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Dark Mountain #2
Desperate Deception
When history repeats itself, it doesn't pay to have a murder in your past ...
Julia Taylor did ten years in prison for a murder she didn't commit. Finally released and proved innocent, all she wants is to build up her design business and figure out where her romance with local cop Dylan Andrews is going. She's ready for a quiet life, but murder and mayhem won't let Julia Taylor alone.
First she finds her neighbors dead in an apparent murder-suicide. Then an erratic friend from Julia's time in prison asks her to help find a sex worker who went missing in suspicious circumstances.
As the body count continues to rise, members of the Russian mafia and an unnerving evangelical church begin to cross Julia's path. Soon, Julia and Dylan are caught up in a maelstrom that threatens both their love and their lives.
Can they find justice before injustice finds them? Or is the pull of a haunted past too strong?
A tense crime novel with romantic elements in the style of JD Robb, Nora Roberts and Martina Cole.
Julia Taylor did ten years in prison for a murder she didn't commit. Finally released and proved innocent, all she wants is to build up her design business and figure out where her romance with local cop Dylan Andrews is going. She's ready for a quiet life, but murder and mayhem won't let Julia Taylor alone.
First she finds her neighbors dead in an apparent murder-suicide. Then an erratic friend from Julia's time in prison asks her to help find a sex worker who went missing in suspicious circumstances.
As the body count continues to rise, members of the Russian mafia and an unnerving evangelical church begin to cross Julia's path. Soon, Julia and Dylan are caught up in a maelstrom that threatens both their love and their lives.
Can they find justice before injustice finds them? Or is the pull of a haunted past too strong?
A tense crime novel with romantic elements in the style of JD Robb, Nora Roberts and Martina Cole.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2015
35 people want to read
About the author
D.B. Tait
3 books13 followersBorn and bred in Sydney Australia, D.B. Tait is a life long lover of books in all forms but crime fiction in particular. She worked for many years in the criminal justice system before deciding a tree change was need, so decamped to the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Now she writes and works part time in the community sector. Her first full length novel, Cold Deception, was published by Momentum, the digital first line of Pan Macmillan in March 2015. Her second, Desperate Deception will be out in October 2015.
In another life, she is also erotica writer Keziah Hill and contemporary romance writer Deborah Tait.
In another life, she is also erotica writer Keziah Hill and contemporary romance writer Deborah Tait.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews
October 1, 2015
Julia Taylor was living at home in the Blue Mountains with her mum Eleanor and Eleanor’s partner Dee after spending ten years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. She felt happy; loved in the circle of her family, and didn’t let herself dwell on the past ten years as it would drag her down. Her fledgling relationship with Detective Sergeant Dylan Andrews had been going for the past five months, and although she knew many in the force were against him fraternizing with a “criminal”, Dylan continually assured her she was innocent and it had been proven – she wouldn’t affect his career at all.
The morning Julia heard a crash, then frantic barking from next door, and spied Jack, Bill and June’s Jack Russell terrier trying to crash his way out of the laundry door, was the beginning of a horror few weeks for Julia and her family. The discovery of both Bill and June dead in their bed in an apparent murder-suicide was traumatic for Julia, but what followed was unsettling, dangerous and frantic.
As Dylan and DS Palmer began the investigation into both deaths, they found themselves and the team drawn into further suspicious events. With the inclusion of a paranoid and over-the-top church member, connections to Mafia, sex-workers, money laundering and missing persons, they wondered what had struck them in their sleepy Blue Mountains region. But things were definitely coming to a head – bodies were mounting while the clock was racing. Would Julia survive; would hers and Dylan’s love last? Or would justice be too late this time?
Desperate Deception by Aussie author D.B. Tait is the second in the Dark Mountain series and another great instalment! I thoroughly enjoyed it – the suspense, mystery and gritty tension mixed with a heroine who is understandably not as confident as she’d like to be. I very much enjoyed Julia’s character, also the characters of Eleanor and Dee – three strong female characters who have great will and determination. Dylan is also an excellent character. Desperate Deception is a great crime/mystery read which I have no hesitation in recommending highly. And I am really looking forward to #3 in the series.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
The morning Julia heard a crash, then frantic barking from next door, and spied Jack, Bill and June’s Jack Russell terrier trying to crash his way out of the laundry door, was the beginning of a horror few weeks for Julia and her family. The discovery of both Bill and June dead in their bed in an apparent murder-suicide was traumatic for Julia, but what followed was unsettling, dangerous and frantic.
As Dylan and DS Palmer began the investigation into both deaths, they found themselves and the team drawn into further suspicious events. With the inclusion of a paranoid and over-the-top church member, connections to Mafia, sex-workers, money laundering and missing persons, they wondered what had struck them in their sleepy Blue Mountains region. But things were definitely coming to a head – bodies were mounting while the clock was racing. Would Julia survive; would hers and Dylan’s love last? Or would justice be too late this time?
Desperate Deception by Aussie author D.B. Tait is the second in the Dark Mountain series and another great instalment! I thoroughly enjoyed it – the suspense, mystery and gritty tension mixed with a heroine who is understandably not as confident as she’d like to be. I very much enjoyed Julia’s character, also the characters of Eleanor and Dee – three strong female characters who have great will and determination. Dylan is also an excellent character. Desperate Deception is a great crime/mystery read which I have no hesitation in recommending highly. And I am really looking forward to #3 in the series.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Stars *****
Not recommended to be read as a standalone
Because Julia lost 10 years in prison, she's playing catch up in her life. She doesn't really know how to react to certain situations like an adult. And she doesn't want to jeopardize Dylan's job because of her criminal background.
In addition to all that, her past won't let her go. Some of her prison mates go missing as soon as they get released into the real world. Her neighbors also get murdered. Things just keep popping up, and Julia's prior experience locked up helps the authorities to solve a crime connected to the Russian mafia.
This felt more like a crime/mystery novel than the first one. It was almost like an episode of CSI. The connection to the mafia wasn't heavy in this book, but we've only scratched the surface. I can't wait for the next book!
Not recommended to be read as a standalone
Because Julia lost 10 years in prison, she's playing catch up in her life. She doesn't really know how to react to certain situations like an adult. And she doesn't want to jeopardize Dylan's job because of her criminal background.
In addition to all that, her past won't let her go. Some of her prison mates go missing as soon as they get released into the real world. Her neighbors also get murdered. Things just keep popping up, and Julia's prior experience locked up helps the authorities to solve a crime connected to the Russian mafia.
This felt more like a crime/mystery novel than the first one. It was almost like an episode of CSI. The connection to the mafia wasn't heavy in this book, but we've only scratched the surface. I can't wait for the next book!
February 17, 2020
Desperate Deception is book two in the Dark Mountain series by D.B. Tait. Over breakfast, Julia and her aunts her the next-door neighbour's dog hauling and went to investigate. However, they got more then they bargain for to find their neighbours dead. At first glance, it looks like a murder-suicide until Detective Dylan Andrews found evidence that it was murder. The readers of Desperate Deception will continue to follow Dylan and Julia to find out who killed June and Bill.
I loved reading Desperate Deception and the way D.B. Tait portrays the characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Desperate Deception is well written and researched by D.B. Tait. I like the descriptions of the setting of this book that completed the plot, and I could picture myself visiting the area.
The readers of Desperate Deception will learn about child abuse and how it can affect the suffers and everyone around them. Also, the readers of Desperate Deception will start to understand about grieve and guilt when someone commits suicide and how it affects their loved ones.
I recommend this book.
I loved reading Desperate Deception and the way D.B. Tait portrays the characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Desperate Deception is well written and researched by D.B. Tait. I like the descriptions of the setting of this book that completed the plot, and I could picture myself visiting the area.
The readers of Desperate Deception will learn about child abuse and how it can affect the suffers and everyone around them. Also, the readers of Desperate Deception will start to understand about grieve and guilt when someone commits suicide and how it affects their loved ones.
I recommend this book.
December 9, 2019
Just as terrific as the first one. Love the Katoomba setting, hubby and I have been there many times and it’s only a two hour drive from where we live.
The Dark Mountain series continues with Festive Deception, it’s a Christmas novella which shouldn’t take long to devour.
The Dark Mountain series continues with Festive Deception, it’s a Christmas novella which shouldn’t take long to devour.
October 11, 2015
Another terrific story from D.B.Tait. Desperate Deception picks up a short while after Cold Deception finished, but could easily be read as a stand alone novel.
The twists and turns kept me guessing as the body count stacked up. I think one of the strengths of the story is the deep characterisation, including the eclectic cast of secondary characters, and the author's authentic voice. D.B. Tait knows the issues she's writing about which makes it all the more believable.
If you love crime, thrillers or romantic suspense then this one's for you.
The twists and turns kept me guessing as the body count stacked up. I think one of the strengths of the story is the deep characterisation, including the eclectic cast of secondary characters, and the author's authentic voice. D.B. Tait knows the issues she's writing about which makes it all the more believable.
If you love crime, thrillers or romantic suspense then this one's for you.
December 12, 2015
I hadn't read the first book in the series so had to buy it to read first glad i did as they was both good books.
Julia Taylor becomes involved with the suspicious deaths of her two neighbours as detective Dylan Andrews and Julia are trying to work out there relationship as well after Julia has spent the last 10 years in prison.
The story is set in the Blue Mountains and the Author does a good job of setting the scene the story is easy to read and has romance mystery and lots more besides..
You can read this book on its own but if you can read Cold deception book one first you will enjoy both books in the series.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read this book.
Julia Taylor becomes involved with the suspicious deaths of her two neighbours as detective Dylan Andrews and Julia are trying to work out there relationship as well after Julia has spent the last 10 years in prison.
The story is set in the Blue Mountains and the Author does a good job of setting the scene the story is easy to read and has romance mystery and lots more besides..
You can read this book on its own but if you can read Cold deception book one first you will enjoy both books in the series.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read this book.
August 13, 2016
Desperate Deception takes us beyond the gritty happy ever after and I confess I was intrigued enough by ex-convict Julia Taylor and D.I. Dylan Andrews to want to know how they navigate the treacherous waters of Julia's life beyond prison together to read this sequel.
D.B. Tait doesn't disappoint in this engrossing read; there is a spate of killings and an unsolved mystery that seems to grow beyond the small boundaries of the mountain town Julia and Dylan live in and this case increasingly tests this new life that they've found together. Light on the romance and heavy on the suspense but with realistic and no TSTL characters, Desperate Deception is strangely enough, one of those books that colours outside the lines of the romantic suspense genre and does it well.
*ARC by Netgalley
(and I'm ever grateful, mind)
D.B. Tait doesn't disappoint in this engrossing read; there is a spate of killings and an unsolved mystery that seems to grow beyond the small boundaries of the mountain town Julia and Dylan live in and this case increasingly tests this new life that they've found together. Light on the romance and heavy on the suspense but with realistic and no TSTL characters, Desperate Deception is strangely enough, one of those books that colours outside the lines of the romantic suspense genre and does it well.
*ARC by Netgalley
(and I'm ever grateful, mind)
October 8, 2015
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this second instalment in the Dark Mountain series.
I really really enjoyed the mystery in this one. It was thoroughly engrossing and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.
I also found our main character of Julia to be extremely relatable. She is very self conscious and insecure and I found that very easy to relate to. I also really enjoy the romance in these books.
Once again, the setting in Australia'a blue mountains is absolutely stunning. The author does such an amazing job of painting the picture of this gorgeous setting.
If you enjoy suspenseful mysteries with a little bit of romance I would definitely recommend checking out these books.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy to review.
I really enjoyed this second instalment in the Dark Mountain series.
I really really enjoyed the mystery in this one. It was thoroughly engrossing and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.
I also found our main character of Julia to be extremely relatable. She is very self conscious and insecure and I found that very easy to relate to. I also really enjoy the romance in these books.
Once again, the setting in Australia'a blue mountains is absolutely stunning. The author does such an amazing job of painting the picture of this gorgeous setting.
If you enjoy suspenseful mysteries with a little bit of romance I would definitely recommend checking out these books.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy to review.
February 10, 2016
Even better than the first. I hope this series continues.
February 2, 2020
Good book. Lots of interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed the story line as it had a lot of sub plots. Julia searches her soul to find happiness, should she, an ex con, walk away from Dylan, the love of her life, to keep from hurting his career in law enforcement. Even if she was finally proved not guilty of murder after ten years in prison she sees Dylan's fellow officers shun her and attack him which influences her delicate insecure state of adjustment after her release. A murder suicide right next door doesn't help things and as family secrets unfold about the dead couple Julia, her mother and her mothers partner get caught in a web of danger, even an attempt on Julia's life. I didn't read the first Dark Mountain book and that didn't matter to the reading of this book however, now I really want to go back and read it. Thank you Netgallery and publishers for providing me a copy to review.
October 16, 2015
ARC provided in exchange of an honest review
Review original post:
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book review: 4 crime stars!!
In all my reading life, I have read my fair share of crime books. And Desperate Deception is one of the best I have ever read. It became quickly one of my favorites crime books and it gained its place into my Top 5 of this genre.
All this suspense, the mystery, the conspiracies, the murders and of course the love that Julia and Dylan share, they compose a story that is hard to forget and you can’t not love. As I went further and further into the book, the more addicted I became and more starved for what was coming next. And it was pretty refreshing to read a story that, although it has romance in it, doesn’t focus exclusively on it and it shows us its unfolding through the crimes that are taking place and have to be fathomed.
This book is the sequel of the first book, Cold Deception, in the Dark Mountain series where the author told us under which circumstances the cop Dylan Andrews and the now ex-convict Julia Taylor met and fell in love. But now, she tells us what that love has to gone through so it can thrive in the end.
One of the most interesting things about Desperate Deception, is that, although I knew that it had romance in it which means I was going to read some very romantic scenes, I was more intrigued to find out what the heck was the case with all these crimes and what else would happen that would be linked with them.
But, don’t think I was all about the mystery and the crime. The love of Julia and Dylan really touched me and it was one of the most beautiful I have came across to.
The thing about it that made it more special and amazing was that D. B. Tait was giving some peaks into their relationship and their love and these peaks were enough of a proof of their feelings for each other. Whenever the story was in a crucial point, these two lovers showed, not only how much they care for each other, but also how wonderfully they worked as a team. They supported each other and they had an amazing level of communication that’s not easy to find.
And, also, it was lovely seeing how they were getting over their relationship’s ups and down and never giving up on each other, although there were times that you thought otherwise. But, love and life is better and sweeter when you get through these difficulties.
OHHHH!! How could I forget? Another GREAT thing about this story was the a d o r a b l e Jack Russel Terrier who has the name… Jack! He had a major part in the whole story and he was the (+) that made the book even better. Every time he was being mentioned, I was grinning from ear to ear because he was the sweetest thing and always was up to something. God, how much I adored this do can’t be described!
D. B. Tait wrote an amazing series even if I started it backwards, reading the second book first and then the first one! But whatever! Since it was a story completely different from what I’ve been reading the past weeks, I think I had also to do things differently. So, I went from the finish line to the start! But this can’t erase the fact that this author nailed it and made me a lover of her books. Because we all need some mystery, crime and romance all in one in our lives!
Review original post:
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book review: 4 crime stars!!
In all my reading life, I have read my fair share of crime books. And Desperate Deception is one of the best I have ever read. It became quickly one of my favorites crime books and it gained its place into my Top 5 of this genre.
All this suspense, the mystery, the conspiracies, the murders and of course the love that Julia and Dylan share, they compose a story that is hard to forget and you can’t not love. As I went further and further into the book, the more addicted I became and more starved for what was coming next. And it was pretty refreshing to read a story that, although it has romance in it, doesn’t focus exclusively on it and it shows us its unfolding through the crimes that are taking place and have to be fathomed.
This book is the sequel of the first book, Cold Deception, in the Dark Mountain series where the author told us under which circumstances the cop Dylan Andrews and the now ex-convict Julia Taylor met and fell in love. But now, she tells us what that love has to gone through so it can thrive in the end.
One of the most interesting things about Desperate Deception, is that, although I knew that it had romance in it which means I was going to read some very romantic scenes, I was more intrigued to find out what the heck was the case with all these crimes and what else would happen that would be linked with them.
But, don’t think I was all about the mystery and the crime. The love of Julia and Dylan really touched me and it was one of the most beautiful I have came across to.
“I need a lot of things”, he said, ” and right now, one of them is you.”
The thing about it that made it more special and amazing was that D. B. Tait was giving some peaks into their relationship and their love and these peaks were enough of a proof of their feelings for each other. Whenever the story was in a crucial point, these two lovers showed, not only how much they care for each other, but also how wonderfully they worked as a team. They supported each other and they had an amazing level of communication that’s not easy to find.
“I’ll look after you.” She kissed him on the nose. “We”ll look after each other.”
And, also, it was lovely seeing how they were getting over their relationship’s ups and down and never giving up on each other, although there were times that you thought otherwise. But, love and life is better and sweeter when you get through these difficulties.
OHHHH!! How could I forget? Another GREAT thing about this story was the a d o r a b l e Jack Russel Terrier who has the name… Jack! He had a major part in the whole story and he was the (+) that made the book even better. Every time he was being mentioned, I was grinning from ear to ear because he was the sweetest thing and always was up to something. God, how much I adored this do can’t be described!
D. B. Tait wrote an amazing series even if I started it backwards, reading the second book first and then the first one! But whatever! Since it was a story completely different from what I’ve been reading the past weeks, I think I had also to do things differently. So, I went from the finish line to the start! But this can’t erase the fact that this author nailed it and made me a lover of her books. Because we all need some mystery, crime and romance all in one in our lives!
October 9, 2015
Desperate Deception picks up a few months after the events of Cold Deception, the first book featuring Julia Taylor, who is trying to rebuild her life after spending ten years behind bars. It doesn't matter if you haven't read the first book, as everything that is important to the story line is explained sufficiently in this one. This time round, Julia becomes involved in the investigation into the suspicious deaths of her two neighbors, while also trying to work out the future of her relationship with Detective Dylan Andrews.
As the police investigation expands, Julia and Dylan deal with members of the Russian mafia, sex crimes and missing people.
I've enjoyed this second installment even more than the first because the characters were more fleshed out and felt believable. The plot was tightly woven, kept you guessing and had plenty of suspense. The story is quite light on the romance side, but provides plenty of relationship background so you are rooting for Dylan and Julia to succeed. And added bonus are the truly engaging side characters and the setting in the Blue Mountains.
Overall, a very enjoyable mystery blended with romantic elements. I will definitely be looking out for a third installment.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
As the police investigation expands, Julia and Dylan deal with members of the Russian mafia, sex crimes and missing people.
I've enjoyed this second installment even more than the first because the characters were more fleshed out and felt believable. The plot was tightly woven, kept you guessing and had plenty of suspense. The story is quite light on the romance side, but provides plenty of relationship background so you are rooting for Dylan and Julia to succeed. And added bonus are the truly engaging side characters and the setting in the Blue Mountains.
Overall, a very enjoyable mystery blended with romantic elements. I will definitely be looking out for a third installment.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 19, 2016
Desperate Deception By d.b tait is a romance and mystery and thriller read.
When history repeats itself, it doesn't pay to have a murder in your past ...
Julia Taylor did ten years in prison for a murder she didn't commit. Finally released and proved innocent, all she wants is to build up her design business and figure out where her romance with local cop Dylan Andrews is going. She's ready for a quiet life, but murder and mayhem won't let Julia Taylor alone.
First she finds her neighbors dead in an apparent murder-suicide. Then an erratic friend from Julia's time in prison asks her to help find a sex worker who went missing in suspicious circumstances.
As the body count continues to rise, members of the Russian mafia and an unnerving evangelical church begin to cross Julia's path. Soon, Julia and Dylan are caught up in a maelstrom that threatens both their love and their lives.
Can they find justice before injustice finds them? Or is the pull of a haunted past too strong?
Fantastic read with brilliant characters. Full of twists and plots. A shocker of a read. Could not put it down. I liked the ending too. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
When history repeats itself, it doesn't pay to have a murder in your past ...
Julia Taylor did ten years in prison for a murder she didn't commit. Finally released and proved innocent, all she wants is to build up her design business and figure out where her romance with local cop Dylan Andrews is going. She's ready for a quiet life, but murder and mayhem won't let Julia Taylor alone.
First she finds her neighbors dead in an apparent murder-suicide. Then an erratic friend from Julia's time in prison asks her to help find a sex worker who went missing in suspicious circumstances.
As the body count continues to rise, members of the Russian mafia and an unnerving evangelical church begin to cross Julia's path. Soon, Julia and Dylan are caught up in a maelstrom that threatens both their love and their lives.
Can they find justice before injustice finds them? Or is the pull of a haunted past too strong?
Fantastic read with brilliant characters. Full of twists and plots. A shocker of a read. Could not put it down. I liked the ending too. 5*. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
January 3, 2017
I was given the opportunity to read an electronic copy of Desperate Deception via NetGalley and Momentum Books. This is my honest opinion of the book.
In the ensuing days after Julia Taylor was finally cleared of any wrongdoings with regards to a rash of suspicious deaths around town, she ends up back in the middle of a puzzling situation. When the next door neighbors end up dead, the investigating police instinctually look to Julia with suspicion, as the apparent murder-suicide turns out to be way more sinister. As the investigation continues, it appears that Julia's neighbor was involved in something that may have gotten him killed. Will Dylan be able to solve the case before Julia is implicated even further or before someone else gets hurt?
Desperate Deception was a bit transparent, as some of the plot was foreshadowed at the beginning. Some of the dialogue seemed forced and was awkward in places. The author really did not advance the main characters from the first book, which was a bit of a disappointment. I like the character of Julia Taylor in particular, but I was hoping to see her transition from being a victim of circumstance to someone quite stronger. Desperate Deception is a romantic suspense novel that might appeal to readers of the genre.
In the ensuing days after Julia Taylor was finally cleared of any wrongdoings with regards to a rash of suspicious deaths around town, she ends up back in the middle of a puzzling situation. When the next door neighbors end up dead, the investigating police instinctually look to Julia with suspicion, as the apparent murder-suicide turns out to be way more sinister. As the investigation continues, it appears that Julia's neighbor was involved in something that may have gotten him killed. Will Dylan be able to solve the case before Julia is implicated even further or before someone else gets hurt?
Desperate Deception was a bit transparent, as some of the plot was foreshadowed at the beginning. Some of the dialogue seemed forced and was awkward in places. The author really did not advance the main characters from the first book, which was a bit of a disappointment. I like the character of Julia Taylor in particular, but I was hoping to see her transition from being a victim of circumstance to someone quite stronger. Desperate Deception is a romantic suspense novel that might appeal to readers of the genre.
December 10, 2016
I have had this one sitting on the TBR pile for a while and I finally picked it up and just didn't want to put it down wow can MS Tait write a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat murder and mayhem happening in The beautiful Blue Mountains and it was fabulous catching up with all of the characters from the first book in this series.
Julia has now been out of jail for 6 months time that she should not of spent in there and her relationship with the local cop Dylan is moving along very nicely but Julia still has a lot to overcome and when her neighbours are found dead there is so much to work out and of course Julia is in the thick of things.
I love the emotions and feelings that are bought out in Julia and Dylan as there is one thing after another happening in the beautiful country town this is a fast paced story that really will keep you turning the pages I was up late last night finishing it and I can highly recommend this one MS Tait really has a way with words these characters are like friends and to see them open up and the joy through the drams is fabulous onto the next one now :)
Julia has now been out of jail for 6 months time that she should not of spent in there and her relationship with the local cop Dylan is moving along very nicely but Julia still has a lot to overcome and when her neighbours are found dead there is so much to work out and of course Julia is in the thick of things.
I love the emotions and feelings that are bought out in Julia and Dylan as there is one thing after another happening in the beautiful country town this is a fast paced story that really will keep you turning the pages I was up late last night finishing it and I can highly recommend this one MS Tait really has a way with words these characters are like friends and to see them open up and the joy through the drams is fabulous onto the next one now :)
July 23, 2016
Arc provided kindly by publisher and NetGalley.
The Story picks up a few months after the events in Cold deception unfolded. Julia, Dylan, Eleanor and Dee are trying to move and and adjusting to life when the neighbors next door are found dead in their bed and all Julia once again finds herself in the midst of a criminal investigation. Add a missing woman, a mob hitman and a shady church to the mix and the murder mystery turns more horrific.
The author does a fabulous job of the big reveal. I was so sure who the murderer was and then proven wrong time and again. The story has many different layers and each time a discovery is made, more clues and questions surface.
The relationship between Julia and Dylan was also on a authentic and realistic path. Julia's inner conflicts was believable and understanding. I truly loved how the she dealt with her insecurities and doubts.
Overall a truly enjoyable read.
The Story picks up a few months after the events in Cold deception unfolded. Julia, Dylan, Eleanor and Dee are trying to move and and adjusting to life when the neighbors next door are found dead in their bed and all Julia once again finds herself in the midst of a criminal investigation. Add a missing woman, a mob hitman and a shady church to the mix and the murder mystery turns more horrific.
The author does a fabulous job of the big reveal. I was so sure who the murderer was and then proven wrong time and again. The story has many different layers and each time a discovery is made, more clues and questions surface.
The relationship between Julia and Dylan was also on a authentic and realistic path. Julia's inner conflicts was believable and understanding. I truly loved how the she dealt with her insecurities and doubts.
Overall a truly enjoyable read.
November 9, 2025
Another great story from D.B Tait. I loved the first book in this series and this one lived up to my expectations. I love the setting in the beautiful Blue Mountains and the author brings this area to life without going over the top on the descriptions. The story is easy to read, keeps you interested and has great characters. I really like both Julia and Dylan and I love their relationship. I also like how all the characters seem 'real'in that they aren't all good or bad but they are human and flawed. This particularly comes across with the treatment of Julia's fellow inmates and her memories of them. While there are plenty of red herrings (which make for an interesting read) the mystery itself in terms of who killed the neighbors & why was not a surprise to me as once again the clues where there to follow. I will definitely being looking for more from this author.
June 25, 2016
DB Tait writes real: real characters, real conflicts, real emotions, set in a place in the world the author clearly knows and loves well, for all its beauties, flaws and foibles. You don't have to have read Cold Deception to enjoy this second in the series - but why wouldn't you?! Waiting impatiently for the next one.
October 13, 2015
Totally different from anything else I've ever read!! Was written with so much compassion and intelligence.
November 10, 2015
Loved it!
November 30, 2015
Just as enjoyable as book 1 .
December 2, 2015
Really enjoyed reading 'Desperate Deception' book 2 in series!!!!:) Will definitely read more of DB Tait in future!!!!:)
April 16, 2016
Review to come
Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews