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Deep Background
An intelligent, textured and taut thriller about political corruption through the lens of a disgraced journalist. (Best Thrillers)
Two years after an anonymous tip helps reporter Levi Cole break one of the biggest political scandals in recent memory, the same unknown conspirators expose him for fabricating parts of his stories. After resigning from his cushy job in Dallas, Levi returns to his rural Texas Panhandle hometown to regroup and win over Kat Hallaway - the married woman and fellow reporter he left behind - by helping her cover a grisly murder. But, as Levi and Kat get close to unraveling the mystery, she is kidnapped by the killer. When Levi finally finds Kat, he learns the identity of his tormentors and how they connect to the murder. Faced with the truth, Levi must decide how far he will go to rescue the woman he loves and regain control of his life.
Two years after an anonymous tip helps reporter Levi Cole break one of the biggest political scandals in recent memory, the same unknown conspirators expose him for fabricating parts of his stories. After resigning from his cushy job in Dallas, Levi returns to his rural Texas Panhandle hometown to regroup and win over Kat Hallaway - the married woman and fellow reporter he left behind - by helping her cover a grisly murder. But, as Levi and Kat get close to unraveling the mystery, she is kidnapped by the killer. When Levi finally finds Kat, he learns the identity of his tormentors and how they connect to the murder. Faced with the truth, Levi must decide how far he will go to rescue the woman he loves and regain control of his life.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2018
391 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Rick Treon
9 books51 followersRick Treon writes about life and death in the Lone Star State. His thriller LET THE GUILTY PAY was nominated for the 2021 Silver Falchion Award for Best Suspense Novel and DIVIDED STATES was named a finalist in the 2021 Best Thriller Book Awards. His debut novel, DEEP BACKGROUND, won the PenCraft Award for Literary Excellence in Suspense.
Before making up stories, he worked as a reporter and top editor for several newspapers in Texas, where he still lives and writes.
For more information, visit ricktreon.com.
Before making up stories, he worked as a reporter and top editor for several newspapers in Texas, where he still lives and writes.
For more information, visit ricktreon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 19, 2019
I received this book as an Early Review. I have very mixed feelings about this story. It has very exciting sections that unfortunately do not prevail. There are too many long-winded scenes that could have been shortened or omitted altogether.
The story is about the fact that the main protagonists from the school know each other and have some outstanding 'bills' with their former classmates.
It is a pity that the author has thought too little of the whole and much is therefore only superficial.
The story is about the fact that the main protagonists from the school know each other and have some outstanding 'bills' with their former classmates.
It is a pity that the author has thought too little of the whole and much is therefore only superficial.
March 13, 2019
In the quiet town of Bison Ridge, a young woman is murdered, mutilated, and displayed. Into the inevitable vortex this murder creates, the characters of Deep Background are drawn. Lucky Levi Cole and his former lover, Kat Holloway, both newspaper reporters, both struggling with their past and the present state of the news reporting business; Ace Anderson and Hunter Mathews, a Congressman and his chief of staff dealing with a tough re-election champaign; Shawn Nichols, Bison Ridges sheriff, and Elliot Dawson, Texas Ranger, dealing with a gruesome murder, find themselves trudging through the same corrupted mud in the panhandle of Texas looking for answers.
To say that Rick Treon rides the tried and true of the thriller genre is not to diminish the book, but to better incapsulate why it draws the reader in: we know what we like and expect and the book delivers. Flawed characters, corruption and rot in our social betters, and a murder, when well written, will never fail to keep the reader glued to the page and Deep Background does that. The writing is wry and cynical, no doubt a product of the author's years as a reporter. The story moves well and keeps the reader connected to the various characters as they interact with each other in ways both good and bad.
I found the book compulsive and hard to put down, which I consider a big plus with thrillers.
To say that Rick Treon rides the tried and true of the thriller genre is not to diminish the book, but to better incapsulate why it draws the reader in: we know what we like and expect and the book delivers. Flawed characters, corruption and rot in our social betters, and a murder, when well written, will never fail to keep the reader glued to the page and Deep Background does that. The writing is wry and cynical, no doubt a product of the author's years as a reporter. The story moves well and keeps the reader connected to the various characters as they interact with each other in ways both good and bad.
I found the book compulsive and hard to put down, which I consider a big plus with thrillers.
April 16, 2019
In Deep Background, author Rick Treon uses elements of a classic murder mystery, seedy politics, and romantic relationships to create a truly engaging story. I found it worked on all levels and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
The main characters are realistic, intriguing and likable. I found myself rooting for journalists Levi Cole and Kat Hallaway as they uncover clues to the gruesome murder of a troubled teenage girl. As a backdrop to the murder mystery, Treon explores the love-hate relationship between Levi and Kat. This subplot added a lot of interest and dimension to the novel, and Treon weaves both narratives into a complex and interesting story that is much more than a simple whodunit.
It’s not surprising that Treon has a background in journalism. His knowledge of this profession is evident in his writing. Speaking of which, I enjoyed Treon’s writing style. He’s a good storyteller, which made it a fun read. I appreciated the author’s use of showing—as opposed to telling—which brought the characters and the scenes to life.
I was expecting a typical murder mystery ending—butler, with a gun, in the library type-of-thing—but I was pleasantly surprised to see it was much more complex and intriguing than that.
Overall, I highly recommend Deep Background to mystery / political thriller fans, or any fan of a good story for that matter.
Stephen Kanicki
Author, The Seven Experiments
The main characters are realistic, intriguing and likable. I found myself rooting for journalists Levi Cole and Kat Hallaway as they uncover clues to the gruesome murder of a troubled teenage girl. As a backdrop to the murder mystery, Treon explores the love-hate relationship between Levi and Kat. This subplot added a lot of interest and dimension to the novel, and Treon weaves both narratives into a complex and interesting story that is much more than a simple whodunit.
It’s not surprising that Treon has a background in journalism. His knowledge of this profession is evident in his writing. Speaking of which, I enjoyed Treon’s writing style. He’s a good storyteller, which made it a fun read. I appreciated the author’s use of showing—as opposed to telling—which brought the characters and the scenes to life.
I was expecting a typical murder mystery ending—butler, with a gun, in the library type-of-thing—but I was pleasantly surprised to see it was much more complex and intriguing than that.
Overall, I highly recommend Deep Background to mystery / political thriller fans, or any fan of a good story for that matter.
Stephen Kanicki
Author, The Seven Experiments
March 15, 2019
Deep Background is an intense thriller. Well written and researched. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dark suspense.
February 25, 2019
A must-read thriller with an unforeseen ending
This book is captivating with a surprising twist! The ending was not what I expected and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller!
This book is captivating with a surprising twist! The ending was not what I expected and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller!
February 13, 2019
A Gripping Political Thriller
Fantastic, sharp writing. A thrilling story of modern-day politics and news writing. Rick Treon crafts an exciting yarn that throws you into a world of seedy politics and hard-hitting journalism. Some characters made me angry, some made me cry. A great twist with a last sentence that kept me thinking 'What will happen?'
Fantastic, sharp writing. A thrilling story of modern-day politics and news writing. Rick Treon crafts an exciting yarn that throws you into a world of seedy politics and hard-hitting journalism. Some characters made me angry, some made me cry. A great twist with a last sentence that kept me thinking 'What will happen?'
February 26, 2019
Keep an eye out for this suspenseful thriller to make it to the big screen (or I really hope it does!).
I say this not because I don’t love this book, I say it because I do and already started casting the A-listers to star (in my mind that is!)
The writing style paints the picture of each character well - I could practically smell them off the page. The rural Texas scenes, the distinct original characters make for a page turner. I’m cautious to not give anything away here, but can tell you that Levi Cole is a multi-dimensional character, flawed, yet interesting - I never stopped rooting for him even when he almost forces you to. This isn’t your usual investigation thriller - determined cop wants to find bad guy - rather a focus on multiple perspectives of the roles of all characters during the investigation of a gruesome who-done-it murder mystery as the plot gives indefinite woven ties of characters, their motivations and a unique focus on each perspective.
I promise you will not suspect this ending. I made theories all along the way and was wrong until the end! I highly recommend!
I say this not because I don’t love this book, I say it because I do and already started casting the A-listers to star (in my mind that is!)
The writing style paints the picture of each character well - I could practically smell them off the page. The rural Texas scenes, the distinct original characters make for a page turner. I’m cautious to not give anything away here, but can tell you that Levi Cole is a multi-dimensional character, flawed, yet interesting - I never stopped rooting for him even when he almost forces you to. This isn’t your usual investigation thriller - determined cop wants to find bad guy - rather a focus on multiple perspectives of the roles of all characters during the investigation of a gruesome who-done-it murder mystery as the plot gives indefinite woven ties of characters, their motivations and a unique focus on each perspective.
I promise you will not suspect this ending. I made theories all along the way and was wrong until the end! I highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
I hate to discourage a first-time author, but this book was just not ready for prime time. The thriller basics were there at the beginning — murdered, defaced high school girl plus intrepid reporter looking for answers — but the story fell apart when it took a huge left turn at the end. The characters were not well developed, the murderer came out of nowhere at about the 60% mark, and the final chapters were ridiculous. I hope Mr. Treon keeps honing his writing skills, but I suggest readers skip this debut novel.
May 20, 2019
A Dark, Disturbing, Smart Thriller
Man, oh man, Deep Background by Rick Treon has a tremendous number of dark twists and turns. The novel starts out with the grisly, ritualistic murder of 16-year-old RayLynn Gutierrez, but evolves from two reporters investigating the murder to a startling and disturbing tale.
Treon really know how to keep the suspense building and to incorporate clues into the story deftly. The lurid history of the Texas Panhandle town of Bison Ridge slowly emerges as does the legacy of political chicanery that courses through the community right up to the state’s highest office. The tumultuous romantic relationship between journalists Lucky Levi Cole and Kat Holloway gives the story another layer of tension, as does Treon’s shrewd understanding of the changing media landscape – of shrinking newspapers and expanding blogs.
Ultimately, Deep Background is charged by the motivations of an emerging serial killer and the complicated, disturbing relationships of classmates from years past. Without giving too much away, I must say the murder revelations were unexpected (yet very credible) and the psychologically engaged serial killer was often disarming. As he said to a potential victim, “I want to talk about you. Don’t worry, this is a safe space.”
After an exciting climax that brings many of the main players together, the surprises continue, right down to the real kicker of an ending on the last two pages. Deep Background is smart, cynical, and fun … exactly what a thriller should be.
Man, oh man, Deep Background by Rick Treon has a tremendous number of dark twists and turns. The novel starts out with the grisly, ritualistic murder of 16-year-old RayLynn Gutierrez, but evolves from two reporters investigating the murder to a startling and disturbing tale.
Treon really know how to keep the suspense building and to incorporate clues into the story deftly. The lurid history of the Texas Panhandle town of Bison Ridge slowly emerges as does the legacy of political chicanery that courses through the community right up to the state’s highest office. The tumultuous romantic relationship between journalists Lucky Levi Cole and Kat Holloway gives the story another layer of tension, as does Treon’s shrewd understanding of the changing media landscape – of shrinking newspapers and expanding blogs.
Ultimately, Deep Background is charged by the motivations of an emerging serial killer and the complicated, disturbing relationships of classmates from years past. Without giving too much away, I must say the murder revelations were unexpected (yet very credible) and the psychologically engaged serial killer was often disarming. As he said to a potential victim, “I want to talk about you. Don’t worry, this is a safe space.”
After an exciting climax that brings many of the main players together, the surprises continue, right down to the real kicker of an ending on the last two pages. Deep Background is smart, cynical, and fun … exactly what a thriller should be.
Read
July 31, 2019Deep Background is the story of two reporters who, after gaining some notoriety, had fallen on hard times. Levi Cole gained fame for unmasking the Texas governor, forcing him out of his elected office. Now, Levi, an investigative reporter for the top Dallas newspaper, has parlayed his good looks and quick wit into a stream of appearances on network talk shows. But someone has compiled a DVD indicating that Levi often misquoted his sources and misrepresented the facts, particularly on his big story on the governor. He's got problems.
The other reporter is Kat Hallaway had been a rising star reporter until she had made a huge mistake on network TV. Now, she is trying to simply get back a little respect as a reporter.
They've had an on-going affair, even though Kat was married. But the gruesome murder of a high school girl in west Texas brings them together again. For Levi and Kat, solving this might get their careers back on track. Or get them both killed.
The plot is complicated enough and the reader is anxious to see if any of the clues make sense. Kat has a loving husband, but can't stay away from Levi. And her favorite word, whether in conversation, talking to herself, or just thinking is the F bomb. As a reporter, she should have a wider vocabulary. In fact, that's the go-to word for many characters in the story.
Politics plays a big role in the book and makes this a topical story. In fact, the murder is solved about three-fourths of the way through the book and politics explains everything in the last quarter.
Mr. Treon was a newspaper reporter and editor and worked in west Texas, so he knows the business and the area. If the F word and unsympathetic main characters don't bother you, you might enjoy Deep Background.
The other reporter is Kat Hallaway had been a rising star reporter until she had made a huge mistake on network TV. Now, she is trying to simply get back a little respect as a reporter.
They've had an on-going affair, even though Kat was married. But the gruesome murder of a high school girl in west Texas brings them together again. For Levi and Kat, solving this might get their careers back on track. Or get them both killed.
The plot is complicated enough and the reader is anxious to see if any of the clues make sense. Kat has a loving husband, but can't stay away from Levi. And her favorite word, whether in conversation, talking to herself, or just thinking is the F bomb. As a reporter, she should have a wider vocabulary. In fact, that's the go-to word for many characters in the story.
Politics plays a big role in the book and makes this a topical story. In fact, the murder is solved about three-fourths of the way through the book and politics explains everything in the last quarter.
Mr. Treon was a newspaper reporter and editor and worked in west Texas, so he knows the business and the area. If the F word and unsympathetic main characters don't bother you, you might enjoy Deep Background.
January 20, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up. I have such mixed feelings about this book... the good points are very, very good, but it did lag for me in a couple of key areas.
First, the good! I did not read the author bio before buying and reading the book, but it doesn't surprise me at all to learn that he is from Texas and has a journalism background. The setting--both geographical and professional--came alive, and the little details made me feel like I was really there. Small-town, generational dynamics played a big role in the story, and those elements felt very truthful and honest in their portrayal.
The book was also very well-written, and most scenes were easy to follow (the possible exception being some of the action scenes during the climax... which might partially be me as a reader. I tend to get a little lost in descriptions of action or fight scenes in general, so it might not be an issue with this book at all!). The dialogue felt natural, and the writing style was enjoyable as a whole.
I also liked the premise and was intrigued by the central mystery. All of the character arcs and subplots were woven together in a way that made nothing feel extraneous or unnecessary, and I was genuinely surprised by a few of the twists along the way.
Now, for the not-so-great... as a female reader, some of the male POVs felt a little grating to me. The main character says that he "has to have" a married woman with whom he once had an affair, and their relationship sometimes felt genuine and sometimes felt a little creepy. There is also mention of rape and statutory rape, which is appropriately portrayed as traumatic and criminal.... but some of the actions of the GOOD guys also feel a little creepy when it comes to their relationships with women. Some assumptions are also made about the victim, RayLynn, that both come out of nowhere narratively and seem a little prejudiced. Rather than simply learning that she did drugs or was sexually active from her friends and family members, the main characters ASSUME this based on events from her past, which also rubbed me the wrong way.
Some of the transitions between scenes and chapters felt a little choppy... I was always able to figure out what was going on, and it was really only a minor annoyance, but those little moments of "What's going on here?" added up. I also got a little confused by the sheer number of characters, especially toward the end. While the leads and the main supporting characters were well-developed, there were a couple of places where a minor character was reintroduced and it took me awhile to figure out who they were in relation to the other characters. Again, that might just be me as a reader though.
One of the biggest things that brought this down from a solid four-star read, though, was the last 10% or so of the book. The mystery had been solved at that point, and it felt like a too-long epilogue, or even like something that could have been expanded into a sequel with a different but related goal and conflict. It felt like we had already reached a satisfying conclusion, and then there were quite a few chapters that felt extra and tacked-on.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that provided some solid entertainment. I'd definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
First, the good! I did not read the author bio before buying and reading the book, but it doesn't surprise me at all to learn that he is from Texas and has a journalism background. The setting--both geographical and professional--came alive, and the little details made me feel like I was really there. Small-town, generational dynamics played a big role in the story, and those elements felt very truthful and honest in their portrayal.
The book was also very well-written, and most scenes were easy to follow (the possible exception being some of the action scenes during the climax... which might partially be me as a reader. I tend to get a little lost in descriptions of action or fight scenes in general, so it might not be an issue with this book at all!). The dialogue felt natural, and the writing style was enjoyable as a whole.
I also liked the premise and was intrigued by the central mystery. All of the character arcs and subplots were woven together in a way that made nothing feel extraneous or unnecessary, and I was genuinely surprised by a few of the twists along the way.
Now, for the not-so-great... as a female reader, some of the male POVs felt a little grating to me. The main character says that he "has to have" a married woman with whom he once had an affair, and their relationship sometimes felt genuine and sometimes felt a little creepy. There is also mention of rape and statutory rape, which is appropriately portrayed as traumatic and criminal.... but some of the actions of the GOOD guys also feel a little creepy when it comes to their relationships with women. Some assumptions are also made about the victim, RayLynn, that both come out of nowhere narratively and seem a little prejudiced. Rather than simply learning that she did drugs or was sexually active from her friends and family members, the main characters ASSUME this based on events from her past, which also rubbed me the wrong way.
Some of the transitions between scenes and chapters felt a little choppy... I was always able to figure out what was going on, and it was really only a minor annoyance, but those little moments of "What's going on here?" added up. I also got a little confused by the sheer number of characters, especially toward the end. While the leads and the main supporting characters were well-developed, there were a couple of places where a minor character was reintroduced and it took me awhile to figure out who they were in relation to the other characters. Again, that might just be me as a reader though.
One of the biggest things that brought this down from a solid four-star read, though, was the last 10% or so of the book. The mystery had been solved at that point, and it felt like a too-long epilogue, or even like something that could have been expanded into a sequel with a different but related goal and conflict. It felt like we had already reached a satisfying conclusion, and then there were quite a few chapters that felt extra and tacked-on.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that provided some solid entertainment. I'd definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
February 22, 2019
A 4.5 rounded up to a five because I really enjoyed the premise of this novel and the sharp, concise writing. I also enjoyed how the plot twists and escalates. Though some parts of it seemed a bit over the top, I really enjoyed the ride and a rare unconventional ending. That's why I rounded up. Looking forward to another novel from this writer, which I'm sure will be a bit better and perhaps it'll be a more solid five stars.
March 18, 2020
Riveting
Tast read well written twist and turns suspenseful
Wild ride great characters full of surprises big thumbs up great author
Tast read well written twist and turns suspenseful
Wild ride great characters full of surprises big thumbs up great author
April 13, 2020
A suspenseful dark thriller that keeps the reader reading.
March 24, 2020
Gripping
Like the way the story built toward the climax and the indication of more to come. All did not turn out as imagined, I like not being able to figure the story line out.
Like the way the story built toward the climax and the indication of more to come. All did not turn out as imagined, I like not being able to figure the story line out.
March 24, 2020
Interesting
In an easy to follow rhythm, this mysteryfollows the idiosyncrasies found in small towns. It is interesting and leaves the reader wanting more.
In an easy to follow rhythm, this mysteryfollows the idiosyncrasies found in small towns. It is interesting and leaves the reader wanting more.
October 5, 2019
Interesting page turner
Compelling story that keeps you guessing.
Easy read with surprising plot twist. Ideal for those just getting into crime thrillers.
Compelling story that keeps you guessing.
Easy read with surprising plot twist. Ideal for those just getting into crime thrillers.
March 20, 2020
First off, Rick Treon can really, REALLY write. A story set in west Texas that makes you check for dirt under your fingernails after turning each page.
January 14, 2026
Deep Background by Rick Treon is a sharp, morally complex thriller that blends investigative journalism, political corruption, and personal reckoning into a story that feels both tense and unsettlingly plausible. It’s less about chasing a villain and more about chasing the truth, and what that pursuit can cost.
What makes the novel compelling is Levi Cole himself. He’s not a clean hero. He’s a disgraced reporter trying to recover his reputation, his sense of self, and a relationship he damaged. That emotional vulnerability gives the story weight. The external mystery matters, but the internal one matters just as much: whether Levi deserves redemption, and what he’s willing to sacrifice to get it.
The rural Texas setting adds texture and contrast. The wide open spaces, the small-town familiarity, and the quiet undercurrents of power and secrecy create a backdrop where corruption doesn’t feel distant or abstract. It feels embedded. The tension builds not just from danger, but from the steady realization that truth itself can be weaponized.
Deep Background is a thoughtful, gripping thriller for readers who like their suspense grounded in real world systems, flawed characters, and ethical gray zones. It’s a story about journalism, power, and consequence, and about how hard it is to stay clean when everything around you is compromised.
What makes the novel compelling is Levi Cole himself. He’s not a clean hero. He’s a disgraced reporter trying to recover his reputation, his sense of self, and a relationship he damaged. That emotional vulnerability gives the story weight. The external mystery matters, but the internal one matters just as much: whether Levi deserves redemption, and what he’s willing to sacrifice to get it.
The rural Texas setting adds texture and contrast. The wide open spaces, the small-town familiarity, and the quiet undercurrents of power and secrecy create a backdrop where corruption doesn’t feel distant or abstract. It feels embedded. The tension builds not just from danger, but from the steady realization that truth itself can be weaponized.
Deep Background is a thoughtful, gripping thriller for readers who like their suspense grounded in real world systems, flawed characters, and ethical gray zones. It’s a story about journalism, power, and consequence, and about how hard it is to stay clean when everything around you is compromised.
March 18, 2020
Terrible
I am in chapter 13 of this 40 some chapter book and I don't think I can finish it because it is just awful. The language is trashy and very uncalled for.The side story about the affair between Kat and Levi is so boring and distracting that I can't finish to find out who the killer actually is.I can't say that I like anything about this and I definitely would not recommend it. I would have given it 1⁄2 star at that was a choice.
I am in chapter 13 of this 40 some chapter book and I don't think I can finish it because it is just awful. The language is trashy and very uncalled for.The side story about the affair between Kat and Levi is so boring and distracting that I can't finish to find out who the killer actually is.I can't say that I like anything about this and I definitely would not recommend it. I would have given it 1⁄2 star at that was a choice.
March 31, 2020
This book read slowly at first, but still pulled me in. As the story moved, the reading ramped up big time! The last half of the story showed twists and turns and had me on the edge of my seat. But then I finished...but the story didn’t. I’m just not a fan of books that force me to read the next to get the final ending. Sorry, just my reading style.
April 28, 2020
It helps to know journalism and the news business. It helps to know about politics. Whatever your knowledge is, in these areas, the book has many twists and turns to keep the reader interested. Does everything come together in the end. Well ...
Read
December 3, 2021Good political thriller
This book kept you engaged until the end. Lots of intrigue. The main character Levi took a turn for the worst. The ending kind of left you hanging. Hope the next book picks up.
This book kept you engaged until the end. Lots of intrigue. The main character Levi took a turn for the worst. The ending kind of left you hanging. Hope the next book picks up.
Read
April 2, 2020Read 4/20
May 3, 2020
I don't care for foul language and sexual content
June 5, 2020
Too many f bombs!
I couldn't even read until the end .Why can't an author write without profanity? I honestly tried to read it but couldn't. It was f this and f that.
I couldn't even read until the end .Why can't an author write without profanity? I honestly tried to read it but couldn't. It was f this and f that.
November 19, 2020
An entertaining read
This was an entertaining story , a quick read and was well written. I will definitely read more stories from this author.
This was an entertaining story , a quick read and was well written. I will definitely read more stories from this author.
April 20, 2019
I had to update because I meant to put this as 3 star not 2. Also in this books defense I had finished a lot of 5 star great books all right before this one. I’m going to give it another chance down the road.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews