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Lacy Merrick Thriller #1
Primal Deception
From the bestselling author of the Kate Reid crime thrillers...
FBI civilian data analyst, Lacy Merrick, manages the threat of terrorism every day. But when terror strikes home, she is faced with a new reality and a new enemy.
When she crosses paths with Special Agent Will Caison after the tragic incident, Lacy begins to unravel a furtive plot to discredit not only her, but her husband and cyber security expert, Jay Merrick. The plot, she soon discovers, balances on the tip of a deeply embedded secret that has the potential to destroy a nation.
Lacy recruits Agent Caison and long-time friend and hacker, Aaron Hunter, to help her find those responsible for taking the lives of so many Americans. She must clear the cloud of suspicion around her family and reveal a truth that will inflame a fearful public. But powerful enemies surround her every move and will employ all necessary resources to keep Lacy and everyone she loves silent forever.
Fans of Robin Mahle’s Kate Reid series might remember Special Agent Will Caison as she reintroduces him alongside Lacy Merrick. And once again, she delivers on a spectacular level with the first book in this new and thrilling series.
FBI civilian data analyst, Lacy Merrick, manages the threat of terrorism every day. But when terror strikes home, she is faced with a new reality and a new enemy.
When she crosses paths with Special Agent Will Caison after the tragic incident, Lacy begins to unravel a furtive plot to discredit not only her, but her husband and cyber security expert, Jay Merrick. The plot, she soon discovers, balances on the tip of a deeply embedded secret that has the potential to destroy a nation.
Lacy recruits Agent Caison and long-time friend and hacker, Aaron Hunter, to help her find those responsible for taking the lives of so many Americans. She must clear the cloud of suspicion around her family and reveal a truth that will inflame a fearful public. But powerful enemies surround her every move and will employ all necessary resources to keep Lacy and everyone she loves silent forever.
Fans of Robin Mahle’s Kate Reid series might remember Special Agent Will Caison as she reintroduces him alongside Lacy Merrick. And once again, she delivers on a spectacular level with the first book in this new and thrilling series.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2016
919 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Robin Mahle
57 books299 followersRobin Mahle, Mystery and Suspense author, lives with her husband and two children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 10, 2017
This was a fantastic book by an author whose work I'd never read. It kept me turning the pages, not wanting to put it down. Lacy Merrick is a data analyst for the FBI. Her husband, Jay, works in cyber security. The couple has two young children and a live-in nanny, Celeste. Everything is pretty close to being perfect until the day Jay becomes the victim of a terrorist bombing at their local mall. Devastated beyond belief and grieving her loss, Lacy soon finds herself caught up in a mystery while trying to clear her husband's name. After coming across a series of numbers hidden in Jay's office and having no clue as to what they refer to, Lacy asks FBI agent Will Caison to look into it for her. What he finds plummets both of them into danger with no idea who they can or cannot trust. They enlist the aid of an old friend of Lacy's and Jay's, Aaron Hunter, who is a whiz with computers.
It soon becomes apparent that there was more to the bombing than some new terrorist group wanting to make a name for themselves. This involves a foreign entity with ties leading back to our own State Department. Which is why key members of our government want the investigation wrapped up as quickly as possible even if it means silencing a few people along the way. Even Lacy's children are used as bargaining tools in order to persuade her to look the other way while everything is swept neatly under a rug.
However, Lacy is one determined woman and she isn't about to go down without a fight. Not if she wants to clear Jay's name. That's what I loved about her character. She's strong, courageous, and honest to the point she can't let the bad guys get away with killing all those people, not when it seems there's no one else to stand up for them, to give them a voice.
This was full of twists and turns. I was captivated from the very start. For Lacy and her friends, danger lurks around every corner. I will add that while there is no big cliffhanger in the end, the storyline kind of picks up again in the next book and goes on from there. However, I wouldn't let it detract from my enjoyment of the author's work and intend to continue the series. Can't wait to see how Lacy gets out of the next phase of the game.
It soon becomes apparent that there was more to the bombing than some new terrorist group wanting to make a name for themselves. This involves a foreign entity with ties leading back to our own State Department. Which is why key members of our government want the investigation wrapped up as quickly as possible even if it means silencing a few people along the way. Even Lacy's children are used as bargaining tools in order to persuade her to look the other way while everything is swept neatly under a rug.
However, Lacy is one determined woman and she isn't about to go down without a fight. Not if she wants to clear Jay's name. That's what I loved about her character. She's strong, courageous, and honest to the point she can't let the bad guys get away with killing all those people, not when it seems there's no one else to stand up for them, to give them a voice.
This was full of twists and turns. I was captivated from the very start. For Lacy and her friends, danger lurks around every corner. I will add that while there is no big cliffhanger in the end, the storyline kind of picks up again in the next book and goes on from there. However, I wouldn't let it detract from my enjoyment of the author's work and intend to continue the series. Can't wait to see how Lacy gets out of the next phase of the game.
December 4, 2016
'Primal Deception' was a great start to what looks like a great series, 'A Lacy Merrick Thriller'. The storyline was well written and the way it played out was pretty intense. I had a hard time putting this book down. I was pulled in from the start and it held my attention throughout. Full of thrilling scenarios, suspense, deceit and a ton of action. The characters were an array of personalities. Lacy is a great lead. She's quite remarkable, especially when put in a life or death position, which was many times as the story played out. Aaron and Caison were great allies for Lacy. I can't wait to read more of this series. A great add to your tbr list.
April 14, 2022
Lacy Merrick has stepped into a hornet's nest. In investigating what appears to be a terrorist attack which has killed her husband, Detective Merrick quickly goes from being "hunter" to being the "hunted." Taking a page from our modern day world, we learn that China is in the pocketbook of several high-ranking U.S. politicians, and that not all FBI/CIA agents wear white hats. Now, it's her first priority just to stay alive and protect her kids.
This book read very quickly and kept my attention throughout. My only disappointment was the ending, which seemed to be less of a conclusion, as it was a set up for the next book of the series.
June 13, 2017
Government Deception
This story had my attention after the first page. I enjoyed the strong female character. After losing her husband Lacie had to deal with the possibility that her husband was involved in the Mall bombing disaster that killed over two hundred people and himself. She enlist Aaron a college friend of her husband, who is a computer hacker. He accesses classified information to try to clear her husbands name. Because she works for the FBI she and Aaron work together, along with an FBI Agent. They end up in a car chase and are shot at by a group of people that trying to eliminate them.
I enjoyed the characters and action in this book. I highly recommend reading this fast paced book.
This story had my attention after the first page. I enjoyed the strong female character. After losing her husband Lacie had to deal with the possibility that her husband was involved in the Mall bombing disaster that killed over two hundred people and himself. She enlist Aaron a college friend of her husband, who is a computer hacker. He accesses classified information to try to clear her husbands name. Because she works for the FBI she and Aaron work together, along with an FBI Agent. They end up in a car chase and are shot at by a group of people that trying to eliminate them.
I enjoyed the characters and action in this book. I highly recommend reading this fast paced book.
April 25, 2018
This was a good FBI, CIA thriller. Lacey wants to clear her dead husband’s name when she unleashes the evil powers trying to foil her attempts. She doesn’t give up. She recruits friends with special skills and ultimately prevails. She has still lost her husband and imperiled her own career at the end of the day. A good read.
March 18, 2019
This was an interesting book. It could be a stand-alone book despite being part of a series. It held my attention, start to finish, and I look forward to reading more of this series.
ETA: Now that I've completed the second book, I'd recommend reading both.
ETA: Now that I've completed the second book, I'd recommend reading both.
December 23, 2016
I received this b00k free from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Lacy works as a data analyst for the FBI and her husband Jay works as a cyber security salesman they have a good life with two children, a live in Nanny in an up scale neighborhood. That is until it all comes to an end when her husband is killed in a bomb attack at a mall close to their home. When cleaning out her deceased husband's office she comes across some hidden numbers and asks the FBI agent working the bomb attack to look into it. It looks like her husband was framed for industrial extortion and Lacy will go to any means to clear his name but she has no clue just what she has fallen into and how high up the political ladder it goes.
June 10, 2017
I received it as a FREE book through Amazon , (can't beat something for free). Free books, are a good way to try other authors, which was the case here as I had never heard or read anything form Robin Mahle before, won't be the last either!
It was one of those books that once started you didn't want to put down and found myself still reading at three in the morning. A book well written, unsure if storyline is really possible if to believe in real life, but there again being British I not fully conversed in the reality of American way of life. However it kept be riveted to the book and wanting to read more from this author.
It was one of those books that once started you didn't want to put down and found myself still reading at three in the morning. A book well written, unsure if storyline is really possible if to believe in real life, but there again being British I not fully conversed in the reality of American way of life. However it kept be riveted to the book and wanting to read more from this author.
June 18, 2018
Lacey is an FBI analyst whose husband works with a cyber security firm. When her husband is killed in an apparent terrorist attack, Lacey feels that something is off. With the aid of FBI SA Will Canton, Lacey begins to do her own investigation, especially after attempts to discredit her dead husband and herself. Will Lacey be able to clear her name or will the bad guys win? The ending will leave you speechless!! Now I need to get the next book!! Fantastic book by a new-to-me author.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 10, 2020
A heartbreaking tale
This book just broke my heart. A terrorist attack kills hundreds of Americans and we have to deal with the aftermath. Enter the FBI and the CIA and the conspiracy that ensues, which all happens because one of the victims was married to an FBI agent and his company was connected to the mall attacked. Who did it and why? Who can we trust to tell us the truth? Why must people do the things they do? Why do innocents have to pay the price? There is a conclusion to the book, but it’s not over. Just read it already!
This book just broke my heart. A terrorist attack kills hundreds of Americans and we have to deal with the aftermath. Enter the FBI and the CIA and the conspiracy that ensues, which all happens because one of the victims was married to an FBI agent and his company was connected to the mall attacked. Who did it and why? Who can we trust to tell us the truth? Why must people do the things they do? Why do innocents have to pay the price? There is a conclusion to the book, but it’s not over. Just read it already!
November 4, 2023
Just ok. Lacy is an FBI analyst whose husband is killed in a bomb at the local mall. Lucy suspects the culprits are not who the authorities think it is.
She is sidelined from the investigation due to conflict of interest but it doesn't stop her. One of the Agents investigating believes her story and aids her in the search. Meanwhile her two small children are all but abandoned to the nanny while she investigates.
It's a bit rambling in parts, and the only one who can help Lucy find "information" is an old hacker friend from college.
She is sidelined from the investigation due to conflict of interest but it doesn't stop her. One of the Agents investigating believes her story and aids her in the search. Meanwhile her two small children are all but abandoned to the nanny while she investigates.
It's a bit rambling in parts, and the only one who can help Lucy find "information" is an old hacker friend from college.
February 21, 2019
Her books are great, the story pulls you in and doesn’t stop even with the last page. Lacy was a data analysis, her husband was a cyber security expert. A bombing at a mall, and she loses her husband. Cleaning out his office, a paper with numbers on it, that leads up in to a terrorists plot of corruption, paybacks, that was international. With their lives on the line, they try to uncover, the line of corruption. Fantastic, in-depth plot, that she has given us with her books,
June 10, 2018
Lacy Merrick is a FBI civilian data analyst. Her husband Jay Merrick who was a top salesman for a cyber security company was killed in a bomb blast at a mall. The blast killed several hundred people. This would be a difficult book to put down. It moves along at a fast pace and Lacy is in the middle of it. Both the FBI and the CIA get involved in solving this apparent terror attack. Great read. Try it!
October 4, 2019
Lacey is an FBI analyst whose husband works with a cyber security firm. When her husband is killed in an apparent terrorist attack, Lacey feels that something is off. With the aid of FBI SA Will Canton, Lacey begins to do her own investigation, especially after attempts to discredit her dead husband and herself. Will Lacey be able to clear her name or will the bad guys win? The ending will leave you speechless!! Now I need to get the next book!!
June 14, 2017
Fantastic story
This was a well written story with a lot of excitement intrigue and mystery . The author portrayal all the characters in the best way possible to keep your interest . So much public doesn't know about what goes on and that's what makes this story very eye-opening .
This was a well written story with a lot of excitement intrigue and mystery . The author portrayal all the characters in the best way possible to keep your interest . So much public doesn't know about what goes on and that's what makes this story very eye-opening .
June 22, 2017
Heart pounding action. I loved how Lacy met the heartbreaking loss of her husband with action instead of allowing grief to consume her. She set out to right a wrong and kept fighting with the team she builds out of people she hopes she can trust. If you enjoy reading about the fight against terrorism and political corruption you will definitely enjoy this story.
June 30, 2017
Murder, Treason, Terrorism and Lies All Wrapped Up In Politics and Finance
Lives are shattered when a bomb goes off on a crowded shopping mall. Was it a splinter group of ISIS or another group far more terrifying? I could not put this book down until I finished it! It is brilliantly written.
Lives are shattered when a bomb goes off on a crowded shopping mall. Was it a splinter group of ISIS or another group far more terrifying? I could not put this book down until I finished it! It is brilliantly written.
July 2, 2017
For Lacy Merrick, the latest apparent Act of Terror, a local mall bombing hits directly, as her husband is killed in the incident. She digs in to get to the bottom of who's responsible for this and the investigation takes some unlikely turns, and she's not sure who to trust. Fast paced, action filled.
July 14, 2017
This was a gripping thriller featuring a smart, resilient female analyst. The plot was wildly far-fetched, with terrorists, bombings, foreign agent killers, corporate greed, Government traitors, plus CIA, FBI, and civilian hackers all working together. Nonetheless, it was a lot of fun to read and moved along quickly. Lacy Merrick is a character I would like to read more about.
July 20, 2017
Political thriller
I don't normally read this type of book, but this was really intriguing with lots of computer hacking. Lacy is likeable and believable and the story built nicely. I didn't give 5 stars because a couple of times the writing was a little awkward. But mostly it was a really good read.
I don't normally read this type of book, but this was really intriguing with lots of computer hacking. Lacy is likeable and believable and the story built nicely. I didn't give 5 stars because a couple of times the writing was a little awkward. But mostly it was a really good read.
October 25, 2017
A quick (2 day) entertaining read. Having read a wide variety of novels involving international espionage and terrorist stories, I try to judge them on a degree of reality without personally having any knowledge or experience with the subject matter. For me, Primal Deception was a little over the top. But don't be discouraged if you want to read it; you will be entertained.
February 19, 2018
Protagonist pretty much spends the entire book whining and lamenting the fact that she basically abandoned her kids after her husband is killed choosing instead to launch an illegal manhunt for those responsible. But doesn’t change her behavior which of course puts everyone she loves and cares about in mortal danger. Sorry excuse for a mother and a human.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised at how engaging this book was. Started as one would expect but, exploded into edge of your seat. The heroin was very lucky to be surrounded by heroic people who did everything they could to not only keep her alive but to almost loose theirs in the meantime. I have immediately gotten the second book and can't wait to dig in.
August 2, 2018
Entertaining enough and the story kept up a pace, but the cybersecurity elements were grating (to someone who's been in the field for a while) and I didn't find the characters particularly believable.
I don't think I'll continue with the series but I'm not disappointed I read this book - I'll just be treating it as a standalone.
I don't think I'll continue with the series but I'm not disappointed I read this book - I'll just be treating it as a standalone.
June 2, 2019
Illegal activities against our country ...is punishment equally administered???
This was a great read. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story and it was full of thrills, mystery, suspense and intrigue. Those persons who enjoy these in a book will love this book. I have it 5 stars because it kept me glued to the story chapter after chapter, until I was finished.
This was a great read. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story and it was full of thrills, mystery, suspense and intrigue. Those persons who enjoy these in a book will love this book. I have it 5 stars because it kept me glued to the story chapter after chapter, until I was finished.
October 27, 2019
Slow going
The story overall was great, however I struggled with the very slow pace that the story held.
I wanted more action more excitement, but none came.
Once I got half way through it did seem to pick up pace. To be honest apart from a few key facts most of the first half of the book could have been skipped, it didn't really bring anything to the story.
The story overall was great, however I struggled with the very slow pace that the story held.
I wanted more action more excitement, but none came.
Once I got half way through it did seem to pick up pace. To be honest apart from a few key facts most of the first half of the book could have been skipped, it didn't really bring anything to the story.
June 12, 2023
Great writing!
So, this maybe fictional, but it touches on what’s happening in our country today. A govt who is allowing China to own us. This is real, and Robin wove a great story with current events, and her fictional characters. I hope Lacy and friends can do what they need to in order to bring treasonous govt officials to justice.
So, this maybe fictional, but it touches on what’s happening in our country today. A govt who is allowing China to own us. This is real, and Robin wove a great story with current events, and her fictional characters. I hope Lacy and friends can do what they need to in order to bring treasonous govt officials to justice.
April 12, 2025
Easy Book to Read and Not Put Down
It has been a long time since I reviewed a book. This book has characters that were easy to understand , communication between characters felt real, and the story line made sense. This book involved this reader the way I expect n a well written book should do!
It has been a long time since I reviewed a book. This book has characters that were easy to understand , communication between characters felt real, and the story line made sense. This book involved this reader the way I expect n a well written book should do!
July 1, 2017
Took me forever to get through
Overall this story kept me reading, but the writing style and errors were so hard to get through. When you spell the title character's name two different ways literally on the same page you know it hasn't been edited well!
Overall this story kept me reading, but the writing style and errors were so hard to get through. When you spell the title character's name two different ways literally on the same page you know it hasn't been edited well!
July 14, 2017
PRIMAL DECEPTION
First book in the Lacy Merrick series, very good thriller. Lacy is dedicated to clearing her husband's name, but puts herself in great danger. This is a complex story, very entertaining- also very clean.
First book in the Lacy Merrick series, very good thriller. Lacy is dedicated to clearing her husband's name, but puts herself in great danger. This is a complex story, very entertaining- also very clean.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews