a good move. It always comes out, sometimes in the most inconvenient ways.
Detective Dylan is in the middle of solving a drug crime, and he is adamant that Julia's knowledge is the key. In the beginning he is cold to Julia because he didn't think that she had the right to act as a "judge, jury, and executioner." They slowly warm up to each other, but he knows that Julia is holding some major secrets.
The chemistry between Julia and Dylan was wonderful. There were some moments where I thought Julia was an idiot, but DB Tait does a great job on explaining how Julia rationalized her decisions. I wouldn't say that this made my heart race, but it did keep me on my toes. I am definitely going to read the next book in the series.
For 10 years, Julia was in prison for a crime that she admitted to doing. When she was released, she returns to her old town. Some people thought her past action was justified, but others saw her as a cold murderer. She has her secrets... Unfortunately, some people won't let go of the past.
In my experience avoiding the truth is never a good move. It always comes out, sometimes in the most inconvenient ways.
Detective Dylan is in the middle of solving a drug crime, and he is adamant that Julia's knowledge is the key. In the beginning he is cold to Julia because he didn't think that she had the right to act as a "judge, jury, and executioner." They slowly warm up to each other, but he knows that Julia is holding some major secrets.
The chemistry between Julia and Dylan was wonderful. There were some moments where I thought Julia was an idiot, but DB Tait does a great job on explaining how Julia rationalized her decisions. I wouldn't say that this made my heart race, but it did keep me on my toes. I am definitely going to read the next book in the series.
July 19, 2019
Cold Deception is book one in the Dark Mountain series by D.B. Tait. After ten years in prison for murder, Julia Taylor was coming home and start a new life. However, for Julia, that did not happen. Someone was out to destroy her, and Julia had to ask for help from the source that she never except to had to ask for help from Dylan Andrews. The readers of Cold Deception will continue to follow Julia to find out what happens.
Cold Deception was the first book I had read of D.B. Tait, and I enjoyed it. D.B. Tait did an excellent job of describing the Blue Mountains and Leura for her readers. I like that D.B. Tait highlights the social issues that her readers are passionate about in the plot of this book. Cold Deception is well written and researched by D.B. Tait. I love D.B. Tait portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout Cold Deception.
The readers of Cold Deception will learn about the problems and consequences of Alcoholism on the person and everyone around them. Also, the readers of Cold Deception will start to understand the importance of forgiveness so that you can heal after childhood drama for everyone who is involved.
I recommend this book.
Cold Deception was the first book I had read of D.B. Tait, and I enjoyed it. D.B. Tait did an excellent job of describing the Blue Mountains and Leura for her readers. I like that D.B. Tait highlights the social issues that her readers are passionate about in the plot of this book. Cold Deception is well written and researched by D.B. Tait. I love D.B. Tait portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout Cold Deception.
The readers of Cold Deception will learn about the problems and consequences of Alcoholism on the person and everyone around them. Also, the readers of Cold Deception will start to understand the importance of forgiveness so that you can heal after childhood drama for everyone who is involved.
I recommend this book.
May 4, 2016
I am suprised by this book. I was thinkig I was just getting a fluffy mystery with a little romance but I got so much more. Julia is a strong and relatable character. Just released from prison and finding her footing when everthing just goes plain wrong. Set in Austrlia, a new setting for me, with wonderful discrpitions of the land and people.
I was actually drawn back to this story when I would have to put it down for any given time. I will be recommending this to my friends.
I was actually drawn back to this story when I would have to put it down for any given time. I will be recommending this to my friends.
March 21, 2015
Strong characters in a deftly drawn Blue Mountains setting, this novel shows the author's experience of the criminal justice system and is an excellent read.
April 1, 2015
Fabulous story with beautiful words depicting the stunning Blue Mountains. Fabulous characters brought beautifully to life.
July 24, 2019
4.5 stars. More in my next Good Reads blog at https://www.sandiwallace.com/blog/.
March 13, 2015
Julia Taylor's being released from prison having served 10 years for a murder which some saw as warranted and others as vigilantism. Now 30 she's returning home to her eccentric artist mother Eleanor and stepmother Dee in the Blue Mountains.
We quickly learn that there's more to the incident which sent Julia to prison so many years before. Determined to protect her family however, her only option is to maintain her silence about other events of that time.
Not helping her cause is Detective Inspector Dylan Andrews. Although Julia's experience with law enforcement has been far-less-than-positive she finds herself attracted to this newcomer but forced to keep him at arm's length when he wants to dig into a past she'd prefer stay hidden.
I occasionally struggle with romantic suspense which relies a too little on the former and less on the latter, however Tait achieves a good balance. The plot itself seemed as if it was going to be predictable but a few late few twists and turns added some complexity.
A strength of the novel were Tait's characters—Julia and her supporting cast of family and friends. Tait also offered readers a wonderful sense of ‘place’. Her description of the Blue Mountains really reflected Julia's (and obviously Tait's) passion for the area.
I did feel the editing process could have been tighter. I'm not sure if some major sections were chopped and changed but a few names / incidents were introduced which came from left field – although I did see an advance copy.
All in all, a good read and I look forward to more from Tait. 3-3.5 stars
Read the full review in my blog: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
We quickly learn that there's more to the incident which sent Julia to prison so many years before. Determined to protect her family however, her only option is to maintain her silence about other events of that time.
Not helping her cause is Detective Inspector Dylan Andrews. Although Julia's experience with law enforcement has been far-less-than-positive she finds herself attracted to this newcomer but forced to keep him at arm's length when he wants to dig into a past she'd prefer stay hidden.
I occasionally struggle with romantic suspense which relies a too little on the former and less on the latter, however Tait achieves a good balance. The plot itself seemed as if it was going to be predictable but a few late few twists and turns added some complexity.
A strength of the novel were Tait's characters—Julia and her supporting cast of family and friends. Tait also offered readers a wonderful sense of ‘place’. Her description of the Blue Mountains really reflected Julia's (and obviously Tait's) passion for the area.
I did feel the editing process could have been tighter. I'm not sure if some major sections were chopped and changed but a few names / incidents were introduced which came from left field – although I did see an advance copy.
All in all, a good read and I look forward to more from Tait. 3-3.5 stars
Read the full review in my blog: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
October 5, 2015
Julia is released from a ten year prison sentence for murder. She wants to get back to 'normal' life back in the Blue Mountains in Australia but even before she reaches home she has a bad encounter with her original arresting officer and is threatened to keep quiet about details of her arrest all those years ago. If all had gone as Julia planned then this would have been a very boring story indeed, however, she's shocked at the way her little sister Blossom has turned out, Blossom's drug running boyfriend, hostility from people in the neighbourhood, and then a body turns up in her own back yard which seems to be framing her for a new murder. Someone is trying very hard to get her back in prison and although she thinks she knows who, she's at a major disadvantage in proving anything against such a powerful man.
The plot is mostly fairly predictable and not too complex but this doesn't come across as a simple story either. It is technically and legally correct with a strong character base and the overall story achieves a gripping and fulfilling feel. There were one or two ideas in there which made it different from the usual crime thriller – Julia has a stepmother married to her mother – which gave a softness instead of a more male dominated family. It had a strong romantic side to it too which may be a downside to those who want a full-on crime thriller but I felt it gave a lightness and uplifting flow to the writing style. D.B. Tait is more than qualified in the field of crime having worked for many years in the criminal justice system before writing this, her first full length novel.
I am happy to recommend Cold Deception as a great start to the Dark Mountain series and will certainly seek out Desperate Deception, the second in the series.
The plot is mostly fairly predictable and not too complex but this doesn't come across as a simple story either. It is technically and legally correct with a strong character base and the overall story achieves a gripping and fulfilling feel. There were one or two ideas in there which made it different from the usual crime thriller – Julia has a stepmother married to her mother – which gave a softness instead of a more male dominated family. It had a strong romantic side to it too which may be a downside to those who want a full-on crime thriller but I felt it gave a lightness and uplifting flow to the writing style. D.B. Tait is more than qualified in the field of crime having worked for many years in the criminal justice system before writing this, her first full length novel.
I am happy to recommend Cold Deception as a great start to the Dark Mountain series and will certainly seek out Desperate Deception, the second in the series.
March 12, 2015
Tait debuts with a haunting travesty of a tale where Julia takes the rap for someone else. But can cop Dylan penetrate her defences and clear her name along with win her heart?
A wonderful thriller. Well written, gripping but wonderfully emotive. You'll be sad when you finish.
A wonderful thriller. Well written, gripping but wonderfully emotive. You'll be sad when you finish.
July 14, 2017
Cold Deception is a Gripping and suspenseful read that will keep you second guessing the killer till the very end.
With A slow building romance and wonderfully delivered characters, this mystery will take you on a roller coaster ride from the very first page.
A well written novel by Author DB Tait, and with her past experience in criminal history , it makes for a fluent well detailed read that comes across believable and real.
Enjoyable characters with strength and character. The author has given us depth and definition , within these. Family unity , strength, and sacrifices .
Julia whose unwavering loyalty has her paying in more ways then one. Her and Dylan are more alike then they both realize, both in search of something. The chemistry was as I said slow building but well worth the wait :D
The setting the author has written this novel in , is written well enough that I can envisage it well. D B Tait puts forth Creating memorable scenery and picturesque views in The Blue Mountains.
My first novel by this author and it wont be my last .
With A slow building romance and wonderfully delivered characters, this mystery will take you on a roller coaster ride from the very first page.
A well written novel by Author DB Tait, and with her past experience in criminal history , it makes for a fluent well detailed read that comes across believable and real.
Enjoyable characters with strength and character. The author has given us depth and definition , within these. Family unity , strength, and sacrifices .
Julia whose unwavering loyalty has her paying in more ways then one. Her and Dylan are more alike then they both realize, both in search of something. The chemistry was as I said slow building but well worth the wait :D
The setting the author has written this novel in , is written well enough that I can envisage it well. D B Tait puts forth Creating memorable scenery and picturesque views in The Blue Mountains.
My first novel by this author and it wont be my last .
December 30, 2016
Momentum and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Cold Deception. This is my honest opinion of the book.
At the age of 20, Julia Taylor went to prison for murder. After 10 years, with her debt paid, Julia tries to move forward with her life. When she gets targeted by someone with an axe to grind, Julia has no choice but to ask Dylan Andrews, a police officer with his own agenda, for assistance. Will the truth that Julia has tried so hard to hide finally come to light? Will the right people finally be punished for their transgressions?
The biggest issue that I had with Cold Deception was regarding the editing, as missing punctuation and awkward phrasing ruined the flow of the novel for me in places. Julia Taylor is a strong main character with a good story. The book itself has an interesting plot and is a quick read, but it did not really stand out. The missing link to the main plot, the only real surprise in the book, was not enough to elevate the story for me from an average read.
At the age of 20, Julia Taylor went to prison for murder. After 10 years, with her debt paid, Julia tries to move forward with her life. When she gets targeted by someone with an axe to grind, Julia has no choice but to ask Dylan Andrews, a police officer with his own agenda, for assistance. Will the truth that Julia has tried so hard to hide finally come to light? Will the right people finally be punished for their transgressions?
The biggest issue that I had with Cold Deception was regarding the editing, as missing punctuation and awkward phrasing ruined the flow of the novel for me in places. Julia Taylor is a strong main character with a good story. The book itself has an interesting plot and is a quick read, but it did not really stand out. The missing link to the main plot, the only real surprise in the book, was not enough to elevate the story for me from an average read.
April 14, 2015
The author of COLD DECEPTION has had many years experience in the Criminal Justice system, and that knowledge shines through in this debut crime fiction offering.
Julia Taylor's release from prison, her struggles to re-establish life and normality, and the way that she balances that struggle with parole responsibilities, the problems with finding a job and the problems in inserting herself back into her family and her community have a strong sense of reality about them.
Julia's crime provides the author with a chance to explore a number of aspects - how will people react to the murder of a peodophile priest? Will the community divide into those nervous and unhappy to have a convicted murderer back in their midst, and those that feel that the victim got what he deserved? Their reactions, Julia's own families acceptance of events, everything is complicated by the way that she had instantly pleaded guilty. The lack of a detailed investigation, of explanations and qualifications means that there is somehow a lack of finalisation, a question mark always hanging over her conviction. Over her.
These aspects of COLD DECEPTION are really fascinating. Julia Taylor is prickly, standoffish, defensive and quite a difficult character for everyone to relate to. There's also something harder, more determined about her since her time in jail (as you'd kind of expect). Her character is really cleverly done. Believable, sympathetic, questionable. She is, although, not best supported by a plot that has some clever twists, but suffers from a few too many predictable elements. Of course, this reader is notoriously twitchy about romance, but this time around, it just felt all too convenient, as did a number of elements. It was just too easy to have the cop that believes in her also be the hunky, gorgeous love interest. The ex-cop who is out to get her is the sleasy, abusive, difficult bloke. The hooker / drug addict with the heart of gold, the "alternative" parental relationship. The drugs. The priest. The sister. And all. Whilst there are a few twists towards the end of this book overall the plot is pretty transparent.
Definitely one for fans of the more romantic, there's nothing overtly wrong with COLD DECEPTION. It's an engaging enough read, that powers along at a great rate. If you are a fan of books where the the bad boy gets it in the neck, the girl is redeemed and there's all that will they / won't they / of course they do between her and the gorgeous bloke (why are they never just nice blokes who look okay?), then COLD DECEPTION is definitely a book that you should be reading.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
Julia Taylor's release from prison, her struggles to re-establish life and normality, and the way that she balances that struggle with parole responsibilities, the problems with finding a job and the problems in inserting herself back into her family and her community have a strong sense of reality about them.
Julia's crime provides the author with a chance to explore a number of aspects - how will people react to the murder of a peodophile priest? Will the community divide into those nervous and unhappy to have a convicted murderer back in their midst, and those that feel that the victim got what he deserved? Their reactions, Julia's own families acceptance of events, everything is complicated by the way that she had instantly pleaded guilty. The lack of a detailed investigation, of explanations and qualifications means that there is somehow a lack of finalisation, a question mark always hanging over her conviction. Over her.
These aspects of COLD DECEPTION are really fascinating. Julia Taylor is prickly, standoffish, defensive and quite a difficult character for everyone to relate to. There's also something harder, more determined about her since her time in jail (as you'd kind of expect). Her character is really cleverly done. Believable, sympathetic, questionable. She is, although, not best supported by a plot that has some clever twists, but suffers from a few too many predictable elements. Of course, this reader is notoriously twitchy about romance, but this time around, it just felt all too convenient, as did a number of elements. It was just too easy to have the cop that believes in her also be the hunky, gorgeous love interest. The ex-cop who is out to get her is the sleasy, abusive, difficult bloke. The hooker / drug addict with the heart of gold, the "alternative" parental relationship. The drugs. The priest. The sister. And all. Whilst there are a few twists towards the end of this book overall the plot is pretty transparent.
Definitely one for fans of the more romantic, there's nothing overtly wrong with COLD DECEPTION. It's an engaging enough read, that powers along at a great rate. If you are a fan of books where the the bad boy gets it in the neck, the girl is redeemed and there's all that will they / won't they / of course they do between her and the gorgeous bloke (why are they never just nice blokes who look okay?), then COLD DECEPTION is definitely a book that you should be reading.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
April 20, 2015
Originally published at booksandspoons.weebly.com/book-blog
An original plot in a story that took me for emotional roll-a-coaster. The author paints a picture of the events in a clever way, you can see it all happening, you are right there with the characters. Julia had gone through so much, and wanted to just leave it all behind, and start her life anew. But it isn't that easy in the small town in the Australian Blue Mountains, where everyone knows each other, and all are aware of the past. The adjustment back to normal life wasn't easy, even though Julia was doing her best. And when trouble started to find her in every corner, it just got more difficult.
There are so many secrets, everyone has one. There wasn't a character in the story, that didn't have major struggles in their life. That started to seem a bit overwhelming after a while.
Dylan and Julia were attracted to each other from the first moment they meet, but their situation seems impossible. He is a police officer, she is on parole for murder, and more bodies start to show up, and all the murders are somehow connected to Julia. With all the secrets unraveling, investigations going on, and family drama to be dealt with, not to mention Julia's adjustment to the life outside, the romance between Dylan and Julia doesn't get that much focus, it is developing more on the back burner, and left for happy for now.
The mystery behind all the murders, the drug running, and other crimes committed in the small town, seems to all point into one person. There's enough plot twists in the story to keep it interesting, even though the story moves on rather slowly. At the end, all the events are twisted in together, and some of the crimes and mysteries are solved, with one major criminal still on a run.
The story was interesting, maybe some editing to tie it more together, would have made it move a bit faster, and I wanted just one person in the story to not have any major issues with them, but I guess this way, it was more lifelike. The romance was believable, real, and honest. I'm glad Dylan didn't choose to hide his feelings at the end, but came forward, no matter what the cost. Lots of drama and crimes in the tale, that kept the interest to the end
~ Three spoons with a teaspoon on the side
An original plot in a story that took me for emotional roll-a-coaster. The author paints a picture of the events in a clever way, you can see it all happening, you are right there with the characters. Julia had gone through so much, and wanted to just leave it all behind, and start her life anew. But it isn't that easy in the small town in the Australian Blue Mountains, where everyone knows each other, and all are aware of the past. The adjustment back to normal life wasn't easy, even though Julia was doing her best. And when trouble started to find her in every corner, it just got more difficult.
There are so many secrets, everyone has one. There wasn't a character in the story, that didn't have major struggles in their life. That started to seem a bit overwhelming after a while.
Dylan and Julia were attracted to each other from the first moment they meet, but their situation seems impossible. He is a police officer, she is on parole for murder, and more bodies start to show up, and all the murders are somehow connected to Julia. With all the secrets unraveling, investigations going on, and family drama to be dealt with, not to mention Julia's adjustment to the life outside, the romance between Dylan and Julia doesn't get that much focus, it is developing more on the back burner, and left for happy for now.
The mystery behind all the murders, the drug running, and other crimes committed in the small town, seems to all point into one person. There's enough plot twists in the story to keep it interesting, even though the story moves on rather slowly. At the end, all the events are twisted in together, and some of the crimes and mysteries are solved, with one major criminal still on a run.
The story was interesting, maybe some editing to tie it more together, would have made it move a bit faster, and I wanted just one person in the story to not have any major issues with them, but I guess this way, it was more lifelike. The romance was believable, real, and honest. I'm glad Dylan didn't choose to hide his feelings at the end, but came forward, no matter what the cost. Lots of drama and crimes in the tale, that kept the interest to the end
~ Three spoons with a teaspoon on the side
May 17, 2021
I had heard a lot of good things about this book and was very excited to get to reading it. I'm on a bit of a romantic suspense kick and thought I'd try this out.
For starters, let me tell you what I liked before I tell you why it didn't work for me and I did not finish it.
I loved that the book was set in the Blue Mountains - my old stomping grounds. The descriptions of the streets and the suburbs, the weather, everything spoke to me. It was familiar and a lovely walk down memory lane as I was able to visualize all the streets, the villages and even the views Ms Tait described in her book. When Ms Tait described the road works on the highway, oh my goodness, I lived through it. I've driven up and down that highway so many times while it was under construction, been stuck in those traffic jams she described more times that I care to recall. All of it was so familiar and I loved that.
Why did I not finish the book then? I've never been a fan of stories where either the hero or heroine have recently been released from jail. There is too much negativity stemming from the reason they went to jail in the first place and the wrenching emotional adjustment when released. With Julia, there's so much negativity surrounding her, not only what was going on in her own mind as she dealt with life once again on the outside (10 years in jail changes a person) but also the emotions of her family, the drama llamas from her sister and the negativity of the people in her community. It was difficult for me to read through all that negativity. Every word was laced with so much hurt, recrimination and pain, it was not taking me to a good place.
Overall though, the book is well written. I think Ms Tait should be proud of her writing, that it evoked so much feeling from me. Unfortunately, it was not emotion I could handle living through the entirety of a book at the time I was reading it.
I would definitely try Ms Tait's work again if I knew the work was a lot less dark than this one.
See more from Deanna's World
For starters, let me tell you what I liked before I tell you why it didn't work for me and I did not finish it.
I loved that the book was set in the Blue Mountains - my old stomping grounds. The descriptions of the streets and the suburbs, the weather, everything spoke to me. It was familiar and a lovely walk down memory lane as I was able to visualize all the streets, the villages and even the views Ms Tait described in her book. When Ms Tait described the road works on the highway, oh my goodness, I lived through it. I've driven up and down that highway so many times while it was under construction, been stuck in those traffic jams she described more times that I care to recall. All of it was so familiar and I loved that.
Why did I not finish the book then? I've never been a fan of stories where either the hero or heroine have recently been released from jail. There is too much negativity stemming from the reason they went to jail in the first place and the wrenching emotional adjustment when released. With Julia, there's so much negativity surrounding her, not only what was going on in her own mind as she dealt with life once again on the outside (10 years in jail changes a person) but also the emotions of her family, the drama llamas from her sister and the negativity of the people in her community. It was difficult for me to read through all that negativity. Every word was laced with so much hurt, recrimination and pain, it was not taking me to a good place.
Overall though, the book is well written. I think Ms Tait should be proud of her writing, that it evoked so much feeling from me. Unfortunately, it was not emotion I could handle living through the entirety of a book at the time I was reading it.
I would definitely try Ms Tait's work again if I knew the work was a lot less dark than this one.
See more from Deanna's World
September 5, 2015
I liked this "in-the-aftermath" crime mystery.
It is told mostly from Julia's POV as she recovers from a 10-year-stint in prison for killing a pedophile priest. What no one knows is she confessed because she believes his death was her 8-year-old sister's fault.
ulia is getting used to the outside world again, but, as it turns out, there is still a lot of craziness to contend with - starting with the fact her sister is starting to remember parts of the night the priest was killed. Then there's the ex-cop named O'Reardon, who she knows is piping drugs into the prison, but she can't say anything because he has a DVD of the night of the murder. He kidnaps her to threaten her into silence about coming clean about what happened that night. A friend of hers she met in prison witnesses this and decides to infiltrate O'Reardon's defenses, even though she knows he is the reason she was a junkie. Then there is her sister's junkie d-bag boyfriend, and a cop who is a friend of her parents' that she is insanely attracted to but who would make a bad choice for a relationship for a parolee like herself. If all this isn't enough, crazy stuff keeps happening and someone is framing her for all of this, too. There is a LOT going on, but Tait deftly maneuvers these situations to make it all flow.
You can read the full review here.
It is told mostly from Julia's POV as she recovers from a 10-year-stint in prison for killing a pedophile priest. What no one knows is she confessed because she believes his death was her 8-year-old sister's fault.
ulia is getting used to the outside world again, but, as it turns out, there is still a lot of craziness to contend with - starting with the fact her sister is starting to remember parts of the night the priest was killed. Then there's the ex-cop named O'Reardon, who she knows is piping drugs into the prison, but she can't say anything because he has a DVD of the night of the murder. He kidnaps her to threaten her into silence about coming clean about what happened that night. A friend of hers she met in prison witnesses this and decides to infiltrate O'Reardon's defenses, even though she knows he is the reason she was a junkie. Then there is her sister's junkie d-bag boyfriend, and a cop who is a friend of her parents' that she is insanely attracted to but who would make a bad choice for a relationship for a parolee like herself. If all this isn't enough, crazy stuff keeps happening and someone is framing her for all of this, too. There is a LOT going on, but Tait deftly maneuvers these situations to make it all flow.
You can read the full review here.
March 28, 2015
I'd give this 3.5 stars.
Set in the Blue Mountains of NSW, not far from where I grew up on the "plains", Cold Deception felt very familiar to me. Not in terms of the writing - but the setting. I could easily imagine Julia leaving the prison at Emu Plains and heading up the highway, through the lower mountains, and on to Katoomba. That familiarity adds to the "this could be real" sense, which in a suspense novel, is a good thing - to really get sucked in, you need to experience that tension. The title is well chosen - cold, referring to the climate and the cold-ness of the people behind the crimes.
As a romantic suspense, Cold Deception hooks readers quickly and keeps them on their toes until the end, with the two-fold hope of Julia being safe (and cleared of wrongdoing) and of her getting together with Dylan. Their chemistry is good, with their frustration (as their sexual tension builds) easily conveyed. Complexity was added through a number of different characters' struggles with mental illness and addiction, which again, added to the real, "this could happen" sense.
Cold Deception is an enjoyable read that, for me, was hard to put down. For those who like romantic suspense, here's another Australian writer to keep an eye on.
Set in the Blue Mountains of NSW, not far from where I grew up on the "plains", Cold Deception felt very familiar to me. Not in terms of the writing - but the setting. I could easily imagine Julia leaving the prison at Emu Plains and heading up the highway, through the lower mountains, and on to Katoomba. That familiarity adds to the "this could be real" sense, which in a suspense novel, is a good thing - to really get sucked in, you need to experience that tension. The title is well chosen - cold, referring to the climate and the cold-ness of the people behind the crimes.
As a romantic suspense, Cold Deception hooks readers quickly and keeps them on their toes until the end, with the two-fold hope of Julia being safe (and cleared of wrongdoing) and of her getting together with Dylan. Their chemistry is good, with their frustration (as their sexual tension builds) easily conveyed. Complexity was added through a number of different characters' struggles with mental illness and addiction, which again, added to the real, "this could happen" sense.
Cold Deception is an enjoyable read that, for me, was hard to put down. For those who like romantic suspense, here's another Australian writer to keep an eye on.
July 7, 2017
NOTE: I received an ARC from NetGalley for reviewing purposes! All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way!
There is nothing inherently bad about "Cold Deception". But, I must say that this was a DNF for me. The book was well written in terms of grammar and vocabulary. The pacing was fairly good - neither too slow to build up nor too fast that the reader is left behind. The characters, on the whole, were alright, if a little veering towards cliche (especially O'Reardon, but also Julia, her mother and her sister).
However, by the time I reached Chapter 9, I had a fairly good idea how the rest of the novel would develop, and thus, I tuned out. My prediction was that Julia would work with the police to apprehend O'Reardon [during the course of which he may or may not die], Julia and Dylan would become romantically involved, and the truth of who really killed the pedophile priest would be revealed. I may end up eating humble pie if all or some of my predictions do not come to pass, but I'm willing to take that chance.
As I stated before, there wasn't anything particularly poor about this novel [hence, I am giving it 3 stars], but I felt the author followed a too-worn tread with this plot, and I was just not in the mood to follow her path.
There is nothing inherently bad about "Cold Deception". But, I must say that this was a DNF for me. The book was well written in terms of grammar and vocabulary. The pacing was fairly good - neither too slow to build up nor too fast that the reader is left behind. The characters, on the whole, were alright, if a little veering towards cliche (especially O'Reardon, but also Julia, her mother and her sister).
However, by the time I reached Chapter 9, I had a fairly good idea how the rest of the novel would develop, and thus, I tuned out. My prediction was that Julia would work with the police to apprehend O'Reardon [during the course of which he may or may not die], Julia and Dylan would become romantically involved, and the truth of who really killed the pedophile priest would be revealed. I may end up eating humble pie if all or some of my predictions do not come to pass, but I'm willing to take that chance.
As I stated before, there wasn't anything particularly poor about this novel [hence, I am giving it 3 stars], but I felt the author followed a too-worn tread with this plot, and I was just not in the mood to follow her path.
June 26, 2015
ld Deception is the story of Julia Taylor - when she was 20 she was sent to prison for murdering a pedophile. She plead guilty to protect her family, or so she thought. Now, 10 years later and she is home, living with her family. Julia knows things that someone would rather her keep quiet about. Did she really commit the murder or is she covering for someone close to her? Ms. Tait spins a great tale about secrets and they way they have a mind of their own when you least expect the truth to come out.
Julie meets a local police detective who seems to take a more then innocent liking to her. Can Julie and Dylan find their way through the lies and the evil people that are lurking in the dark? It is definitely a ride to the end.
It did take me a few chapters to get comfortable the book is a bit out of my comfort zone, however once I was hooked and had to find out who did it! What seems like a pastoral place actually has evil coming out of the cracks.
If you like mystery, intrigue and a bit of romance, this one is definitely worth the time.
See original review : http://www.bittenbylovereviews.com/20...
June 3, 2015
Ten years after serving her time in the prison for murder, Julia Taylor is a free woman. But ten years in inarceration didn’t do nothing to keep the pain and memories of what really transpired that night. So she rather kept silent and struggled to move on. All for the love for her family. Then there’s Detective Dylan Andrews, who had somehow wormed his way to her life and her heart. He had the best intentions, but Julia was still wary and she did all she could do to prevent him from knowing the truth.
I loved the mystery and suspense that almost killed me while reading this. I’m a big fan of detective plots, murders and crimes of passion, sleuthing maidens and such. Cold Deception perfectly fits my interest. Julia’s profile strikes me as strong, solid and stalwart. She developed great resilience and protective stance after her time in prison. I hated to see her crumble under the stares of Dylan, but her overall persona really hit me.
This is D.B. Tait’s maiden voyage in mystery and suspense and let me just say, she did a great job! Would love to read more of her future books, soon.
I loved the mystery and suspense that almost killed me while reading this. I’m a big fan of detective plots, murders and crimes of passion, sleuthing maidens and such. Cold Deception perfectly fits my interest. Julia’s profile strikes me as strong, solid and stalwart. She developed great resilience and protective stance after her time in prison. I hated to see her crumble under the stares of Dylan, but her overall persona really hit me.
This is D.B. Tait’s maiden voyage in mystery and suspense and let me just say, she did a great job! Would love to read more of her future books, soon.
March 7, 2015
This book was okay. It had a good plot and a lot of suspense but for me it was not a great book. I felt like I have read books like it before and seen it in movies and on television so the plot is a bit overdone. A girl takes the blame for a murder she did not commit because she thinks she is doing the noble thing to save a family member but low and behold the family member was not really the killer anyway. Snap I just wasted ten years of my life in prison for the wrong guy. Been there, done that story a few times. However the other parts of the book added a new little twist to this plot like the excop turned drug king pin and I must admit when the romance turned on it was pretty good in this. So even though parts of the plot were a bit overdone others were okay and that is why I have the book four stars even though I would have leaned more towards three and a half but that is not a option I could not go as low as three out of five.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2015
She'd served 10 years in prison for a crime that she never committed, believing that her silence would protect her sister from further mental instability. But secrets have a way of surfacing, and it's much sooner than later that Julia must confess all, endangering all around her and threatening that new, albeit shaky relationship she'd just begun with the local cop.
I definitely appreciated the unusual setting of the Blue mountains and was left breathless by the escalating suspense that was quite deftly woven into this seemingly idyllic place. There was an interesting cast of characters in this small town tale yet no one was entirely free of the pivotal event that took place 10 years ago that implicates Julia and her entire family. Dylan's and Julia's burgeoning relationship however, felt more like an abrupt afterthought than a centrally woven theme, so I didn't feel too convinced by what they had even when I turned the last page.
I definitely appreciated the unusual setting of the Blue mountains and was left breathless by the escalating suspense that was quite deftly woven into this seemingly idyllic place. There was an interesting cast of characters in this small town tale yet no one was entirely free of the pivotal event that took place 10 years ago that implicates Julia and her entire family. Dylan's and Julia's burgeoning relationship however, felt more like an abrupt afterthought than a centrally woven theme, so I didn't feel too convinced by what they had even when I turned the last page.
November 9, 2025
I enjoy finding good books with an Australian setting. The story and characters were engaging in that they drew me in and kept me interested in what was happening. I didn't find the revelation of what actually happened on the night of the murder at all surprising as the clues were there very early on, including who was responsible. I found many of Julia'decisions questionable
March 21, 2015
This was an enjoyable read.
I did struggle with the writing style a little, particularly when it came to the dialogue, it just didn't feel quite authentic at times.
I was intrigued by the mystery, i liked that we found out very early on that there was something more to the crime that Julia committed years earlier. I thought i had guessed the mystery very early on but then discovered that there was more to it then even that and i enjoyed that a lot.
I really enjoyed the setting in Australia's Blue Mountains. Tait did a great job of painting a picture of the setting.
Overall a pretty good mystery read.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy to review.
I did struggle with the writing style a little, particularly when it came to the dialogue, it just didn't feel quite authentic at times.
I was intrigued by the mystery, i liked that we found out very early on that there was something more to the crime that Julia committed years earlier. I thought i had guessed the mystery very early on but then discovered that there was more to it then even that and i enjoyed that a lot.
I really enjoyed the setting in Australia's Blue Mountains. Tait did a great job of painting a picture of the setting.
Overall a pretty good mystery read.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy to review.
June 6, 2015
This is a story that will have you on an emotional roller coaster as Julia returns home after being in jail for 10 years with a few secrets and lots to adjust to and there is a new cop in town Dylan who has demons of his own to contend with and the big business man in town an ex cop is determined to keep Julia quiet.
I did very much enjoy this story I loved the setting Katoomba and surrounding areas which is actually close to where I live and such a lovely area and the sensual pull between Dylan and Julia as Dylan does all in his power to get her to open up and reveal the truth about what happened 10 years ago. This book is so well written and the characters rich and real you feel like you are there with them all.
I loved this one and highly recommend it.
I did very much enjoy this story I loved the setting Katoomba and surrounding areas which is actually close to where I live and such a lovely area and the sensual pull between Dylan and Julia as Dylan does all in his power to get her to open up and reveal the truth about what happened 10 years ago. This book is so well written and the characters rich and real you feel like you are there with them all.
I loved this one and highly recommend it.
March 13, 2015
Author DB Tait spent years working in the criminal justice system and her experience shows in the authenticity of this gripping, gritty suspense - her debut in this genre.
A twisting plot; complex, believable characters; a satisfying romance; and a evocatively described setting in the Blue Mountains of Australia makes this an un-putdownable book.
The unfolding relationship between Julia, fresh out of jail for a crime many thought was an act of heroism, and Dylan the cop with secrets of his own was particularly enjoyable. I was pleased to see there is to be a follow-up book where readers will see more of these characters.
A twisting plot; complex, believable characters; a satisfying romance; and a evocatively described setting in the Blue Mountains of Australia makes this an un-putdownable book.
The unfolding relationship between Julia, fresh out of jail for a crime many thought was an act of heroism, and Dylan the cop with secrets of his own was particularly enjoyable. I was pleased to see there is to be a follow-up book where readers will see more of these characters.
April 15, 2015
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found the premise of this book hard to accept.
Julia's sister was a child who was being groomed for sexual abuse and subsequently killed her abuser. In this instance I doubt the consequences would have been dire. Even if Julia's idea had been to spare her sister the agony of realising she had killed a man, Blossom was so entwined in the killing there were bound to be psychological and emotional damage, regardless of who had actually killed him.
And not to mention the trauma of Julia's arrest, trial and incarceration...
Julia spared her nothing, and made matters infinitely worse.
March 20, 2015
3.5 stars
First I would like to thank Momentum Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
COLD DECEPTION is a perfect Spring Break read!
Julia Taylor has just been released from prison after serving time for a murder charge. Julia returns home to her family and tries to live a normal life without causing problems, but catches the eye of the ex-cop/drug dealer in town. Now Julia and her family are being threatened and she needs help from Dylan; a handsome cop in town.
D.B. Tait has written a novel full of suspense but most of all a story of family resilience.
First I would like to thank Momentum Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
COLD DECEPTION is a perfect Spring Break read!
Julia Taylor has just been released from prison after serving time for a murder charge. Julia returns home to her family and tries to live a normal life without causing problems, but catches the eye of the ex-cop/drug dealer in town. Now Julia and her family are being threatened and she needs help from Dylan; a handsome cop in town.
D.B. Tait has written a novel full of suspense but most of all a story of family resilience.
April 6, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley for the kindle copy of this book. I always like a book that is set in an area I know of. It somehow makes the book seem more real. (Yes, I know it is fiction!) We find out straight away that there was more to the story of Julia's incarceration than she had let on. Her sister, Blossom, has a dreadful boyfriend, Rez, around whom a lot of the story revolves. Eleanor and Nessa are strong characters but it is the unlikely connection between Julia and Dylan Andrews that kept me not wanting to put this book down. Happy to recommend.
October 6, 2015
Gripping story about a woman who is released from prison after serving 10 years for murdering a priest. Fast paced and with a good blend of suspense and romance. Loved the setting in the Blue Mountains in Australia, the interesting cast of characters and the protagonist's family dynamics. I enjoyed the author's style of writing, but the book could have done with some proofreading prior to publication.
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