What do you think?
Rate this book
Depths of Deception
Gripping, suspenseful psychological crime fiction with a stunning twist
Jed is a young real estate agent who is under pressure to perform. Libby is a confident but strange girl who lives on the edges of society, working as a caretaker of a valuable property called The Willows.
With apparent serendipity they meet. Not only does Jed feel attracted to his quirky young friend, it turns out she might secure him a lucrative contract, managing the sale of the building.
Allured by the promise of a great deal and praise from his superiors, Jed turns a blind eye to certain irregularities that he cannot quite explain. The question is, by the time he realises not is all as it seems, will he be in too deep to surface?
Jed is a young real estate agent who is under pressure to perform. Libby is a confident but strange girl who lives on the edges of society, working as a caretaker of a valuable property called The Willows.
With apparent serendipity they meet. Not only does Jed feel attracted to his quirky young friend, it turns out she might secure him a lucrative contract, managing the sale of the building.
Allured by the promise of a great deal and praise from his superiors, Jed turns a blind eye to certain irregularities that he cannot quite explain. The question is, by the time he realises not is all as it seems, will he be in too deep to surface?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2016
About the author
Diane M. Dickson
45 books99 followersEnglish. Love writing - love reading. Feel very lucky and amazed to have books published.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 19, 2018
Sadly, this one is as badly presented as The Grave, which I packed in early. It's again full of places where commas are needed and are missed out. It makes for a hard read. Yet Bone Baby was terrific. I don't know if she had a different editor or proofreader for that one but, if so, she needs to go back to them. With this one I made it as far as 20%.
"How do you mean out" ?
"We're all in this together you know Jed and we were worried about you"
"Where would you like to drink Sam" ?
There were speechmarks added, too, where there was nobody talking !! That's the sort of thing somebody should have picked up, if I can !! Whip round needed a hyphen and short list doesn't need a space.
The story was moving along quite well, though I wondered at Libby's motivations.....she seemed a sly one I thought Jed would do better to avoid !!
I don't think I'll try another one by this author, now, though.
"How do you mean out" ?
"We're all in this together you know Jed and we were worried about you"
"Where would you like to drink Sam" ?
There were speechmarks added, too, where there was nobody talking !! That's the sort of thing somebody should have picked up, if I can !! Whip round needed a hyphen and short list doesn't need a space.
The story was moving along quite well, though I wondered at Libby's motivations.....she seemed a sly one I thought Jed would do better to avoid !!
I don't think I'll try another one by this author, now, though.
January 11, 2016
Diane Dickson has the knack of creating tense dramatic scenarios out of seemingly everyday occurrences. Depths of Deception is a treat for readers as the author adopts what is for her rare, a male point of view.
Jed is a hapless young estate agent who thinks his life might take a turn for the better when he meets a young woman with connections. What follows is an interesting battle of wits that will escalate to an intense conclusion.
Jed is a hapless young estate agent who thinks his life might take a turn for the better when he meets a young woman with connections. What follows is an interesting battle of wits that will escalate to an intense conclusion.
July 4, 2019
Depths of Deception is one of those sneaky mysteries/thrillers that kind of sneaks up on you and next thing you know it has you by the throat.
Young Jed, a newbie real estate agent is trying to make a splash in the new firm he is working for. So far, his young colleagues have out-shined him and he’s been given the listings that will never let him rise to the top.
Quite by accident he meets a peculiar girl, Libby, while waiting for the morning bus. As they form a kind of friendship Jed discovers that Libby may enable him to land a big listing, sure to impress one and all. Blinded by his own ambition to be somebody and advance in his chosen field he ignores and justifies the odd machinations he must go through to get the listing – despite his gut feelings.
As things progress they get weirder and weirder and Jed finds himself in situations he can barely explain—to his co-workers, his bosses, and even himself. Still, he cannot bring himself to walk away, feeling if he can just navigate the waters, he will win in the end.
Naturally, he finds himself tangled in a web of deception, murder, and fraud – barely able to comprehend how he got there. Will he survive or take the fall?
Great read, the final chapters will have you glued to the story and you’ll be slapped with a few twists you didn’t see coming. A definite keeper.
Young Jed, a newbie real estate agent is trying to make a splash in the new firm he is working for. So far, his young colleagues have out-shined him and he’s been given the listings that will never let him rise to the top.
Quite by accident he meets a peculiar girl, Libby, while waiting for the morning bus. As they form a kind of friendship Jed discovers that Libby may enable him to land a big listing, sure to impress one and all. Blinded by his own ambition to be somebody and advance in his chosen field he ignores and justifies the odd machinations he must go through to get the listing – despite his gut feelings.
As things progress they get weirder and weirder and Jed finds himself in situations he can barely explain—to his co-workers, his bosses, and even himself. Still, he cannot bring himself to walk away, feeling if he can just navigate the waters, he will win in the end.
Naturally, he finds himself tangled in a web of deception, murder, and fraud – barely able to comprehend how he got there. Will he survive or take the fall?
Great read, the final chapters will have you glued to the story and you’ll be slapped with a few twists you didn’t see coming. A definite keeper.
September 8, 2021
Don't even waste your time
I'm an avid reader and I am just going to honestly say that I'm tired of all of these books that promise gripping psychological suspense but don't deliver. Many of them drag on with meaningless plots & characters that you can't relate to. The ending falls flat. Maybe a gripping psychological thriller has a different definition with British authors
I'm an avid reader and I am just going to honestly say that I'm tired of all of these books that promise gripping psychological suspense but don't deliver. Many of them drag on with meaningless plots & characters that you can't relate to. The ending falls flat. Maybe a gripping psychological thriller has a different definition with British authors
January 23, 2018
Twisted Page Turner!
Little did naive, ambitious, young estate agent, Jed, know when he struck up a conversation with a strange girl at the bus stop, on his way to work, that he would soon become a pawn in a twisted plot to usurp an inheritance, or that it would lead to kidnap and murder. Fearful of losing his job, Jed jumps at the chance to represent the owners of a large, landed estate. Anxious to impress his superiors and his parents, Jed foolishly suppresses his unease and suspicions at using the strange girl, Libby, as a go-between to deal with the estate owners; and her insistence that they are out of country in a remote area of the African continent, and will only communicate with her via email or by courier. Or that they would trust such a strange young girl to handle a multimillion dollar sale. Drawn under her spell, Jed finds himself suspending his disbelief and doubts and tries to protect her, even as the evidence seems to implicate her involvement in an unsavory family feud and scam. Filled with twists and turns, tales of suicide, murder and madness, this one will keep you guessing right to the last page!
Little did naive, ambitious, young estate agent, Jed, know when he struck up a conversation with a strange girl at the bus stop, on his way to work, that he would soon become a pawn in a twisted plot to usurp an inheritance, or that it would lead to kidnap and murder. Fearful of losing his job, Jed jumps at the chance to represent the owners of a large, landed estate. Anxious to impress his superiors and his parents, Jed foolishly suppresses his unease and suspicions at using the strange girl, Libby, as a go-between to deal with the estate owners; and her insistence that they are out of country in a remote area of the African continent, and will only communicate with her via email or by courier. Or that they would trust such a strange young girl to handle a multimillion dollar sale. Drawn under her spell, Jed finds himself suspending his disbelief and doubts and tries to protect her, even as the evidence seems to implicate her involvement in an unsavory family feud and scam. Filled with twists and turns, tales of suicide, murder and madness, this one will keep you guessing right to the last page!
November 6, 2017
A very gripping novel
This novel was well-written. The opening chapters were intriguing. The development of the plot was excellent. The characters kept to a minimum.
The only downside was the ending. Despite all the loose ends being tied up, it failed to accomplish this in a satisfying manner. I was rather disappointed with the conclusion.
However, I do think the author did an excellent job. I sat down and read this book from start to finish, because it was simply captivating.
This novel was well-written. The opening chapters were intriguing. The development of the plot was excellent. The characters kept to a minimum.
The only downside was the ending. Despite all the loose ends being tied up, it failed to accomplish this in a satisfying manner. I was rather disappointed with the conclusion.
However, I do think the author did an excellent job. I sat down and read this book from start to finish, because it was simply captivating.
November 22, 2017
A delightful first three quarters of a book that addresses the unwanted consequences of life's simple decisions. Yet it unwinds into a tragedy toward the end that seems to keep spiraling downward. Charmed through most of the book, the last quarter left me distinctly un-charmed. Sociopaths get away with too much in real life. How depressing to read it in a novel, where the road kill are innocents hoisted upon the petard of their smallest acts of greed. Never a good day when the punishment far outweighs the trifle.
December 19, 2017
Jed needed to find a way to win accolades at his agency and close a sale. Libby was alone and in need of a friend. Living in the garage of the spacious Willows, she found her opportunity to get back at her family and help Jed while she was at it. Forging signatures and making herself out to be the family’s caregiver was easy enough. Until, lurking in the woods, came a blast from Libby’s past willing to do anything to stop her aunt, the owner of the estate, and anyone that got in her way.
~ fast paced but a bit confusing and over-the-top unrealistic.
~ fast paced but a bit confusing and over-the-top unrealistic.
February 14, 2018
By the 23rd chapter I thought I figured out maybe it was a agency worker that's trying to steal her estate by fraud by locking her up and playing mind games on her dementia. Then with Libby character I thought she was working with a partner by the 26th chapter I just didn't know who yet. But in the conclusion I'm shocked how Libby and Sarah played everybody, and Elizabeth got away with it all. But I'm more happy that in the end Jed got his dream job and learned from immature ambitious mistakes. I usually don't like reading books written in British dialogue but this was really good!
May 5, 2021
Which one
Good story, three generations of females and a country mansion. Then along comes Jed the down beaten, downtrodden, unsuccessful estate agent who is invited to assist with the sale of the mansion. For Jed it's a gift from the gods however the females are not quite what he expected and his senses feel something is wrong. This Diane Dickson tale has you intrigued and desperate to unravel the story of Marian, Sarah and Libby. Well written, true physiological thriller. Enjoy
Good story, three generations of females and a country mansion. Then along comes Jed the down beaten, downtrodden, unsuccessful estate agent who is invited to assist with the sale of the mansion. For Jed it's a gift from the gods however the females are not quite what he expected and his senses feel something is wrong. This Diane Dickson tale has you intrigued and desperate to unravel the story of Marian, Sarah and Libby. Well written, true physiological thriller. Enjoy
January 4, 2017
his is a good read that takes readers into a psychological suspense. When Jed , who is a real estate agent meets a girl, he can't get her out of his mind. Lilly is taking care of a place called the willows. She holds a grip on Jed he can't explain and one that will make him judge his own values. Interesting read that will make you try to get into the main characters mind and wonder what you would do.
November 15, 2018
Although this story isn't that long, it sure felt like a struggle to reach the end. I found it long and needlessly drawn out with a very sketchy ending. The editing is sub-par and the characters could definitely use some work. Libby will grow on you while you get frustrated with Jed because he comes off as a complete wanker. In fact, Jed seems to be the only one that hasn't figured it out before the end of the first chapter. This book is not up to the standard of others by Dickson.
March 7, 2019
Book of two halves
At first this was really gripping but sadly the second half was too drawn out and repetitive and the plot lost all credibility and just fizzled out really. I had previously read ' Bone Baby' by the same author which again started well and went down hill. She has good ideas but doesn't execute them well.
At first this was really gripping but sadly the second half was too drawn out and repetitive and the plot lost all credibility and just fizzled out really. I had previously read ' Bone Baby' by the same author which again started well and went down hill. She has good ideas but doesn't execute them well.
November 28, 2017
OMG
This storyline captures the passive aggressive greed in Jed as well as deranged and mad actions of depravity. The culmination of this wretched waltz ends in death, destruction and humiliation for our main character, Jed.
This storyline captures the passive aggressive greed in Jed as well as deranged and mad actions of depravity. The culmination of this wretched waltz ends in death, destruction and humiliation for our main character, Jed.
November 8, 2021
I got to admit that there were some good twist at the end. But the beginning of the book was a bore. More than have took to get to the good part. I think the focus of the story should have been tha family and the real estate guy a side story. At the end it was good enough.
November 7, 2017
very good
November 15, 2017
Good book
Really good story,quick page turner,hard to put down.however the ending,to my mind was quite disappointing.I will read any others from this author
Really good story,quick page turner,hard to put down.however the ending,to my mind was quite disappointing.I will read any others from this author
November 27, 2017
Crazy people
Not a riveting book but I finished it. The characters aren't totally believable to the experienced reader. A tolerable read.
Not a riveting book but I finished it. The characters aren't totally believable to the experienced reader. A tolerable read.
January 1, 2018
Repetitive and boring
January 23, 2018
Unfortunately I found this to be totally unbelievable. I cannot imagine for one second that this kind of scenario would ever play out.
April 10, 2018
I thought this book was a slow starter and didn't really get interesting until mid way through. It was an OK read.
February 8, 2019
An unusual book
I found this book confusing and did not really care for the characters. The story line did not make sense and I won't be reading this author again m
I found this book confusing and did not really care for the characters. The story line did not make sense and I won't be reading this author again m
November 29, 2016
Not gripping!!
An OK book but I definitely would NOT recommend it. The writing was a bit choppy and had no depth. Several times I nearly stopped reading as there wasn't anything that grabbed you and pulled to back to read more. Finished it but was a waste of time. Not an author I care to read again unless her style changes. Not very gripping...
An OK book but I definitely would NOT recommend it. The writing was a bit choppy and had no depth. Several times I nearly stopped reading as there wasn't anything that grabbed you and pulled to back to read more. Finished it but was a waste of time. Not an author I care to read again unless her style changes. Not very gripping...
December 15, 2016
Cunning mystery
Though it took me a while to get into the story, once I was a few chapters beneath the cover, I eagerly turned pages hoping for more. The plot was expected though some of the character traits and dialogue surprised me. It did keep me entertained and I look forward to reading more of this author, hoping for more depth and anticipation.
Though it took me a while to get into the story, once I was a few chapters beneath the cover, I eagerly turned pages hoping for more. The plot was expected though some of the character traits and dialogue surprised me. It did keep me entertained and I look forward to reading more of this author, hoping for more depth and anticipation.
March 8, 2016
Deception!!!
Have read books that are so much better. Usually read a book twice for fear of missing something but not this one. Disappointing !!!
Have read books that are so much better. Usually read a book twice for fear of missing something but not this one. Disappointing !!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews