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The Bay Area Quartet #4
Deceptive Practices
Do you have a cheating spouse? Has counseling failed? Want to get even? Then hire Infidelity Limited…
Olivia Shaw grew up poor on the wrong side of the tracks, but with her thriving real estate business and a solid marriage, her life finally feels stable…until she discovers her husband is cheating. Enraged, her sister offers a Infidelity Limited, a firm that promises to rough up her husband and scare him straight.
Overnight, Olivia’s life is upended as she, like all of Infidelity Limited’s clients, is drawn into a dark web of blackmail and murder. Now, Olivia is emerging as a prime suspect in her husband’s death. As a dogged detective closes in, Olivia has only one take down Infidelity Limited before it’s too late.
Olivia Shaw grew up poor on the wrong side of the tracks, but with her thriving real estate business and a solid marriage, her life finally feels stable…until she discovers her husband is cheating. Enraged, her sister offers a Infidelity Limited, a firm that promises to rough up her husband and scare him straight.
Overnight, Olivia’s life is upended as she, like all of Infidelity Limited’s clients, is drawn into a dark web of blackmail and murder. Now, Olivia is emerging as a prime suspect in her husband’s death. As a dogged detective closes in, Olivia has only one take down Infidelity Limited before it’s too late.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
220 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Simon Wood
91 books519 followersSimon Wood is a California transplant from England. He's an ex-competitive racecar driver, a licensed pilot and an occasional private investigator. He shares his world with his American wife, Julie. Their lives are dominated by a longhaired dachshund and five cats. In the last ten years, he's had over 150 stories and articles published. His stories have been included in “Best of” anthologies and he's a frequent contributor to Writer’s Digest. He's the Anthony Award winner and a Crime Writers Dagger Award finalist. He's the author of Working Stiffs, Accidents Waiting to Happen, Paying the Piper, Terminated, We All Fall Down, Deceptive Practices, The Fall Guy, Hot Seat and Did Not Finish. His latest thriller is, Saving Grace. He also writes horror under the pen name of Simon Janus. Those titles include The Scrubs and Road Rash.
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September 2, 2016I had a blast narrating this. It moves fast with a hint of Hitchcock suspense thrown in there. And the idea of Infidelity Limited scares the crap out of me. Great book. Should be a great listen too.
July 21, 2017
I struggled a little bit with the plot on this one, as well as with the characters. I felt like I wasn't quite rooting for anyone, and I couldn't quite connect with any of them. Overall, not my favorite, but not horrible either.
November 27, 2016
I saw this book recommended on a blog that I follow and thought the premise sounded intriguing . It's by a new to me author who clearly wants to shock his readers. The idea of retribution and more than a little pay back might not be as straightforward as everyone believes . What is right and what is wrong is strongly brought to question here and as crazy as it sounds perhaps the victim isn't always the person you wish to cheer for.
From the first page I was hooked as Olivia faces a harsh truth about her husband. Everything that follows is because Olivia feels the marriage she believed in is dead. There's a kind of grief that engulfs her with an uncanny acceptance and an overwhelming feeling of anger that leaves her wanting her husband to see how wrong his behaviour is. Olivia turns to her sister Clare but that's when her path descends into something that most would consider to be anything but normal and yet Olivia is the victim here isn't she?
Two sisters, Olivia successful and supposedly good. Clare, a gambler, down on her luck and clearly a loser. So do I see two sides to one coin or is it perhaps not that straightforward ? I think I'm supposed to empathise with Olivia and yet perhaps my sense of morality prevented that. The supposed villain of this story is Roy and yet ironically he felt like the only character with a backstory that contained depth. He is undoubtedly a monster and yet there's just something about his home life that felt so messed up it was truly sad.
There are other characters sprinkled in , victims and perpetrators and annoyingly an old flame of Olivia's who was just so wooden I wanted to scream . As for the cardboard cut out that is detective Finz, well honestly he's not exactly Columbo and that's a fact! I'm left thinking it was an unsatisfactory ending with things not quite resolved but perhaps the author wanted that. There is the possibility of more if he wanted to revisit this storyline but it's not black or white. Just who really is the victim here and did any crime deserve the punishment dealt? I'd suggest you read it yourself and find out exactly where your own moral compass leads you
This voluntary opinion is of an advance reader copy from Netgalley
From the first page I was hooked as Olivia faces a harsh truth about her husband. Everything that follows is because Olivia feels the marriage she believed in is dead. There's a kind of grief that engulfs her with an uncanny acceptance and an overwhelming feeling of anger that leaves her wanting her husband to see how wrong his behaviour is. Olivia turns to her sister Clare but that's when her path descends into something that most would consider to be anything but normal and yet Olivia is the victim here isn't she?
Two sisters, Olivia successful and supposedly good. Clare, a gambler, down on her luck and clearly a loser. So do I see two sides to one coin or is it perhaps not that straightforward ? I think I'm supposed to empathise with Olivia and yet perhaps my sense of morality prevented that. The supposed villain of this story is Roy and yet ironically he felt like the only character with a backstory that contained depth. He is undoubtedly a monster and yet there's just something about his home life that felt so messed up it was truly sad.
There are other characters sprinkled in , victims and perpetrators and annoyingly an old flame of Olivia's who was just so wooden I wanted to scream . As for the cardboard cut out that is detective Finz, well honestly he's not exactly Columbo and that's a fact! I'm left thinking it was an unsatisfactory ending with things not quite resolved but perhaps the author wanted that. There is the possibility of more if he wanted to revisit this storyline but it's not black or white. Just who really is the victim here and did any crime deserve the punishment dealt? I'd suggest you read it yourself and find out exactly where your own moral compass leads you
This voluntary opinion is of an advance reader copy from Netgalley
December 15, 2016
*Spoilers*
What do you do when your spouse cheats on you? If you want them to feel some of the pain you’re experiencing you contact Infidelity Limited, who will rough them up for a small fee, or at least that’s what they say. However, after they up the stakes by killing your spouse they have all the evidence they need to send you to prison unless you make the next kill for them. This is the basis for Simon Wood’s thriller Deceptive Practices.
When Olivia finds out the consequences of her revenge against her husband she does everything in her power to take down the organization without going to prison herself. She is aided by an old flame she contacts after 20 years (really?). Together they work to take down this highly successful, secret organization.
I particularly like the villain, Roy. His character was very well written and was very contradictory. In a book about immoral spouses and the lengths they will go to, he was the best example of love and devotion in the book. He loved his lady and it showed.
This book is a stand alone, but the pieces are in place for a follow up story.
Published November 15th 2016 by Thomas & Mercer
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
What do you do when your spouse cheats on you? If you want them to feel some of the pain you’re experiencing you contact Infidelity Limited, who will rough them up for a small fee, or at least that’s what they say. However, after they up the stakes by killing your spouse they have all the evidence they need to send you to prison unless you make the next kill for them. This is the basis for Simon Wood’s thriller Deceptive Practices.
When Olivia finds out the consequences of her revenge against her husband she does everything in her power to take down the organization without going to prison herself. She is aided by an old flame she contacts after 20 years (really?). Together they work to take down this highly successful, secret organization.
I particularly like the villain, Roy. His character was very well written and was very contradictory. In a book about immoral spouses and the lengths they will go to, he was the best example of love and devotion in the book. He loved his lady and it showed.
This book is a stand alone, but the pieces are in place for a follow up story.
Published November 15th 2016 by Thomas & Mercer
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 6, 2017
Tanya Eby's narration is so amazing there were times I had to remind myself this wasn't a multi-voice narration, her male voices were so authentic and all the different characters each have their own voice that you know exactly who is talking. Bravo!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and never let up. The spiraling events keep you guessing and you can’t help but wonder what would I do in the situation. You are horrified right along with Olivia as the revelations of what she actually signed up for reveal themselves. I don’t want to give anything away so I will say listen to this book! You won’t be disappointed!
I discovered this author through the Kindle First program and have devoured all his books since, his writing is right up there with Coben and Gardner he is a master at the psychological thriller.
Highly recommend.
5 Stars
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and never let up. The spiraling events keep you guessing and you can’t help but wonder what would I do in the situation. You are horrified right along with Olivia as the revelations of what she actually signed up for reveal themselves. I don’t want to give anything away so I will say listen to this book! You won’t be disappointed!
I discovered this author through the Kindle First program and have devoured all his books since, his writing is right up there with Coben and Gardner he is a master at the psychological thriller.
Highly recommend.
5 Stars
July 31, 2017
This was a real slog for me....slow and whiny characters and I ended up skipping parts just to push may way through. I'm still not real sure why I even bothered to finish.
November 15, 2016
From the publisher: Olivia Shaw grew up poor on the wrong side of the tracks, but with her thriving real estate business and a solid marriage, her life finally feels stable . . . until she discovers her husband is cheating. Enraged, her sister offers a solution: Infidelity Limited, a firm that promises to rough up her husband and scare him straight. Overnight, Olivia’s life is upended as she, like all of Infidelity Limited’s clients, is drawn into a dark web of blackmail and murder. Now, Olivia is emerging as a prime suspect in her husband’s death. As a dogged detective closes in, Olivia has only one option: take down Infidelity Limited before it’s too late.
This newest book from Simon Wood grabs the reader from page one, where Olivia, now in her forties, discovers that her marriage of eight years is not what she’d thought, when she sees her husband literally in the arms of another woman. The recommendation of her sister, Clare, older by three years and “the closest thing to a friend Olivia had,” despite their rocky relationship, feels like the right course of action, until of course it turns out to be anything but. She is told by the aforementioned Infidelity Limited (“a discreet service that deals with infidelity issues”) and its owner, Roy (who was “in his fifties and had an ex-football-player look to him”) that they “tailor our approach to your specific situation.” Or not.
Olivia is no stranger to widowhood: Her first husband had died in a drunk-driving accident after two years of marriage. Though there was no question at the time that it was an accident, it is only one more reason that the cops are looking at her as the prime suspect in the present situation, something which Roy had counted on.
As the book nears its denouement, the suspense and actual fear of what might happen next are palpable for the reader. From that point on, the pages couldn’t turn fast enough. I tried to imagine how the author would wrap this up, with an ingenious plot whose end I just couldn’t fathom. To call the book a page-turner doesn’t do it justice. I have loved all this author’s prior novels, but this outdoes the ones that came before. Highly recommended.
Parenthetically, I was touched by the author’s dedication of the book to Royston, his beloved four-legged friend who died not long ago; he also manages to get him [well, his name, anyway] onto a page in the book – well done, sir!
This newest book from Simon Wood grabs the reader from page one, where Olivia, now in her forties, discovers that her marriage of eight years is not what she’d thought, when she sees her husband literally in the arms of another woman. The recommendation of her sister, Clare, older by three years and “the closest thing to a friend Olivia had,” despite their rocky relationship, feels like the right course of action, until of course it turns out to be anything but. She is told by the aforementioned Infidelity Limited (“a discreet service that deals with infidelity issues”) and its owner, Roy (who was “in his fifties and had an ex-football-player look to him”) that they “tailor our approach to your specific situation.” Or not.
Olivia is no stranger to widowhood: Her first husband had died in a drunk-driving accident after two years of marriage. Though there was no question at the time that it was an accident, it is only one more reason that the cops are looking at her as the prime suspect in the present situation, something which Roy had counted on.
As the book nears its denouement, the suspense and actual fear of what might happen next are palpable for the reader. From that point on, the pages couldn’t turn fast enough. I tried to imagine how the author would wrap this up, with an ingenious plot whose end I just couldn’t fathom. To call the book a page-turner doesn’t do it justice. I have loved all this author’s prior novels, but this outdoes the ones that came before. Highly recommended.
Parenthetically, I was touched by the author’s dedication of the book to Royston, his beloved four-legged friend who died not long ago; he also manages to get him [well, his name, anyway] onto a page in the book – well done, sir!
May 20, 2017
I usually love anything written by Simon Wood but this was very nearly a DNF for me. It's not often I like the 'baddy' more than the main character but Olivia's character was lacking... well, a character!
It was all a bit far-fetched to the point of being a bit ridiculous at times.
I mean, Andrew... really?!
Disappointed but hoping this is just a blip. Readers who are unfamiliar with Simon Wood as an author should definitely read his other books but I personally would give this one a swerve.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was all a bit far-fetched to the point of being a bit ridiculous at times.
I mean, Andrew... really?!
Disappointed but hoping this is just a blip. Readers who are unfamiliar with Simon Wood as an author should definitely read his other books but I personally would give this one a swerve.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2016
Well, that was a fun thrill ride! As usual, Simon Wood has concocted an ingenious, riveting, fast-paced story, populated by a variety of entertaining characters. I especially liked Olivia and Andrew. The ending is satisfying, though not without loose ends. I loved that the author pays tribute to his late, beloved dog, Royston, in the dedication and in the story itself ("Royston's pizza"). I've enjoyed all of this writer's books that I've read, and I think this is one of his best.
April 29, 2017
Simon Wood never fails to hook me into his unique intriguing plots. Olivier Shaw is enraged when she discovers that her husband is cheating on her and wants revenge. Her unscrupulous
sister Clare introduces her to 'Infidelity Limited' who took money to beat him up to teach him a lesson. He was beaten to death, and Olivier is a prime suspect. She is also subject to extortion and finds she may have to kill to 'buy' her freedom.
That's enough to keep anybody hooked, but believe me there is a lot more.
sister Clare introduces her to 'Infidelity Limited' who took money to beat him up to teach him a lesson. He was beaten to death, and Olivier is a prime suspect. She is also subject to extortion and finds she may have to kill to 'buy' her freedom.
That's enough to keep anybody hooked, but believe me there is a lot more.
April 11, 2019
This book.... whew! Made you think about how far are you willing to go to hurt someone that hurt you?!? Our book club had a very passionate duscussion after reading this one.
March 24, 2023
Excellent read
Excellent, it kept me in suspense till the very end, can't wait for the next. If you want scary this ones for you.😊
Excellent, it kept me in suspense till the very end, can't wait for the next. If you want scary this ones for you.😊
April 24, 2018
I liked the book it was like no story I had read before. You feel an adrenaline rush wondering what is going to happen next. I can that he puts a lot of time into his stories they are very intricate. (Audible)
June 23, 2018
Best thriller ever
I couldn’t put this book down. It was one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read. The whole premise of the book was fantastic, a bit creepy but great.
I couldn’t put this book down. It was one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read. The whole premise of the book was fantastic, a bit creepy but great.
November 16, 2016
4.50 Stars
What a wild ride!
What I liked: Deceptive Practices was my first read by author Simon Wood. I was looking for something completely different and NetGalley had this offering. I had been trying to read in some of my normal genres but nothing was holding my attention.
Deceptive Practices seemed to start just a bit slow but when events started happening, I was spell bound. So, you find out your husband is cheating; what do you do? You could confront him/them, suck it up or maybe go for a little pay back. No, you don’t cheat but you decide to have your husband roughed up to feel a bit of the pain you’re feeling.
Olivia with advice from her sister decides on having her husband, Richard, roughed up and then she would file for divorce. The whole set up with Infidelity Limited is you pay them to teach your cheating spouse a lesson they shouldn’t forget. The business is by referral only and Olivia’s sister, Clare, gives her the number to call.
Initially, I thought, what’s with all the cloak and dagger with the meeting but Mr. Wood's attention to detail ensures you, as the reader, are fully aware of what’s going on throughout the book. The premise is different; the characters weren’t exactly likable but I think that’s the point.
Olivia meets with her “case officer”, agrees to the terms, and the events are set in motion. What Clare didn’t expect was the death of Richard. Sounds interesting, huh. Well from this point on, I could not put the book down. I can’t say anymore but just know, it’s pretty twisted and highly entertaining!
What I didn’t like: It does seem to start just a bit slowly but after finishing Deceptive Practices, I can think of no other way to speed it along.
The e-book is very reasonably priced at $4.99 and free for Kindle Unlimited members.
Based on the way Deceptive Practices was written plus the quality of writing, I want to try more books by Mr. Wood. I just must find the time.
I received an advanced copy of Deceptive Practices from NetGalley.
Highly Recommended!!
What a wild ride!
What I liked: Deceptive Practices was my first read by author Simon Wood. I was looking for something completely different and NetGalley had this offering. I had been trying to read in some of my normal genres but nothing was holding my attention.
Deceptive Practices seemed to start just a bit slow but when events started happening, I was spell bound. So, you find out your husband is cheating; what do you do? You could confront him/them, suck it up or maybe go for a little pay back. No, you don’t cheat but you decide to have your husband roughed up to feel a bit of the pain you’re feeling.
Olivia with advice from her sister decides on having her husband, Richard, roughed up and then she would file for divorce. The whole set up with Infidelity Limited is you pay them to teach your cheating spouse a lesson they shouldn’t forget. The business is by referral only and Olivia’s sister, Clare, gives her the number to call.
Initially, I thought, what’s with all the cloak and dagger with the meeting but Mr. Wood's attention to detail ensures you, as the reader, are fully aware of what’s going on throughout the book. The premise is different; the characters weren’t exactly likable but I think that’s the point.
Olivia meets with her “case officer”, agrees to the terms, and the events are set in motion. What Clare didn’t expect was the death of Richard. Sounds interesting, huh. Well from this point on, I could not put the book down. I can’t say anymore but just know, it’s pretty twisted and highly entertaining!
What I didn’t like: It does seem to start just a bit slowly but after finishing Deceptive Practices, I can think of no other way to speed it along.
The e-book is very reasonably priced at $4.99 and free for Kindle Unlimited members.
Based on the way Deceptive Practices was written plus the quality of writing, I want to try more books by Mr. Wood. I just must find the time.
I received an advanced copy of Deceptive Practices from NetGalley.
Highly Recommended!!
December 1, 2016
Deceptive Practices
Simon Wood
Nov. 2016
Suppose you learn your spouse is cheating. Suppose that makes you so angry you want revenge. Nothing big, just get someone to rough him up a little. When Olivia Shaw pours out her tale of woe to her sister, sis knows just what to do. She puts her in touch with Infidelity Limited, an under-the-radar firm that specializes in teaching straying spouses or significant others a lesson they won’t soon forget.
The smooth talking owner tells Olivia that, for the mere sum of $5,000, he will take care of her little problem. She pays up, wondering if she’d regret it. Things don’t go as planned, or at least not how she’d expected it to go. Mr. Smooth Talker tells her hubby is dead. Bad enough, but he then informs her that he has evidence that will point to her as the prime suspect. He will take it to the police unless she gives him more money and performs a task for him.
Olivia is just an ordinary woman, with no particular skills for the thing he asks of her. When she realizes she is trapped in a nightmare of blackmail and murder, she pulls herself together, and with a little help from a friend, she sets out to bring Infidelity Limited to its knees, and free the other victims from the claws of its nefarious owner.
Can she do it? Tension builds to an almost unbearable level with each turn of the page. The odds seem unsurmountable, but she keeps on going to the bitter end.
Simon Wood, the award-winning author of over a dozen books and more than one hundred fifty short stories, is the master of writing thrillers that throw ordinary people into extraordinary situations, putting them through devilish ordeals.
Simon Wood
Nov. 2016
Suppose you learn your spouse is cheating. Suppose that makes you so angry you want revenge. Nothing big, just get someone to rough him up a little. When Olivia Shaw pours out her tale of woe to her sister, sis knows just what to do. She puts her in touch with Infidelity Limited, an under-the-radar firm that specializes in teaching straying spouses or significant others a lesson they won’t soon forget.
The smooth talking owner tells Olivia that, for the mere sum of $5,000, he will take care of her little problem. She pays up, wondering if she’d regret it. Things don’t go as planned, or at least not how she’d expected it to go. Mr. Smooth Talker tells her hubby is dead. Bad enough, but he then informs her that he has evidence that will point to her as the prime suspect. He will take it to the police unless she gives him more money and performs a task for him.
Olivia is just an ordinary woman, with no particular skills for the thing he asks of her. When she realizes she is trapped in a nightmare of blackmail and murder, she pulls herself together, and with a little help from a friend, she sets out to bring Infidelity Limited to its knees, and free the other victims from the claws of its nefarious owner.
Can she do it? Tension builds to an almost unbearable level with each turn of the page. The odds seem unsurmountable, but she keeps on going to the bitter end.
Simon Wood, the award-winning author of over a dozen books and more than one hundred fifty short stories, is the master of writing thrillers that throw ordinary people into extraordinary situations, putting them through devilish ordeals.
July 12, 2017
Wow! This book was so intense! It delves into the human psyche and paints a picture of just how far man kind will go when faced with devastating news. The characters were ordinary people in life when they first made one horrible decision in the heat of the moment. Once that happened, there was no turning back. Not knowing what the true outcome would be or what would be required of them afterwards, desperate times lead to desperate measures. My heart broke at the end for the guy that killed Olivia's husband. I know it's wrong and he will have to live with it the rest of his life, but sometimes things had to happen to protect something of value in someone's life. This shows that anyone, no matter who, and from all walks of life, is capable of committing horrible and unspeakable acts under the right circumstances. If they would just take a few minutes to set back and really think, they wouldn't choose this path.
The author, as usual, had me gripping the edge of my seat from the very start to finish. I swear it's like riding some big really fast roller coaster. Once you get on and put the seat belt on, there's no stopping to get off until the very end. I listened to this in one day. I am so addicted to Mr Wood's writing. If you like to listen to books, check out the audiobook. The narrator is great. I was worried because I loved the narrator for The One That Got Away, but this one was equally great. You will love the characters. Even the bad guy seemed to still have feelings at the end, in his own twisted way. What he justified as being ok was wrong. Well, I don't want to spoil it. But you gotta read/listen to this!
The author, as usual, had me gripping the edge of my seat from the very start to finish. I swear it's like riding some big really fast roller coaster. Once you get on and put the seat belt on, there's no stopping to get off until the very end. I listened to this in one day. I am so addicted to Mr Wood's writing. If you like to listen to books, check out the audiobook. The narrator is great. I was worried because I loved the narrator for The One That Got Away, but this one was equally great. You will love the characters. Even the bad guy seemed to still have feelings at the end, in his own twisted way. What he justified as being ok was wrong. Well, I don't want to spoil it. But you gotta read/listen to this!
November 23, 2016
Thrillers should be like a roller coaster ride; just when you think it’s over hold on tight. This was a very good thriller which I enjoyed right up to the finish. And yes, just when I thought it was over there was a curve ahead.
For me this book was driven more by the story than by the characters. The whole concept of Infidelity Limited was intriguing and a bit frightening. We have all heard of people being paid to kill someone, not a new concept, but Roy has taken that above and beyond. Husband cheating or gambling, wife a nag or drinks too much, simple solution or so the clients believe. Just put a good scare into them, that’s all, or is it? Roy takes care of their problems a little too permanently and then ‘gotcha’, clients slowly begin to realize they are now the victims.
Olivia’s husband is cheating on her and she wants revenge. Olivia’s sister knows someone and so the roller coaster ride begins.
I would have loved more character development but it didn’t keep me from enjoying the read.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
For me this book was driven more by the story than by the characters. The whole concept of Infidelity Limited was intriguing and a bit frightening. We have all heard of people being paid to kill someone, not a new concept, but Roy has taken that above and beyond. Husband cheating or gambling, wife a nag or drinks too much, simple solution or so the clients believe. Just put a good scare into them, that’s all, or is it? Roy takes care of their problems a little too permanently and then ‘gotcha’, clients slowly begin to realize they are now the victims.
Olivia’s husband is cheating on her and she wants revenge. Olivia’s sister knows someone and so the roller coaster ride begins.
I would have loved more character development but it didn’t keep me from enjoying the read.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
November 28, 2016
Another great book by Simon Wood!
I am a fan of thrillers and in particular this thriller writer and Deceptive Practices did not disappoint me! While I admit it did take me a bit to get into the book, it eventually wrapped me in its web as Wood's books usually do and then I soon found myself stealing away to read what would happen next until finally I just had to power through to the end. I was not disappointed at all.
I find that at the heart of most of his stories are normal people thrown in extraordinary circumstances. This was indeed the case with Deceptive Practices. At the heart of the story is Olivia who finds out that her husband is cheating on her. What happens however is how Olivia reacts to the situation and how the situation reactions to her actions and reactions. Yes I am being purposely esoteric because I really think the book needs to be read without preconceived ideas as to what is and is not going to happen based on the book.
If you like thrilllers you will probably like this book- I most certainly did!
I am a fan of thrillers and in particular this thriller writer and Deceptive Practices did not disappoint me! While I admit it did take me a bit to get into the book, it eventually wrapped me in its web as Wood's books usually do and then I soon found myself stealing away to read what would happen next until finally I just had to power through to the end. I was not disappointed at all.
I find that at the heart of most of his stories are normal people thrown in extraordinary circumstances. This was indeed the case with Deceptive Practices. At the heart of the story is Olivia who finds out that her husband is cheating on her. What happens however is how Olivia reacts to the situation and how the situation reactions to her actions and reactions. Yes I am being purposely esoteric because I really think the book needs to be read without preconceived ideas as to what is and is not going to happen based on the book.
If you like thrilllers you will probably like this book- I most certainly did!
January 14, 2017
This review is sort of a struggle to write. I didn't hate but I didn't love it. (audible review)
I have a problem with any heroine of a story hiring a hit man of sorts to kill her cheating husband. Of course there is a whole lot more to this story than that and it was complicated and Infidelity Unlimited is more than that and pretty vindictive.
The story line could have been a bit better, but the plot thickened and made it better. The story flowed very well but it was a bit long and could have been shortened by a couple of hours. Seemed to be a bit of repetitiveness that could have been eliminated.
As for the narration, I like Tanya Eby's narrations, she does a very good job on the men's voices. And everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion and has a nice reading voice.
I have a problem with any heroine of a story hiring a hit man of sorts to kill her cheating husband. Of course there is a whole lot more to this story than that and it was complicated and Infidelity Unlimited is more than that and pretty vindictive.
The story line could have been a bit better, but the plot thickened and made it better. The story flowed very well but it was a bit long and could have been shortened by a couple of hours. Seemed to be a bit of repetitiveness that could have been eliminated.
As for the narration, I like Tanya Eby's narrations, she does a very good job on the men's voices. And everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion and has a nice reading voice.
November 4, 2016
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Holy Cow! This is vigilantes on steroids! I know when I read a Simon Wood book it will be a wild, intense, and fun read. This book fits all of that and more. Olivia is a strong and interesting character. I was not expecting the backbone she showed as the story unfolded. I will also say I would not mind revisiting her and Andrew again. Incredibly written and great thrill ride.
November 10, 2016
I received a copy of this book from netgalley for review.
I've read a few books by Simon Wood and have really liked them all. But this is my favorite one so far. I don't want to get into much because I feel it would give things away to potential readers. The pace was great and it made it hard to put the book down. I loved everything about it.
I've read a few books by Simon Wood and have really liked them all. But this is my favorite one so far. I don't want to get into much because I feel it would give things away to potential readers. The pace was great and it made it hard to put the book down. I loved everything about it.
November 29, 2016
A murderous version of Pay It Forward
A wonderfully enthralling read for all Simon Wood fans. An exciting thrill ride of a story boasting a new concept for a solution to a ever-growing problem! Intrigued yet?
A wonderfully enthralling read for all Simon Wood fans. An exciting thrill ride of a story boasting a new concept for a solution to a ever-growing problem! Intrigued yet?
December 17, 2016
Awesome book kept me wanting to read more! Love Simon great Author!
February 12, 2021
There wasn't one wasted word. Taut, suspenseful and darkly humorous. I've read many good books from this author.
June 18, 2021
Great read!
The suspense keeps you glued to the book. Was fun to listen to. Great visual of the story. You have got to grab this one and enjoy the ride!
The suspense keeps you glued to the book. Was fun to listen to. Great visual of the story. You have got to grab this one and enjoy the ride!
January 2, 2018
What would you do if you found out your husband was cheating on you? Divorce? Forgive? For Olivia Shaw, she hires Infidelity Limited to beat him up. Unfortunately for her, the company is more about murder and blackmail. So now she must bring Infidelity Limited before she is arrested for her husband's death.
I enjoyed this fast paced thriller. The ending was really intense. It was a great story and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Simon Wood for the opportunity to read and review "Deceptive Practices".
I enjoyed this fast paced thriller. The ending was really intense. It was a great story and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Simon Wood for the opportunity to read and review "Deceptive Practices".
May 19, 2020
Well, what a great read, full of suspense from beginning to end. I had hoped it was going to last me a few days, but once I started, I couldn't put it down.
Olivia discovers her husband is cheating on her, and stupidly confides in her no hoper sister and takes her advice. From them on Olivia is living in a nightmare of her own making. Roy who was supposed to help did just the opposite and Olivia found a strength she never thought possible.
Once Again Simon Wood, delivers the goods and keeps you riveted to the page turner, worth every penny. Eagerly awaiting his next great tale.
Olivia discovers her husband is cheating on her, and stupidly confides in her no hoper sister and takes her advice. From them on Olivia is living in a nightmare of her own making. Roy who was supposed to help did just the opposite and Olivia found a strength she never thought possible.
Once Again Simon Wood, delivers the goods and keeps you riveted to the page turner, worth every penny. Eagerly awaiting his next great tale.
March 3, 2020
A circular yet brilliantly thought out scheme.
There's so much to say, yet so little that I can. Olivia finds her husband cheating. Her emotions roll from devastation to wanting to run them over with her car. There's a solution,but it cost you everything. Another brilliant read....
There's so much to say, yet so little that I can. Olivia finds her husband cheating. Her emotions roll from devastation to wanting to run them over with her car. There's a solution,but it cost you everything. Another brilliant read....
June 9, 2020
Great reas
When first starting to read almost quit. Story grabbed me and read to finish. Virus has changed some of my reason choices. Looking for more.
When first starting to read almost quit. Story grabbed me and read to finish. Virus has changed some of my reason choices. Looking for more.
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