What do you think?
Everyone's Pawn
Who do you trust when playing a game no one can afford to lose?
First he’s dumped, then his vacation ends with a scare, now Zeke Wilson is trapped in a charade he wants no part of. Can he turn the tables on whoever is behind this? After a chance encounter with someone from his past, he’s hopeful he can.
Detective Max Cisco has been on alert since first meeting the two special agents. His mission is supposed to be straightforward, but takes an odd turn. Now, he’s questioning his own instincts.
In a case with such high stakes, neither Cisco nor Wilson realize their roles until it’s too late. Will its outcome surprise more than just the two of them?
First he’s dumped, then his vacation ends with a scare, now Zeke Wilson is trapped in a charade he wants no part of. Can he turn the tables on whoever is behind this? After a chance encounter with someone from his past, he’s hopeful he can.
Detective Max Cisco has been on alert since first meeting the two special agents. His mission is supposed to be straightforward, but takes an odd turn. Now, he’s questioning his own instincts.
In a case with such high stakes, neither Cisco nor Wilson realize their roles until it’s too late. Will its outcome surprise more than just the two of them?
ebook
Published August 11, 2026
About the author
Suzan Denoncourt
3 books20 followersBefore becoming a psychological thriller & crime fiction author, Suzan Denoncourt built a career as a business executive immersed in high-stakes decision-making, complex power dynamics, and the quiet consequences of choices made behind closed doors. That world, where appearances often mask deeper truths, continues to shape the stories she writes today.
Her character-driven novels explore the questions that most compel her: what people hide to survive, what silence costs, and what happens when the truth finally demands to be seen. Designed to pull readers into a slow-burn unraveling, where every revelation carries consequences, her stories boast layered investigations, fractured memories and moral gray areas where right and wrong are rarely clear.
About the stand-alone interconnected Cisco series:
Detective Max Cisco is the common thread throughout, but never the central figure. Weaving his investigation - and his humanity - into the broader plot heightens the level of intrigue and gives voice to experiences too often left unspoken.
More novels in the series are forthcoming, each continuing the exploration of survival, deception, and the irreversible power of the truth.
Her character-driven novels explore the questions that most compel her: what people hide to survive, what silence costs, and what happens when the truth finally demands to be seen. Designed to pull readers into a slow-burn unraveling, where every revelation carries consequences, her stories boast layered investigations, fractured memories and moral gray areas where right and wrong are rarely clear.
About the stand-alone interconnected Cisco series:
Detective Max Cisco is the common thread throughout, but never the central figure. Weaving his investigation - and his humanity - into the broader plot heightens the level of intrigue and gives voice to experiences too often left unspoken.
More novels in the series are forthcoming, each continuing the exploration of survival, deception, and the irreversible power of the truth.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 4, 2026
♟️ I have loved every book in Suzan Denoncourt's Cisco Series, but I can confidently say Everyone's Pawn is my favorite yet.
♟️One of the things I admire most about Suzan, both as an author and as a person, is her willingness to tackle difficult subjects with purpose. She writes these stories to spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and encourage readers to ask themselves difficult questions. Each book leaves me reflecting long after I've finished.
♟️Detective Cisco continues to be one of my favorite protagonists. He has an unwavering sense of integrity while also recognizing that people and situations are rarely as simple as they first appear. This story gave us even more of his personal life, and watching him balance his work with being such a devoted family man only made me love his character more. (Green flags all around!) I also adored spending more time with the DVU team, getting to know Theo, and the introduction of a female FBI agent was a refreshing addition.
♟️ From the very first chapter, the title tells you not to trust anyone... and somehow Suzan still manages to make you question every assumption you have. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another perspective or piece of information completely changed the picture. Her ability to weave multiple POVs together and reveal the truth at exactly the right moment continues to amaze me.
🤍 As always, the difficult topics are handled with incredible care. I never know what Suzan is going to throw at me, but I trust her completely as an author. I always make it to the final page unscathed... but never unchanged.
🧐 And that final tease for the next book? Let's just say I'll be counting down until I can get my hands on it.
🙏 Suzan, please keep writing exactly these kinds of stories. They're compelling, important, and I'll be first in line to read every one.
July 21, 2026
I was lucky enough to beta read this novel and after seeing the changes, I love it even more! Suzan is an auto read/buy author for me because I love the way her layered story telling just sucks me in. The plot is always twisting in ways that make sense and I love that in the thriller genre! (Nothing makes me want to throw a book like a left field character coming out to be the bad guy when it doesn’t add up.)
The plot of this one was especially interesting because of the scope and the way the special agents were brought in. I love the “was it inside job?” trope.
Cisco’s character has depth and each book we get to know him more, which is so fun. The cases he works are compelling and I usually read them in one sitting because they are so good. Fast paced and keeps you guessing - I need more!
The plot of this one was especially interesting because of the scope and the way the special agents were brought in. I love the “was it inside job?” trope.
Cisco’s character has depth and each book we get to know him more, which is so fun. The cases he works are compelling and I usually read them in one sitting because they are so good. Fast paced and keeps you guessing - I need more!
September 7, 2026
More than any other book in this series, Everyone’s Pawn had me feeling puzzled and intrigued from the start. I kept asking myself “where are we going with this?” “Should I root for this character?” “Why do I feel like I shouldn’t trust them?” As always, the many twists and story lines came together beautifully, leaving me feeling satisfied and relieved. And I REALLY enjoyed the dynamic between the Cisco brothers. That may be my favourite part of the series now. Very much looking forward to the next 😁
August 12, 2026
Every time I pick up one of Suzan’s books, I know I’m going to get a story that makes me question everything, and Everyone’s Pawn did exactly that! As the third interconnected standalone in the Cisco Series, you get a whole new case with the same detective you can’t help but love. The story is complicated, gripping, funny at times, but ultimately thought-provoking. Suzan has a way of tackling difficult subjects in a way that doesn’t just entertain you, but also makes you stop and think.
I loved this book not only for the way the mystery unfolds and the difficult subjects are addressed, but also for Max Cisco, the detective who appears in every book in the series. In Everyone’s Pawn, you get even more of him and his personal life, and I absolutely loved those glimpses into Cisco outside of being a detective. These lighter moments created such a great balance to the heavier topics throughout the story and made me appreciate his character even more.
The case itself was so intriguing and had me questioning things every step of the way. Between the multiple POVs, complicated relationships, unexpected twists, and the overall mystery, I couldn’t put this book down. Suzan literally had me hooked from beginning to end (but honestly, I didn’t expect anything less). 😂
I highly recommend this book (more like the whole series) if you love fast paced thrillers with complex characters, layered mysteries, multiple POVs, unexpected twists, and a consistent character you can’t help but love. While these can technically be read as standalones, I HIGHLY recommend reading them in order so you can experience Cisco’s full character development and because every book has been just as excellent.
And lastly that ending?! 👀 It is going to be HARD to wait for the next book! 🖤
I loved this book not only for the way the mystery unfolds and the difficult subjects are addressed, but also for Max Cisco, the detective who appears in every book in the series. In Everyone’s Pawn, you get even more of him and his personal life, and I absolutely loved those glimpses into Cisco outside of being a detective. These lighter moments created such a great balance to the heavier topics throughout the story and made me appreciate his character even more.
The case itself was so intriguing and had me questioning things every step of the way. Between the multiple POVs, complicated relationships, unexpected twists, and the overall mystery, I couldn’t put this book down. Suzan literally had me hooked from beginning to end (but honestly, I didn’t expect anything less). 😂
I highly recommend this book (more like the whole series) if you love fast paced thrillers with complex characters, layered mysteries, multiple POVs, unexpected twists, and a consistent character you can’t help but love. While these can technically be read as standalones, I HIGHLY recommend reading them in order so you can experience Cisco’s full character development and because every book has been just as excellent.
And lastly that ending?! 👀 It is going to be HARD to wait for the next book! 🖤
August 30, 2026
Will wonders never cease!!
The story line is packed with people going through life changes. It opens up like a chess board - and we're all familiar with being a pawn in the game of life.
So many threads to follow - each more fascinating than the last. The curve balls constantly keep us on our toes.
Justice? Is it more important than family or reputation? How to judge who is to be trusted?
In the meantime, great dialogues, thorough developments. And I love the way this author takes us gently by the hand - never jerking us around - through this chaos.
And by the end, it all becomes a clear and united story.
And this leads me to waiting for the next one . . .
The story line is packed with people going through life changes. It opens up like a chess board - and we're all familiar with being a pawn in the game of life.
So many threads to follow - each more fascinating than the last. The curve balls constantly keep us on our toes.
Justice? Is it more important than family or reputation? How to judge who is to be trusted?
In the meantime, great dialogues, thorough developments. And I love the way this author takes us gently by the hand - never jerking us around - through this chaos.
And by the end, it all becomes a clear and united story.
And this leads me to waiting for the next one . . .
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED this book. The characters were interesting, great plot and flow. I read it in one day. Could not put it down. Suspense, keeps you guessing, heart warming as well. It’s fun to get to know Cisco more and more. I’m an avid reader and this is a MUST read. Chapter one and you will be hooked! Enjoy. Congrats to the author well done! Can’t wait for book 4!
August 20, 2026
Everyone's Pawn draws you in quick and keeps you glued with all the twists and surprises. You don't know who to trust or what the next chapter will releave which is exactly what I want in suspenseful crime novel. I loved the development of Cisco, and how Suzan keeps family dynamics at the core. Oh and the last sentence keeps your head spinning!!!
August 12, 2026
I devoured this one so fast I might have to read it again. The level of intrigue and pacing are spot on. The plot and characters are so well developed.
Getting more Cisco (and his family) was a bonus. I wish he was real because I really want to meet him!
Getting more Cisco (and his family) was a bonus. I wish he was real because I really want to meet him!
August 15, 2026
Great book with amazing character development. Every chapter keeps you guessing and you never know what’s coming next. It’s my favourite of the series so far.
September 12, 2026
Brilliant!! Sensitive topics, sustained intrigue and unexpected turn of events, I strongly recommend! 👍👍
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25 (buckle up for my usual lengthy reviews)
When I need a story that is complex and takes me on twists and turns, yet still adds up by the end, I can always rely on the Cisco series.
I will always say that Suzan's books are for the readers who want to think, to feel, and get lost in a story where the pieces fit together, but you have to work for them.
Suzan has a way of writing characters and storylines, and blending the two seamlessly, to create stories where I'm never falling into the 'how many pages are left.' If anything, I'm always left sad that the story is over!
Even though these can be read as standalones, I highly recommend reading them in order. Not only because I think Suzan's writing has evolved so well, but also because of Cisco's buildup! We get a LOT more of Cisco in this book, and I absolutely ADORED every single detail! I feel like I'm not only getting to know Cisco, but also becoming part of his investigations and even his family. I easily find myself caring about Cisco every time I dive into one a new case with him.
In addition to getting more Cisco in this book, the HUMOR! Couldn't get enough of it between the Ninja turtles, kids, and Cisco parties; it added levity to an otherwise steadily tension-veiled story, but it never felt jarring or took me out of the story. I was immersed the entire time!
As always, the characters in here are raw and real. There's incredible character development, just enough for each character (whether they play a big or small role). While some characters may not act or think how you'd expect given their jobs as detectives or police, getting into some of their feelings/thoughts make you realize just how much affects thoughts and actions (love, ambition, loyalty... it can make you a little crazy). Also, I think Suzan has a way of writing sibling relationships that really shines, showing all the complexities and ups and downs of them.
In addition to complex plotlines and characters, the details in this one blew me away, as always. They sneak in and you won't even know they're important until they circle back around for a lightbulb moment (but that means you've got to pay attention!). Again, though, the balance of plot and characters is done in a way that neither overshadows the other!
In the book, the narrative jumps between following different characters, and I was relieved to find that I never preferred following certain plotlines/characters more than others.
As for the plot itself, I haven't really said anything about what it's about in this review, but that's because I would recommend to go in blind (that's what I did - no blurb, nothing) and had an absolute BLAST that way! Just let the story sink into you and pull you all around!
That said, the story tackles really heavy topics, so I think trigger warnings should be included and checked before you dive in (if those are something you like to check as a reader). On that note, I really appreciated how a particular plotline regarding Cisco's mother was handled; the books are often set decades ago, and there are references to things even farther in the past, naturally. I'm not always knowledgeable about how things were handled in the past regarding some sensitive issues/topics, so I liked that there was natural inclusion in conversation that certain problematic decisions were noted as 'how things were handled back then' to give me better context!
I will say that at the end I felt a little overwhelmed just trying to keep up with the explanations and bringing everything together, so I had to reread some sections a bit or sit and think with it for minute to put the connections together.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this one (and any of the Cisco books) if you want a story that makes you think as a reader, has both complex plotlines and characters, and includes details you didn't even know were important until they circle back around! I was always invested because the story never stops moving and I've genuinely come to care about the characters. Even after reading, I couldn't stop thinking about it; yes, it's a story that is 'fun' to read in the way most books are, but it's also a story that dives into family and character relationships in a way many other books don't. It's going to make you question what you would do, how far you'd go, and what love can do.
Another hit from Suzan and a series I'll always be on the edge of my seat to keep up with!
So far, I truly can't decide if book 2 or 3 is my favorite so far (hence the same rating for both), and I know the future books will only get better, so it's going to be even harder to choose!
A massive thank you to Suzan for the early digital copies to read and review in both the beta and arc stages!
When I need a story that is complex and takes me on twists and turns, yet still adds up by the end, I can always rely on the Cisco series.
I will always say that Suzan's books are for the readers who want to think, to feel, and get lost in a story where the pieces fit together, but you have to work for them.
Suzan has a way of writing characters and storylines, and blending the two seamlessly, to create stories where I'm never falling into the 'how many pages are left.' If anything, I'm always left sad that the story is over!
Even though these can be read as standalones, I highly recommend reading them in order. Not only because I think Suzan's writing has evolved so well, but also because of Cisco's buildup! We get a LOT more of Cisco in this book, and I absolutely ADORED every single detail! I feel like I'm not only getting to know Cisco, but also becoming part of his investigations and even his family. I easily find myself caring about Cisco every time I dive into one a new case with him.
In addition to getting more Cisco in this book, the HUMOR! Couldn't get enough of it between the Ninja turtles, kids, and Cisco parties; it added levity to an otherwise steadily tension-veiled story, but it never felt jarring or took me out of the story. I was immersed the entire time!
As always, the characters in here are raw and real. There's incredible character development, just enough for each character (whether they play a big or small role). While some characters may not act or think how you'd expect given their jobs as detectives or police, getting into some of their feelings/thoughts make you realize just how much affects thoughts and actions (love, ambition, loyalty... it can make you a little crazy). Also, I think Suzan has a way of writing sibling relationships that really shines, showing all the complexities and ups and downs of them.
In addition to complex plotlines and characters, the details in this one blew me away, as always. They sneak in and you won't even know they're important until they circle back around for a lightbulb moment (but that means you've got to pay attention!). Again, though, the balance of plot and characters is done in a way that neither overshadows the other!
In the book, the narrative jumps between following different characters, and I was relieved to find that I never preferred following certain plotlines/characters more than others.
As for the plot itself, I haven't really said anything about what it's about in this review, but that's because I would recommend to go in blind (that's what I did - no blurb, nothing) and had an absolute BLAST that way! Just let the story sink into you and pull you all around!
That said, the story tackles really heavy topics, so I think trigger warnings should be included and checked before you dive in (if those are something you like to check as a reader). On that note, I really appreciated how a particular plotline regarding Cisco's mother was handled; the books are often set decades ago, and there are references to things even farther in the past, naturally. I'm not always knowledgeable about how things were handled in the past regarding some sensitive issues/topics, so I liked that there was natural inclusion in conversation that certain problematic decisions were noted as 'how things were handled back then' to give me better context!
I will say that at the end I felt a little overwhelmed just trying to keep up with the explanations and bringing everything together, so I had to reread some sections a bit or sit and think with it for minute to put the connections together.
Overall, I absolutely recommend this one (and any of the Cisco books) if you want a story that makes you think as a reader, has both complex plotlines and characters, and includes details you didn't even know were important until they circle back around! I was always invested because the story never stops moving and I've genuinely come to care about the characters. Even after reading, I couldn't stop thinking about it; yes, it's a story that is 'fun' to read in the way most books are, but it's also a story that dives into family and character relationships in a way many other books don't. It's going to make you question what you would do, how far you'd go, and what love can do.
Another hit from Suzan and a series I'll always be on the edge of my seat to keep up with!
So far, I truly can't decide if book 2 or 3 is my favorite so far (hence the same rating for both), and I know the future books will only get better, so it's going to be even harder to choose!
A massive thank you to Suzan for the early digital copies to read and review in both the beta and arc stages!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews