Small Deception

by Shirl Solomon

This psychological drama is based on a true story and the shocking end will surprise the reader with unbelievable revelations. A deformed, but engaging 7-year-old with special powers avenges herself against the parents and society that have kept her hidden. Denny knows she is unwanted. Her one ally is her older sister, Beth, but not even Beth is safe in Denny's presence. Beth, 19, recounts to a court-appointed psychiatrist the events leading to the disappearance of her 7-year-old sister. Grotesque Denny, aware from birth of being unwanted, plays mute and dull-witted. She sees no reason to be smart for a mother an father who keep her hidden in their fancy townhouse so she won't shock their friends and business associates. Only Beth knows how brilliant Denny is, She loves and protects her sister, but upon discovering that the little girl can read her thoughts, the love turns to fear. Denny's innocent pranks escalate to acts of violence. One night while alone with Denny, their beautiful mother plunges down the staircase. Then Beth's high school boyfriend's car crashes into his favorite tree by the bank of the river. When Beth wins the science scholarship admitting her to Stanford University, she snatches the opportunity to escape from Denny. While there, Beth falls in love with an associate professor, Theo Demeter. At a circus show, Theo and Beth are separated. In the House of Mirrors, a grotesque image of Denny appears and threatens to harm Theo if she does not return home at once. Beth knows that Denny means what she says. She returns to the house at One-Forty-One Park Square and is more than ever a prisoner of her little sister. Can this only end in disaster? Read the book and find out.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000