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Colter Shaw
Deceptions
This large print edition features an easy-to-read larger type size while preserving the complete text of the original edition.
The New York Times bestselling author and master of suspense returns with a devious collection, featuring two never-before published stories in which fan favorites Colter Shaw, adapted for TV (CBS's Tracker, starring Justin Hartley), and Lincoln Rhyme are united by the layers of deception taking over New York City.
A murder at a crime writers' conference. The method is entirely literary, the motive seems obvious—but can the detective who was first on the scene puzzle out what needs reading between the lines?
A brilliant sleuth, obsessed with Sherlock Holmes's mysteries, turns his attention to a serial killer stalking the streets of New York City. But as his deductions bring him closer to his prey, he starts to wonder who is really doing the hunting.
A mysterious woman has gone into hiding and Colter Shaw is tasked with bringing her to a safe house. But with a hitman on his trails, the race toward safety takes on a whole new meaning.
A serial killer with a motive never before seen in the history of crime challenges Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs to rethink everything they know about the nature of evil—and the evidence its perpetrators leave at the scenes. No stranger to the cat-and-mouse chase or our favorite twists and turns, Jeffery Deaver brings his chops to Deceptions, where every story unearths trickery and the truths that lie buried deep under.
The New York Times bestselling author and master of suspense returns with a devious collection, featuring two never-before published stories in which fan favorites Colter Shaw, adapted for TV (CBS's Tracker, starring Justin Hartley), and Lincoln Rhyme are united by the layers of deception taking over New York City.
A murder at a crime writers' conference. The method is entirely literary, the motive seems obvious—but can the detective who was first on the scene puzzle out what needs reading between the lines?
A brilliant sleuth, obsessed with Sherlock Holmes's mysteries, turns his attention to a serial killer stalking the streets of New York City. But as his deductions bring him closer to his prey, he starts to wonder who is really doing the hunting.
A mysterious woman has gone into hiding and Colter Shaw is tasked with bringing her to a safe house. But with a hitman on his trails, the race toward safety takes on a whole new meaning.
A serial killer with a motive never before seen in the history of crime challenges Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs to rethink everything they know about the nature of evil—and the evidence its perpetrators leave at the scenes. No stranger to the cat-and-mouse chase or our favorite twists and turns, Jeffery Deaver brings his chops to Deceptions, where every story unearths trickery and the truths that lie buried deep under.
444 pages, Hardcover
Published August 26, 2026
About the author
Jeffery Deaver
570 books12.3k followers#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He's received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 24, 2026
Multiple well written stories for those familiar with this genre to relish.
August 12, 2026
Jeffery Deaver has built a career on keeping readers off balance, and Deceptions is a masterclass in exactly that. This electrifying collection of short stories showcases everything that has made Deaver one of the most respected names in crime fiction: razor-sharp plotting, ingenious misdirection, and endings that arrive like a punch to the jaw.
Featuring two of his most celebrated protagonists—reward-seeker Colter Shaw and criminalist Lincoln Rhyme alongside Amelia Sachs—the collection plunges readers into a series of investigations that range from ruthless contract killings and baffling locked-room mysteries to wrongful convictions, literary murders, and crimes that seem impossible to solve. Whether the action unfolds beneath the Atlantic Ocean, on the streets of New York City, or in the quiet corners of small-town America, Deaver never allows either his characters or his readers a moment of comfort.
What makes Deceptions so compelling is how effortlessly Deaver uses the short-story format to amplify tension. Every story is lean, fast, and expertly constructed, stripping away anything unnecessary and leaving only suspense, deduction, and relentless momentum. Just when a solution appears obvious, Deaver pulls the rug out from under the reader and reveals a deeper, darker truth hiding in plain sight.
I particularly enjoyed watching Shaw and Rhyme tackle cases that refuse to follow logical patterns. Shaw’s instincts and determination make for gripping pursuits, while Rhyme’s brilliant analytical mind once again proves why he remains one of the genre’s most fascinating investigators. Even beyond these familiar faces, Deaver populates the collection with memorable characters and intriguing sleuths who leave their mark despite the limited page count. There is enough character development and backstory throughout to satisfy longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Perhaps most tantalizing are the subtle hints dropped within the Shaw and Rhyme stories that suggest the possibility of these two worlds eventually colliding. The mere idea of Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme working the same case is enough to spark excitement for devoted Deaver readers, and those brief teases may prove to be among the collection’s most memorable moments.
For a book of short fiction, Deceptions leaves an impressively large footprint. Clever, suspenseful, and endlessly entertaining, it serves as both a celebration of Deaver’s greatest strengths and a reminder that few writers can manipulate expectations with such confidence. Every story contains a surprise, every investigation hides another layer, and every page reinforces why Jeffery Deaver remains one of the modern masters of crime fiction.
Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for a wonderful compilation of entertaining reads!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Featuring two of his most celebrated protagonists—reward-seeker Colter Shaw and criminalist Lincoln Rhyme alongside Amelia Sachs—the collection plunges readers into a series of investigations that range from ruthless contract killings and baffling locked-room mysteries to wrongful convictions, literary murders, and crimes that seem impossible to solve. Whether the action unfolds beneath the Atlantic Ocean, on the streets of New York City, or in the quiet corners of small-town America, Deaver never allows either his characters or his readers a moment of comfort.
What makes Deceptions so compelling is how effortlessly Deaver uses the short-story format to amplify tension. Every story is lean, fast, and expertly constructed, stripping away anything unnecessary and leaving only suspense, deduction, and relentless momentum. Just when a solution appears obvious, Deaver pulls the rug out from under the reader and reveals a deeper, darker truth hiding in plain sight.
I particularly enjoyed watching Shaw and Rhyme tackle cases that refuse to follow logical patterns. Shaw’s instincts and determination make for gripping pursuits, while Rhyme’s brilliant analytical mind once again proves why he remains one of the genre’s most fascinating investigators. Even beyond these familiar faces, Deaver populates the collection with memorable characters and intriguing sleuths who leave their mark despite the limited page count. There is enough character development and backstory throughout to satisfy longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Perhaps most tantalizing are the subtle hints dropped within the Shaw and Rhyme stories that suggest the possibility of these two worlds eventually colliding. The mere idea of Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme working the same case is enough to spark excitement for devoted Deaver readers, and those brief teases may prove to be among the collection’s most memorable moments.
For a book of short fiction, Deceptions leaves an impressively large footprint. Clever, suspenseful, and endlessly entertaining, it serves as both a celebration of Deaver’s greatest strengths and a reminder that few writers can manipulate expectations with such confidence. Every story contains a surprise, every investigation hides another layer, and every page reinforces why Jeffery Deaver remains one of the modern masters of crime fiction.
Kudos, Mr. Deaver, for a wonderful compilation of entertaining reads!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 6, 2026
4.25 stars
Deceptions is a collection of nine short mystery/thriller short stories. Some feature main characters from two of Deaver's popular series and the others are standalones with settings including New York City, Spain, Italy, and others. With almost every short story collection I've read, I liked some stories more than others. Three of my favorites are standalones, one with a serial killer in Italy with an unusual motive that aspiring authors may appreciate, another with a unique take on Sherlock Holmes, and one taking place at a writer's conference which has some fun Easter Eggs to some of Deaver's work.
If you're a fan of Deaver's forensics expert Lincoln Rhyme series and/or reward seeker Colter Shaw, there are two stories for each of them. I enjoyed "Forgotten" in which Colter helps get justice for a wrongly accused teen and "Where the Evidence Lies" in which Lincoln had to solve a crime through witness and suspect interviews instead of forensic evidence. The other two Rhyme and Colter stories are disappointing. At the end of each story, it seems like Colter and Rhyme are going to collaborate on a case, but the stories end before that happens. Maybe this is a hint at a book or story to come. Overall, I enjoyed the collection. The stories are fast-paced and even though they are short, they include Deaver's trademark suspense and plot twists.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Putnam Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Deceptions is a collection of nine short mystery/thriller short stories. Some feature main characters from two of Deaver's popular series and the others are standalones with settings including New York City, Spain, Italy, and others. With almost every short story collection I've read, I liked some stories more than others. Three of my favorites are standalones, one with a serial killer in Italy with an unusual motive that aspiring authors may appreciate, another with a unique take on Sherlock Holmes, and one taking place at a writer's conference which has some fun Easter Eggs to some of Deaver's work.
If you're a fan of Deaver's forensics expert Lincoln Rhyme series and/or reward seeker Colter Shaw, there are two stories for each of them. I enjoyed "Forgotten" in which Colter helps get justice for a wrongly accused teen and "Where the Evidence Lies" in which Lincoln had to solve a crime through witness and suspect interviews instead of forensic evidence. The other two Rhyme and Colter stories are disappointing. At the end of each story, it seems like Colter and Rhyme are going to collaborate on a case, but the stories end before that happens. Maybe this is a hint at a book or story to come. Overall, I enjoyed the collection. The stories are fast-paced and even though they are short, they include Deaver's trademark suspense and plot twists.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Putnam Books and NetGalley. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 27, 2026
I am a big Jeffery Deaver fan and as soon as I saw the library order this book, I went on the waiting list without bothering to read that this was a group of short stories. In general, I don't like to read short stories because I prefer character development and detailed plots in my books. However, these were pretty good for short stories. Each of the stories are about 30 pages. It didn't hurt at all that the first of nine stories was about Colter Shaw and the last story was too.
August 5, 2026
This was a fun collection of stories. I liked the Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme ones the best, they are such great characters! A couple of the others with random people surprised me when the bad guy was revealed, totally not what I expected.
November 2, 2026
If you are a fan of the Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme novels you will enjoy the stories containing those characters as well as the others. I've often thought of Deaver as an O. Henry style tale teller with surprising twists and turns so enjoyed working my way through these. Great pace, interesting characters and plot. Certainly 4 star worthy! One bit of weirdness, I had problems pulling this book up on Goodreads using author, title and ISBN#. Managed to access it with a bit of help from Deaver's publicist.
August 27, 2026
In theory, I normally like short stories, but... some just felt lacking.
September 6, 2026
Engagement/Enjoyment: 4/5
Plot/Structure: 4.5/5
Character Dev: 2/5 (Since short stories, not much in char dev to be expected)
Writing Style: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Recommend: 4/5
Plot/Structure: 4.5/5
Character Dev: 2/5 (Since short stories, not much in char dev to be expected)
Writing Style: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Recommend: 4/5
August 10, 2026
Jeffery Deaver has been the creative mind behind a number of successful series in his long and prolific career. Among the most popular are the ones starring forensic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme and reward seeker Colter Shaw.
Now Deaver brings us DECEPTIONS, a collection of short stories that allows him to show off the biting and clever storytelling prowess that has made him one of the world’s greatest thriller writers. Thankfully, we get to enjoy multiple appearances by Rhyme and his partner, Amelia Sachs, as well as a couple of adventures starring Colter.
Here are some of my favorite stories:
“The Bookkeeper”: In a departure from the territory he usually covers, Colter Shaw takes on a killer from the streets of Manhattan. An NYPD detective sees his involvement as a nuisance and wants to push him away as just another reward seeker. But Colter will prove his worth as the victim the authorities are dealing with is the same person he has been sent to find. Now, working alongside the police force, he will be put to the test against a killer called The Bookkeeper, and it may be his most dire case yet.
“The Deadliest Sense”: This story featuring wheelchair-bound investigative genius Lincoln Rhyme and Detective Amelia Sachs of the NYPD involves a serial killer who is on a wild murder spree that they must work to bring to an end as quickly as possible. The handful of recent deaths have been women, but finding a link among them initially proves to be difficult. When they eventually find the culprit, their evaluation of him following a very interesting interaction makes this one of the most unique cases of their careers.
“Hard to Get”: This is a straight-on espionage tale featuring Dr. Albert Lessing, a U.S. spy who is called upon to assist with a situation involving a Russian figure, and a curious group called the Cincinnati Network. Lessing has his hands full with an enemy who is indeed hard to get.
“Where the Evidence Lies”: In my favorite story of the collection, Rhyme and Sachs are called away from New York to offer insight into a case involving a small plane that crashed into the ocean within Puerto Rico territory and sank to the deepest part of the Atlantic. They are contacted by Preston Gilette, an agent who is asking the impossible from Rhyme --- to discover the reason the aircraft went down, even though he is unable to physically see any of the evidence that lies so deep below the waves that it cannot be reached. This one is a real treat with a huge twist at the end.
“Forgotten”: Colter Shaw is seeking to find evidence that may overturn the conviction of a young man accused of murdering a known drug dealer. His family believes strongly in his innocence, but the local police and media feel otherwise. Whether this was a justified homicide or a case of mistaken identity, Colter will go all out to learn the truth.
DECEPTIONS is full of edgy and interesting tales. Reading Jeffery Deaver in the short form was a fun ride, made that much more comfortable by the three faces we know and love.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Now Deaver brings us DECEPTIONS, a collection of short stories that allows him to show off the biting and clever storytelling prowess that has made him one of the world’s greatest thriller writers. Thankfully, we get to enjoy multiple appearances by Rhyme and his partner, Amelia Sachs, as well as a couple of adventures starring Colter.
Here are some of my favorite stories:
“The Bookkeeper”: In a departure from the territory he usually covers, Colter Shaw takes on a killer from the streets of Manhattan. An NYPD detective sees his involvement as a nuisance and wants to push him away as just another reward seeker. But Colter will prove his worth as the victim the authorities are dealing with is the same person he has been sent to find. Now, working alongside the police force, he will be put to the test against a killer called The Bookkeeper, and it may be his most dire case yet.
“The Deadliest Sense”: This story featuring wheelchair-bound investigative genius Lincoln Rhyme and Detective Amelia Sachs of the NYPD involves a serial killer who is on a wild murder spree that they must work to bring to an end as quickly as possible. The handful of recent deaths have been women, but finding a link among them initially proves to be difficult. When they eventually find the culprit, their evaluation of him following a very interesting interaction makes this one of the most unique cases of their careers.
“Hard to Get”: This is a straight-on espionage tale featuring Dr. Albert Lessing, a U.S. spy who is called upon to assist with a situation involving a Russian figure, and a curious group called the Cincinnati Network. Lessing has his hands full with an enemy who is indeed hard to get.
“Where the Evidence Lies”: In my favorite story of the collection, Rhyme and Sachs are called away from New York to offer insight into a case involving a small plane that crashed into the ocean within Puerto Rico territory and sank to the deepest part of the Atlantic. They are contacted by Preston Gilette, an agent who is asking the impossible from Rhyme --- to discover the reason the aircraft went down, even though he is unable to physically see any of the evidence that lies so deep below the waves that it cannot be reached. This one is a real treat with a huge twist at the end.
“Forgotten”: Colter Shaw is seeking to find evidence that may overturn the conviction of a young man accused of murdering a known drug dealer. His family believes strongly in his innocence, but the local police and media feel otherwise. Whether this was a justified homicide or a case of mistaken identity, Colter will go all out to learn the truth.
DECEPTIONS is full of edgy and interesting tales. Reading Jeffery Deaver in the short form was a fun ride, made that much more comfortable by the three faces we know and love.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
August 6, 2026
3 1/2 Stars
Best-selling author Jeffery Deaver has been the creative mind behind a number of successful recurring series in his lengthy career, the most popular being the novels featuring the brilliant Lincoln Rhyme as well as those with the master of claiming rewards for those who are missing that has recently been turned into the #1 series on commercial television, Tracker.
Deaver now brings us DECEPTIONS, a collection of short stories that allows him to show off the biting and clever storytelling prowess that has made him one of the worlds premier thriller writers. Thankfully, we get to enjoy multiple appearances by the beloved Lincoln Rhyme and his investigative partner Amelia Sachs as well as a couple of stories starring Colter Shaw.
These are some of my favorite stories from this collection:
• THE BOOKKEEPER – the first story stars Colter Shaw and places him in a landscape unlike the territory he usually covers, as well as being a new treat for his loyal readers, as he takes on a killer on the streets of Manhattan. A female Detective from the NYPD sees Colter’s involvement as a nuisance and wants to push him away as just another reward seeker. He will quickly prove his worth as the victim the police are dealing with is the very same person he was sent to find. Now, working alongside the police force, Colter will be put to the test against a killer called the Bookkeeper, and it may be the direst case for him yet.
• THE DEADLIEST SENSE – the first of two stories featuring wheelchair bound investigative genius Lincoln Rhyme and Detective Amelia Sachs of the NYPD involves a serial killer who is on a wild killing spree that they must work fast to bring to an end. The handful of recent deaths have each been women, but finding a link between them proves to be initially difficult. When they eventually find the killer, their evaluation of him following a very interesting interaction makes this one of the most unique cases of their careers.
• HARD TO GET – this is a straight-on espionage story featuring a Dr. Lessing, a U.S. spy who is called upon to assist with a situation involving a Russian figure named Rostikov. The story also introduces us to the curious group named the Cincinnati Network, a series of agents also involved in this situation. Lessing has his hands full with an enemy that is indeed hard to get.
• WHERE THE EVIDENCE LIES – my favorite story in this collection is the second to feature Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs. In this case, they are called away from NY to provide insight into a case involving a small plane that crashed into the ocean within Puerto Rico territory and sank to the deepest part of the deep Atlantic. They were contacted by an agent named Preston Gilette who is asking the impossible from Rhyme, discovering the reason why this plane went down when he was unable to physically see any of the evidence which lies so deep below the waves that it is impossible to reach. This one is a real treat with a great twist at the end.
• FORGOTTEN – the last story stars Colter Shaw and this time finds him seeking to find evidence that may overturn a wrongful conviction of a young man accused of murder. His family believes strongly in his innocence, but the local police and media all feel otherwise. The young man was arrested for killing a known drug dealer, and whether this was a justified killing or mistaken identity, Colter will go all out to find out the truth.
Reading Deaver in the short form was an interesting ride, made that much more comfortable by the familiar faces of Rhyme and Shaw, and DECEPTIONS provides some edgy and interesting tales.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Best-selling author Jeffery Deaver has been the creative mind behind a number of successful recurring series in his lengthy career, the most popular being the novels featuring the brilliant Lincoln Rhyme as well as those with the master of claiming rewards for those who are missing that has recently been turned into the #1 series on commercial television, Tracker.
Deaver now brings us DECEPTIONS, a collection of short stories that allows him to show off the biting and clever storytelling prowess that has made him one of the worlds premier thriller writers. Thankfully, we get to enjoy multiple appearances by the beloved Lincoln Rhyme and his investigative partner Amelia Sachs as well as a couple of stories starring Colter Shaw.
These are some of my favorite stories from this collection:
• THE BOOKKEEPER – the first story stars Colter Shaw and places him in a landscape unlike the territory he usually covers, as well as being a new treat for his loyal readers, as he takes on a killer on the streets of Manhattan. A female Detective from the NYPD sees Colter’s involvement as a nuisance and wants to push him away as just another reward seeker. He will quickly prove his worth as the victim the police are dealing with is the very same person he was sent to find. Now, working alongside the police force, Colter will be put to the test against a killer called the Bookkeeper, and it may be the direst case for him yet.
• THE DEADLIEST SENSE – the first of two stories featuring wheelchair bound investigative genius Lincoln Rhyme and Detective Amelia Sachs of the NYPD involves a serial killer who is on a wild killing spree that they must work fast to bring to an end. The handful of recent deaths have each been women, but finding a link between them proves to be initially difficult. When they eventually find the killer, their evaluation of him following a very interesting interaction makes this one of the most unique cases of their careers.
• HARD TO GET – this is a straight-on espionage story featuring a Dr. Lessing, a U.S. spy who is called upon to assist with a situation involving a Russian figure named Rostikov. The story also introduces us to the curious group named the Cincinnati Network, a series of agents also involved in this situation. Lessing has his hands full with an enemy that is indeed hard to get.
• WHERE THE EVIDENCE LIES – my favorite story in this collection is the second to feature Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs. In this case, they are called away from NY to provide insight into a case involving a small plane that crashed into the ocean within Puerto Rico territory and sank to the deepest part of the deep Atlantic. They were contacted by an agent named Preston Gilette who is asking the impossible from Rhyme, discovering the reason why this plane went down when he was unable to physically see any of the evidence which lies so deep below the waves that it is impossible to reach. This one is a real treat with a great twist at the end.
• FORGOTTEN – the last story stars Colter Shaw and this time finds him seeking to find evidence that may overturn a wrongful conviction of a young man accused of murder. His family believes strongly in his innocence, but the local police and media all feel otherwise. The young man was arrested for killing a known drug dealer, and whether this was a justified killing or mistaken identity, Colter will go all out to find out the truth.
Reading Deaver in the short form was an interesting ride, made that much more comfortable by the familiar faces of Rhyme and Shaw, and DECEPTIONS provides some edgy and interesting tales.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
August 4, 2026
A Collection of Intriguing Short Stories
This book is a collection of nine short stories. In the first, Colter Shaw must prove that a man’s son is innocent of murder. In Colter Shaw’s second short story, he must uncover a person’s identity and save her before an international killer finds out who she is and kills her. Lincoln Rhyme must determine whether a plane crash that sends the aircraft to the bottom of a trench 25,000 feet below the surface was an accident or a murder. This is his first case to solve without any forensic evidence. In Rhyme’s second case, he has to use a novel approach to catch a serial killer. In other short stories, a CIA analyst steps in on very short notice for a Clandestine Services operation. A detective providing security at a crime writers’ conference discovers and solves a real crime. A Mexican drug lord is assassinated, and the kill team is unsure whether he is just a rich philanthropist. A man has honed his deductive reasoning and is looking for a way to use it. Lastly, there is a serial killer who has a very unique method for selecting his victims.
Each of these short stories is about 30 pages in length. The beginning of each story provides most of the background on the main character. I felt the backgrounds were adequate for understanding the character. The stories were full of twists, turns, and issues that needed to be solved or that made things more difficult. Each one was easy to read. They captured and held my attention. Several have multiple narrators, but it was not confusing.
Potential aspects that could cause readers to stop reading are not prominent in this collection of short stories. There are no intimate scenes. As for violence, when it is described, it is brief, with minimal time spent on the action. As for objectionable language, compared with a standalone novel, the level appears average. Most readers should not have any issues reading this novel given this trifecta of potential distractions.
One issue that rubbed me the wrong way in this collection of short stories was that, in one of Colter Shaw's stories, the final nail in the antagonist's coffin was not driven home. The NYPD detective tells Shaw she is going to take him to a miracle worker. I anticipated a joint effort between Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme, but I did not get what I expected. As a result, a significant loose end I hoped would be tied up remained unresolved. I had to laugh at the ending of the CIA short story. The analyst’s response was believable.
Overall, each story, though a little thin due to its brevity, was an enjoyable read. A few left me completely shocked at the end. It wasn’t what I expected. I have read five of the author’s novels and two short stories. I have purchased nine others that now reside in my burgeoning “To Be Read” collection. I recommend reading this collection of short stories. I enjoyed reading them and rate the collection with four stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book of this novel from G.P. Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley. My review is based solely on my reading experience. Thank you, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
This book is a collection of nine short stories. In the first, Colter Shaw must prove that a man’s son is innocent of murder. In Colter Shaw’s second short story, he must uncover a person’s identity and save her before an international killer finds out who she is and kills her. Lincoln Rhyme must determine whether a plane crash that sends the aircraft to the bottom of a trench 25,000 feet below the surface was an accident or a murder. This is his first case to solve without any forensic evidence. In Rhyme’s second case, he has to use a novel approach to catch a serial killer. In other short stories, a CIA analyst steps in on very short notice for a Clandestine Services operation. A detective providing security at a crime writers’ conference discovers and solves a real crime. A Mexican drug lord is assassinated, and the kill team is unsure whether he is just a rich philanthropist. A man has honed his deductive reasoning and is looking for a way to use it. Lastly, there is a serial killer who has a very unique method for selecting his victims.
Each of these short stories is about 30 pages in length. The beginning of each story provides most of the background on the main character. I felt the backgrounds were adequate for understanding the character. The stories were full of twists, turns, and issues that needed to be solved or that made things more difficult. Each one was easy to read. They captured and held my attention. Several have multiple narrators, but it was not confusing.
Potential aspects that could cause readers to stop reading are not prominent in this collection of short stories. There are no intimate scenes. As for violence, when it is described, it is brief, with minimal time spent on the action. As for objectionable language, compared with a standalone novel, the level appears average. Most readers should not have any issues reading this novel given this trifecta of potential distractions.
One issue that rubbed me the wrong way in this collection of short stories was that, in one of Colter Shaw's stories, the final nail in the antagonist's coffin was not driven home. The NYPD detective tells Shaw she is going to take him to a miracle worker. I anticipated a joint effort between Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme, but I did not get what I expected. As a result, a significant loose end I hoped would be tied up remained unresolved. I had to laugh at the ending of the CIA short story. The analyst’s response was believable.
Overall, each story, though a little thin due to its brevity, was an enjoyable read. A few left me completely shocked at the end. It wasn’t what I expected. I have read five of the author’s novels and two short stories. I have purchased nine others that now reside in my burgeoning “To Be Read” collection. I recommend reading this collection of short stories. I enjoyed reading them and rate the collection with four stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book of this novel from G.P. Putnam’s Sons via NetGalley. My review is based solely on my reading experience. Thank you, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
August 15, 2026
Let's face it. How could Jeffery Deaver fans pass up the opportunity to read a book that includes two fan-favorite characters--Lincoln Rhyme and Colton Shaw--even if it is a book of short stories. Like so many others, I pass up short stories because I love to immerse myself in the story. Short stories don't offer that opportunity.
I loved, however, the chance to follow along as Lincoln and Colton experienced more cases developed by a plot mastermind--Mr. Deaver. What is interesting is that Deaver is able to create two very difference characters from different landscapes and backgrounds--one, a city dweller who is a master in forensics, and another, who grew up with a survivalist in the wilderness who utilizes lessons learned to make a living assisting people find loved ones/friends. Perhaps the fact that Mr Deaver grew up in a Chicago suburb helped with developing Lincoln Rhyme, and attending the University of Missouri--Columbia for college helped with Colter Shaw. Who would think that the two characters would ever meet but the 2 short stories at the end of the book hint that might happen? Not sure I see Lincoln Rhyme having much respect for a professional reward seeker like Colton! Time will tell.
Because I love a more fleshed out novel, the short stories intrigued me, but I wanted more. I felt like I was given a smackerel (as Winnie the Pooh would say) but left wanting. I enjoyed the stories with Colton and Lincoln as well as the ones with unfamiliar characters because of the author's talent for creating suspense and plot surprises. However, without my background knowledge for Mr. Deaver's novels to help with the new characters, I couldn't love them. That's my problem, not Mr. Deaver's.
What I did love was the opportunity to bring a little Rhyme and Shaw back into my life and I will be looking forward to reading more novels by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read the ARC of Deceptions.
I loved, however, the chance to follow along as Lincoln and Colton experienced more cases developed by a plot mastermind--Mr. Deaver. What is interesting is that Deaver is able to create two very difference characters from different landscapes and backgrounds--one, a city dweller who is a master in forensics, and another, who grew up with a survivalist in the wilderness who utilizes lessons learned to make a living assisting people find loved ones/friends. Perhaps the fact that Mr Deaver grew up in a Chicago suburb helped with developing Lincoln Rhyme, and attending the University of Missouri--Columbia for college helped with Colter Shaw. Who would think that the two characters would ever meet but the 2 short stories at the end of the book hint that might happen? Not sure I see Lincoln Rhyme having much respect for a professional reward seeker like Colton! Time will tell.
Because I love a more fleshed out novel, the short stories intrigued me, but I wanted more. I felt like I was given a smackerel (as Winnie the Pooh would say) but left wanting. I enjoyed the stories with Colton and Lincoln as well as the ones with unfamiliar characters because of the author's talent for creating suspense and plot surprises. However, without my background knowledge for Mr. Deaver's novels to help with the new characters, I couldn't love them. That's my problem, not Mr. Deaver's.
What I did love was the opportunity to bring a little Rhyme and Shaw back into my life and I will be looking forward to reading more novels by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read the ARC of Deceptions.
October 5, 2026
I love Jeffery Deaver and I've been reading his novels for decades, and he's still great. I believe his real strength is his short stories, though, which I find very clever. I started reading this collection and realized I've read most of them, but there are a few new stories here. I really like his series characters and they're represented here.
Deaver just has a way of surprising me, but he doesn't hide anything. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Deaver just has a way of surprising me, but he doesn't hide anything. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
November 2, 2026
I liked about half of the short stories. The other half were just ok. I
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Deceptions is a nice collection of short stories from Jeffery Deaver. There are some familiar faces - Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhymes - and some standalone stories. Deaver is the master of the twist so you can never be comfortable with what direction the story is going. The Adventure of the Laughing Fisherman is the perfect example of that - being inside the mind of a Sherlock Holmes fan. The pace and length of these stories make this a quick read.
Great stories from Deaver.
Great stories from Deaver.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With full knowledge that I sound like a broken record, I’ll again say I’m SO not a fan of short stories and will pass on them every time. Except, that is, when they’re written by a long-time favorite author; when that happens, I cannot NOT read them – and such is the case here. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that at least a couple of the stories here feature characters from series that made the author a favorite of mine in the first place, like Lincoln Rhyme and “Tracker” Colter Shaw.
There’s no way to review each and every story without giving away too much, of course (although I’ll mention there’s an interesting “connection” with a twist at the end the last one), so I’ll just offer up brief descriptions, to-wit:
Forgotten: (Colter Shaw): The father of a teenage boy convicted of killing a drug dealer offers missing-persons-finder Colter Shaw $2,600 to find proof his son is innocent.
Hard to Get: Analyst Dr. Albert Lessing, an analyst for a clandestine CIA agency, is asked to infiltrate another country and get himself recruited as a U.S. spy (with no official protection from the United States).
The Writers’ Conference: Jim Handle, a detective in the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Department, has been assigned to head up security at the local convention center – a place often considered a top terrorist target. This assignment sounds easy peasy – all the convention presenters and attendees are crime writers. Five of them are competing for the “Tombstone Award,” with the winner to be announced at a banquet. What could possibly go wrong?
An Acceptable Sacrifice: Trying to “take out” a bad guy who wants to “take out” a busload of tourists isn’t a bad thing. But what if the people planning to take him out have the wrong bad guy? This one’s a real zinger.
The Adventures of the Laughing Fisherman: Book character lover Paul Winslow is back with his former therapist because he’s lost his interest in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books. When the therapist suggests he put his powers of deduction to work in a real job, he decides he’ll try to deduce the identity of the “Upper East Side Slasher,” who’s killed at least three so far.
Where the Evidence Lies: Forensic analyst Lincoln Rhyme and his partner, Amelia Sachs, are in Miami for his forensic lecture when a plane crashes at Eastern Dade Airport there. A prominent businessman killed in the crash had some notable enemies, as did the pilot. Sabotage is suspected, but can Lincoln and Amelia prove it?
A Woman of Mystery: A killer is on a rampage, and he (or she) is now in Milan with his fifth victim lined up. All Detective Inspector Rinaldo Tosca knows at this point is that the “Sunday Killer” strikes on the last day of the week (or first, if you’re part of the roughly 55% of the world’s population that begin their week on Sunday, according to Timeandate.com). Tosca is at a loss for clues, until a woman comes to the office to say she has information – including the name of the next victim.
The Bookkeeper: Colter Shaw is trying to intercept a killer in the library of the New School for Social Thought in Greenwich Village when he finds a break-in, but no dead body – just a stolen laptop. The killer, Shaw says, is a hitman nicknamed “The Bookkeeper” paid to eliminate people who are opposed to democracy. Clues point in the direction of Russia, but real evidence is hard to pin down.
The Deadliest Sense: The final story returns to Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, who are trying to find a prolific killer who’s got an impeccable record for leaving no clues – no motive, no connections, no possible means of identification. As usual, Lincoln does what he does best – focus on the evidence. Even if they don’t solve this one, though, there’s another case on tap.
And that’s it. All very interesting, and I could have read the entire book in one day if life hadn’t intervened and I hadn’t answered a phone call from a friend I haven’t heard from in years. Anyway, it’s a fun read, and I heartily thank the publisher, by way of NetGalley, for allowing me to sample it in the form of a pre-release copy. Go read it for yourself – you won’t be sorry!
There’s no way to review each and every story without giving away too much, of course (although I’ll mention there’s an interesting “connection” with a twist at the end the last one), so I’ll just offer up brief descriptions, to-wit:
Forgotten: (Colter Shaw): The father of a teenage boy convicted of killing a drug dealer offers missing-persons-finder Colter Shaw $2,600 to find proof his son is innocent.
Hard to Get: Analyst Dr. Albert Lessing, an analyst for a clandestine CIA agency, is asked to infiltrate another country and get himself recruited as a U.S. spy (with no official protection from the United States).
The Writers’ Conference: Jim Handle, a detective in the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Department, has been assigned to head up security at the local convention center – a place often considered a top terrorist target. This assignment sounds easy peasy – all the convention presenters and attendees are crime writers. Five of them are competing for the “Tombstone Award,” with the winner to be announced at a banquet. What could possibly go wrong?
An Acceptable Sacrifice: Trying to “take out” a bad guy who wants to “take out” a busload of tourists isn’t a bad thing. But what if the people planning to take him out have the wrong bad guy? This one’s a real zinger.
The Adventures of the Laughing Fisherman: Book character lover Paul Winslow is back with his former therapist because he’s lost his interest in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books. When the therapist suggests he put his powers of deduction to work in a real job, he decides he’ll try to deduce the identity of the “Upper East Side Slasher,” who’s killed at least three so far.
Where the Evidence Lies: Forensic analyst Lincoln Rhyme and his partner, Amelia Sachs, are in Miami for his forensic lecture when a plane crashes at Eastern Dade Airport there. A prominent businessman killed in the crash had some notable enemies, as did the pilot. Sabotage is suspected, but can Lincoln and Amelia prove it?
A Woman of Mystery: A killer is on a rampage, and he (or she) is now in Milan with his fifth victim lined up. All Detective Inspector Rinaldo Tosca knows at this point is that the “Sunday Killer” strikes on the last day of the week (or first, if you’re part of the roughly 55% of the world’s population that begin their week on Sunday, according to Timeandate.com). Tosca is at a loss for clues, until a woman comes to the office to say she has information – including the name of the next victim.
The Bookkeeper: Colter Shaw is trying to intercept a killer in the library of the New School for Social Thought in Greenwich Village when he finds a break-in, but no dead body – just a stolen laptop. The killer, Shaw says, is a hitman nicknamed “The Bookkeeper” paid to eliminate people who are opposed to democracy. Clues point in the direction of Russia, but real evidence is hard to pin down.
The Deadliest Sense: The final story returns to Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, who are trying to find a prolific killer who’s got an impeccable record for leaving no clues – no motive, no connections, no possible means of identification. As usual, Lincoln does what he does best – focus on the evidence. Even if they don’t solve this one, though, there’s another case on tap.
And that’s it. All very interesting, and I could have read the entire book in one day if life hadn’t intervened and I hadn’t answered a phone call from a friend I haven’t heard from in years. Anyway, it’s a fun read, and I heartily thank the publisher, by way of NetGalley, for allowing me to sample it in the form of a pre-release copy. Go read it for yourself – you won’t be sorry!
October 24, 2026
Thanks to Putnam | G P Putnam's sons and Netgalley for this eARC.
Jeffery Deaver has long built his reputation on misdirection, intricate plotting, and endings that force readers to rethink everything they assumed. In Deceptions, a collection of short stories featuring both standalone mysteries and appearances by fan-favorite characters Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme, he distills those strengths into magic.
What makes this collection particularly satisfying is its understanding of the short-story format. Unlike a novel, which has room for extensive character development and layered world-building, these stories operate with precision. Deaver wastes very little space. Each narrative begins with a compelling premise, establishes a mystery, and then quietly starts shifting the ground beneath the reader's feet. By the time the final pages arrive, the solution is often less about uncovering a hidden clue than recognizing how cleverly one's expectations have been manipulated.
The collection's unifying theme is exactly what its title promises: deception. Nearly every story explores the gap between appearance and reality. Characters misunderstand motives, investigators pursue false assumptions, and readers are encouraged to draw conclusions that later prove incomplete. Rather than relying on cheap surprises, Deaver demonstrates why he remains one of crime fiction's most reliable architects of suspense. The twists work because they grow naturally from the narrative rather than being imposed upon it.
Fans of Deaver's recurring protagonists will appreciate the inclusion of Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme stories. These entries showcase the qualities that made the characters successful in their respective series while also benefiting from the tighter pacing demanded by shorter fiction. Yet newcomers need not worry. The collection is accessible enough that prior familiarity with Deaver's novels is not required.
One of the book's greatest strengths is variety. Settings, investigative approaches, and narrative voices shift from story to story, preventing the collection from feeling repetitive. Some tales lean heavily into classic detective fiction, while others embrace psychological suspense or cat-and-mouse thrillers. This variety keeps the reader engaged and highlights Deaver's versatility as a storyteller.
If there is a limitation, it lies in the nature of short fiction itself. A few stories feel so intriguing that readers may wish they had been expanded into full-length novels. The emotional investment can be more fleeting than in Deaver's longer works, and not every twist lands with equal force. As with most collections, certain stories inevitably stand above others.
Still, Deceptions succeeds because it delivers exactly what Deaver's readers seek: intellectual puzzles, escalating tension, and endings that reward careful attention. It is less a collection of mysteries than a showcase of narrative sleight of hand from a writer who understands the pleasure of being fooled, provided the trick is fair.
For longtime Deaver fans, Deceptions is a reminder of how effective he can be when working in a compressed form. For newcomers, it serves as an excellent introduction to a writer whose greatest talent is convincing readers they know the truth just before revealing that they never did.
Jeffery Deaver has long built his reputation on misdirection, intricate plotting, and endings that force readers to rethink everything they assumed. In Deceptions, a collection of short stories featuring both standalone mysteries and appearances by fan-favorite characters Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme, he distills those strengths into magic.
What makes this collection particularly satisfying is its understanding of the short-story format. Unlike a novel, which has room for extensive character development and layered world-building, these stories operate with precision. Deaver wastes very little space. Each narrative begins with a compelling premise, establishes a mystery, and then quietly starts shifting the ground beneath the reader's feet. By the time the final pages arrive, the solution is often less about uncovering a hidden clue than recognizing how cleverly one's expectations have been manipulated.
The collection's unifying theme is exactly what its title promises: deception. Nearly every story explores the gap between appearance and reality. Characters misunderstand motives, investigators pursue false assumptions, and readers are encouraged to draw conclusions that later prove incomplete. Rather than relying on cheap surprises, Deaver demonstrates why he remains one of crime fiction's most reliable architects of suspense. The twists work because they grow naturally from the narrative rather than being imposed upon it.
Fans of Deaver's recurring protagonists will appreciate the inclusion of Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhyme stories. These entries showcase the qualities that made the characters successful in their respective series while also benefiting from the tighter pacing demanded by shorter fiction. Yet newcomers need not worry. The collection is accessible enough that prior familiarity with Deaver's novels is not required.
One of the book's greatest strengths is variety. Settings, investigative approaches, and narrative voices shift from story to story, preventing the collection from feeling repetitive. Some tales lean heavily into classic detective fiction, while others embrace psychological suspense or cat-and-mouse thrillers. This variety keeps the reader engaged and highlights Deaver's versatility as a storyteller.
If there is a limitation, it lies in the nature of short fiction itself. A few stories feel so intriguing that readers may wish they had been expanded into full-length novels. The emotional investment can be more fleeting than in Deaver's longer works, and not every twist lands with equal force. As with most collections, certain stories inevitably stand above others.
Still, Deceptions succeeds because it delivers exactly what Deaver's readers seek: intellectual puzzles, escalating tension, and endings that reward careful attention. It is less a collection of mysteries than a showcase of narrative sleight of hand from a writer who understands the pleasure of being fooled, provided the trick is fair.
For longtime Deaver fans, Deceptions is a reminder of how effective he can be when working in a compressed form. For newcomers, it serves as an excellent introduction to a writer whose greatest talent is convincing readers they know the truth just before revealing that they never did.
August 27, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of Deceptions by Jeffery Deaver, and I have to admit that when I first got it, I was expecting something a little different. Since Colter Shaw is one of my favorite characters, and I’ve recently started getting into Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme books, I thought this might be some kind of crossover between the two.
While I didn't quite get the crossover I was expecting, Deceptions turned out to be a collection of nine short stories featuring both familiar characters and several standalone stories. There are two stories featuring Colter Shaw, two featuring Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, and the rest introduce different characters and situations. Each story revolves, in one way or another, around deception, mystery, and the unexpected twists Deaver is known for.
Without giving anything away, the Shaw and Rhyme stories were definitely the highlights for me. I especially enjoyed getting more time with Colter Shaw, and since I'm just beginning my journey with the Lincoln Rhyme series, the Rhyme stories were a fun introduction to those characters as well. Deaver does a great job of creating tension and keeping you guessing, even within the shorter format.
The standalone stories were a bit more hit-or-miss for me. Some were really interesting and had the twists and suspense I was looking for, while others didn't grab me quite as much. That's probably the nature of a short-story collection—you’re inevitably going to connect with some stories more than others.
One thing I did appreciate is that these stories make for a quick and easy read. You can pick one up when you only have a little time and still get a complete mystery or thriller without committing to an entire novel. At the same time, there were a few stories where I found myself wishing Deaver had given the characters and ideas more room to develop.
Overall, Deceptions was an enjoyable collection and a great opportunity to spend some time with two characters I’m becoming a fan of. While it wasn't the Colter Shaw/Lincoln Rhyme crossover I initially thought it might be, I still had a good time with it. The Shaw and Rhyme stories alone made the collection worthwhile for me, and the other stories provided some interesting variety.
If you're already a fan of Jeffery Deaver, Colter Shaw, or Lincoln Rhyme, this is a fun addition to the author's work. And if you're new to either character, it might even give you a reason to go back and check out their respective series.
Overall Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
While I didn't quite get the crossover I was expecting, Deceptions turned out to be a collection of nine short stories featuring both familiar characters and several standalone stories. There are two stories featuring Colter Shaw, two featuring Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs, and the rest introduce different characters and situations. Each story revolves, in one way or another, around deception, mystery, and the unexpected twists Deaver is known for.
Without giving anything away, the Shaw and Rhyme stories were definitely the highlights for me. I especially enjoyed getting more time with Colter Shaw, and since I'm just beginning my journey with the Lincoln Rhyme series, the Rhyme stories were a fun introduction to those characters as well. Deaver does a great job of creating tension and keeping you guessing, even within the shorter format.
The standalone stories were a bit more hit-or-miss for me. Some were really interesting and had the twists and suspense I was looking for, while others didn't grab me quite as much. That's probably the nature of a short-story collection—you’re inevitably going to connect with some stories more than others.
One thing I did appreciate is that these stories make for a quick and easy read. You can pick one up when you only have a little time and still get a complete mystery or thriller without committing to an entire novel. At the same time, there were a few stories where I found myself wishing Deaver had given the characters and ideas more room to develop.
Overall, Deceptions was an enjoyable collection and a great opportunity to spend some time with two characters I’m becoming a fan of. While it wasn't the Colter Shaw/Lincoln Rhyme crossover I initially thought it might be, I still had a good time with it. The Shaw and Rhyme stories alone made the collection worthwhile for me, and the other stories provided some interesting variety.
If you're already a fan of Jeffery Deaver, Colter Shaw, or Lincoln Rhyme, this is a fun addition to the author's work. And if you're new to either character, it might even give you a reason to go back and check out their respective series.
Overall Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jeffrey Deaver's Deceptions (Penguin 2026) is a collection of stories written by one of my favorite authors. I'm not a story-reading person, but this promised to provide a story where Deaver's two blockbuster characters, Lincoln Rhymes and Colter Shaw combine their talents to solve a mystery. I couldn't grab it fast enough. Before I give the spoiler on that: All of the stories were good with interesting characters, quick-moving plots, and often with mysterious twists as Deaver is prone to do. Some were dark, most not, and easily earned 4/5 ratings. One of my favorites not centered around these phenomenal characters was The Adventure of the Laughing Fisherman. This is a loose take-off on Sherlock Holmes, but it goes in an unexpected direction, one I'm not sure Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may have liked. A rare few focused on the two characters who inspired me to choose the collection. Those, definitely 5/5.
Now for the spoiler: The story that involves Shaw and Rhymes doesn't really, until its last line. Then, I'm left hanging on quite a ledge. I can only assume Deaver is setting us up for the next book in his series. Or, my copy of the book didn't come through right, missing the end of the story. Personally. I can’t wait though seriously disappointed to be led astray. Why 4/5? This is based on the majority of the stories that were non-Rhymes-Shaw stories. And, maybe, my failed expectations
Now for the spoiler: The story that involves Shaw and Rhymes doesn't really, until its last line. Then, I'm left hanging on quite a ledge. I can only assume Deaver is setting us up for the next book in his series. Or, my copy of the book didn't come through right, missing the end of the story. Personally. I can’t wait though seriously disappointed to be led astray. Why 4/5? This is based on the majority of the stories that were non-Rhymes-Shaw stories. And, maybe, my failed expectations
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jeffery Deaver delivers yet another amazing book. Deaver proves himself yet again to be a consistently captivating author who truly never disappoints. This collection, featuring never before published stories from fan-favorite characters Colter Shaw and Lincoln Rhymes, is an unmissable treat for long-time readers or new readers.
The short length contributes to the relentless pace; at around 220 pages long, I devoured this book in a single day. It could’ve easily been finished in one sitting if I hadn’t had company. The expertly woven narrative and constant tension successfully maintained my interest and kept me guessing from the very first page to the final conclusion, making it a true page-turner.
I loved the intense crime suspense of this book, and I enthusiastically and wholeheartedly recommend this book to any fan of the thriller genre, especially fans of Jeffery Deaver. This is a triumph of the psychological thriller genre. It's a true five-star experience, leaving the reader breathless with its taut and suspenseful narrative. It's absolutely a 5 stars read from me.
The short length contributes to the relentless pace; at around 220 pages long, I devoured this book in a single day. It could’ve easily been finished in one sitting if I hadn’t had company. The expertly woven narrative and constant tension successfully maintained my interest and kept me guessing from the very first page to the final conclusion, making it a true page-turner.
I loved the intense crime suspense of this book, and I enthusiastically and wholeheartedly recommend this book to any fan of the thriller genre, especially fans of Jeffery Deaver. This is a triumph of the psychological thriller genre. It's a true five-star experience, leaving the reader breathless with its taut and suspenseful narrative. It's absolutely a 5 stars read from me.
August 5, 2026
Deception by Jeffrey Deaver is a collection of short stories, all based on deceptions. Several were Colter Shaw, one was Lincoln Rhymes, and several more unrelated. It was an entertaining read with interesting characters who were smarter than their enemies. There was a particular one in which a civilian was recruited to be a spy for a particular operation and discovered he was not made for it and walked away when it was done. Difficult at best. Another was about eliminating the head of a cartel, but as one read, it was difficult to decide if he was the man they thought he was. Even one of the assassins had serious doubts.
Deaver writes a good character. This is not new news. He also has a mind for plots and these very divergent short stories prove that if one had any questions. It was an engaging afternoon for one who normally doesn’t love short stories.
I was invited to read Deception by Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Ntgalley #Putnam #JeffreyDeaver #Deception
Deaver writes a good character. This is not new news. He also has a mind for plots and these very divergent short stories prove that if one had any questions. It was an engaging afternoon for one who normally doesn’t love short stories.
I was invited to read Deception by Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Ntgalley #Putnam #JeffreyDeaver #Deception
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Deceptions is a collection of short stories by Jeffery Deaver. In the collection are two Colter Shaw stories and two Lincoln Rhyme stories. There are also a couple of other short stories. Each different from one another and all playing on the title of the book with deception playing a major role in each story. Once this is realized one starts trying to figure out where the deceit is occurring in the story. No story truly stands out above all the rest, but two stories appear to end on a collision course with each other. Hopefully that will come to fruition in a future novel.
Deaver has a great way of weaving together a mystery, but some of the stories feel a bit rushed and lacking. Would have liked to have seen some of them flushed out a little bit more. Overall a great collection of stories and I will continue to read Jeffery Deaver novels in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
#NetGalley #Deceptions
Deaver has a great way of weaving together a mystery, but some of the stories feel a bit rushed and lacking. Would have liked to have seen some of them flushed out a little bit more. Overall a great collection of stories and I will continue to read Jeffery Deaver novels in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
#NetGalley #Deceptions
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Deceptions is an enjoyable collection of short stories with mystery and intrigue at its core. The overall theme is exactly what the title promises: deception. The protagonists are familiar faces - reward seeker Colter Shaw and forensic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme. As the description notes, most of these stories have already been published, with two new ones included for longtime fans of Jeffery Deaver.
Every story here is fast-paced and engaging, and honestly, it whetted my appetite more than I expected. It reminded me that I’ve only read a handful of the Colter Shaw books, so I’m now itching to catch up on the rest of the series. And since Lincoln Rhyme has such a long-running series of his own, getting to meet him in this collection was a real treat. Now I am certain that I want to binge through the Rhyme books in the very near future.
Many thanks to G. P. Putnam and Sons and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Every story here is fast-paced and engaging, and honestly, it whetted my appetite more than I expected. It reminded me that I’ve only read a handful of the Colter Shaw books, so I’m now itching to catch up on the rest of the series. And since Lincoln Rhyme has such a long-running series of his own, getting to meet him in this collection was a real treat. Now I am certain that I want to binge through the Rhyme books in the very near future.
Many thanks to G. P. Putnam and Sons and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I picked this up because two of the short stories feature Colter Shaw, and he’s one of my favorite characters by Jeffery Deaver. Those stories ended up being my favorites in the collection.
Since this is a book of short stories, I liked some more than others. They all had mystery and suspense, but a few stood out more than the rest. I liked that each story was different, and there were some fun twists throughout.
The only downside is that, because they’re so short, some stories felt like they ended too fast. A couple of them had really interesting ideas that I wish had been full-length books.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read. If you’re already a fan of Jeffery Deaver, especially Colter Shaw or Lincoln Rhyme, I think you’ll enjoy this collection.
I picked this up because two of the short stories feature Colter Shaw, and he’s one of my favorite characters by Jeffery Deaver. Those stories ended up being my favorites in the collection.
Since this is a book of short stories, I liked some more than others. They all had mystery and suspense, but a few stood out more than the rest. I liked that each story was different, and there were some fun twists throughout.
The only downside is that, because they’re so short, some stories felt like they ended too fast. A couple of them had really interesting ideas that I wish had been full-length books.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read. If you’re already a fan of Jeffery Deaver, especially Colter Shaw or Lincoln Rhyme, I think you’ll enjoy this collection.
August 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.
THIS is an amazing book!! I didn't "get" it at first, but when I got into it, it was hard to put down. There are 8 or 9 stories by this talented author, creator of so many beloved characters, and every one is a gem.
Those of you who enjoy Tracker on TV, there are TWO Colton Shaw stories, fans of Lincoln Rhyme also get two stories (and at the end of the second one, he and Shaw are about to meet!). The remaining stories are stand-alones, but each is different and guaranteed to keep you reading.
I have really liked Jeffery Deaver's writing for a long time and was surprised to see in the credits for Tracker that it was based on stories by him, because I had never run across one. Well, now I have, and will be looking for more!!
READ, ENJOY - this is a keeper!
THIS is an amazing book!! I didn't "get" it at first, but when I got into it, it was hard to put down. There are 8 or 9 stories by this talented author, creator of so many beloved characters, and every one is a gem.
Those of you who enjoy Tracker on TV, there are TWO Colton Shaw stories, fans of Lincoln Rhyme also get two stories (and at the end of the second one, he and Shaw are about to meet!). The remaining stories are stand-alones, but each is different and guaranteed to keep you reading.
I have really liked Jeffery Deaver's writing for a long time and was surprised to see in the credits for Tracker that it was based on stories by him, because I had never run across one. Well, now I have, and will be looking for more!!
READ, ENJOY - this is a keeper!
September 10, 2026
I'm a fan of Jeffery Deaver. I like his writing style, and I enjoy his characters in the Colter Shaw series (which is what I've read from Mr. Deaver). Deceptions is a collection of short stories, two of which are Colter Shaw shorts and two are Lincoln Rhyme stories. All of the short stories included here are interesting and have a nifty twist. Not all of them have a "good guy" winning in that twist. The stories move quickly and are great to read a bit and then come back to later. I think Mr. Deaver has done a fine job of finding a way to collect some ideas that may not have been able to stretch out into a full length novel, but were too good to just leave in a stack on his desk. This is like a box of candy for readers of crime fiction. The sugar rush doesn't last long, but it's sure enjoyable as it goes down.
October 16, 2026
finished 16th october 2026 good read three stars i liked it no less no more kindle library loaner have read other stories from deaver jeffrey and ave enjoyed those, as well. entertaining stories short maybe ten of them but wasn't counting and i could be off and likely am. and since the last story i read the writer included some of her politics in an afterword or biographical sketch or whatever the label might be and since that is ALWAYS A FUCKING DRAG like, what? you think i want to fucking hear your political views? shaddup! deaver does not do that though there's not a doubt in my mind that there are some readers, some where, that believe he's the worst when it comes to that, suffering little fools that they are. meh. i need another story to read...the one i down-loaded i'd already read that's what i get for not checking.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Deceptions was a riveting collection of short stories featuring some familiar characters. Each short story collection was well-written, intriguing, and suspenseful. I only knew Colter Shaw beforehand, so the stories featuring him were my favorite. I haven’t read the Lincoln Rhymes series yet, but the short story had me hooked, so I’ll be checking the series out soon.
Overall, if you are a fan of Jeffery Deaver’s work or his fan-favorite characters, this book is a great selection of thrilling reads.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
Overall, if you are a fan of Jeffery Deaver’s work or his fan-favorite characters, this book is a great selection of thrilling reads.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I'm a long, long time fan of Jefferey Deaver (ever since I read The Bone Collector in 1997) but I must admit I haven't read any of his Colter Shaw books to date.
It was nice to read some short stories with Colter as the main character and maybe I will pick up one of the other titles with him as main character.
All stories in Deceptions lean more to the 'mystery' than the 'thriller' side and it was overall a quick read. I liked some stories more than others, which is not unusual when reading a book with short stories, but what I liked is that most of the stories felt like a whole novel but only a little condensed. There was a lot going on. The three stars are because somehow, after reading the whole book, it was difficult to remember a lot of details. It was all very cleverly thought of, and well-written, but not the kind of book you may remember in detail (years) later.
Thanks to Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for this review copy.
It was nice to read some short stories with Colter as the main character and maybe I will pick up one of the other titles with him as main character.
All stories in Deceptions lean more to the 'mystery' than the 'thriller' side and it was overall a quick read. I liked some stories more than others, which is not unusual when reading a book with short stories, but what I liked is that most of the stories felt like a whole novel but only a little condensed. There was a lot going on. The three stars are because somehow, after reading the whole book, it was difficult to remember a lot of details. It was all very cleverly thought of, and well-written, but not the kind of book you may remember in detail (years) later.
Thanks to Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for this review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Writing a short story is an entirely different thing than a novel, and they are difficult to craft. So much needs to be done to create the setting, the characters and the story in a very condensed format. Ultimately, I think that you must read his novels with Rhyme and Shaw to get the character development that seems to be missing in this collection of short stories.
I picked up this book because of Mr. Deaver’s excellent novels and looked forward to reading the ones with Lincoln Rhyme in particular. I liked some of the stories more than others. The endings were fast and abrupt. This book of short stories was good, but I think that I will stick to reading Mr. Deaver’s novels instead.
I picked up this book because of Mr. Deaver’s excellent novels and looked forward to reading the ones with Lincoln Rhyme in particular. I liked some of the stories more than others. The endings were fast and abrupt. This book of short stories was good, but I think that I will stick to reading Mr. Deaver’s novels instead.
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