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In Dee Henderson's novella "Betrayed," Janelle Roberts is freed--thanks to people she doesn't know--after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2019

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1179 people want to read

About the author

Dee Henderson

71 books4,178 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Dee Henderson is the author of 27 non-fiction and fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. For details visit: DeeHenderson.com

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5 stars
691 (47%)
4 stars
438 (30%)
3 stars
243 (16%)
2 stars
62 (4%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
September 28, 2018
I haven't read many of Dee Henderson's newer novels, as I was disappointed with Full Disclosure and just haven't had any interest in other books. However, I read this one because it is a part of the Cost of Betrayal Collection and so I thought I'd give it a shot. I was surprised that the MC from Full Disclosure were also in this story, as I didn't expect that. I found the mystery to be intriguing, but the ending wasn't what I was hoping for and I didn't like it. All in all, Betrayed was an okay read. I liked it, but didn't love it.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of The Cost of Betrayal for my honest review. This is my honest opinion.*
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,844 reviews1,436 followers
July 13, 2020
Boooooooorrrrrrrrring. Neither romantic nor suspense. Basically a blow by blow of a woman getting pardoned for a crime and a bit about the doctor who is her psychologist afterward. This one didn’t hold up to a reread at all.
Profile Image for Andrea Cox.
Author 4 books1,741 followers
August 4, 2020
This story was hard for me to connect with, because there was very little action and the tone throughout was extremely passive. The entire plot felt too stiff, too controlled, which left no room for the characters to have natural reactions to any of the plot points.

Where was the suspense in this suspense book??? The crime was already done and over. Getting a character pardoned from prison was much too easy with everything falling perfectly into place with no bumps along the way. The governor even granted the pardon without hearing any proof or looking at any new evidence, instead relying solely on a man’s word of honor based on his gut instinct and conspiracy theories and one piece of evidence that even he admitted would make the prisoner look guilty rather than innocent. That felt flimsy at best. Were I that governor asked to pardon a convicted murderer, I would want to see ALL the evidence and see if the train of thought through the evidence made sense before signing any paperwork that would pardon someone convicted of murder.

The entire plot felt contrived, orchestrated, toward a specific end. There was no wiggle room for the characters to come alive and make their own choices, so they ended up feeling very flat and one-dimensional. Where was the development? Where was the growth? I wanted to get to know Ann and Paul and Gregory and Janelle along the journey, to feel like they became friends, but that didn’t happen at any point in the story. It always felt like they were two counties away from me, that I was viewing them through a spyglass or something rather than walking right beside them. There was a bit of hot emotion in Janelle, but even that felt contrived as no one else showed any emotion whatsoever, even when she blew up a time or two. Contrived melodrama is not my cup of tea.

My favorite parts of this story were the lake-effect snow, the dog, and the fact that an innocent person was set free from prison.

This really was more of an emotion-recovery book, and I’m not sure what genre that fits into, but it definitely did not feel suspenseful at all.

I miss Mrs. Henderson’s old style of writing, found in the O’Malley Chronicles, which is still one of my favorite book series.
Profile Image for Becky.
752 reviews44 followers
January 9, 2019
As I began reading this novella, I felt like I was coming in partway through the story. Turns out I was, in a way—Paul and Ann, the people instrumental in getting Janelle released from prison (and really the main characters of the first half of the novella), were the protagonists of Henderson's Full Disclosure (which I haven't read).

The first half of the novella focused on Ann's quest to clear Janelle's name, and the evidence she discovered and the conclusions she drew were really interesting to me. This part of the novella reads like a cold case mystery, and it's a bit slow, but it's also totally engaging.

Once Janelle is pardoned, the perspective shifts to Janelle and to Greg, the man helping her mentally and emotionally recover from her ordeal. This portion of the story wasn't nearly as interesting to me ... until Janelle decided to confront the person Ann believed committed the murder. But even then, I expected the suspense to ratchet up, and it didn't. Also, the book ends with . It makes me wonder if maybe Janelle will be the main character of a future novel.

There's also a possible romance between Janelle and Greg, only there's no sign that they like each other until Greg's last chapter. The romance isn't built up at all; it's simply stated as a possibility for the future. I didn't sense a bit of chemistry between the two.

Ultimately, I'm torn when I think about this novella. The story is incredibly interesting, and I enjoyed the twists and turns. I definitely wouldn't classify this as romantic suspense or even suspense; it's definitely of a mystery, which is fine if you know that's what you're getting. But the relationships between characters didn't ring true, and that left me feeling a little disappointed. 2-1/2 stars.
Profile Image for SK.
240 reviews
June 12, 2025
Betrayed was like going back to a favorite restaurant for their award-winning dessert. It was a pleasure to see the team of Paul & Ann Falcon once again. In this novella, the crime has already happened, the criminal convicted, albeit falsely, and incarcerated. Ann and then Paul become convinced that a grave injustice has happened and swiftly work on correcting the error by seeing the accused Janelle Roberts is pardoned and freed from jail.
A good deal of the story is spent trying to discovering who killed Andrew, Janelle's boy-friend, getting Janelle to acknowledging the real killer, and then helping the reader see the process of healing, which Janelle must travel through. The character of Greg is a counselor with a wealth of experience, both personal and professional with trauma victims, helps her work through steps of recovery on his idyllic island. This is an emotional journey and you are pulled into the struggle. This book ends differently than some typical detective stories, but it is totally True To Real Life. Life is not neat and tidy with chapter headings and everything finished by the end of the month, season, or year! This book left you to speculate concerning a number of items, but you were left with a confidence that things would ultimately conclude well. I rate this story a 5. Dee does not disappoint, treat you like an idiot, or cut off your imagination. Thanks, Dee, for a Great Job.
Profile Image for Kim .
1,156 reviews19 followers
April 11, 2019
Another great story by Dee Henderson, although I wasn't sure about the ending.

Janelle has been in prison for six years after the death of her boyfriend. She's claimed she was innocent from the start, but all the evidence points to her.

Ann Falcon and her husband went to an auction house and buy a box of dresser trinkets for Ann to paint, but inside that box is a pink Swiss Army type knife with Janelle's name on it and what looks like blood on the blade. But it wasn't Janelle's stuff that the knife was found in, it was found in the possession of her best friend and boyfriend's sister. Ann becomes curious and starts looking into the knife and finds a murder and perhaps that an innocent person has gone to prison.

Emotionally impactful and a very good whodunit! A wee bit of romance at the ending too!

This is a clean read.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,508 reviews655 followers
February 26, 2019
If you expect/want to read a nail-biting edge of your seat story, then you should pass on this story.

However, if you enjoy following leads in a more factual view point and how FBI would review the facts, you should find this interesting.

This story played with my mind and had me confused on so many levels on what actually happened and who the killer was. It ended in a way I would probably not prefer and the epilogue also brought closure on only certain things, so sitting here thinking about this story, I am still perplexed...

So, if you want to read something that will keep you guessing and pondering after finishing a story, read this.
Profile Image for Ann Platz.
97 reviews
October 24, 2022
This is a short story that is part of the book "The Cost of Betrayal." I thoroughly enjoyed this short story about Janelle Roberts who is pardoned and freed from prison after serving six years of a life sentence for murdering her boyfriend. However, a retired FBI agent finds evidence in a jewelry box that she won at an auction that she believes proves that Janelle is innocent. For a short story, Dee Henderson did very well in character development and making the story flow seamlessly. It was a treat to read. I listened to this book and the narrator did an excellent job with voice inflection and pace.
900 reviews
September 14, 2018
Ann is at it again in this story. It seems the mysteries find her. She is at an acution and buys some goods. Inside the chest of one of the items is a pink pocket knife with blood on it. Ann finds out that Janelle is in jail for a murder she didnt commit. But, who is guilty? Read more to find out.
Profile Image for Charlene.
244 reviews30 followers
April 23, 2020
An ok cold case Mystery!

Jenelle didn’t know the investigators or counsellor who help her. Tbh I didn’t know them either but I felt like I was meant to 🤷🏽‍♀️. Are these characters from a previous book?

I didn’t like the end much either it felt very unfinished!

I give 4 stars to Susan Bennett for an engaging audio performance.
Profile Image for Bruce Morgan.
41 reviews
February 7, 2019
Dee Henderson is possibly my favourite author. So consistent from book to book. Always strong characters, well-researched and plausible plotting, keeps me turning the page.
I downloaded this yesterday morning, glanced at page one... and left for work an hour late.
Highly recommended!
211 reviews
March 27, 2020
Ann Falcon finds a murder weapon in a box found at a yard sale. Her and her husband work to investigate this finding and try to find justice for a woman wrongly serving time for murder and the true murderer. Another good book by Dee Henderson
Profile Image for Barbara Carter.
454 reviews18 followers
December 10, 2020
Good for a Novella

While I much prefer a 400 page, full-length novel, this story was well portrayed and the plot neatly laid. Definitely gives the reader pause and the option to finish the story on their own if so desired.
49 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2020
Great story!

Dee does it again! Great story, wonderful characters, fantastic story line...thank you for another good read! It's definitely worth your time.
8 reviews
June 26, 2020
An outstanding, insightful study of the release of a woman wrongly imprisoned for murder and her recovery from the horror of that experience.
5 reviews
September 22, 2022
Betrayed

Dee Henderson is an amazing author! I have enjoyed every book I’ve read that she has written! I loved this story line. Thank you, Dee!
Profile Image for Penandra.
132 reviews
March 24, 2019
I’m not sure that I could review this book without including spoilers, so I’ve already clicked on that tab.

I requested this book on Libby because a friend is reading it in her book club. As we seem to have similar tastes in reading, I thought I would check it out. I was quickly hooked in at the beginning. I’ve not read “Full Disclosure“ (but will) so I’m not familiar with Ann and Paul.

Although I enjoyed the premise, and I appreciate the background of the two investigative characters, I found it quite a leap to determine that someone was innocent, and to be assured of that innocence enough to request a pardon without ever talking to that person face-to-face. I’m not saying it’s not possible, I just questioned it.

The story held my interest but I was disappointed in the ending, even though I know that’s how life can be. It’s just not the way I like my books. I was also intrigued that the ring stuck in the bottom of the box (that also held the pocket knife) was never mentioned again. Couldn’t that have been Andrew’s ring, and then an added clue that Tanya was involved? Did the author intended that when she storyboarded and then didn’t tie up the loose ends?

Around Chapter 11 or 12 I did sense an interest, on Greg’s part at least, between the two characters. It made me uncomfortable given their roles as “therapist“ and “patient“ so the epilogue did not surprise me as much as it did some other reviewers. I was pleased to see that Greg acknowledges their roles and once those change he may express interest, but that he is respecting the situation and not crossing a line.

I will seek out more works by this author. I am intrigued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,659 reviews1,227 followers
January 24, 2024
I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed Dee Henderson. It’s been a while.

This one was very different!

Ann and Paul Falcon (investigators, Ann: retired, Paul: currently still investigating) return in this story from several previous books. In one book I had a hard time with Ann. Her idea of marriage was completely one sided and she would not marry Paul unless all her demands were met. He basically had to give up his natural desires to physical comforts and affection with her. Ann was fascinating but I didn’t much like her.

She apparently has changed and I like her a lot more now. In this one she's not an investigator anymore, but a mystery is basically thrown into her lap and she has to solve it.

Eventually she does. Paul then secures a release for Janelle Roberts who's been imprisoned six years for a murder she did not commit.

The rest of the book is Janelle on an island where she was to heal, finding out from Anne who the actual murderer. What was different in this book from all the others is the convicted can’t believe who the real killer was.

Well done. Love the intelligent dialogue. Loved the healing island, the psychiatrist and his comfort dog. Loved that the peace of Christ in their lives was supreme and healing took hold because of it!
Profile Image for Candi.
26 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2020
I've always enjoyed Dee Henderson books, so I was excited to find this one as part of a trio (though all by different authors). I enjoyed the characters, and the overall premise of the book. A retired investigator stumbles across something in her auction purchase, and because she likes researching and digging that's what she does. She comes to the conclusion that there is a young woman in sitting in prison for a crime she didn't commit. She convinces her husband of the woman's innocence, and they work to release the woman from prison. They help her set up a new life, and want to bring the real killer to justice......but then the book just ends. What??? There was no resolution with justice being served with the killer, and we really don't know if the person they thought was the killer actually committed the crime, let alone why they did it and how planned out it was (thought out or spur of the moment). I'm so disappointed with the ending. :-(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
645 reviews36 followers
February 16, 2019
Janelle Roberts has spent the last six years in prison for murder. Her case was no longer active until Ann Falcon, a former murder cop, and wife of Paul Falcon, Director of the FBI office in Chicago, buys a box of perfume bottles and mementos at an auction and finds a pocket knife stained with blood. She and Paul begin an investigation into the case. When Janelle is freed from prison, it turns out the case is anything but open and shut, and her life may be in danger.


When I chose to read "Betrayed," I did so not knowing that Ann and Paul Falcon would be characters in this novella, so that pleased me greatly. I liked them both from "Full Disclosure." They do what they do best, solve cases, and their romance is legendary in my book. And, as usual, Dee Henderson weaves an interesting tail. I wasn't expecting the ending, but that just adds to the story.

Profile Image for Susan Tuttle.
Author 14 books185 followers
March 5, 2019
A solid read, but one that struggled to hold my attention. I enjoyed the premise but didn't fully connect with the characters, which is hard to admit when Dee Henderson is one of my favorite authors. Also, while completely believable, I didn't love the ending--both in the romance department and the plot resolution. The suspense never fully took off, and the way it ended was realistic but not satisfying. I also felt the romance to be lacking. The potential was there, but I felt it never moved beyond that potential. Perhaps if it had been a full length all of these issues would have been resolved. Either way, as I started with, Henderson still delivered a solid story; it simply wasn't what I've come to love from the genre.
1,288 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2024
Really good read. To spend six years in jail for a crime you did not commit is one thing. But to find out that your best friend is probably the murderer would be crushing. Although this book doesn't end with a conviction, Janelle had some great people that stepped up to help her transition to her new life out of prison. Ann and her husband broke open the case that got her pardoned. What they did was amazing and heartwarming to think that maybe those actions happen in this day and age. It just takes someone to believe in you. The island she went to sounds like paradise and Greg and his hospitality and the things he could offer her on the island were amazing. Like a fairy tale with all the good things. Really touched my heart with their kindness and generosity. Great author!
Profile Image for Anna McFadden.
1,016 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2019
When Ann Falcon buys a box of dresser items to paint and found a few things she thought should be return to the owner she discovers a mystery that she cd ant shake. With her husband, Paul, the head of the Boston FBI office, in their free time they investigated and found Janelle Roberts was into he 6th year of her a 20 year sentence for killing he boyfriend, which she didn't commit. When Ann and Paul gets her a pardon she is more then surprised and thankful but understands that she will have to go to a location where "people" can't find her because the killer is still out there and they dont know who she can trust not to "betrayed" her again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emma Turner.
139 reviews
December 28, 2020
This was a decent book. Not a suspense book by any means, however. A mystery, yes, I suppose.

I think that the author could have delved into the characters more. She tried putting some sort of a sideline lifestyle for them, but it came across forced and unnecessary. The whole book seemed very rushed also.

The mystery kept me going as it was quite intriguing, but the outcome didn’t leave me satisfied.

For those who haven’t read anything from Ms. Henderson, I definitely would recommend the Omalley Series which is one of my favourites. You can probably skip this one though...
260 reviews
September 1, 2021
This is actually my 2nd time reading this. I got started and then realized I'd already read it before, but couldn't remember how it ended. Which is probably explained by the fact that there isn't a nice, neat solution to the main problem, that one of the characters was framed for a murder she didn't commit. I was hoping that they would find out who did it and that said person would serve time, thereby assuring that justice always wins. Which I guess is a good realistic story, in that that isn't always the case.
Profile Image for Martha.
71 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2019
This novella of Dee Henderson's was enjoyable. But I gave it three stars because some of the parts seemed to move quite slow,and the ending didn't seemed resolved. What I did truly like was how the author captured what a full pardon does. It completely clears the slate for the convicted person and allows them to start a completely new life. That and her faith in God is what allowed Janelle to have peace and be able to move forward.
Profile Image for Abigail Hawthorne.
193 reviews38 followers
January 16, 2020
I read this book in the novella collection Cost of Betrayal. This book had an interesting premise, but there was almost no action. At first I didn't like the ending (though it grew on me). Without spoiling anything, the ending will work for some people but not for others. Interesting premise, and it would be great read for someone who wants a story that's more contemporary and based on a dark past - with plenty of mystery thrown in -, but not for someone who wants a fast-paced suspense story.
Profile Image for Taylor E.
90 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2020
I love how unresolved this book ends. The story feels like like in it's inconclusiveness. Janelle received justice of a sort. But she and those who helped live with unanswered questions. Who killed Janelle's boyfriend? What actually happened? Was Tanya involved?
Henderson's focus in this book shifts toward a normal life story in this book compared to the adrenaline and deep theology observed in the O'Malley series.
Definitely would recommend.
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