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Deceiver
Matt Newman's life is turned upside down when his wife is found murdered. The police have no leads and no suspects.
As Matt sinks further into a deep depression, he stumbles across a mysterious notebook among his wife's belongings. Within its pages are cryptic writings revealing that she led a secret life. The more he reads, the greater his love turns to hatred for the woman he thought he knew.
How had she managed to conceal this double life? Worse, are her tales of debauchery even more terrifying than the mystery surrounding her death?
As Matt sinks further into a deep depression, he stumbles across a mysterious notebook among his wife's belongings. Within its pages are cryptic writings revealing that she led a secret life. The more he reads, the greater his love turns to hatred for the woman he thought he knew.
How had she managed to conceal this double life? Worse, are her tales of debauchery even more terrifying than the mystery surrounding her death?
69 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2014
12 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Owen
52 books152 followersKelli Owen writes dark fiction, thrillers, and suspense that explore characters, consequences, and the uneasy shadows of everyday life. Her novels dig into psychological tension, while her short fiction has earned her a reputation for sharp, character-driven storytelling in bite-sized doses of dread.
She has been a reviewer, editor, podcaster, and indie film producer, and has spoken at countless conventions and events, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA about the craft and field of writing. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines alongside authors such as Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, and Josh Malerman, and in multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated collections.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli now lives in the dark woods of Pennsylvania. For news, updates, and the occasional ramble, visit www.kelliowen.com
She has been a reviewer, editor, podcaster, and indie film producer, and has spoken at countless conventions and events, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA about the craft and field of writing. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines alongside authors such as Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, and Josh Malerman, and in multiple Bram Stoker Award-nominated collections.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelli now lives in the dark woods of Pennsylvania. For news, updates, and the occasional ramble, visit www.kelliowen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 10, 2014
A man's wife is murdered and he's understandably wrecked. When he finds a notebook in her luggage, he finds that his wife may not have been the person he thought she was...
I got this from Darkfuse via Netgalley.
Imagine you find evidence that your recently deceased spouse was a serial killer. That's the boat Matt Newman is in in Deceiver. He gradually slides from being the grieving husband to brimming with anger as he reads the entries in his deceased wife's notebook.
I've never read a Kelli Owen book before but she knows about building tension and conveying feelings of loss and anger like nobody's business. I sympathized with Matt at the various stages of his emotional journey.
The payoff at the end is pretty damn sweet. I don't have a bad thing to say about this book. It's an easy four star read.
I got this from Darkfuse via Netgalley.
Imagine you find evidence that your recently deceased spouse was a serial killer. That's the boat Matt Newman is in in Deceiver. He gradually slides from being the grieving husband to brimming with anger as he reads the entries in his deceased wife's notebook.
I've never read a Kelli Owen book before but she knows about building tension and conveying feelings of loss and anger like nobody's business. I sympathized with Matt at the various stages of his emotional journey.
The payoff at the end is pretty damn sweet. I don't have a bad thing to say about this book. It's an easy four star read.
January 11, 2026
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the narrow, lead character-driven narrative here. Kept things feeling personal and focused, which fit the premise. Matt went through a myriad of emotions and trials as he investigated his wife’s murder. Lots of secrets uncovered and enough plot twists to keep it all very interesting, without getting confusing. Really was a fun ride. Now, on the ending, did I love it? No. Did I hate it? Nah. It was just ok for me. Definitely a little rushed, not matching the established pace of the preliminary portion of the book, and it just felt kinda meh. Still worth a read and it was written well, but just taper expectations going in, especially for the finale.
August 4, 2016
Dang you book.
I picked this up and started reading. Matt's wife recently was murdered. He is heartbroken. After everyone leaves he starts going through her suitcase and finds a notebook.
He sees that the awful ties she brings him may not be so innocent. He realizes his wife was up to more than just her job.
This book had me wrapped up in it so very much. Then the damn thing ended. It wrapped up the story so don't think it leaves you hanging. It was just so good I want more.
I picked this up and started reading. Matt's wife recently was murdered. He is heartbroken. After everyone leaves he starts going through her suitcase and finds a notebook.
He sees that the awful ties she brings him may not be so innocent. He realizes his wife was up to more than just her job.
This book had me wrapped up in it so very much. Then the damn thing ended. It wrapped up the story so don't think it leaves you hanging. It was just so good I want more.
May 22, 2014
This was the first story I've read by Kelli Owen, and I was very impressed with her style! An emotionally gripping, raw novella of a man coming to terms with his wife's murder...and finding out that she may not have been the person he thought she was. The highlight of this one, in my opinion, was the characterization of the husband, Matt, depicted by his thoughts, emotions, and memories. I became completely immersed in Matt's world, and read this in a single setting.
Kelli Owen has a solid storyline here, with enough happening throughout to keep your attention riveted until the very end. I'm looking forward to looking up more works from this author.
Recommended!
Kelli Owen has a solid storyline here, with enough happening throughout to keep your attention riveted until the very end. I'm looking forward to looking up more works from this author.
Recommended!
July 19, 2014
Deceiver was my first read by Kelli Owen and is another good story from the Darkfuse stable.
Matt is understandably devastated when his wife is murdered on a business trip, on opening her case he discovers a notebook with diary entries and as he reads, his life is turned upside down for a second time, turning his mourning into something completely different.
His wife it seems led a different life when she was away from home and Matt comes to realise that he didn’t know her at all, their relationship was a lie and he’s hurting, furious even.
I won’t give anymore of the plot away except that there is an awesome twist and violent ending, Matt’s emotions are unequivocally laid bare and you can’t help but feel for the guy. If looking for the twists and turns in a story is your thing then chances are you’ll spot this one quite easily, it is a little predictable but overall doesn’t spoil the enjoyment of a well written story.
A 3.5 Rating.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Matt is understandably devastated when his wife is murdered on a business trip, on opening her case he discovers a notebook with diary entries and as he reads, his life is turned upside down for a second time, turning his mourning into something completely different.
His wife it seems led a different life when she was away from home and Matt comes to realise that he didn’t know her at all, their relationship was a lie and he’s hurting, furious even.
I won’t give anymore of the plot away except that there is an awesome twist and violent ending, Matt’s emotions are unequivocally laid bare and you can’t help but feel for the guy. If looking for the twists and turns in a story is your thing then chances are you’ll spot this one quite easily, it is a little predictable but overall doesn’t spoil the enjoyment of a well written story.
A 3.5 Rating.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
March 20, 2016
I should have known better. How do I erase this from my brain?
May 12, 2014
4.5 Stars, rounded up.
Review can also be found at -
As the blurb states, Matt's life is turned upside down over the murder of his wife Tania. The story starts out at Matt's home immediately after the funeral. Mired in grief, Matt wonders how he will survive the aftermath. Tania had died in another state while Matt (a pilot) was in the air, so he's not a suspect. According to the detective in charge of the case, there are no suspects. This, of course, makes Matt's pain worse. Who would want his beautiful wife dead?
A few days after Tania's funeral, Matt decides to go through her suitcase, returned to him from the police. His life is turned upside down yet again as he reads his wife's entries inside a cheap notebook he finds with his wife's belongings. Not only was his wife unfaithful, but according to the journal, she was also a serial killer.
This begins the unraveling of Matt and the life he thought he had been living for the previous seven years. Tania was in sales and this had her traveling all over the country. Was she killing men everywhere she went during her business trips? Angry, and beyond devastated, Matt continues to read each journal entry learning more and more about the secret life his late wife led away from him.
There is a lot more to this story obviously. I could detail the grief, the devastation, of Matt discovering the real woman Tania really was. I won't do that, of course, because that would be telling things that would spoil the story for other readers.
The story sucks you in immediately. You feel the grief of Matt and that of Tania's sister. You see the devastation as Matt realizes that the life he had been living for years had been a lie. You watch the self-destruction of a man who had believed he had a solid marriage with the woman he had been head over heels in love with. Then you are along for the ride as everything reaches a climax.
Outstanding story. My only complaint, though it's not really a complaint as I loved Deceiver from beginning to end, is that I wish there had been another page or so added in order for the reader to see what happened next.
Overall, a very good read. Once I started reading I couldn't put my Kindle down until the end. Highly recommended.
This book was provided by Dark Fuse via Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review can also be found at -
As the blurb states, Matt's life is turned upside down over the murder of his wife Tania. The story starts out at Matt's home immediately after the funeral. Mired in grief, Matt wonders how he will survive the aftermath. Tania had died in another state while Matt (a pilot) was in the air, so he's not a suspect. According to the detective in charge of the case, there are no suspects. This, of course, makes Matt's pain worse. Who would want his beautiful wife dead?
A few days after Tania's funeral, Matt decides to go through her suitcase, returned to him from the police. His life is turned upside down yet again as he reads his wife's entries inside a cheap notebook he finds with his wife's belongings. Not only was his wife unfaithful, but according to the journal, she was also a serial killer.
This begins the unraveling of Matt and the life he thought he had been living for the previous seven years. Tania was in sales and this had her traveling all over the country. Was she killing men everywhere she went during her business trips? Angry, and beyond devastated, Matt continues to read each journal entry learning more and more about the secret life his late wife led away from him.
There is a lot more to this story obviously. I could detail the grief, the devastation, of Matt discovering the real woman Tania really was. I won't do that, of course, because that would be telling things that would spoil the story for other readers.
The story sucks you in immediately. You feel the grief of Matt and that of Tania's sister. You see the devastation as Matt realizes that the life he had been living for years had been a lie. You watch the self-destruction of a man who had believed he had a solid marriage with the woman he had been head over heels in love with. Then you are along for the ride as everything reaches a climax.
Outstanding story. My only complaint, though it's not really a complaint as I loved Deceiver from beginning to end, is that I wish there had been another page or so added in order for the reader to see what happened next.
Overall, a very good read. Once I started reading I couldn't put my Kindle down until the end. Highly recommended.
This book was provided by Dark Fuse via Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 27, 2014
Matt is devastated when his wife is murdered until he comes across a notebook that suggests his wife was a very different person to the one he knew and loved.
I really enjoyed this fast paced novella, Matt is quite a likeable character and you feel his pain as he comes to terms not only with his wife's death but also the loss of who he thought his wife was. The story had a nice little twist in it but the ending was a bit predictable once all was revealed. Some questionable actions by the police also made this feel less than authentic.
Overall, a very enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Recommended.
May 29, 2014
Another excellent noir-ish novella from Darkfuse.
A classic tale given a more modern treatment. I don’t want to say that much about what I thought of the story because I can’t say much more without giving away too much of the plot. It is best to not read reviews and just dive into this one.
This is the second novella that I have read by Ms. Owen. The other one was the apocalyptic “Waiting Out Winter” which was also excellent. She writes smooth prose, keeps the plot lines totally plausible, and creates believable and sympathetic characters…..and then proceeds to put them through hell.
Four and a half stars. Owen is now officially on my “read more of” list.
A classic tale given a more modern treatment. I don’t want to say that much about what I thought of the story because I can’t say much more without giving away too much of the plot. It is best to not read reviews and just dive into this one.
This is the second novella that I have read by Ms. Owen. The other one was the apocalyptic “Waiting Out Winter” which was also excellent. She writes smooth prose, keeps the plot lines totally plausible, and creates believable and sympathetic characters…..and then proceeds to put them through hell.
Four and a half stars. Owen is now officially on my “read more of” list.
May 22, 2014
This is the third book by Kelli I have read and enjoyed. The story is centered around Matt Newman, and his wife Tania who was murdered. Her suitcase was returned to him by the police. While trying to deal with the loss of his wife, he is going thru her stuff and he finds this notebook in her suitcase. He opens the notebook and sees it is written like a journal. This is where the story gets going. Deceiver had a lot of story and emotion in such a short book. Well written, a good flow and a solid story. Need to read more of her books soon. I gave Deceiver 4 stars.
July 29, 2016
Deceiver was first read by Kelli Owen. I don’t know what took me so long. The great thing about finding a new author is...now, I can get more of her stuff!
A very good short work that flows fast and furious, as Mark tries to deal with his wife’s murder. I was torn between wanting more from the ending and then decided that I liked the fact that it didn’t mess around and drag out (as it would have been easy to do).
Very well done. Solid 4 Stars!
A very good short work that flows fast and furious, as Mark tries to deal with his wife’s murder. I was torn between wanting more from the ending and then decided that I liked the fact that it didn’t mess around and drag out (as it would have been easy to do).
Very well done. Solid 4 Stars!
June 12, 2014
Review copy
Imagine my surprise when I read the following line in this novella's acknowledgements. "...Frank Errington for the use of his name~sorry." What!?
I first met Kelli when I attended Horrible Saturday at the York Emporium a few Summers ago and again the following year at the same venue. I picked up a couple of novellas that first July and have been reading and reviewing her books ever since. I just checked, this is the seventh time I've reviewed one of her works and I've bought every one until this one, which I got through NetGalley to provide a review.
I keep coming back to her work for a couple of reasons. One, I like the fact that she's a Pennsylvania writer. Having lived in the state for most of my life, I just like to see others in the Commonwealth doing well. Then, there's Kelli herself, a spitfire personality in a small package with a big heart. But, most importantly, Kelli is an excellent writer. No matter how crazy the overall story, there's always that element of truth that makes it totally believable.
In her latest novella, Deceiver, Kelli tells the story of grieving widower, Matt Newman. His wife Tania was recently murdered while traveling on business. Matt discovers a journal among her luggage and learns of a secret life. Was his wife really the woman he thought she was, or is she something he never even imagined.
Deceiver shows the reader what happens when you assume. Again and again. Leading to a very satisfying ending.
Deceiver will be published for the Kindle in June of 2014 and is available now for pre-order from Amazon.com.
Of course, I recommend this one. I'm in the freakin' story.
Imagine my surprise when I read the following line in this novella's acknowledgements. "...Frank Errington for the use of his name~sorry." What!?
I first met Kelli when I attended Horrible Saturday at the York Emporium a few Summers ago and again the following year at the same venue. I picked up a couple of novellas that first July and have been reading and reviewing her books ever since. I just checked, this is the seventh time I've reviewed one of her works and I've bought every one until this one, which I got through NetGalley to provide a review.
I keep coming back to her work for a couple of reasons. One, I like the fact that she's a Pennsylvania writer. Having lived in the state for most of my life, I just like to see others in the Commonwealth doing well. Then, there's Kelli herself, a spitfire personality in a small package with a big heart. But, most importantly, Kelli is an excellent writer. No matter how crazy the overall story, there's always that element of truth that makes it totally believable.
In her latest novella, Deceiver, Kelli tells the story of grieving widower, Matt Newman. His wife Tania was recently murdered while traveling on business. Matt discovers a journal among her luggage and learns of a secret life. Was his wife really the woman he thought she was, or is she something he never even imagined.
Deceiver shows the reader what happens when you assume. Again and again. Leading to a very satisfying ending.
Deceiver will be published for the Kindle in June of 2014 and is available now for pre-order from Amazon.com.
Of course, I recommend this one. I'm in the freakin' story.
August 25, 2023
Really good novella with a suprise ending. Makes me want to read more from this author. 4.25 🌟
August 4, 2014
Deceiver by Kellie Owen
Read the night of August 3, 2014
Darkfuse Novella
I received this novella a couple of months ago. I downloaded it, but forgot to send it on to my kindle, so I'm just now reading it. Thanks to Dark Fuse to the reminder.
As the story unfolds, Matt is dealing with the loss of his beloved wife, Tania. She was murdered on one of her many trips and he can't seem to let go of the reality that she is gone or what has happened to her.
From there the story takes some wild twist and turns that a lesser author may have lost my interest. However, Kellie Owen continues to hold my interest as this story takes first one turn and then another. What an emotional roller-coaster Matt is on...I put myself in his place and I don't think I would survive...but he is a strong character and through it all realizes what he must do.
This is a well written story with few editing errors. The protagonist's development is quick, yet believable. It's a good novella.
I give this book 4 stars
Recommended
Read the night of August 3, 2014
Darkfuse Novella
I received this novella a couple of months ago. I downloaded it, but forgot to send it on to my kindle, so I'm just now reading it. Thanks to Dark Fuse to the reminder.
As the story unfolds, Matt is dealing with the loss of his beloved wife, Tania. She was murdered on one of her many trips and he can't seem to let go of the reality that she is gone or what has happened to her.
From there the story takes some wild twist and turns that a lesser author may have lost my interest. However, Kellie Owen continues to hold my interest as this story takes first one turn and then another. What an emotional roller-coaster Matt is on...I put myself in his place and I don't think I would survive...but he is a strong character and through it all realizes what he must do.
This is a well written story with few editing errors. The protagonist's development is quick, yet believable. It's a good novella.
I give this book 4 stars
Recommended
August 11, 2014
"Deceiver" is a very fast-paced novella. Owen does a great job establishing her characters and building a sense of mystery. The plot twists are enjoyable if not a bit predictable.
One hole in the plot though ruined the entire story for me. It struck me in the first couple of pages of the novella that if the police had properly processed evidence that was returned to the victim's husband, then none of this novella would have happened. There are so many things wrong with that little bit of the novella that just nagged me all the way through the rest of the story and completely voided any of the good aspects.
2 STARS
One hole in the plot though ruined the entire story for me. It struck me in the first couple of pages of the novella that if the police had properly processed evidence that was returned to the victim's husband, then none of this novella would have happened. There are so many things wrong with that little bit of the novella that just nagged me all the way through the rest of the story and completely voided any of the good aspects.
2 STARS
May 21, 2014
I would have given one more star, but the ending was a little dissapointing. Good short read however. Had me going from the beginning, trying to figure out what the diary meant. I couldn't imagine having to find a diary from your spouse after they've passed and realizing they were living a double life. It was very raw, very emotional, and had alot of twists, i just didnt like the end and was hoping for something a little more crazy and bizarre. I would love to read more from this author.
May 22, 2014
I loved this story. Murder mystery, suspense - it kept me going right to the end. The writing style was so easy to read that I breezed to the end of the book and plan to look for more by Kelli Owen.
4.5 stars and highly recommended.
4.5 stars and highly recommended.
May 8, 2014
No matter how close you are to a person, you don’t know EVERYTHING about them. Reeling from the murder of his loving wife, a man discovers the woman he thought he knew better than himself, a woman who he knew was too good for him was hiding a dark and vile secret. Upon opening her luggage from that fatal trip she took, Matt discovers a journal of an unstable mind. Page by torturous page, he follows her horrific secret life as it slowly crushes his spirit and taints the memories he struggles to hold on to.
Should he tell the police? Should he let her dark side remain hidden? Fate clearly has more to reveal in an over-the-top finale that I wouldn’t have missed for the world!
Kelli Owen’s Deceiver is a heartbreaking tale of loss, guilt and overwhelming discoveries. Kelli Owen writes with a passion for her work, evoking emotion in every form, while cleverly twisting this tale into gut-wrenching knots that hide the final reveal.
I received an ARC edition from DarkFuse in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 17, 2014
Publisher: DarkFuse
ISBN: 9781940544397
Genre: Adult Dark Fiction/Mystery
Print Length: 142 Pages
Available from: Amazon
Should he tell the police? Should he let her dark side remain hidden? Fate clearly has more to reveal in an over-the-top finale that I wouldn’t have missed for the world!
Kelli Owen’s Deceiver is a heartbreaking tale of loss, guilt and overwhelming discoveries. Kelli Owen writes with a passion for her work, evoking emotion in every form, while cleverly twisting this tale into gut-wrenching knots that hide the final reveal.
I received an ARC edition from DarkFuse in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 17, 2014
Publisher: DarkFuse
ISBN: 9781940544397
Genre: Adult Dark Fiction/Mystery
Print Length: 142 Pages
Available from: Amazon
October 20, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Matt Newman's life is thrown into absolute chaos with the murder of his wife by persons unknown. The police have no clues, no suspects, no hope. Among the belongings returned to him, Matt finds a notebook in a suitcase. In it, he discovers that his wife is not at all who he thought she was and, has lead a double life that could ultimately drive him mad...
Another novella from the wonderful people at DarkFuse. They are really becoming the go-to publishers for dark and decadent stories, either in novels or shorter works, such as this.
The story starts out strongly - Matt's life is in turmoil when his wife is killed. We go through the emotional wringer with him, see his pain, his anger, his frustrations. The author is very adept at describing these emotions and we feel them as our own.
Then, when Matt finds the notebook, we discover the secret life that Tania had been leading. She was a murderer - in fact, she was a serial killer. 14 dead at the hands of a woman he thought he knew. His anger and hatred begins to boil and he finds it very hard to contain his emotions. This section of the book is well written and I could understand his feelings and, at times, felt sorry for him.
However, the ending is what cost stars here. After such a really good lead-up, the ending was a little contrived and somewhat abrupt. I don't know whether it needed more pages, or more plot - but I certainly felt a little cold after reading the closing few pages. Which is a shame as it had been pretty good up until that point.
Paul
ARH
Matt Newman's life is thrown into absolute chaos with the murder of his wife by persons unknown. The police have no clues, no suspects, no hope. Among the belongings returned to him, Matt finds a notebook in a suitcase. In it, he discovers that his wife is not at all who he thought she was and, has lead a double life that could ultimately drive him mad...
Another novella from the wonderful people at DarkFuse. They are really becoming the go-to publishers for dark and decadent stories, either in novels or shorter works, such as this.
The story starts out strongly - Matt's life is in turmoil when his wife is killed. We go through the emotional wringer with him, see his pain, his anger, his frustrations. The author is very adept at describing these emotions and we feel them as our own.
Then, when Matt finds the notebook, we discover the secret life that Tania had been leading. She was a murderer - in fact, she was a serial killer. 14 dead at the hands of a woman he thought he knew. His anger and hatred begins to boil and he finds it very hard to contain his emotions. This section of the book is well written and I could understand his feelings and, at times, felt sorry for him.
However, the ending is what cost stars here. After such a really good lead-up, the ending was a little contrived and somewhat abrupt. I don't know whether it needed more pages, or more plot - but I certainly felt a little cold after reading the closing few pages. Which is a shame as it had been pretty good up until that point.
Paul
ARH
August 19, 2014
I thoroughly enjoy Kelli Owen's horror fiction, so it is no stretch for me expect the same level of quality when she has a crack at a psychological thriller. And Deceiver is just as good, if not a bit better than any of her horror titles.
The premise feels somehow familiar, with a grieving widower growing more and more suspicious his dead wife led a double life, and yet the unraveling of the mystery left me unable to think of anything quite like this story. If there was an obscure Hitchcock film with that premise, I'd totally buy it. This is a new one though, and it just ratchets up the tension after he finds his murdered wife's diary in her suitcase.
The atmosphere is great and how the veil is lifted on just what his wife had been up to all those years is so expertly done that when the big finish comes around I was just about as close to the edge of my seat as I could get while sitting comfortably in my recliner.
From what I've read of Kelli Owen's work, she has a real knack for honing in on one or two characters in a book and just putting them through an emotional wringer to the point where you expect them to fall of the floor like a piece of discarded loose leaf paper. If taut thrillers are more your thing than straight-up horror, you'll definitely want to try this one out.
The premise feels somehow familiar, with a grieving widower growing more and more suspicious his dead wife led a double life, and yet the unraveling of the mystery left me unable to think of anything quite like this story. If there was an obscure Hitchcock film with that premise, I'd totally buy it. This is a new one though, and it just ratchets up the tension after he finds his murdered wife's diary in her suitcase.
The atmosphere is great and how the veil is lifted on just what his wife had been up to all those years is so expertly done that when the big finish comes around I was just about as close to the edge of my seat as I could get while sitting comfortably in my recliner.
From what I've read of Kelli Owen's work, she has a real knack for honing in on one or two characters in a book and just putting them through an emotional wringer to the point where you expect them to fall of the floor like a piece of discarded loose leaf paper. If taut thrillers are more your thing than straight-up horror, you'll definitely want to try this one out.
March 22, 2015
Deceiver by Kelli Owen is a suspense thriller from DarkFuse. While this publisher is known for horror, Deceiver does not quite fit that bill. Nonetheless, it is a dark read with a nifty twist that many people will see coming – but is fun just the same.
I will not recap the plot since many others have already done that and in a considerably better manner than I would accomplish. Suffice to say that Kelli Owen has penned a gripping and emotional read about a young man dealing with his wife’s murder. Matt’s grieving is believably portrayed and you feel every ounce of his despair. As he discovers secrets about his wife, you agonize right along with him.
There are a couple of plot lines which stretched my ability to suspend disbelief. The biggest involves incompetent police work that the author did not intend to portray as such (and unfortunately is very important to the plot), and some occasional over-the-top behavior of the main character. Otherwise, this is a short, dark read that will hold your attention.
I will not recap the plot since many others have already done that and in a considerably better manner than I would accomplish. Suffice to say that Kelli Owen has penned a gripping and emotional read about a young man dealing with his wife’s murder. Matt’s grieving is believably portrayed and you feel every ounce of his despair. As he discovers secrets about his wife, you agonize right along with him.
There are a couple of plot lines which stretched my ability to suspend disbelief. The biggest involves incompetent police work that the author did not intend to portray as such (and unfortunately is very important to the plot), and some occasional over-the-top behavior of the main character. Otherwise, this is a short, dark read that will hold your attention.
March 19, 2016
So, how cool did I find this novella? Mucho cool!
Ms. Owens managed to write a gripping novella that caught this reader from page one and didn't let go until the last twist that had me thinking "WTH???? What an awesome ride!"
Looking for something short, intense and well worth the $$$? Grab this novella. It is well worth the time and the small amount of money. This type of writing is the epitome of why I prefer small/independent publishing houses/authors over the Big 5.
Ms. Owens managed to write a gripping novella that caught this reader from page one and didn't let go until the last twist that had me thinking "WTH???? What an awesome ride!"
Looking for something short, intense and well worth the $$$? Grab this novella. It is well worth the time and the small amount of money. This type of writing is the epitome of why I prefer small/independent publishing houses/authors over the Big 5.
October 24, 2014
This was my first time reading anything by Kelli Owen and it was impressive! The writing style was very easy to read and the plot grabbed my attention from the beginning. My only complaint in this one is that I felt the ending was a bit predictable as well as rushed but still an overall great read. Highly recommended!
December 20, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed the story, but it was very short. Would've loved it had it been longer.
June 30, 2014
DarkFuse, an independent publisher of horror, suspense and thrillers, has a thriving novella series. For $85 per month, you can subscribe to the limited hardcover editions of the novellas, which are published at the rate of two each month. (The subscription also includes a hardcover novel every month.) Only 100 copies are printed, though the works are also available in electronic form. It’s a delight to see a publisher take an interest in publishing this shorter form, which is often exactly the right length for genre works (and for mainstream fiction, for that matter; consider William Faulkner and Henry James), but which is neglected by most publishers.
One of the June 2014 novella offerings is Kelli Owen’s Deceiver, a suspenseful work of dark fiction that opens at a post-funeral gathering. Matt’s wife Tania has been murdered while on a business trip, strangled with a necktie. The police have almost no clues to work with, but they know for sure that Matt didn’t do it; he was flying a commercial jet at the relevant time. Matt has pretty much zoned out, and even though the gathering is being held in his home, he is in no shape to play the gracious host. In fact, he is completely devastated by the loss of his wife. His refuge, for right now, at least, lies in heavy doses of alcohol; it’s the only thing that keeps the nightmares away, and not for very long, either.
The day after the funeral, Matt opens his wife’s suitcase to find a spiral-bound notebook. When he opens it, he doesn’t find the strange doodles he expected, but a journal. He’s not entirely certain he should be reading it, even now, but he can’t help himself. It reads as if she’s right there with him. And it reminds him, almost immediately, of the troubles they’d faced in their marriage when he was — very briefly — unfaithful to her, and how much stronger their marriage was when they came out the other side of anguish, apologies, anger and therapy.
But then the journal takes an ugly turn, and it looks like everything Matt thought he and Tania had built together had a foundation of shifting sand. For the writing in the journal suggests that the woman who wrote it wasn’t just sleeping with every man she could find on the road, but also — well, that would be telling too much.
Owen gives herself enough room in the novella to draw the suspense out in a leisurely fashion. Indeed, sometimes the writing is a bit flabby; we don’t need to know, for instance, about Matt’s visit to the insurance office to collect the life insurance proceeds or his sister-in-law’s attempts to cheer him up. Even with the non-essential details, though, the suspense she creates makes the book impossible to set down. I read it straight through in one sitting, and enjoyed every twist and turn and double-back the plot had to offer. As a long-time mystery reader, I did figure it out before Owen chose to reveal just what’s going on here, but that’s mostly because she sets out sufficient clues for the attentive reader to pick up and decipher.
I should note that this novella is not “horror” in the strictest sense, but more of a suspenseful thriller. Still, I found myself wondering about exactly where we draw that line. When human beings act like monsters, seemingly without motive engaging in the darkest and most final acts, is that not sufficient to hang a “horror” label on a story? Certainly this is a novella that any reader of dark fiction would enjoy.
Originally published at http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
One of the June 2014 novella offerings is Kelli Owen’s Deceiver, a suspenseful work of dark fiction that opens at a post-funeral gathering. Matt’s wife Tania has been murdered while on a business trip, strangled with a necktie. The police have almost no clues to work with, but they know for sure that Matt didn’t do it; he was flying a commercial jet at the relevant time. Matt has pretty much zoned out, and even though the gathering is being held in his home, he is in no shape to play the gracious host. In fact, he is completely devastated by the loss of his wife. His refuge, for right now, at least, lies in heavy doses of alcohol; it’s the only thing that keeps the nightmares away, and not for very long, either.
The day after the funeral, Matt opens his wife’s suitcase to find a spiral-bound notebook. When he opens it, he doesn’t find the strange doodles he expected, but a journal. He’s not entirely certain he should be reading it, even now, but he can’t help himself. It reads as if she’s right there with him. And it reminds him, almost immediately, of the troubles they’d faced in their marriage when he was — very briefly — unfaithful to her, and how much stronger their marriage was when they came out the other side of anguish, apologies, anger and therapy.
But then the journal takes an ugly turn, and it looks like everything Matt thought he and Tania had built together had a foundation of shifting sand. For the writing in the journal suggests that the woman who wrote it wasn’t just sleeping with every man she could find on the road, but also — well, that would be telling too much.
Owen gives herself enough room in the novella to draw the suspense out in a leisurely fashion. Indeed, sometimes the writing is a bit flabby; we don’t need to know, for instance, about Matt’s visit to the insurance office to collect the life insurance proceeds or his sister-in-law’s attempts to cheer him up. Even with the non-essential details, though, the suspense she creates makes the book impossible to set down. I read it straight through in one sitting, and enjoyed every twist and turn and double-back the plot had to offer. As a long-time mystery reader, I did figure it out before Owen chose to reveal just what’s going on here, but that’s mostly because she sets out sufficient clues for the attentive reader to pick up and decipher.
I should note that this novella is not “horror” in the strictest sense, but more of a suspenseful thriller. Still, I found myself wondering about exactly where we draw that line. When human beings act like monsters, seemingly without motive engaging in the darkest and most final acts, is that not sufficient to hang a “horror” label on a story? Certainly this is a novella that any reader of dark fiction would enjoy.
Originally published at http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
May 3, 2019
Deceiver is a brilliant horror thriller by Kelli Owen.
There are so many pretty words I could use to describe Kelli’s expert suspense building and characterization, but this story defies deep, intellectual analysis. This story is gut-wrenching. It is riveting. It is surprisingly unpredictable. I was in awe of both the story and Kelli Owen when I finished it.
Deceiver is a fast read, partly because of the steady pace, partly because of short length, and partly because you don’t want to put it down. The story starts strong and stays strong. The intriguing synopsis is literally just a tease, as a good synopsis should be. You won’t believe the shocking direction this story takes!
Owen’s vivid and believable characters create a painful level of empathy. Why painful? See the “gut-wrenching” comment above. The sadness, the anger, the fear, the consuming need to know just what in the world …
Nope. No spoilers.
But, you see, the building tension of this dark tale is fed not only by the unfolding mystery, but also by the emotions, actions, and reactions of the characters themselves. The balance is as beautiful to behold as it is disturbing to experience.
This is truly a masterwork of short fiction.
There are so many pretty words I could use to describe Kelli’s expert suspense building and characterization, but this story defies deep, intellectual analysis. This story is gut-wrenching. It is riveting. It is surprisingly unpredictable. I was in awe of both the story and Kelli Owen when I finished it.
Deceiver is a fast read, partly because of the steady pace, partly because of short length, and partly because you don’t want to put it down. The story starts strong and stays strong. The intriguing synopsis is literally just a tease, as a good synopsis should be. You won’t believe the shocking direction this story takes!
Owen’s vivid and believable characters create a painful level of empathy. Why painful? See the “gut-wrenching” comment above. The sadness, the anger, the fear, the consuming need to know just what in the world …
Nope. No spoilers.
But, you see, the building tension of this dark tale is fed not only by the unfolding mystery, but also by the emotions, actions, and reactions of the characters themselves. The balance is as beautiful to behold as it is disturbing to experience.
This is truly a masterwork of short fiction.
May 12, 2019
I loved the characters and enjoyed this immensely. I love all Kelli Owens work.
April 28, 2019
Wow! Great story!
Matt's world has been turned upside down as his wife Tania is inexplicably murdered. The circumstances of this heinous act are revealed in a notebook found inside a suitcase given to him by the airline his wife used for the trip she had taken. An emotional rollercoaster pulls Matt's grieving mind in all sorts of directions trying to figure out what happened. Read this to find out! You won't be sorry! Kelly's characters are so relatable and fleshed out...even in stories as short as this one.
Matt's world has been turned upside down as his wife Tania is inexplicably murdered. The circumstances of this heinous act are revealed in a notebook found inside a suitcase given to him by the airline his wife used for the trip she had taken. An emotional rollercoaster pulls Matt's grieving mind in all sorts of directions trying to figure out what happened. Read this to find out! You won't be sorry! Kelly's characters are so relatable and fleshed out...even in stories as short as this one.
March 19, 2019
Deceiver isn't horror in the traditional sense, as there's nothing at all supernatural found in its pages. But its terrifying story is horrific nonetheless, delivering unease not unlike that of movies like Se7en and Silence of the Lambs.
What stands out most in this book is the high level of tension Owen maintains throughout. There was never a point I was truly comfortable reading it, and there were times when I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding. You would think that most interesting part of Deceiver would be what's in the notebook, and in fact you will get caught up just as Matt does reading it. And there's a part of you who gets annoyed with Matt when he stops reading it because you are just intrigued as he is. But Owen is such a skilled author that within a few words, you are engrossed in the next part of the story and you don't realize you have missed the mystery unravelling in the notebook until Matt picks it up again. The best way I can describe this is when I watch Game of Thrones and the story is following Ayra Stark's adventures and then jumps to Tyrion Lannister and the trouble he's getting into, I'm mad for a moment because I really like the Arya character. But then I remember I really like Tyrion too, so things are fine. It's like that. Sure I want to find out where that story in the notebook is heading, but I'm also caught up in how Matt is dealing with this tragic loss. That's a tough balance to pull off, and Owen does it with ease.
You can read my full review here at Horror DNA.
What stands out most in this book is the high level of tension Owen maintains throughout. There was never a point I was truly comfortable reading it, and there were times when I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding. You would think that most interesting part of Deceiver would be what's in the notebook, and in fact you will get caught up just as Matt does reading it. And there's a part of you who gets annoyed with Matt when he stops reading it because you are just intrigued as he is. But Owen is such a skilled author that within a few words, you are engrossed in the next part of the story and you don't realize you have missed the mystery unravelling in the notebook until Matt picks it up again. The best way I can describe this is when I watch Game of Thrones and the story is following Ayra Stark's adventures and then jumps to Tyrion Lannister and the trouble he's getting into, I'm mad for a moment because I really like the Arya character. But then I remember I really like Tyrion too, so things are fine. It's like that. Sure I want to find out where that story in the notebook is heading, but I'm also caught up in how Matt is dealing with this tragic loss. That's a tough balance to pull off, and Owen does it with ease.
You can read my full review here at Horror DNA.
June 20, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
Deceiver is a short novella, and in my opinion, too short. We learn about main character Matt Newman, who just lost his wife. She was murdered, and the police have no leads. Matt struggles through her funeral and the aftermath, and coming to terms with loosing his spouse. But then he finds a diary supposedly belonging to his deceased spouse. He doesn’t want to at first, but then he starts reading it. The diary reveals a side of his wife Matt had no idea even existed.
Is she still the woman he fell in love with, or a deranged serial killer? Can he still love her if she turns out to be the latter?
The subject matter is dark, sure, but it wasn’t dark enough for my tastes. The murders are described rather superficially. It’s more about Matt’s emotional turmoil than about creepiness. There’s some sense of foreboding, but there’s no creepy atmosphere, no fear crawling up on the reader’s skin. We get a good sense of Matt, and his personality, and considering the limited amount of characters, the novella length makes sense, but it’s too short to establish suspense.
Deceiver is a short novella, and in my opinion, too short. We learn about main character Matt Newman, who just lost his wife. She was murdered, and the police have no leads. Matt struggles through her funeral and the aftermath, and coming to terms with loosing his spouse. But then he finds a diary supposedly belonging to his deceased spouse. He doesn’t want to at first, but then he starts reading it. The diary reveals a side of his wife Matt had no idea even existed.
Is she still the woman he fell in love with, or a deranged serial killer? Can he still love her if she turns out to be the latter?
The subject matter is dark, sure, but it wasn’t dark enough for my tastes. The murders are described rather superficially. It’s more about Matt’s emotional turmoil than about creepiness. There’s some sense of foreboding, but there’s no creepy atmosphere, no fear crawling up on the reader’s skin. We get a good sense of Matt, and his personality, and considering the limited amount of characters, the novella length makes sense, but it’s too short to establish suspense.
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