A Game of Deceit

by K.A. Davis

A father’s disappearance never solved, a mother’s secret taken to the grave, a daughter deceived…

Kathryn Landry thinks her life is just about perfect. She is the owner of a successful interior designer business in Newport Beach, California, and she has an attentive, supportive husband. But her world comes crashing down when her husband, Neil Landry, vanishes without a trace… in a situation almost identical to the disappearance of her father twenty years before.

With her father’s disappearance still a mystery, Kathryn is skeptical that the detective assigned to her case will be able to find her husband. Determined to uncover the truth, Kathryn is plunged into a world of politics, high-priced call girls and wealth. As she begins to search for her husband, a decades-old secret her mother took to the grave threatens to destroy all she holds dear. Caught up in a web of betrayals and deceit, and not knowing who to trust, Kathryn must find a way to survive as she discovers the past has a way of repeating itself.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

287 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

Also writes cozy mysteries as Kim Davis
- SPRINKLES OF SUSPICION 6/2/20
- CAKE POPPED OFF! 9/20/20
- FRAMED AND FROSTED 6/22/21
- ESSENTIALS OF MURDER 9/8/21
- FROSTED YULETIDE MURDER 12/21/21
- BUTTERCREAM BETRAYAL 9/13/22
- MUDDLED MATRIMONIAL MURDER 6/13/23
- CHOCOLATE CAN BE DEADLY 1/28/25
- CUPCAKE CATERING MYSTERIES BOXED SET. BOOKS 1 - 3
Also writes middle grade fantasy as Kim Davis
- THE SECRET OF SWEET TREATS KINGDOM 1/30/24

Reviews

[Jill McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery... Murder... Secrets... Suspense... Everything you want in a great book!

A GAME OF DECEIT by K.A. DAVIS is fast-paced, absorbing, and full of deceit. I had a hard time putting this book down... it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved every minute of it!

Kathryn Landry's father disappeared 20 years ago without a trace and now her husband has disappeared in the same mysterious way. In the blink of an eye, Kathryn's world has been turned upside down. She has to find her husband, he's the only family she has left. The same detective that was on her father's case 20 years ago is now on her husband's case. What are the odds of that? Can the 2 cases be connected? Nothing is as it seems. Kathryn has no idea who to trust. Watch it all unfold in this riveting mystery full of twists, turns, secrets, and lies. It definitely keeps you guessing until the end. A great read that I highly recommend!

I want to thank NetGalley and IBPA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Could history be repeating itself? Kathryn Landry’s father disappeared years ago and now her husband is missing. What she can’t believe is the detective that couldn’t find her father is leading the case to find her husband. Secrets and lies come together to make a dreadful game of deceit. Kathryn doesn’t trust the detective so she throws herself right into the middle of the investigation. Her friends are worried, the detective is trying to keep her safe but she won’t rest until she finds the truth even if the truth could kill her.

To call this story chilling is an understatement but that is the word the quickly comes to mind when I think about this book. More than a few times I had chills running up and down my spine while reading it.

I immediately connected with Kathryn. Her marriage was comfortable, each doing their own thing, not necessarily romantic, but to arrive home and find her husband gone was surprising. Then she started to notice some things that just weren’t right. She had to report him missing. The shock she felt when the detective arrived was felt right from the pages. That and a client stepping in and wanting to help her too was truly not expected. It was a very unusual triangle, but that was when the story became “unputdownable”.

Ms Davis has written a thrilling novel full of suspense and mystery, greed and jealousy, fires and horseplay, (critical threats to real horses), hidden bank accounts, murder, betrayal, lies, secrets, DECEIT, and to someone it is all just a game. The pace is fast, heart pounding and at times I found myself almost unable to catch my breath. I cannot believe this is her debut novel. It is so well plotted and written. The dialogue is perfect. The characters are fully fleshed out, some are conniving and scary while some very helpful and just plain nice, but all of them are unique.

I loved this book, it was an emotional ride for Kathryn Landry and for me the reader as well. This story is a must read for suspense lovers.

K.A. Davis is an author to keep our eyes on. I am excited for her next novel.

p.s. This author is a foodie and unlike most suspense thriller novels this one comes with recipes at the back of the book.

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I always love cold case stories. I felt I could connect to this story because at one point in my life I had someone vanish from my life in a crazy way and plan to write a book about it that would be inspired by true events. This book was suspenseful and had twists and turns that had kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book and plan to read more of this author’s books!

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not like to give negative reviews but this was not a very enjoyable read for me I am sorry to say. I found the story hard to like mainly due to the characters, especially Kathryn and the choices and decisions that she makes, I did not find them very realistic and this put me off. Also the story did not keep me engaged although I do seem to be in the minority here. I found myself looking for more and wanting more depth than the author provided. Thank you to Netgalley and author for the advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking plunge into a dark world of unknown deceit. New Author K.A. Davis completely captured and held my attention in this emotionally charged debut suspense novel. Chilling. Gripping. It stretched the corners of my mind to wrap around all the deceit, devilry, and deception penned inside this pageturner. I could feel protagonist Kathryn Landry's confusion, sheer disbelief, and desperation as her world starts to crumble. She's innocently swept up in an unknown conspiracy that leaves her nearly penniless and defenseless. Two handsome men are vying for her attention and she's torn as to which one to trust. That trust means the difference between life and death. K.A. Davis is most certainly an author to add to your wish list.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book thanks to the author.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a great book!! i would have read this in one sitting if i could keep my eyes open. so many lies and twists... who do you trust?? it fast paced and exciting!! thank you to Netgalley and IBPA for a copy of this book to read and review.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Game of Deceit is a mystery book that is written by K.A. Davis. I highly recommend reading this book. Kathryn Landry is an interior designer in Newport Beach, California. Kathryn is striving to continue to build her successful business as a local interior designer, until one day she comes home to her husband missing. This brings back memories of Kathryn when she was a child because her father had disappeared in the same manner. Throughout A Game of Deceit, I enjoyed the different twist and events that continued to leave me guessing on who was involved in Kathryn’s husband going missing. As the story unfolds I felt like I was right there with Kathryn trying to figure out who she can trust and why her husband went missing. A Game of Deceit is a book that you are not going to want to put down. K.A. Davis did a wonderful job with adding different twists and turns every time you think you have figured out what happened. I look forward to reading more of K.A. Davis’ books. For my honest review, I received an advanced reader copy.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book directly from the author. It's taken me 1 day to read. Although I was pretty sure I knew which direction the story would go, I can never be truly certain with multiple suspects, and terrible secrets. I could hardly put the book down. The main character named Kathryn lost her father and then 20 years later her husband for unknown reasons when they just went missing. She did not know if the two disappearances were related, or if one or both were dead or alive. The entire book she's confused about who she can trust when she too suddenly is being targeted. I've chosen to given this book an honest, and a fair review to this blooming author. Awesome job, and I cannot wait to read future books.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting, emotional, fast paced read!!!
Once you start reading, you will find yourself
reading non-stop until the final page.
The definition of deceit is the act of causing
someone to accept as true or valid what is
false or invalid. In this book it becomes a game.
There is mystery, suspense, murder, arson,
drama, disappearances, jealousy, greed,
abuse of power, forest fires, vandalized office
and apartments, hidden bank accounts,
falsified passports, horse tampering, car
bumping over a cliff, secret brotherhood,
voyeurism, politics, call girls plus more.
Intrigue is heightened to mountainous proportions .
The tension was thick and well-sustained. There
is a touch of romance, family interaction and humor.
The main characters is Kathryn Landry. She is well
created, well defined, curious, self sufficient woman
whose father disappeared when she was a child
then her mother committed suicide. Now her husband
has disappeared. Kathryn knows something is not
what is seems. She knows she is in danger but
from whom?? Could the disappearance of her
father, husband and two women all be related?
Who can she trust? Will Kay be able to figure out
the deceit surrounding her?
The secondary cast of characters are well fleshed
out, vivid, interesting with quirky traits.
I highly recommend this breath taking read.
I volunteered to read "The Game of Deceit".
Thanks to the author via Cozy Mystery Review
Crew. My opinion is my own.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic reading, super thriller at its highest moments. Never knowing what's happening next and every corner you turn is one more person you can't trust. Things get dangerous, terrible secrets and a list of bad at every angle. I would never have known this was the authors first book as it seemed I was reading a seasoned author with many books under there belt. I look forward to future reads from this author.

This book though supplied by the author are of my own opinions and ratings.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathryn Landry thinks she has an idyllic life with her interior decorating business and Neil, her husband of eleven years. That is, until she comes home one day and finds all of his clothes and his toiletries, gone from their apartment. The only thing remaining is his laptop computer. She reports him missing and goes from shock to horror when the detective assigned to her case is the same one who investigated her father's disappearance twenty years ago. Kathryn isn't sure who to trust anymore as each day brings conflicting information about her husband and their former life together. One of her clients is a private investigator and offers his assistance. Detective Williams is also persistent in his quest for the truth, no matter where it leads. Dark family secrets are exposed as this book truly lives up to its title " A Game of Deceit."

I really enjoyed reading this mystery/thriller. It was fast paced and hard to put down, especially when my lunch break was over. The suspense was well-built and had me guessing the characters' motives until the conclusion.

The book did have four dessert recipes at the end, which I thought was odd, given the genre. They all sound delicious and the author explains to the reader why she included them.

** I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review***

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fast and enjoyable read - a perfect pick to take with you to the beach this summer! The pace was good and kept me reading - I finished it in just two days!

However, I think this book had a few problems -- the characters were a little two-dimensional and none seemed to be fully developed. Several things about the characters/ plot definitely required a suspension of disbelief (too coincidental or didn't make sense). I never understood why Kathryn allowed herself to be abused and sexually harassed by all the men in her life (all of whom crossed major professional/ moral/ ethical boundaries). It seemed she was a passive victim, dependent and at the mercy of everyone else, right through to the end. I didn't feel that she really experienced much inner growth or realized her own strength and independence.

Also, the issue of her finances was never resolved. It appeared that she had only one client in her interior design business (John), and her husband was a free-lance writer. How could they actually have millions? Was Kathryn ever able to access the hidden account since her identity had been stolen? This issue was never resolved.

There were also a lot of extraneous topics that didn't fit very well with the overall storyline or belong in a suspense novel. For example, there was a lot of information about a child with Rett's Syndrome and a big focus on baked goods and recipes. Neither of these had anything to do with the plot and I'm not exactly sure why they were included.

I almost felt as if the author wasn't sure whether this should be an action-suspense novel or a cozy. I think it was a good effort, but I feel the author will really hit her stride if she focuses on writing cozies. For an action novel, it would need to be more gripping, gritty, with a lot more action and intrigue. For a cozy, she would have a chance to explore her characters more, give us helpful information through their eyes, and treat us to scrumptious recipes as well! Ms. Davis is clearly a talented author and I look forward to reading her next work!

Please note that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Vicki May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A Game of Deceit is the first book by K.A. Davis that I have read but it will not be the last. Interior decorator, Kathryn, arrives home to find her husband and most of his belongings gone. Although having had a terrible experience with the police when her father also disappeared long ago she calls the authorities and also John, her latest client who is also a private investigator. Soon it becomes clear, nothing is as it seems, including John and Detective Mike Williams, sho happens to be the same man who investigated her father's disappearance. Kathryn has no idea who to trust as a fast paced, twisty mystery unfolds. The characters are complex with all their secrets and well written. A Game of Deceit kept me guessing until the end. A great read that I would highly recommend.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually read cozies but I was asked to read this very well written book. I will start by saying this is really not a cozy. This is a very good mystery with some cozy undertones. More of a Noir-Cozy-Thriller, if such a thing exists this book goes in that category. A very tight web of characters and a whodunnit with some sophisticated twists. I found this to be a darker and more disturbing series of crimes then I am used to reading but was unable to put it down. I read it in one sitting and was happy to see the character grow from start to finish. A good read to be sure, just a little out of my normal cozy comfort zone.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Kathryn Leary, a woman who has to come to terms of her missing husband being not only unfaithful to her but also stealing from her company. As she tries to find out exactly what happened to her marriage, her life starts to become a living nightmare. She is ran off the road, her apartment broken into and ransacked. What were they looking for? Kathryn knows and has it in a very safe place....at least she hopes. Then while cleaning up the mess the police left, she finds more secrets that her husband kept from her. Then there is the Detective Mike Williams. The same one who was in charge of her father's case when he disappeared. Since her husband and father both disappeared int he same fashion, she is not too trusting of him. Kathryn has a client, John Selton, he owns The Selton Investigative Firm and has contracted Kathryn to redecorate their luxurious office in Newport Beach. Only John wants more from Kathryn. He is interested in her emotionally. So is Mike Williams. They each tell her to stay away from the other one, till Kathryn doesn't know who to trust. But when things get down to the truth of Kathryn's own life story and family....things get dangerous. Who will she trust? Read the book to find out. I received ARC of this book from Cozy Mystery Review Crew. The review is of my own opinions and done voluntarily

[Jenndian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a great, suspenseful read. Part of me wanted to shake Kathryn and some things were easy to figure out. There were some real jaw-dropping twists and well-written. Glad I was able to read this through an ARC.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't put this book down once you start. A roller coaster ride into lives of secrets, disappearances with a little crazy romance thrown in!

This book is an incredible must read mystery! The very minute I picked it up I knew I couldn't put it down. Each chapter drives you to the next. Kathryn Landry, our protagonist's, father disappeared without a trace many years ago and now her husband has disappeared. Her whole world is rocked. Can the same thing happen to her again? She has to find her husband. Kathryn had been so dependent on her husband where he basically controlled every aspect of her life, she feels lost and has to learn to stand on her own two feet and look into her husband's disappearance. With one of her clients in her decorator business, Landry Designs willing to help with his Selton Investigating Firm and with the detective assigned to her case, she still takes a lot of the investigation on her own. Can she trust either of them to get her answers? Is anything connected? Why didn't I know my husband - he had so many secrets, what happened? With her friends helping to keep her sane. So many bad things happen as she tries to find the answers to her unfaithful husband's disappearance both to her and to the detective, Mike who she starts taking a liking to that drives her even further to looking into her husband Neil's disappearance. You have so many twists and turns and crazy things that happen that it is impossible to put the book down. I know I couldn't! I received and ARC copy of the book from the author, but the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Game Of Deceit
K. A. Davis
5 Stars

Synopsis:

A father’s disappearance never solved, a mother’s secret taken to the grave, a daughter deceived…

Kathryn Landry thinks her life is just about perfect. She is the owner of a successful interior designer business in Newport Beach, California, and she has an attentive, supportive husband. But her world comes crashing down when her husband, Neil Landry, vanishes without a trace… in a situation almost identical to the disappearance of her father twenty years before.

With her father’s disappearance still a mystery, Kathryn is skeptical that the detective assigned to her case will be able to find her husband. Determined to uncover the truth, Kathryn is plunged into a world of politics, high-priced call girls and wealth. As she begins to search for her husband, a decades-old secret her mother took to the grave threatens to destroy all she holds dear. Caught up in a web of betrayals and deceit, and not knowing who to trust, Kathryn must find a way to survive as she discovers the past has a way of repeating itself.


“In A Game of Deceit author K. A. Davis offers up a taut, edge-of-your-seat suspense novel that will make you lock the doors, close the blinds, and wonder who you can truly trust. Don’t miss this great debut from Ms. Davis.” – Paige Shelton, New York Times Bestselling author of the Farmers' Market, Country Cooking School, Dangerous Type, and Scottish Bookshop mysteries.

“In A Game of Deceit, K. A. Davis has crafted an emotional suspense with a taut, satisfying ending that should delight any fan of Mary Higgins Clark.” – Daryl Wood Gerber, Agatha Award-winning author of the Cookbook Nook, French Bistro Mysteries, and Cheese Shop Mysteries, and the stand-alone suspense novels, GIRL ON THE RUN and DAY OF SECRETS.

“Sly, sexy and spellbinding, A Game of Deceit grabs you in the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until its breathtaking finish. Debut author K. A. Davis creates a riveting tale of betrayal, family, suspense and murder.” – Jenny Kales, author of The Callie’s Kitchen Mystery series

"A Game of Deceit is a marvelous read packed with action, suspense and intrigue. I couldn't put it down!" – Catherine Bruns, USA Today Best Selling Author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries (Goodreads)





Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Katherine is a strong gutsy woman who does not let anything get her down. Except when her husband disappears, that has thrown her for a loop. This is the second person that has disappeared from her life: her father disappeared about twenty years ago. She cannot believe that it has happened to her again. But she is not totally alone. She has her assistant, Marianne, and her husband, Richard, to help her try to get her life back on track. And she also has her client/friend, John, to help her. He just so happens to be a private investigator. She is very upset when she learns that the detective who was on her father’s case is also on her husband’s case. He could not find her father, she does not have high hopes of him finding her husband.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the books, I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place. She is also very talented in creating suspense and tension with just the written book. I found myself swiping pages late into the night, when I should have been sleeping. I felt the tension rising with every chapter I finished. I could feel her frustration not knowing what happened to her husband and not knowing who she could trust. There were quite a few viable suspects and enough clues to sift through that it was difficult to figure out the mystery. I narrowed it down to four likely culprits (I know that is not very narrow) and I was not even right!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted suspense thriller. It is hard to believe this is the debut book for this author, It is good enough to have been written by a well established author. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more of this author’s books.


*****Through August 15th, 2017, 100% of the net sales from this book will be donated to rettsyndrome.org*****


I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Cinnamon and Sugar Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Game of Deceit” earns 5/5 Chanel Sunglasses to Mask Black Eyes!

Kathryn Landry, of Landry Designs, worries about making Saturday arrangements to finalize work with John Selton, owner of the Selton Investigating Firm. She was contracted to redecorate the offices as well as his residence, but Neil, her husband of eleven years, is extremely controlling of her time, her habits, her life. When she returns home to find him and all of his belongs gone, horrible memories bubble to the surface about the time when her father took a runner when she was fourteen. The anger over Neil’s shocking departure turns more suspicious when Kathryn discovers he left behind his computer and his thyroid prescription…he’d never leave without these items. Making things worse is the assignment of Detective Mike Williams to the case who is the same detective that had been assigned to her father’s still unresolved disappearance. How can things get any worse?

This first suspense book from Kim Davis is a big hit with me. Starting off with a major hook, and then unfolding engaging, suspenseful, and life-threatening events. From vandalized apartments, curious documents, and hidden bank accounts to disturbing memories, suspicious law enforcement, and amorous advances, I was never given the opportunity to put the book down. Kim did exceptionally well describing places, people, and fashion to clearly provide a marvelous picture in the reader’s mind’s eye which in turn also offered a few clues to consider. Dialog is realistic, adding to the suspense as well as defining connections and relationships. The characters are well developed for a first book with which I am now invested and rooting for a second. My favorite character, of course, is Kathryn—Kat, at a few points, was used as a nickname…Like me! She may be uncovering way too many secrets in her life, but portrays strength and resolve, not a ‘wimp’ or a ‘victim.’ She seems to be capable of accepting her own role in ‘not seeing what may have been right under her nose.’ All this and recipes, too, but not just any recipes! Kim includes the recipes for comfort treats actually mentioned in the book. Marianne, Kathryn’s assistant and surrogate mother type, is said to be a great cook, so her best treats are included: Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, and Dark Chocolate Grand Marnier Mousse. Just the thing to make one’s next book club delicious as well as exciting! I highly recommend this book, and am on watch for Book 2!

"Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, all of the above opinions are my own.”

[Janirasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life can turn scary in an instant, this was no exception to Kat, who had a literal episode of deja vú when her husband disappear without a trace I. The exact same manner as her dad did all those many years ago. As the story goes on, and goes deeper into these two similar mysteries we start seeing the puzzle piecesomint together smoothly, but then again in twisted ways we didn't see coming, which makes a story like this one who is into suspense, thriller, and mystery will love to read, since it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Then there comes along two young guys as different as the moon, and the sun themselves; each trying to get the attention of Kat, who doesn't know whom to trust as she digs deeper into this mystery that her father, and now her husband got sucked into. One of her clients, and the detective are the two men I was talking about trying to pair up with her, but one is telling the truth always even if it doesn't see like it, whereas the other one is always lying, or acts least saying things, the main character, our girl Kat wants to hear. Like everything is, and/or will be okay, but unfortunately that isn't the case. Because for her nothing is okay yet till she gets to the bottom of this sickening mystery that has her taken completely in surprise after taking two people she cares about, and loved away from her, so then she can solve this nerve-whacking mystery.

Which is filled with thrills, and of course a lot of bumps, and dead ends in the road, but that's what makes this book so fun to read. So this is a totally awesome thriller-mystery book to read, and caught my attention from the beginning of the book to the end, which is the kind of books I love to read mysteries, ever since I was first introduce to my first Nancy Drew book.

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I was more than pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed this book. I don't give 5 stars often. A Game of Deceit deserves my 5 stars.
I really don't know what I was expecting. I guess I kind of didn't think it would fall into the Cozy category. The cover took me closer to a suspense/thriller.
I learned you can't judge a book by it's cover.
This was a great read. From the beginning I was drawn in and captivated by the characters and the story.
I caught myself rooting for a new love interest for Kathryn. Should she end up with the cop or the client?

No giveaways here. You have to read it!

This book is described as a standalone. And nothing about a series is mentioned.

Leads me to question if there is a 2nd book in the works. The epilogue leads me to suspect that Kathryn, the detective, her client and new partner will appear in another book as there was a bit of a cliff hanger in the epilogue.

The story did end with all the mystery solved along with a twist that I didn't expect!

This was a good clean book. Very mild language. There was a bedroom scene in the very beginning.

The author included recipes at the end.

I enjoyed A Game of Deceit and I hope to see more.

The author has pledged to dedicate 10% of sales to
Retts Syndrome. Click here for info.

I received a complimentary copy from The Review Crew.

[Micky Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a conundrum of sorts for me as a reader. As an avid suspense and mystery reader, I was intrigued to read a new author, but was left wanting a bit more out of the book. The plot was intriguing, without giving too much away, the main character's father had "disappeared" in an out of character way and now 11 years later her husband has "disappeared" in the same abrupt and seemingly random manner. The plot flowed with twists and turns, but while the premise was good the book lacked a bit of depth. The characters seemed flat with stilted dialogue that just didn't flow in a smooth manner. The backdrop is among the wealthy and elite, but the only way the author portrayed that was through the constant brand dropping of clothing, accessories, cars and such. I believe this is the first foray into this genre for the author so I will definitely give them another go as often the first book isn't as well developed as ones that follow. Overall it was an entertaining read with a good premise and decent plot, just a bit flat on the character's development and dialogue.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

In K.A. Davis’ A Game of Deceit, protagonist Kathryn Landry finds herself at the center of her husband’s mysterious disappearance, a mystery all too familiar as it appears to mimic the disappearance of her own father years before. I received this book in exchange for an honest review, and while it is not one I probably would have picked up on my own, I truly enjoyed the suspense! The plot was full of mystery, twists, and turns and I enjoyed trying to figure out the storyline. One thing I didn’t care for…Kathryn found herself torn between two love interests, all while investigating her husband’s disappearance. While her marriage was an unhappy one, it seemed a little bit like the love triangle was thrown in for added suspense, but didn’t fit in well with the rest of the storyline. However, the characters were intriguing and the suspense kept me guessing until the very end. Overall, a great read!

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced, intriguing mystery. Enjoyable setting as I am familiar with the Orange County, California, area in which the story takes place. The fires, the upscale clothing, cars, etc., all add interest and realism. Some areas were neatly summed up and resolved, while others were not. They were insignificant to the overall story and not necessary to be wrapped up neatly and resolution explained thoroughly. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a real page turner and once I started reading it I was really engaged in the story. There were many twists and turns in the story line and it was a very good book. I liked the characters, but found myself wondering why the main character, Kathryn, was getting so deeply involved with the two male characters when they were supposed to be looking for her husband that had disappeared. The two parallel disappearances, one past and one present, were intriguing and kept you wanting to find out what would happen next.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book thanks to the author and Cozy Mystery Review Crew. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Game of Deceit is a great debut novel. It's a fast read full of twists and turns and kept me guessing until the very end.

I was lucky enough to win an early copy of the book in a contest. My kids had double swim team practices four days a week and this book was heaven sent because I could sit at the pool and immediately escape into this dark alternate reality. I sometimes have a hard time reading in public because of the distractions, that was not a problem with this book.

This is a good solid read, and if you like thrillers you should check it out. The proceeds from the book for the first fifteen days are being donated to rettsyndrome.org, another great reason to buy the book.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Game Of Deceit is a fantastic book, and K.A. Davis is a phenomenal author. This book had me on pins and needles, and I couldn't put it down. It was a suspenseful thrill ride with major twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved this book, and I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading this book. The mystery was interesting. Detective Mike Williams is my favorite character.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy to read and give an unbiased review.

I liked the book for the most part. I really got into the story at the beginning, because of the intriguing plot. But, I started to lose connection with the main character, when too many name brands and car models started bogging it down. It just made her seem to be pretentious and entitled.
But, the plot and story were enough to keep me interested, and a few twists to keep you guessing.
So, overall, good read. Intriguing plot, and well developed characters and relationships.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and engrossing story!

There is a missing husband, dark family secrets are exposed. This was a fast-paced book that kept me turning pages!



Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for my review.