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Neil Gatlin #2
Deciphering Invisibility
Robbery, murder, extortion, threats…Neil Gatlin learns there’s nothing quiet about the small farm town of Cleavemont.
Released from prison, but nowhere to go, Neil accepts a job from his only ally, Leonard Black. But not everyone is happy to see Neil free. Vilified by townsfolk, under suspicion by police, tracked by prison nemesis J.R.’s gang, and hated by others, Neil soon wishes he were invisible.
Then, secret messages appear, trapping him between prison and death. While Neil struggles to hide his troubles, his seemingly bizarre behavior erodes his girlfriend, Sunshine’s trust and raises doubt in everyone’s mind of Neil’s innocence.
As threats increase and tensions rise, Neil and Sunshine’s tenuous relationship unravels. Neil’s attempts at deciphering the clues behind the poor choices. Tim is running out as he fights against surmounting odds for a second chance at freedom and love with sunshine.
“In Deciphering Invisibility, author, Ida Smith, quickly pulls you into the troubled lives of Neil Gatlin and his girlfriend, Sunshine. Through a series of bad choices, Neil descends deeper and deeper into a pit that threatens to destroy his most precious relationships. The plot flows naturally and the dialogue is believable. This fast-paced novella will keep you reading!”
—Pam Thorson, Author of Song in the Night and Out from the Shadows
Released from prison, but nowhere to go, Neil accepts a job from his only ally, Leonard Black. But not everyone is happy to see Neil free. Vilified by townsfolk, under suspicion by police, tracked by prison nemesis J.R.’s gang, and hated by others, Neil soon wishes he were invisible.
Then, secret messages appear, trapping him between prison and death. While Neil struggles to hide his troubles, his seemingly bizarre behavior erodes his girlfriend, Sunshine’s trust and raises doubt in everyone’s mind of Neil’s innocence.
As threats increase and tensions rise, Neil and Sunshine’s tenuous relationship unravels. Neil’s attempts at deciphering the clues behind the poor choices. Tim is running out as he fights against surmounting odds for a second chance at freedom and love with sunshine.
“In Deciphering Invisibility, author, Ida Smith, quickly pulls you into the troubled lives of Neil Gatlin and his girlfriend, Sunshine. Through a series of bad choices, Neil descends deeper and deeper into a pit that threatens to destroy his most precious relationships. The plot flows naturally and the dialogue is believable. This fast-paced novella will keep you reading!”
—Pam Thorson, Author of Song in the Night and Out from the Shadows
ebook
Published December 26, 2017
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About the author
Ida Smith
4 books24 followersIda Smith writes character driven stories about people with jagged journeys, usually-but not always-from a historical setting. Ida enjoys reading stories with unexpected twists and turns that also teach her about other cultures, time periods, and personalities.
Because of her love of these types of stories, Ida also tries to write stories that show the jagged journeys our lives can sometimes take.
Ida lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and a crazy dog named Taz where she enjoys hiking, photography, and scrapbooking.
Learn more about Ida and her stories at: idasmithbooks.com.
Because of her love of these types of stories, Ida also tries to write stories that show the jagged journeys our lives can sometimes take.
Ida lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and a crazy dog named Taz where she enjoys hiking, photography, and scrapbooking.
Learn more about Ida and her stories at: idasmithbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 15, 2018
Deciphering Invisibility was a suspenseful, blood-pumping sequel to The Invisible Cipher. Just as with the first book, I was quickly sucked in and easily read through the book in one sitting. Another novella, it comes in at just under 100 pages but has plenty of action to fill the pages.
I ended my review of the first book discussing the faith element and the author’s goal for the series. The first book was more of a “before faith” book, but this one started to slip it in more, and it was obvious to see the tugging that God was doing on Neil and Sunshine’s hearts. I think it was tastefully inserted without being “cheesy” and in a way that would hopefully tug on the unbeliever’s hearts as well.
I liked how I felt like I got to know who Neil was as a person more in this story, as he was no longer behind bars. I empathized with him over his desire to support his new family while still having to ward off the troubles that started in the first book. His struggle to do the right thing while feeling the pressures of the world, are certainly feelings that people can related to (both believer and unbeliever).
I have to say that I wish these two stories were able to be combined into one mainly for what I talked about in the beginning. Faith wasn’t very active in the first book, but it was introduced in a powerful way in this one. When trying to reach unbelievers, it’s important they hear the full story, but there’s no guarantee someone will read multiple books in a series.
I really enjoyed this series, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. If you like suspense and Crime Fiction, I would definitely recommend it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I ended my review of the first book discussing the faith element and the author’s goal for the series. The first book was more of a “before faith” book, but this one started to slip it in more, and it was obvious to see the tugging that God was doing on Neil and Sunshine’s hearts. I think it was tastefully inserted without being “cheesy” and in a way that would hopefully tug on the unbeliever’s hearts as well.
I liked how I felt like I got to know who Neil was as a person more in this story, as he was no longer behind bars. I empathized with him over his desire to support his new family while still having to ward off the troubles that started in the first book. His struggle to do the right thing while feeling the pressures of the world, are certainly feelings that people can related to (both believer and unbeliever).
I have to say that I wish these two stories were able to be combined into one mainly for what I talked about in the beginning. Faith wasn’t very active in the first book, but it was introduced in a powerful way in this one. When trying to reach unbelievers, it’s important they hear the full story, but there’s no guarantee someone will read multiple books in a series.
I really enjoyed this series, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. If you like suspense and Crime Fiction, I would definitely recommend it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
October 29, 2023
Poor Neil is one of those gentle likeable people whose life appears to be one series of failures. Starting with the crime - a murder of two much liked village stalwarts that place him in prison, even though he is innocent. Even in prison he is tormented and his conscience is tested to keep quiet about something he has heard or tell the truth at a risk to his and girlfriend’s life. Even after he is pardoned, he is still the victim of others, and struggles to hide his fears, culminating in bizarre behaviour that breaks his relationship with his girlfriend.
The book is hard to put down and is an easy read. It however triggers emotive feelings of disbelief and entraps the reader into Neil’s despair and actions brilliantly. Some of which are really stupid but the author uses them to illustrate his feelings of hopelessness.
The story also touches on the misguided power of rumours; the mental effect of prison life; love and the importance of trusting friends that believe in you.
As a story the plot is good, almost predictable but also very real. The undertones of people’s behaviours touches the reader emotionally. A small amount of religion and love keep the story realistic. This is the second book in the series but reads as a stand alone story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and leave this review voluntarily.
The book is hard to put down and is an easy read. It however triggers emotive feelings of disbelief and entraps the reader into Neil’s despair and actions brilliantly. Some of which are really stupid but the author uses them to illustrate his feelings of hopelessness.
The story also touches on the misguided power of rumours; the mental effect of prison life; love and the importance of trusting friends that believe in you.
As a story the plot is good, almost predictable but also very real. The undertones of people’s behaviours touches the reader emotionally. A small amount of religion and love keep the story realistic. This is the second book in the series but reads as a stand alone story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and leave this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2022
Neil Gatlin Thriller Series:
The Invisible Cipher, #1 - My first read by this author and I was surprised at the level of intrigue. Interesting characters and well written story lines made this an easy book to stay immersed in the story. While not a complex read, the story holds it own against others in this genre. Happy that there was graphic violence or any vulgarity, just good storytelling. 5*
Deciphering Invisibility, #2 - Begins exactly where The Invisible Cipher ends. I almost stopped reading when Neil did the wrong thing in the delivery truck. Sure he had bad luck but you defeat bad luck, not encourage its growth with more stupidity. Especially, when it happened before and he did not learn his lesson. Leave the past behind, it is done. Anyway, the story and Neil improved and was an interesting read. 4*
Neil Gatlin Thriller Series end.
The Invisible Cipher, #1 - My first read by this author and I was surprised at the level of intrigue. Interesting characters and well written story lines made this an easy book to stay immersed in the story. While not a complex read, the story holds it own against others in this genre. Happy that there was graphic violence or any vulgarity, just good storytelling. 5*
Deciphering Invisibility, #2 - Begins exactly where The Invisible Cipher ends. I almost stopped reading when Neil did the wrong thing in the delivery truck. Sure he had bad luck but you defeat bad luck, not encourage its growth with more stupidity. Especially, when it happened before and he did not learn his lesson. Leave the past behind, it is done. Anyway, the story and Neil improved and was an interesting read. 4*
Neil Gatlin Thriller Series end.
February 18, 2022
A poor plot poorly written. This is a sequel to a story that was also poor. Done with this author.
March 9, 2024
Did not finish.
September 23, 2024
Imagine getting out of prison and then being accused of another crime and your family being threatened. This is the basis for the book. With the help of others, the true criminals are caught and good comes from to the front. Believing in himself was hard for Neil but when he lets things take their course and takes strength from others, he overcomes everything against him and moves on to a better life. Cannot wait to see where the next book goes.
February 2, 2020
It is Book 2 - but it doesn't really if you haven't read Book 1 as there is enough backstory given.
Neil has been exonerated and released from jail but there are still two groups of people who are "after him". He knows that it would be very easy for him to find himself back in jail.
Good characters, good story
Neil has been exonerated and released from jail but there are still two groups of people who are "after him". He knows that it would be very easy for him to find himself back in jail.
Good characters, good story
July 20, 2019
What does a man have to do when he is innocent of a crime, but his hometown believes he is guilty? A story that pulls at your heartstrings. You feel sorry for Neil Gatlin and want him to succeed. A touching story.
September 22, 2018
An intriguing book, highlighting the importance of being able to trust your friends.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews