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Sean Wyatt #12

The Denali Deception

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What if the greatest secret of the US Civil War never made the history books? What if the Union and the Confederacy had fought not just for country and principle but for a source of unlimited, unimaginable wealth and power?
While on a classified mission from the president, secret agent turned treasure hunter Sean Wyatt and his sidekick, Tommy Schultz, stumble upon these darkest American mysteries long thought to be lost to history.
To guard these truths and the power they conceal, Sean and Tommy must battle a rich and powerful secret society bent on unearthing these secrets for themselves—a clandestine cabal willing to lie, steal, and kill—even the president himself—for a shot at limitless power. Their goal is simple: reshaping the country according to their dark, dangerous plans.

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2017

715 people are currently reading
312 people want to read

About the author

Ernest Dempsey

71 books475 followers
Ernest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.

He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.

His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.

He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.

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5 stars
945 (56%)
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512 (30%)
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178 (10%)
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21 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime.
5,640 reviews329 followers
April 2, 2017
Review of THE DENALI DECEPTION
by Ernest Lindsey

The newest in a great series of thrillers is, to my mind, quite possibly the best. Yes, maybe I loved it extra because of the subject theme, but I still think it's the best. {smile}


Sean Wyatt takes on what seems like a routine mission for President Dawkins, investigating The Seward House in Auburn, New York, residence of William Seward, Secretary of State in Abraham Lincoln's administration. Wyatt doesn't know exactly what he's seeking, only that POTUS found something in the Presidential Archives that awakened his intense interest. Turns out, not only President Dawkins want the missing items located; so does a covert American cabal, and agents of a foreign power.

I really appreciate how author Ernest Dempsey's love of history and his grasp of historical research shine through the novel. As a lifelong lover of history, this makes the story extra special to me and extra fascinating. As always with a Sean Wyatt thriller, there's tons of action and adventure, heart-in-mouth suspense, and lots and lots of danger, for Sean and his friends and cohorts, even up to the highest echelons.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,538 reviews24 followers
April 2, 2017
I received an advance reader copy of this book and voluntarily chose to write a review.

What happens when you mix U.S. history, action, deception, conspiracy theory, and a little fantasy? The Denali Deception is the result of that recipe. Once again Ernest Dempsey teams up Sean and Tommy with Adriana and June in an action thriller that will keep you hooked until the last page.

Having read all of Mr. Dempsey's previous Sean Wyatt and Adriana Villa books I can honesty say The Denali Deception is the best yet. If you are an Ernest Dempsey fan, this is a must read. If you are new to Ernest Dempsey's work this is an excellent introduction to his writing.
Profile Image for Kat Starwolf.
246 reviews13 followers
December 11, 2020
Book # 12 of the Sean Wyatt Archaeological Adventures

I first began reading Ernest Dempsey’s Sean Wyatt Archaeological Adventures series of books with the first book, The Secret of the Stones and have read each sequentially up through this latest book. This series of books is no mere boring academic writing exercise. Along with a lively and quirky writing style, with each book Dempsey has mastered the art of drawing the reader in with his knowledge of whatever subject he’s focused on for each particular volume (which is actually quite diverse!), while also adding adventure and intrigue and just a bit of wonder and ‘what ifs’ along the way. Also included are an excellent cast of characters to accompany ex-spy extraordinaire, Sean Wyatt. And just to break up any possible monotony, Sean and his side-kick, Tommy Schultze, provide just the right amount of comedic relief.

One of the features of Dempsey’s books is the addendum at the end of each story wherein Dempsey explicates how he came up with the idea behind each book. Some of the ideas in the story line are ‘merely’ an author’s prerogative. In other words, it was his imagination. Oh, but what an imagination! At other times, some of the information included is factual, and those often send me off on a (usually tangential if I’m researching some other completely diverse subject! Lol) jaunt through history and archaeology, two of my favorite subjects.

While so far (as of December, 2020) there are 20 books in this series, they are each stand alone books and may be read out of order. I’ve just found it easier to keep track of what I’ve read by reading them in order. This also isn’t the only series Dempsey has written. However, I am unable to expound on those just yet. I’ll let you know when I get there.

If you like archaeology, adventure, thrillers and puzzlers, this series will quite likely satisfy those requirements.
Profile Image for Mary A. Muchowicz.
189 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2020
A very interesting story that leads back to the Knights of the Golden Circle (Confederates) who plotted Lincoln's assassination because he interfered with their money and power when he attempted to free to the slaves, but also because of a secret power source that had been found in Denali which lead to the purchase of Alaska at a time when the US was reeling from a Civil War. This great power source had been hidden away for well over a hundred years when the current Secretary of State (member of the Knights of the Golden Circle) had figured how to harness the natural power of the pyramid for his gain. When the South fell, the Knights decided to infiltrate all arms of the Union government so they could control many things and benefit greatly in wealth and power. When the current President stumbles upon a letter from Seward to President Lincoln urging the purchase of the Alaska territory to keep this secret in Denali, President Dawkins asks Sean Wyatt to investigate. The CIA (members of the Knights of the Golden Circle) take Wyatt and plan to kill him and bury his body in a grave in upper New York. Wyatt manages to survive after having been shot and rescued by a retired surgeon that had a cabin nearby. Now, they are racing to save the President since the Knights have decided he must be killed and to solve this mystery although they have no idea who to trust in a government that has infiltrated most agencies and controls a great many people.
Profile Image for Bill Williams.
55 reviews
December 5, 2018
What a whirlwind. ..

Quite the quick paced adventure! Our heros are quick witted and quick fisted and racing to keep one step ahead of the sinister no-good-nicks who always seem to be right on their heals... from Western New York to Washington, Atlanta, Anchorage and beyond Sean Wyatt and his friends face twists and turns at every corner. ..

If you're a fan of the flat out adventure novel in the mold of Clive Cussler and Andy McDermott then you're goring to enjoy passing the time with Ernest Dempsey.
3,198 reviews26 followers
April 20, 2019
An ED. Mystery Adventure Thriller (SWAB - 12)/Seward's Folly/Alaska/Danalli Mountains/Pyramid

ED. has. penned A SYFY. Novel About Seward's Folly, which was the purchase of Alaska from Russia and how the outcome of the Civil War was effected shortly after the assassination of Lincoln. A clandestine group was formed and called the KGC. Who went North and entered politics from the opposite side. SW. and friends find themselves left out in the cold, but AV. Saved the day. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
Profile Image for Mary Lou Webb.
519 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2017
Best one yet

Each Sean Wyatt book has been better than the last, and this one is no exception. The action is nearly non-stop, only pausing for breathers at the time I'm about to pass out from holding my breath. I particularly like the descriptions of locations and the inclusion of historical facts throughout the book. This book is also well edited, which I thoroughly appreciate. Congratulations, Mr. Dempsey on another winner!
165 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2018
A terrific story and history lesson.

I love the great amount of actual historical information included in this book, as with most of Mr Dempsey's books. I hope there is a pyramid hidden under Denali, what an incredible find that would be. The KFC seem to be what is currently labeled "The DeepState". The action and puzzle solving was again amazing. I am currently on an Ernest Dempsey" binge and enjoying it tremendously. Keep in writing sir and I'll keep reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
636 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2019
Typical good story

I have read most of the Sean Wyatt stories and have never been disappointed. By now the characters have been fleshed out and developed. There’s always plenty of action. The part I like the most is the historical research done and incorporated into the story. I was a little disappointed that the KGC wasn’t more of the story. Basically it was just mentioned that the group was everywhere and that was it. Still a good read and still recommended.
7,759 reviews50 followers
November 15, 2020
Sean with orders from the president, following a letter he found, almost ended his life when he was ambushed. Porter thinking with two shots in the chest Sean was dead .Out in this wilderness was one who saved his life. When he regained consciousness he realized his friends lives now were in danger also. Learning all assists of Tommy and his has been frozen., so neither could leave the country.
Yuri was to follow Sean and find something.it was a mission of the highest importance. Porter’s employer didn’t like mistakes he better fix the problem this time.
43 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2017
Another great Sean Wyatt thriller

I have read most of the books in this series, and although this was not my favorite one, it was still awesome. The ending left me wanting to know more about the anomaly. Unfortunately, there was not enough info about it. Maybe in future books we could find out more.
Profile Image for Nigel.
554 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2018
Another great read from Ernest Dempsey. This involves another secret society, with links back to the assassination of President Lincoln, and a power kept secret for years.Nice to see Adrianna and June in this book both add to Sean and Tommy's characters. Good fast action and a real page turner. Looking forward to the next.
111 reviews
February 28, 2019
Another good read

Always enjoy Dempsey's stories, have never been disappointed. Characters are strong , humorous, mostly believable, lovable. I have read 4 or 5 now and plan on reading all the series, and hope I'm just slow enough to never run out and can always reach for another one. A definite favorite author.
3 reviews
June 10, 2019
Barely worth the effort. Way too corny. A good concept, just too much like something from Marvel Comics. If written for a more mature audience it could have possibilities. I will not be telling my friends.


Shop for something else. I know I will . A complete waste of time. Go for a nice walk instead.
Profile Image for P..
Author 1 book11 followers
July 14, 2019
Interesting perspective

This fast paced and we'll plotted addition to the series takes a historical collection of events from the American Civil War era, throws in a few "what ifs" and then turbo charges the whole package. The result is a very enjoyable read that encompasses gold, power, conspiracy and history
53 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2021
Great read

As usual with Ernest Dempsey‘s work, this is a real page turner. The plot is very engaging, the characters are life like, and the extensive research he has done to back up the storyline is obvious. I would recommend this book to anyone, not just aficionados of detective and spy thrillers.
Author 7 books3 followers
December 31, 2021
Best Adventure Yet

Incredible fast paced story that doesn’t stop. It opens with such a shock and the shocks just keep coming. It takes everyone including the new June to figure this case out. Somehow I read this in one night. I just couldn’t put it down. Fantastic adventure. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Profile Image for Kevin.
103 reviews
January 7, 2022
Best Sean Wyatt Story Yet

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Denali Deception." Easily the best story in the series so far. Mr. Dempsey filled this book with more twists and turns than a roller coaster at a state fair. The action revs up quickly and stays not page after page. I can't wait to read book 13.
Profile Image for J.L. Rallios.
Author 2 books14 followers
April 10, 2022
Five stars for action, clean story, and historical research -- and for fun!! I loved the story of Sean Wyatt and his pal Tommy out to find the secret behind a letter to Lincoln and uncover a conspiracy to kill the President and to take over the country by a secret society. Of course, Sean & Co. are running for their lives, meeting the threat head on in true form.
1 review
May 31, 2017
For the historical fiction, mystery/thriller lover



Fun summer beach reading. If you love Steven berry and the Cotton Malone series, the you will love the Sean Wyatt series by Ernest Dempsey. Historical, fun fiction.
Profile Image for Sharleen Wells.
191 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2017
Keeps your interest

Very good book. Loved the historical links that makes the story so good. It is real thriller. His characters make the story so much fun on this exciting adventure
4 reviews
November 9, 2017
Page turning history

This book was so hard to pot down. I wanted to keep on reading and would often fall asleep in the muddle puff sentences in exhaustion rather then put this story down.
160 reviews
September 23, 2018
Another great read

The saga continues with the plot set in USA with an interesting premise to build a first rate adventure with enough real history to make it interesting. Loved it. On to the next!!!
Profile Image for Liz  Cromwell.
37 reviews
December 17, 2018
Another fantastic book by Ernest Dempsey

Once again I am amazed at the parts of history most of us are unaware of, and Dempsey's ability to to fact and weave it with fiction and make a plausible story. I can't recommend these books enough!
25 reviews
February 17, 2019
Good read

This was the first novel I read by Dempsey. I like his main characters, the use of real historical events as an important part of the plot, and the realistic solutions to trouble the characters meet. It read easily and the story flowed.
Profile Image for Martin Butland.
70 reviews
May 21, 2019
I am a sucker for these Sean Wyatt adventures and this has been the best so far. Action packed from start to finish with a awesome story plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Very hard to put the book down. Fantastic read worth five stars 👏👍😁
29 reviews
August 19, 2019
Adventure and Suspense all the way

Another great book with alot at action and adventure. You can not put it down. The plot and story keeps you on your toes during the whole adventure.
7 reviews
November 6, 2019
Shawn Wyatt

The books on Shawn have been the best stories I have ever read
They are exciting and entertaing. I just don't want to put them down. I would recommend them to all ages that like action and suspense. Great reads 👍👌
678 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2019
Under The Mountains

Sean and Tommy continue their adventures in caves, being captured and eventually saving the day. This adventure features a secret society who was involved in Lincoln's assassination and an attempt on President Dawkins life.
Profile Image for CW Crollard.
128 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2020
From Washington to Denali, a fast paced hunt for an item that could change the world.

Spies, shady characters and politicians gather in a chase for answers to a mystery that began with President Lincoln's assassination.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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