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The Architect of Deception
Razz James should have been the toast of Manhattan society. At twenty-eight, with an Ivy League pedigree, a prominent family name, and inherent charm, he was poised for flight. But six years after his twin brother's death, Razz is trapped in a black hole of grief. His days are a blur of gin, video games, and denial, while his two lifelong best friends, Hatcher Boudreaux, a shining star at an elite hedge fund, and Archie Stonebridge, a cybersecurity expert, quietly brace for the moment Razz doesn’t come back from the brink.
Then Hatcher receives a cryptic invitation…
…an offer to join Scepter & Scythe, an exclusive secret society.
The initiation challenge is a task so daring few would ever attempt it: steal a memento from Apollo Peck, Hatcher’s infamous billionaire boss. Peck’s residence, a fantastical mansion perched atop New York City’s poshest building, is impenetrable. Fearful of losing his job, Hatcher refuses the assignment, but Razz, intrigued and desperate for a distraction, volunteers.
Razz thinks he’s executed the perfect crime…
…then someone turns up dead.
What started as a lark quickly spirals into a far more devious and deadly plot with Razz in the crosshairs. In a world where power buys innocence, and the truth is subjective, Razz must unmask the mastermind before he becomes the next pawn sacrificed on the board.
Fans of Riley Sager, Freida McFadden, and Sandra Brown will love The Architect of Deception.
This book contains explicit consensual sexual situations and violence equivalent to that in an R-rated movie.
Then Hatcher receives a cryptic invitation…
…an offer to join Scepter & Scythe, an exclusive secret society.
The initiation challenge is a task so daring few would ever attempt it: steal a memento from Apollo Peck, Hatcher’s infamous billionaire boss. Peck’s residence, a fantastical mansion perched atop New York City’s poshest building, is impenetrable. Fearful of losing his job, Hatcher refuses the assignment, but Razz, intrigued and desperate for a distraction, volunteers.
Razz thinks he’s executed the perfect crime…
…then someone turns up dead.
What started as a lark quickly spirals into a far more devious and deadly plot with Razz in the crosshairs. In a world where power buys innocence, and the truth is subjective, Razz must unmask the mastermind before he becomes the next pawn sacrificed on the board.
Fans of Riley Sager, Freida McFadden, and Sandra Brown will love The Architect of Deception.
This book contains explicit consensual sexual situations and violence equivalent to that in an R-rated movie.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
About the author
Debbie Baldwin
8 books377 followersDebbie Baldwin is a successful print media and television writer. She is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
Debbie and her husband live in Saint Louis, Missouri with their puggle, Pebbles. They have three children in college. False Front is her first novel.
Be sure to follow Debbie on BookBub for the latest on new releases and sales:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/debbi...
Debbie and her husband live in Saint Louis, Missouri with their puggle, Pebbles. They have three children in college. False Front is her first novel.
Be sure to follow Debbie on BookBub for the latest on new releases and sales:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/debbi...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 26, 2026
the setup…
Erasmus (Razz) James has it all. At twenty-eight, he’s an Ivy League graduate, from a wealthy and well respected family, has loyal friends and is simply brilliant. But six years ago, his twin brother died and Razz is drowning in grief and excess, his family and friends waiting for the day when they will lose him, too. When his friend Hatcher receives a cryptic invitation to join an exclusive secret society, the outrageous conditions of the initiation piques Razz’s interest. What begins as an interesting distraction turns into something dangerous and deadly.
the heart of the story…
Hands down, this is one of the best plotted stories I’ve ever read. The misdirections, red herrings and other subterfuge were beyond excellent as they didn’t feel like what they were. I thought this was another rich frat boy playing at life until Razz wasn’t. I’ve never been this far off and when the story took a turn (and it’s a biggie), I was mesmerized. Great villains, unsympathetic victims, an romance and good guys you don’t see coming.
the bottom line…
It’s evident this was well researched as the signs of wealth and opulence aren’t the typical but those you see with old money. It adds authenticity to a complex story and renders the characters believable. It’s masterful in its design and plotting, beyond five stars. But, that’s been my experience with Baldwin’s writing.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own)
Erasmus (Razz) James has it all. At twenty-eight, he’s an Ivy League graduate, from a wealthy and well respected family, has loyal friends and is simply brilliant. But six years ago, his twin brother died and Razz is drowning in grief and excess, his family and friends waiting for the day when they will lose him, too. When his friend Hatcher receives a cryptic invitation to join an exclusive secret society, the outrageous conditions of the initiation piques Razz’s interest. What begins as an interesting distraction turns into something dangerous and deadly.
the heart of the story…
Hands down, this is one of the best plotted stories I’ve ever read. The misdirections, red herrings and other subterfuge were beyond excellent as they didn’t feel like what they were. I thought this was another rich frat boy playing at life until Razz wasn’t. I’ve never been this far off and when the story took a turn (and it’s a biggie), I was mesmerized. Great villains, unsympathetic victims, an romance and good guys you don’t see coming.
the bottom line…
It’s evident this was well researched as the signs of wealth and opulence aren’t the typical but those you see with old money. It adds authenticity to a complex story and renders the characters believable. It’s masterful in its design and plotting, beyond five stars. But, that’s been my experience with Baldwin’s writing.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own)
July 10, 2026
The Architect of Deception — 4.5 Stars
Now this one, this one struts in wearing stilettos made of secrets and a dress stitched from lies. Debbie Baldwin doesn’t write thrillers; she constructs psychological obstacle courses disguised as espionage. And yes, the beginning is slow—slow like a spy blending into the wallpaper, slow like a fuse waiting for the spark. You’re tapping your foot, waiting for the explosion.
Then it hits.
And when it hits, it detonates.
The heroine steps into the spotlight with that lethal mix of elegance and trauma, the kind of woman who can dismantle a conspiracy while looking like she’s on her way to a gala. She’s brilliant, stubborn, stylish, and carrying enough emotional baggage to require its own passport. And the man orbiting her? He’s danger wrapped in competence, the kind of character who makes you question your morals, your instincts, and your blood pressure.
Once the plot wakes up, it coils around you like a serpent. Every chapter is another trapdoor, another revelation, another moment where Baldwin proves she’s three steps ahead of you and enjoying it. The conspiracy is layered, vicious, and architected with surgical precision. You’re not reading a story—you’re navigating a labyrinth designed by someone who enjoys watching you sweat.
The romance threads through the danger like a lit fuse, sparking at all the wrong moments in all the right ways. It’s messy, addictive, and absolutely perfect for a world built on secrets.
By the end, you’re breathless, suspicious of everyone, and ready to file emotional complaints with whatever agency oversees fictional espionage. The slow start keeps it from perfection, but once it ignites, it becomes a stylish, high‑stakes thrill ride that earns its 4.5 stars with flair.
Now this one, this one struts in wearing stilettos made of secrets and a dress stitched from lies. Debbie Baldwin doesn’t write thrillers; she constructs psychological obstacle courses disguised as espionage. And yes, the beginning is slow—slow like a spy blending into the wallpaper, slow like a fuse waiting for the spark. You’re tapping your foot, waiting for the explosion.
Then it hits.
And when it hits, it detonates.
The heroine steps into the spotlight with that lethal mix of elegance and trauma, the kind of woman who can dismantle a conspiracy while looking like she’s on her way to a gala. She’s brilliant, stubborn, stylish, and carrying enough emotional baggage to require its own passport. And the man orbiting her? He’s danger wrapped in competence, the kind of character who makes you question your morals, your instincts, and your blood pressure.
Once the plot wakes up, it coils around you like a serpent. Every chapter is another trapdoor, another revelation, another moment where Baldwin proves she’s three steps ahead of you and enjoying it. The conspiracy is layered, vicious, and architected with surgical precision. You’re not reading a story—you’re navigating a labyrinth designed by someone who enjoys watching you sweat.
The romance threads through the danger like a lit fuse, sparking at all the wrong moments in all the right ways. It’s messy, addictive, and absolutely perfect for a world built on secrets.
By the end, you’re breathless, suspicious of everyone, and ready to file emotional complaints with whatever agency oversees fictional espionage. The slow start keeps it from perfection, but once it ignites, it becomes a stylish, high‑stakes thrill ride that earns its 4.5 stars with flair.
June 16, 2026
If you were expecting another fantastic Romantic-Suspense book from Debbie Baldwin, this ain't. Oh, it's fantastic, but it isn't quite the Romantic-Suspense like I expected. This one is a fantastic Mystery with a very unusual romance, partnership, partners in crime. There are a lot of moving parts, a lot of characters and they all have an impact on the plot, which itself, has several different avenues. Lots of twists and turns and an ending I really didn't see coming. Highly recommended.
The man who has everything, wealth, looks, wit and a supportive family has lost one vital piece of his being, his twin brother. Since the death of his twin in a tragic accident, Razz James has been trapped in a fog of grief, he can't seem to drag himself out of. His best friends, Hatcher Boudreaux and Archie Stonebridge, have moved on to careers, but at twenty-eight, Razz is mired in his grief.
Then his friend Hatcher, a rising hedge fund manager, receives an invitation to a mysterious society, Scepter & Scythe. He just needs to unravel a cryptic message. Hatcher has no use for such nonsense and tossed the invitation, but Razz is intrigued for the first time in years. Deciphering the code leads Razz on a mission to steal an item from one of the world's richest men and his friend Hatcher's boss. It also leads him into a deadly situation he can't control and that may cost him his life.
The man who has everything, wealth, looks, wit and a supportive family has lost one vital piece of his being, his twin brother. Since the death of his twin in a tragic accident, Razz James has been trapped in a fog of grief, he can't seem to drag himself out of. His best friends, Hatcher Boudreaux and Archie Stonebridge, have moved on to careers, but at twenty-eight, Razz is mired in his grief.
Then his friend Hatcher, a rising hedge fund manager, receives an invitation to a mysterious society, Scepter & Scythe. He just needs to unravel a cryptic message. Hatcher has no use for such nonsense and tossed the invitation, but Razz is intrigued for the first time in years. Deciphering the code leads Razz on a mission to steal an item from one of the world's richest men and his friend Hatcher's boss. It also leads him into a deadly situation he can't control and that may cost him his life.
April 17, 2026
Are you a Debbie Baldwin fan? If not, grab a copy of The Architect of Deception and join the crowd. This book is top shelf, from the hook, to the pacing, and on to the characterization. The twists will have any reader furiously flipping the pages.
MC Razz James, broken-hearted over his twin’s death, drowns his sorrows in a liquor bottle. Only the task of solving a complex riddle shakes him from a routine of daily blackout drinking. What a well-written thriller, with twists, turns, red herrings, dead-ends, and detours. I never figured it out.
Debbie Baldwin is a master at writing human emotions, and deftly weaves a web of suspense, surprise, and high stakes. The result is intoxicating. I’ll be checking her backlist later today!
MC Razz James, broken-hearted over his twin’s death, drowns his sorrows in a liquor bottle. Only the task of solving a complex riddle shakes him from a routine of daily blackout drinking. What a well-written thriller, with twists, turns, red herrings, dead-ends, and detours. I never figured it out.
Debbie Baldwin is a master at writing human emotions, and deftly weaves a web of suspense, surprise, and high stakes. The result is intoxicating. I’ll be checking her backlist later today!
August 16, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow.......what can I say. This book was EVERYTHING I love in a mystery/suspense thriller and once I started to read this book I could not put it down. There is so much to this story...the mystery, the murder, secrets, lies, deception, questioning who you can trust....and just when I though I had it all figured out...I was not even close is such the best way. The twists and turns I did not see coming....left me stunned but loving every moment.
When Razz James takes a leap when a secret invite lands in his hands that all leads into this spiral of murder and all fingers from the lead detectives point to him....but is Razz innocent...
Definitely read and find out.......I do not want to give any spoilers away...but I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Wow.......what can I say. This book was EVERYTHING I love in a mystery/suspense thriller and once I started to read this book I could not put it down. There is so much to this story...the mystery, the murder, secrets, lies, deception, questioning who you can trust....and just when I though I had it all figured out...I was not even close is such the best way. The twists and turns I did not see coming....left me stunned but loving every moment.
When Razz James takes a leap when a secret invite lands in his hands that all leads into this spiral of murder and all fingers from the lead detectives point to him....but is Razz innocent...
Definitely read and find out.......I do not want to give any spoilers away...but I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Architect of Deception is a contemporary thriller that will have you hooked from the beginning you open it to the first page. I will admit before I started reading it I had no idea what the experience would be like and I am glad that I took the opportunity to read it because it ended up being worth it. The setting and the characters were very well drawn out. While this book won't be everyone's cup of tea I will admit I have a great deal of praises and love for this novel.
We are introduced to Razz who can't seem to cope with the death of his twin seems to spend his days wallowing away. His friends Hatcher and Archie are worried but their abilities to fix the issue are limited. Until the invitation to join a very secret society comes along which seems to be the answer to all their troubles. For a moment Razz seems to have found the solution to pull himself out of his funk. However, when things go wrong it is going to take some strong skills to come back.
We are introduced to Razz who can't seem to cope with the death of his twin seems to spend his days wallowing away. His friends Hatcher and Archie are worried but their abilities to fix the issue are limited. Until the invitation to join a very secret society comes along which seems to be the answer to all their troubles. For a moment Razz seems to have found the solution to pull himself out of his funk. However, when things go wrong it is going to take some strong skills to come back.
April 8, 2026
What a thriller!!! The first 30% or so was a little slow while you’re learning the characters/plot but after that it picks up so fast! I loved that there were a couple different plot lines going on that all connected in the end. I had so many people on my suspect list & still didn’t figure it out. Several twists completely threw me at the end, I was truly shocked! If you’re a fan of m*rder /mystery, I definitely think you should pick this one up.
April 18, 2026
This was definitely a really good mystery/ thriller. So many twists. Some I predicted and a few I did not! Took me a bit to get into it but once I did I was hooked !
April 21, 2026
I ate this one up. If you love a good murder, mystery and secret societies book with lots of twists, add this to your TBR!
Razz James had everything going for him until grief completely derailed his life, and the second he gets pulled into this secret society situation it spirals fast. What starts as a risky little challenge turns into something way bigger, darker, and really hard to put down.
I loved the different points of view and the short chapters. It made it so easy to keep saying just one more chapter. And the way everything starts clicking together at the end was so good. I was guessing the whole time and loved how everything tied together at the end! Totally did not have anything figured out (which I love!)
I felt like book read like a movie in my head the entire time and I could actually see every scene play out. I was thinking about who I would cast as the characters!
Razz James had everything going for him until grief completely derailed his life, and the second he gets pulled into this secret society situation it spirals fast. What starts as a risky little challenge turns into something way bigger, darker, and really hard to put down.
I loved the different points of view and the short chapters. It made it so easy to keep saying just one more chapter. And the way everything starts clicking together at the end was so good. I was guessing the whole time and loved how everything tied together at the end! Totally did not have anything figured out (which I love!)
I felt like book read like a movie in my head the entire time and I could actually see every scene play out. I was thinking about who I would cast as the characters!
April 20, 2026
This book was such a fun ride! There is a lot to digest in the beginning and a lot of characters to get to know, but absorb it and push through because once this story gets going, it doesn’t stop. So many twists and turns in this one! What starts as a small heist Razz decides to undertake to give him a sense of purpose after his brother’s death turns into so much more. Razz successfully pulls off his heist, but gets wrapped up in a murder investigation with a dirty cop determined to pin the murder on him. I absolutely love how this book had several different storylines going on that all weaved together by the end. If you like thrillers be sure to add this one to your tbr. Thank you Get Red Pr for the advance copy of this book.
May 27, 2026
Architect of Deception by Debbie Baldwin 🖤🔍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book pulled me in so fast. The mix of mystery, secret societies, grief, and high-stakes chaos had me completely hooked from the beginning.
Razz is such an interesting character because underneath all the sarcasm and reckless choices, you can really feel how lost he is after everything he’s been through. Watching him get pulled deeper and deeper into this dangerous situation made it impossible to stop reading.
I also loved the atmosphere of the story. The wealthy Manhattan setting mixed with secret societies, hidden agendas, and dangerous people gave everything this dark, addictive vibe. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something else happened.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book pulled me in so fast. The mix of mystery, secret societies, grief, and high-stakes chaos had me completely hooked from the beginning.
Razz is such an interesting character because underneath all the sarcasm and reckless choices, you can really feel how lost he is after everything he’s been through. Watching him get pulled deeper and deeper into this dangerous situation made it impossible to stop reading.
I also loved the atmosphere of the story. The wealthy Manhattan setting mixed with secret societies, hidden agendas, and dangerous people gave everything this dark, addictive vibe. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something else happened.
April 12, 2026
Must Read
You just have no idea where this book is going next. The best thing is it is wrapped up in a perfect i knew it towards the end.
You just have no idea where this book is going next. The best thing is it is wrapped up in a perfect i knew it towards the end.
April 21, 2026
This was my introduction to Debbie Baldwin’s writing, and I am officially hooked! It was such a page-turner and kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish. While there are several characters and intersecting storylines to keep track of at the beginning, don't let that deter you. Once the pieces start falling into place I literally could not put it down.
I loved Razz’s character so much! On the flip side, Baldwin crafts a villain you love to hate. And I’ve never loved hating a character more than I have Glick. I also loved the romantic side plot. It was the perfect addition, adding heart to the high-stakes suspense without overshadowing the mystery.
If you are looking for a murder mystery (with a hint of romance) that will keep you guessing until the very last page, The Architect of Deception is a must-read!
Thank you so much Get Red PR for the early copy of this book!
I loved Razz’s character so much! On the flip side, Baldwin crafts a villain you love to hate. And I’ve never loved hating a character more than I have Glick. I also loved the romantic side plot. It was the perfect addition, adding heart to the high-stakes suspense without overshadowing the mystery.
If you are looking for a murder mystery (with a hint of romance) that will keep you guessing until the very last page, The Architect of Deception is a must-read!
Thank you so much Get Red PR for the early copy of this book!
May 5, 2026
This book perfectly fits into both the mystery and thriller category. You will keep thinking you have the plot figured out and another twist will come. I can usually figure out the guilty party pretty quickly but this one actually kept me guessing.
Razz is among the wealthy in New York. He's 28, has an Ivy League Pedigree, and status. His brother's passing shatters him though. He can't seem to climb out of the depression and grief. He does have 2 best friends, Hatcher and Archie, that have been through a lot with him. It is Hatcher that receives the info about a secret society, Scepter & Scythe.
To get into Scepter & Scythe, Hatcher has to do something that could cost him his career for the initiation. Hatcher decides to not do it but Razz steps up to the plate. He has to execute the plan perfectly to be considered. That's where things go really wrong. He executes the plan but has no idea how someone ended up unalived.
The pacing of this book is fantastic. You won't want to put it down. Just be prepared for the twists and turns that will keep you on your toes until the end!
Razz is among the wealthy in New York. He's 28, has an Ivy League Pedigree, and status. His brother's passing shatters him though. He can't seem to climb out of the depression and grief. He does have 2 best friends, Hatcher and Archie, that have been through a lot with him. It is Hatcher that receives the info about a secret society, Scepter & Scythe.
To get into Scepter & Scythe, Hatcher has to do something that could cost him his career for the initiation. Hatcher decides to not do it but Razz steps up to the plate. He has to execute the plan perfectly to be considered. That's where things go really wrong. He executes the plan but has no idea how someone ended up unalived.
The pacing of this book is fantastic. You won't want to put it down. Just be prepared for the twists and turns that will keep you on your toes until the end!
May 29, 2026
There's a saying, "It's all fun and games." In this case, until someone ends up murdered and the cops are trying to frame you for it. Razz James has been living his life in a fog of grief and depression ever since the death of his twin brother six years ago. When one of his best friends receives an invitation to join a mysterious secret society, Razz takes it as a challenge to complete: solve the cryptic message, break into a billionaire's home, steal an object, then he's home free. Except said billionaire winds up dead and one police officer is dead set on pinning the murder on Razz. In the beginning, the pacing of this was really slow for me, but when the action hit, it got good. I'm telling you, I sat on my couch and inhaled this in a single day. For the life of me, I couldn't put my finger on who did this one. I just kept turning page after page because I had to know. Then all the twists kept coming and kept blowing me away. The cast of characters was all amazing and very well written. This was such a great ride.
September 19, 2026
i couldn't put it down. big fan of all of baldwins work and characters always.
May 25, 2026
I just finished this novel and I LOVED it. Debbie Baldwin masterfully leads the reader through a labyrinth of twists and turns. But there is more than just mystery and intrigue to keep the reader hooked. Baldwin creates believable characters (who the reader will both love and hate) through wonderful descriptions and witty dialogue. She knows how to set a scene and you truly feel like you are in the swanky high society of Manhattan. I enjoyed every page from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys mysteries, thrillers, and novels set in NYC!!
April 7, 2026
4.5/5 stars! Really good book! I loved the multiple mysteries going on at the same time. They get all twisted together and I was surprised with the outcomes. Enjoyed reading it!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy! This is my honest review.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy! This is my honest review.
August 20, 2026
The Architect of Deception by Debbie Baldwin is a mystery/thriller with tons of suspense, and an absolutely addicting storyline. I've never read a book by this author and I was absolutely blown out of the water! If you're looking for your next murder mystery that will have you endlessly flipping pages, I highly recommend this one!
August 20, 2026
If you only have time for one more summer thriller, make it this one! This is my first book by Debbie Baldwin and I don’t know why I haven’t read any before now. I was hooked and just couldn’t wait until I had time to read each day. Definitely recommend!
August 18, 2026
This was my first book by this author and won't be my last. At first, I didn't like the main character, but by the end I was very attached to Razz. This story was so full of twists and turns that really surprised me.
August 15, 2026
Wow! This book caught me right from the beginning. This has been the BEST crime book I have read all year, actually in a LONG time.
Who killed Apollo Peck? The list is actually quite long, so can they pin it down to just one person before Nemesis strikes again?
Who killed Apollo Peck? The list is actually quite long, so can they pin it down to just one person before Nemesis strikes again?
May 31, 2026
Loved this!!! So well written and fun!! Intellectual thriller
July 23, 2026
It pulled me in and I could not put it down! There were so many interesting twists. The best author I have read since Dan Brown. I liked trying to solve the murder while being on the edge of my seat. It took me to another world. I can’t wait for the next one!
July 31, 2026
Desperate times call for despair are measured. If you love struggling MMCs and trying to fight to stay afloat this is for you! I always love a good underdog story with a bit of darkness in it. Definitely mature warnings ahead of time.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 2, 2026
An ending I couldn’t see coming! This was so good!
This book has amazing character development, twists and turns and not one loose end! A true original and nonstop page-turner!
This book has amazing character development, twists and turns and not one loose end! A true original and nonstop page-turner!
July 1, 2026
I LOVED this. Some of the plot points were crazy but I didn’t even care because the characters were so much fun.
August 19, 2026
The Architect of Deception was an interesting read. However it was one I did enjoy, it was different for me. Not my usual cup of tea. Honestly the book’s cover is what convinced me to give it a chance. And I’m glad I did.
Who is the real villain of the story?
Apollo Peck, a billionaire that has no issue stepping on top of others to get what he wants.
Or is it the Edmoud Dantes obsessed mysterious character that’s pulling strings in an attempt to get revenge on Peck? That’s for you to decide. Just know our main character is stuck in the middle, by his own doing.
Razz hasn’t been the same since his twin passed. He has no desire to do anything. Of course when one has more money than they know what to do with, it doesn't give much motivation either. His friends try to get him to get a job giving different options and he always shoots them down. He is happy with his routine. Doing nothing, going to the local coffee shop to annoy & watch “his muffin” from a distance, and drinking himself stupid.
When one of his friends waves a secret society type envelope in front of him, it peaks his interest. Not that they believe it, because they end up throwing it into the trash. However, Razz takes it out. It’s a puzzle and one he’s determined to solve. One that also draws him to make an instant change in his life and lifestyle. As if giving him a whole new meaning to life.
When he figures out the riddle, with the help of Mia(his Muffin) and realizes Apollo Peck is the focus he’s even more intrigued. He also has no qualms of bringing him down, he’s never met him but he’s familiar with the destruction the follows him. It’s just a matter of how to get close enough to him to complete the task.
Does Razz succeed?
Do his friends realize he’s involved deep in something that they just tossed away?
The amount of intrigue this story creates for the reader, makes one not want to put the book down. It’s worth it, the author brings the reader a wonderful story that they will want to solve the puzzle just as much as Razz does.
Check it out, you’ll see.
Who is the real villain of the story?
Apollo Peck, a billionaire that has no issue stepping on top of others to get what he wants.
Or is it the Edmoud Dantes obsessed mysterious character that’s pulling strings in an attempt to get revenge on Peck? That’s for you to decide. Just know our main character is stuck in the middle, by his own doing.
Razz hasn’t been the same since his twin passed. He has no desire to do anything. Of course when one has more money than they know what to do with, it doesn't give much motivation either. His friends try to get him to get a job giving different options and he always shoots them down. He is happy with his routine. Doing nothing, going to the local coffee shop to annoy & watch “his muffin” from a distance, and drinking himself stupid.
When one of his friends waves a secret society type envelope in front of him, it peaks his interest. Not that they believe it, because they end up throwing it into the trash. However, Razz takes it out. It’s a puzzle and one he’s determined to solve. One that also draws him to make an instant change in his life and lifestyle. As if giving him a whole new meaning to life.
When he figures out the riddle, with the help of Mia(his Muffin) and realizes Apollo Peck is the focus he’s even more intrigued. He also has no qualms of bringing him down, he’s never met him but he’s familiar with the destruction the follows him. It’s just a matter of how to get close enough to him to complete the task.
Does Razz succeed?
Do his friends realize he’s involved deep in something that they just tossed away?
The amount of intrigue this story creates for the reader, makes one not want to put the book down. It’s worth it, the author brings the reader a wonderful story that they will want to solve the puzzle just as much as Razz does.
Check it out, you’ll see.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Debbie Baldwin did it again. Created a multilayered story that pulls you in. The characters are complex and unique in their own way. Needing to know what makes them tick and uncover their backstory. The book is laugh aloud funny and emotionally deep at the same time. The mystery behind the jewelry heists, the death of a prominent man, and what makes Razz a target seamlessly weaves together to make a gem of a read. I tore through this book, pages flying everywhere. The romance is steamy and will set you on fire. This is a must read!
Razz James is a twenty-eight-year-old who is still reeling from the death of his twin six years ago. He has lapsed into a bottomless pit of despair, depression, and anger. He cannot seem to pick himself up and become motivated again. Razz's two best friends, Archie and Hatch, have been trying to entice him into anything. Sponsoring an archaeological dig, shipwreck hunting, you name it they have tried it and nothing has worked. Until Hatch is asked to audition for the secret society, Scepter & Scythe. This immediately grabs Razz's attention and no one else thinks it is a good idea. Even though his friend throws the invitation away, Razz plucks it from a trashcan determined to break the codes. No one realizes this invitation could turn deadly. Good thing Razz has other distractions found at his local coffeehouse, who he lovingly calls Muffin. She wants to slap him and calls him Pig instead.
I was lucky enough to get an unbound copy of this terrific book. I have been dying to spread my recommendations high and low. Shout about this book from the rooftops. It is fun, fast, and you will not soon forget this incredible cast of characters. Thank you so much for my gifted copy and for having me take part in arc team. You and this book are incredible!
Razz James is a twenty-eight-year-old who is still reeling from the death of his twin six years ago. He has lapsed into a bottomless pit of despair, depression, and anger. He cannot seem to pick himself up and become motivated again. Razz's two best friends, Archie and Hatch, have been trying to entice him into anything. Sponsoring an archaeological dig, shipwreck hunting, you name it they have tried it and nothing has worked. Until Hatch is asked to audition for the secret society, Scepter & Scythe. This immediately grabs Razz's attention and no one else thinks it is a good idea. Even though his friend throws the invitation away, Razz plucks it from a trashcan determined to break the codes. No one realizes this invitation could turn deadly. Good thing Razz has other distractions found at his local coffeehouse, who he lovingly calls Muffin. She wants to slap him and calls him Pig instead.
I was lucky enough to get an unbound copy of this terrific book. I have been dying to spread my recommendations high and low. Shout about this book from the rooftops. It is fun, fast, and you will not soon forget this incredible cast of characters. Thank you so much for my gifted copy and for having me take part in arc team. You and this book are incredible!
July 28, 2026
Razz James was a promising young man with the world at his feet; he has a privileged life with his family name being one of the prominent and an Ivy league education but one night that all falls apart. Razz is devastated when his twin brother dies and his world is transformed into darkness.
Six years on and he is still surrounded by the darkness surviving not living and his friend Hatcher and Archie worried one day he will no longer be there for them and with them, until one night Hatcher gets an invitation which will change the path of their lives forever.
Scepter and Scythe is an exclusive secret Society and when the invite is issued the initiation Challenge is a task that Hatcher is not willing to risk but Razz decides it would be a great distraction, so when they start to tackle the challenge and find a way to execute the plan, they think they have created and acted out the most brilliant plan, until someone ends up dead.
This story is fast paced and full of thrills and spills as you weave through the book and discover more regarding the friends and the secret society. The characters are brilliant as a group but individually have their own issues and problems but strive in the end to uncover the boss of the society.
The beginning of the story sets the groundwork for the book, and this is brilliant to understand each of them and what drives them going forward, this story is driven by billionaire and corruption, with twists and turns along the way. I really enjoyed the story, and the end was a brilliant twist. Can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.
Six years on and he is still surrounded by the darkness surviving not living and his friend Hatcher and Archie worried one day he will no longer be there for them and with them, until one night Hatcher gets an invitation which will change the path of their lives forever.
Scepter and Scythe is an exclusive secret Society and when the invite is issued the initiation Challenge is a task that Hatcher is not willing to risk but Razz decides it would be a great distraction, so when they start to tackle the challenge and find a way to execute the plan, they think they have created and acted out the most brilliant plan, until someone ends up dead.
This story is fast paced and full of thrills and spills as you weave through the book and discover more regarding the friends and the secret society. The characters are brilliant as a group but individually have their own issues and problems but strive in the end to uncover the boss of the society.
The beginning of the story sets the groundwork for the book, and this is brilliant to understand each of them and what drives them going forward, this story is driven by billionaire and corruption, with twists and turns along the way. I really enjoyed the story, and the end was a brilliant twist. Can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.
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