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Layers of Deception
An absolutely riveting international crime thriller that'll make you think - while keeping you on the edge of your seat!
What would you risk to achieve your ambition?
Would you risk the lives of your family and colleagues to get out of a financial hole?
Would you risk all for the next big deal?
How far is too far?
Leo James clearly knows his stuff when it comes to the world of cybersecurity, the dark web and criminal gangs in the Far East. Out of that world he has crafted a really gripping thriller which has you emotionally involved with the central characters and wanting to turn the page at every turn. A highly recommended read.
Layers of Deception is a fast-paced international crime thriller filled with twists, turns and intrigue exposing conflicts between brothers, religion, gender, love, risk and greed.
This thriller starts off with a bang (quite literally!) and doesn't slow down. The story follows a computer security firm trying to land a contract in Kuala Lumpur. The group gets involved in blackmail, extortion and gang activity when they expose the contract company's dealings involving the dark web.
The startling discovery that will send their worlds spiralling and for some will end in deadly consequences!
Life as an IT business entrepreneur isn't quite as simple as it seems...the constant battle between ambition and familial responsibility could cost the ultimate price. Every international salesman, entrepreneur, business development executive, business owner should read this!
The thriller draws on the author's many years experience of doing business in Asia.
What would you risk to achieve your ambition?
Would you risk the lives of your family and colleagues to get out of a financial hole?
Would you risk all for the next big deal?
How far is too far?
Leo James clearly knows his stuff when it comes to the world of cybersecurity, the dark web and criminal gangs in the Far East. Out of that world he has crafted a really gripping thriller which has you emotionally involved with the central characters and wanting to turn the page at every turn. A highly recommended read.
Layers of Deception is a fast-paced international crime thriller filled with twists, turns and intrigue exposing conflicts between brothers, religion, gender, love, risk and greed.
This thriller starts off with a bang (quite literally!) and doesn't slow down. The story follows a computer security firm trying to land a contract in Kuala Lumpur. The group gets involved in blackmail, extortion and gang activity when they expose the contract company's dealings involving the dark web.
The startling discovery that will send their worlds spiralling and for some will end in deadly consequences!
Life as an IT business entrepreneur isn't quite as simple as it seems...the constant battle between ambition and familial responsibility could cost the ultimate price. Every international salesman, entrepreneur, business development executive, business owner should read this!
The thriller draws on the author's many years experience of doing business in Asia.
- GenresThriller
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
7 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Leo James
1 book5 followersLeo began writing during his recovery from a serious fall into a storm drain whilst on business in Singapore. To this day, he has not solved the mystery of who pushed him. Stuck in hospital, Leo found it cathartic to write. It helped with his recovery, both mentally and physically. That was the start. Once back to work, and travelling internationally, he would write everywhere: on planes, trains, staying at hotels, basically at any given opportunity. Leo worked for over 20 years in global information technology. He is an expert in cryptocurrencies, blockchain and cybersecurity. In addition, Leo is a practicing therapist in clinical hypnosis and cognitive behaviour therapy. Born in the UK, he graduated from Illinois State University in America. He has a postgraduate qualification in behavioural therapy from the University of West London in the UK.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 14, 2019
This book was passed on to me by a friend along with the comment "by the time you reach the 2nd chapter I bet you can't put it down".
He was right, although the subject of this book is not my normal read and the mention of cyber security was a little daunting, it is non stop suspense and at times you feel you have to come up for air then straight back to it
Leo James writes in a way that explains the intricacies of the software industry that everybody will understand instantly without the need to reference Google. Leo is tech savvy for sure and writes knowing you may not be.
He appears to be even more Asia savvy, as his detailing of destinations and landmarks add to the thrill of the ride.
I hope there is another offering from Leo James, I would make a point of purchasing it rather than receiving it as a gift.
He was right, although the subject of this book is not my normal read and the mention of cyber security was a little daunting, it is non stop suspense and at times you feel you have to come up for air then straight back to it
Leo James writes in a way that explains the intricacies of the software industry that everybody will understand instantly without the need to reference Google. Leo is tech savvy for sure and writes knowing you may not be.
He appears to be even more Asia savvy, as his detailing of destinations and landmarks add to the thrill of the ride.
I hope there is another offering from Leo James, I would make a point of purchasing it rather than receiving it as a gift.
December 6, 2019
Was gonna give it four stars but found the last half to be filled with choppy and wooden dialogue. Interesting premise for sure but I seriously felt like the last 150 pages were written by someone with rudimentary English skills. A few spelling mistakes and punctuation issues could definitely have been caught with another edit. Still, the story itself was good which at least merits a 3 star review.
January 19, 2019
The novel is a real thriller, the layer of deception dug deep inside corporations and had many plot twist, which let you feel shocked sometimes trying to process how things happened.
The way the story started success to hawk me up, I liked how the author draws the scenes with word made it very Clear for the reader to imagine and dive inside the novel, I loved the crash scene in chapter one it shows many details So realistic and an attention to small details which really impress me.
The plot was balanced not fast all the time, but the pace was just right. I liked the characters, and how they were introduced in a way which you can connect with them emotionally easily, the story was not rushed the pace was just right.
The dialog was natural from the first page till the end, the Environment, scenes, characters traits all were in line with the original theme. The novel was well edited, free from grammar and spelling mistakes, well structured, very diversified characteristics used, however sometimes hard to read but in general, it was great.
I enjoyed reading the book. I did not feel the time passing as it was so entertaining, and I strongly recommend it.
The way the story started success to hawk me up, I liked how the author draws the scenes with word made it very Clear for the reader to imagine and dive inside the novel, I loved the crash scene in chapter one it shows many details So realistic and an attention to small details which really impress me.
The plot was balanced not fast all the time, but the pace was just right. I liked the characters, and how they were introduced in a way which you can connect with them emotionally easily, the story was not rushed the pace was just right.
The dialog was natural from the first page till the end, the Environment, scenes, characters traits all were in line with the original theme. The novel was well edited, free from grammar and spelling mistakes, well structured, very diversified characteristics used, however sometimes hard to read but in general, it was great.
I enjoyed reading the book. I did not feel the time passing as it was so entertaining, and I strongly recommend it.
January 9, 2019
This book starts off with a bang (quite literally!) and doesn't slow down. The story follows a computer security firm trying to land a contract in Kuala Lumpur. The group gets involved in blackmail, extortion and gang activity when they expose the contract company's dealings involving the dark web. I don't have much experience with security technology but the author explains everything so the reader can easily understand. The story itself follows a smooth story arc and follows a natural progression. While the book could use some editing, I found that I couldn't put it down and I was captivated until the very end.
January 17, 2019
This is a grab you by the seat of your pants and take you in different directions book. Many twists and turns and hardly any lulls. The author is very good at setting descriptions such that you feel like you're experiencing what the protagonist is. I didn't expect much from the title when I picked this book to read but it was so much more intense and captivating than what I expected that I was surprised.
January 21, 2019
I loved this book from start to finish couldnt put it down. Lots of characters and great plot cant wait for a follow up!!
January 8, 2019
A struggling software business based in the U.K. is seeking clients and successfully find one in Malaysia. Steve Roussos, along with his colleagues, is excited – their bills will be paid, they are a success and they are ready to move forward; well, that is until one makes a startling discovery on the dark net that will send their worlds spiraling and for some will end in deadly consequences!
Leo James has skillfully written an international thriller with plot twists and developments that are solidly done. James explores the emotions and relationships built between multiple characters fully. Each character is well developed and relevant to their role in the novel. The plot moves well and quickly. The story is action packed with the emotional realism of despair one experiences when finding oneself in a never-ending cycle of darkness and danger.
If you enjoy thrillers, this is an excellent read! The book was provided for review by the author.
Leo James has skillfully written an international thriller with plot twists and developments that are solidly done. James explores the emotions and relationships built between multiple characters fully. Each character is well developed and relevant to their role in the novel. The plot moves well and quickly. The story is action packed with the emotional realism of despair one experiences when finding oneself in a never-ending cycle of darkness and danger.
If you enjoy thrillers, this is an excellent read! The book was provided for review by the author.
November 23, 2018
A book to keep you on the edge of your seat!
Layers of Deception, by Leo James, has a well developed plot and follows the typical story arc; there is plenty of tension right from the opening chapter through to the last sentence. The reader is kept on pins and needles throughout the story wondering what the ruthless bad guys are going to do next – will it be a bomb, a hidden camera, more bribes, food poisoning, an illicit sexual encounter, blackmail, a rape, a murder, a cyber-crime? Truly the antagonists of this novel know no bounds! The reader's emotions are in constant disarray throughout the story as James allows us to feel hope, despair, fear, suspense, disappointment, grief and apprehension.
There are several climacteric scenes in the novel – most involving the death, or demoralization, of one of the protagonists – but the real turning point is the shoot-out which is written with such skill and finesse that one can imagine the smell of cordite and blood amid absolute chaos.
The flow of Layers of Deception was mostly smooth. James relied heavily of dialogue to keep the action moving yet the speech patterns often became stilted. It may help if the direct exchange of dialogue was interspersed with descriptors of the character's voice or actions, instead of simply exchanging sentences with one another.
This reviewer was immediately drawn into the story by the opening car bomb scene. The technique of repeating it at the chronological point of story in which it occurred was very clever.
|My favourite part of any story is character development. Layers of Deception left me wishing for so much more background on each character. What made them tick? Why was their grieving process so abrupt? Surely there must have been more than greed motivating some? Steve talks about hate towards the baddies but there is no memorable mention of love anywhere.
Layers of Deception, by Leo James, has a well developed plot and follows the typical story arc; there is plenty of tension right from the opening chapter through to the last sentence. The reader is kept on pins and needles throughout the story wondering what the ruthless bad guys are going to do next – will it be a bomb, a hidden camera, more bribes, food poisoning, an illicit sexual encounter, blackmail, a rape, a murder, a cyber-crime? Truly the antagonists of this novel know no bounds! The reader's emotions are in constant disarray throughout the story as James allows us to feel hope, despair, fear, suspense, disappointment, grief and apprehension.
There are several climacteric scenes in the novel – most involving the death, or demoralization, of one of the protagonists – but the real turning point is the shoot-out which is written with such skill and finesse that one can imagine the smell of cordite and blood amid absolute chaos.
The flow of Layers of Deception was mostly smooth. James relied heavily of dialogue to keep the action moving yet the speech patterns often became stilted. It may help if the direct exchange of dialogue was interspersed with descriptors of the character's voice or actions, instead of simply exchanging sentences with one another.
This reviewer was immediately drawn into the story by the opening car bomb scene. The technique of repeating it at the chronological point of story in which it occurred was very clever.
|My favourite part of any story is character development. Layers of Deception left me wishing for so much more background on each character. What made them tick? Why was their grieving process so abrupt? Surely there must have been more than greed motivating some? Steve talks about hate towards the baddies but there is no memorable mention of love anywhere.
January 17, 2019
All in all, this novel wasn’t my speed but could be an excellent read for someone who likes international crime thrillers.
Layers of Deception is a novel full of action, murder, and of course, deception. While I appreciate this, I found it hard to maintain my focus with reading this novel at times because there were so many moving parts.
Don’t get me wrong, I like an action-packed thriller, and this story had a solid storyline, however, there were too many players in this game and there were times where I had to research specific phrases because I wasn’t exactly sure what was being said.
The purpose of author Leo James’ novel follows a group of gentlemen as they embark on a quest to try and get their business Q7 off the ground. Set in Malaysia and the United Kingdom, Layers of Deception follows Steve Roussos, a software business entrepreneur, who works tirelessly to protect his colleagues and family when criminal activity is exposed using the darknet and it involves his project Q7.
James’ novel is due to be released early next year. I was given this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Layers of Deception is a novel full of action, murder, and of course, deception. While I appreciate this, I found it hard to maintain my focus with reading this novel at times because there were so many moving parts.
Don’t get me wrong, I like an action-packed thriller, and this story had a solid storyline, however, there were too many players in this game and there were times where I had to research specific phrases because I wasn’t exactly sure what was being said.
The purpose of author Leo James’ novel follows a group of gentlemen as they embark on a quest to try and get their business Q7 off the ground. Set in Malaysia and the United Kingdom, Layers of Deception follows Steve Roussos, a software business entrepreneur, who works tirelessly to protect his colleagues and family when criminal activity is exposed using the darknet and it involves his project Q7.
James’ novel is due to be released early next year. I was given this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2019
This book, from the first chapter, grabs you by the scruff of the neck and takes you on a roller coaster ride through corruption and murder on the Asian continent. From the car crash in the first chapter to the amazing twist in the final chapter the author, Leo James, has you on the edge of your seat wondering where this thriller is going to take you next.
The novel has many cyber technicalities that the author explains in such a way that even a dinosaur such as myself can easily understand.
The characters are well drawn and elicit great sympathy as they encounter death and corruption at every turn. The author is obviously well versed in the machinations of doing business in this environment.
All in all a fast paced international thriller that entertains from first page to last. I happily recommend it.
The novel has many cyber technicalities that the author explains in such a way that even a dinosaur such as myself can easily understand.
The characters are well drawn and elicit great sympathy as they encounter death and corruption at every turn. The author is obviously well versed in the machinations of doing business in this environment.
All in all a fast paced international thriller that entertains from first page to last. I happily recommend it.
September 22, 2019
Fascinating book. I'm not one to read thrillers often (I prefer to watch thriller movies instead), but in this case I couldn't find myself able to put down the book after a few hours in. It's remarkably gripping and well-written, with a myriad of characters that don't feel superficial at all. Quite on the contrary, I don't remember having watched or read a thriller in which there was substantial character development. And in this case, there is.
Moreover, the story holds you to your seat at every twist and turn, so if you enjoy thrillers, this is the book for you.
In my opinion, even if you are not a fan of the genre, there is still much to be enjoyed from it. I highly recommend it to anyone that would like to have a glimpse of the corruption and dubious deals that are done around the world nowadays. It's a must read.
Moreover, the story holds you to your seat at every twist and turn, so if you enjoy thrillers, this is the book for you.
In my opinion, even if you are not a fan of the genre, there is still much to be enjoyed from it. I highly recommend it to anyone that would like to have a glimpse of the corruption and dubious deals that are done around the world nowadays. It's a must read.
November 21, 2019
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator was quite good. His pacing and inflection were well done.
The author has written a detailed book describing a real life story of corporate intrigue. The story starts with several men from a small software security company, desperate to find a partner or customer to help support the company. They are referred to a large company in Malaysia and make a deal. They will be forever sorry that they ever heard of their partner company. As the team discovers that their software product is being used for unlawful purposes, they try to take back control. Unfortunately, things turn from bad to worse.
The story is engrossing and scary. The fact that it is based true story makes it even more terrifying. I think the story could have been streamlined a bit, but I did enjoy the book and recommended it to a friend.
The author has written a detailed book describing a real life story of corporate intrigue. The story starts with several men from a small software security company, desperate to find a partner or customer to help support the company. They are referred to a large company in Malaysia and make a deal. They will be forever sorry that they ever heard of their partner company. As the team discovers that their software product is being used for unlawful purposes, they try to take back control. Unfortunately, things turn from bad to worse.
The story is engrossing and scary. The fact that it is based true story makes it even more terrifying. I think the story could have been streamlined a bit, but I did enjoy the book and recommended it to a friend.
October 17, 2019
I confess I found this book a little bit difficult to get into originally, possibly because I'm not really current on the whole block chain / bitcoin / electronic financial management sector, but I stayed with it through the first hour, and once it started rolling along the plot DEFINITELY caught my attention. The story is full of organized crime, murder, bad cops, sex, lies, family drama ... all the best things in international thrillers.
It's not a pretty story and it's scary because it's so plausible, but I heartily recommend it if you're interested in the world of international finance, IT start ups or crime in the banking industry ... or even if you're just looking for a good thriller to spend the weekend with.
It's not a pretty story and it's scary because it's so plausible, but I heartily recommend it if you're interested in the world of international finance, IT start ups or crime in the banking industry ... or even if you're just looking for a good thriller to spend the weekend with.
October 25, 2019
Having worked in the IT field for over 20 years, I found the author describes the somewhat complex world of technology in a manner that should be relatively easy for the average layman to understand. Combine this with a set of well-developed characters and a plausible yet complex storyline involving organized crime, money laundering, murder, bad cops, sex, lies, family drama ... and you have yourself a cracking international thriller.
This is my first exposure to this author and it definitely will not be my last! This book is a real page turner. A wonderfully crafted action-packed story with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat right to the last page.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This is my first exposure to this author and it definitely will not be my last! This book is a real page turner. A wonderfully crafted action-packed story with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat right to the last page.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
November 20, 2020
The story is fast past and sophisticated. Leo James employs a visual writing style which makes the story easy to see in your mind, it is a good choice for a movie or even a podcast.
It hooks you right away and has plenty of twists, turns, and surprises to keep you engaged.
The story world is intriguing and mysterious. The world of cyber-crime and the darknet are no longer futuristic, which makes the story feel more dangerous knowing we are actually living in this reality now. The characters are multi-layered and unpredictable. Mr. James doesn't deceive anyone as he pulls back the veil of a very frightening future.
It hooks you right away and has plenty of twists, turns, and surprises to keep you engaged.
The story world is intriguing and mysterious. The world of cyber-crime and the darknet are no longer futuristic, which makes the story feel more dangerous knowing we are actually living in this reality now. The characters are multi-layered and unpredictable. Mr. James doesn't deceive anyone as he pulls back the veil of a very frightening future.
September 30, 2019
Outstanding
I do not review many books written by gentlemen but this book sounded so interesting so I accepted the arc of the audiobook. I loved it! It was a wonderful thriller. I had a super hard time not spending my whole day listening to this one. It is fast-paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat and the narrator was dream smooth voice with just the right tone for this book. If I could give this more than 5-stars I would I highly recommend that you either get the book or audiobook.
I do not review many books written by gentlemen but this book sounded so interesting so I accepted the arc of the audiobook. I loved it! It was a wonderful thriller. I had a super hard time not spending my whole day listening to this one. It is fast-paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat and the narrator was dream smooth voice with just the right tone for this book. If I could give this more than 5-stars I would I highly recommend that you either get the book or audiobook.
March 27, 2019
This is an interesting and imaginative story told in a style overloaded with verbiage and in desperate need of a good edit. It is just a slow read because of the massive use of big words and repetitive descriptions. You learn much about Malaysian gang terminology and processing of financial transactions. The ending leaves open a continuation of some of the characters, but the initial issues all seem to get resolved.
September 28, 2019
A British company that designed security for payment on the internet unknowingly makes a pact with devil. When they discover their mistake they are targeted by the leader of the Malaysian underworld. The y use blackmail, murder, and corrupted police officials to sway, unsuccessfully, the techs. There is no down time in this story, it really moves. I was gifted this from the author.
December 21, 2021
Overlong
The author obviously has in depth knowledge of the subject but I felt the book was over long. The first half was too long a description he did this then this happened etc. Could have been better edited some info is repeated unecessarily. Pity, it had the making of a good tale.
The author obviously has in depth knowledge of the subject but I felt the book was over long. The first half was too long a description he did this then this happened etc. Could have been better edited some info is repeated unecessarily. Pity, it had the making of a good tale.
May 5, 2019
Awesome book. Awesome characters and even more awesome storyline/plot. I could not put this book down. So action-packed with an edge-of-your-seat thrill! I highly recommend this to thriller lovers.
I received this book from the author and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
I received this book from the author and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
September 13, 2019
By the second chapter, I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced, edge of your seat thriller. It's an interesting book about how far someone will go to see their dreams come true. I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook and am giving an honest review.
April 28, 2021
Solid thriller by a first time author, starts with a bang and keeps going. Excellent book for those lockdown blues. The issues others had with a lack of edits, didn't bother me at all. If you can just dim the lights for some quiet time and enjoy.
April 19, 2019
Gripping, thrilling and totally engrossing. And that's just the beginning! Business intrigue, attempted murders and tons of suspense coalesce into an amazing book. Don't miss it!
October 21, 2019
Great story
Leo James knows how to write a story that grips your mind from the first page to the last. It is a cannot-put-it-down novel. I would recommend it to anyone.
Leo James knows how to write a story that grips your mind from the first page to the last. It is a cannot-put-it-down novel. I would recommend it to anyone.
October 6, 2019
My copy was an audiobook narrated by Elis Doyle who does a great job, providing a multitude of different voices for the various characters. His reading is natural and fluent and not “posh, BBC English”. I do wish he’d leave a couple of breaths between scene changes though as he sometimes flows from a scene in Malaysia to a scene in England, or from a board room to a hotel room with no discernable break, making it difficult for a listener to realise that the setting has changed. Otherwise he’s a pleasure to listen to.
The story itself is gripping and has lots of details about the settings in Malaysia which help bring the place to life, equally enjoyable for those who have knowledge of the area and for those who, like me, have never travelled. The pace is good and doesn’t slow down from the start, keeping the interest and excitement going right through. It is a very believable tale about the intrigue and deceptions in big business and constantly had me wondering what would happen next, what depths the bad guys would stoop to.
The book is very much reliant on dialogue which helps keep the pace going however some of that dialogue can be a little stilted in places and doesn’t always seem natural or believable. In several places a character goes from frantic to calm or from grieving to excited about business prospects in the next sentence. Also, at least in the audiobook version so presumably in the written version too, there appears to be a lack of descriptors for the character’s speech, often making the dialogue seem more flat and emotionless. A little more of how they are saying the words would bring it to life better.
Overall a very enjoyable book. All the issues get resolved one way or another but with an opening for a follow up book in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
The story itself is gripping and has lots of details about the settings in Malaysia which help bring the place to life, equally enjoyable for those who have knowledge of the area and for those who, like me, have never travelled. The pace is good and doesn’t slow down from the start, keeping the interest and excitement going right through. It is a very believable tale about the intrigue and deceptions in big business and constantly had me wondering what would happen next, what depths the bad guys would stoop to.
The book is very much reliant on dialogue which helps keep the pace going however some of that dialogue can be a little stilted in places and doesn’t always seem natural or believable. In several places a character goes from frantic to calm or from grieving to excited about business prospects in the next sentence. Also, at least in the audiobook version so presumably in the written version too, there appears to be a lack of descriptors for the character’s speech, often making the dialogue seem more flat and emotionless. A little more of how they are saying the words would bring it to life better.
Overall a very enjoyable book. All the issues get resolved one way or another but with an opening for a follow up book in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily providing an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews