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New York Confidential #5
The Final Deception
How do you confront a threat that is hiding in plain sight? FBI agent Craig Frasier and psychologist Kieran Finnegan hunt an escaped serial killer in the latest explosive thriller in the New York Confidential series.
It was one of Kieran's most chilling cases: her assessment of a murderer known as the Fireman. There was no doubt that the man needed to be locked away. Now Craig is called to a gruesome crime scene that matches the killer's methods, and news breaks that the Fireman has escaped prison.
Amid a citywide manhunt, Kieran and Craig need to untangle a web of deceit, privilege and greed. They suspect that those closest to the killer have been drawn into his evil, or else someone is using another man's madness and cruelty to disguise their crimes.
When their investigation brings the danger right to the doorstep of Finnegan's Pub, Kieran and Craig will have to be smarter and bolder than ever before, because this time it's personal, and they have everything to lose.
It was one of Kieran's most chilling cases: her assessment of a murderer known as the Fireman. There was no doubt that the man needed to be locked away. Now Craig is called to a gruesome crime scene that matches the killer's methods, and news breaks that the Fireman has escaped prison.
Amid a citywide manhunt, Kieran and Craig need to untangle a web of deceit, privilege and greed. They suspect that those closest to the killer have been drawn into his evil, or else someone is using another man's madness and cruelty to disguise their crimes.
When their investigation brings the danger right to the doorstep of Finnegan's Pub, Kieran and Craig will have to be smarter and bolder than ever before, because this time it's personal, and they have everything to lose.
298 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2020
642 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Heather Graham
583 books6,880 followersAlso published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.
Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.
She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.
Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
October 25, 2020
It turns out that I'm not a fan of this writing style that includes a hard core murderer around a growing relationship between the main characters. While some will like this, it's clunky pace is not for me. 2 of 10 stars
May 14, 2020
3.5 stars
Raoul Nicholson is a religious fanatic who heads an insular sect. He sets out to rid the world of evil and purify the city of witches. Known as the Fireman because of his mode of killing, Nicholson strangles his victims before mutilating their bodies and setting them aflame. Is it the voices in his head that make him do it or is there something more sinister at play?
Certainly, Craig Frasier, FBI agent and his fiance Kieran Finnegan, criminal psychologist have their work cut out for them when Nicholson escapes Rikers prison and corpses quickly start to mount.
The Final Deception is the 5th book in the New York Confidential series. Although this is my first time reading Heather Graham I didn't have any trouble keeping up with the characters or the storyline. I suspect that earlier books in the series build on the love interest between our two protagonists. Never one for too much romance myself, I found that Graham had just the right touch for this part of the storyline. However, I am a girl who likes her surprises though and I must admit Graham totally caught me off guard with that twist at the end. Overall, The Final Deception was a delightful departure and I will certainly be on the lookout for more of Heather Graham in the future.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Mira Books and Heather Graham for advanced access to this book.
Raoul Nicholson is a religious fanatic who heads an insular sect. He sets out to rid the world of evil and purify the city of witches. Known as the Fireman because of his mode of killing, Nicholson strangles his victims before mutilating their bodies and setting them aflame. Is it the voices in his head that make him do it or is there something more sinister at play?
Certainly, Craig Frasier, FBI agent and his fiance Kieran Finnegan, criminal psychologist have their work cut out for them when Nicholson escapes Rikers prison and corpses quickly start to mount.
The Final Deception is the 5th book in the New York Confidential series. Although this is my first time reading Heather Graham I didn't have any trouble keeping up with the characters or the storyline. I suspect that earlier books in the series build on the love interest between our two protagonists. Never one for too much romance myself, I found that Graham had just the right touch for this part of the storyline. However, I am a girl who likes her surprises though and I must admit Graham totally caught me off guard with that twist at the end. Overall, The Final Deception was a delightful departure and I will certainly be on the lookout for more of Heather Graham in the future.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Mira Books and Heather Graham for advanced access to this book.
April 8, 2020
Craig is a FBI agent who is happy to have just captured The Fireman, a serial killer who was killing people he thought were witches, cutting out their tongues and eyes, and burning them. The FBI called in Craig's fiancee, Kieran, a psychologist to interview The Fireman. Later that day, he escapes from prison and another person is found dead, mostly in the same matter. But a few things are different that convinces Craig and his team that this murder was not done by The Fireman. Will they be able to find out who is behind this murder and find The Fireman before he kills again, or he is killed himself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was a little skeptical about this book since it is a part of a series, and I hate to start a series in the middle, but this one was pretty good. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series.
Can you imagine having a killer in your clutches and then he escapes? Even though he has admitted to his crimes, he really feels as though he was doing it for the greater good. Killing people who were considered evil in the world. When Kieran speaks to him, he tells her that she is a good person and there is nothing for her to worry about. She doesn't feel any hardship toward him. But she has this strange feeling that she is being watched. Craig is not happy that Kieran has been brought in on this case, but he knows she can handle her own.
When more people end up dead, Craig feels as though he is on a wild goose chase. Will he be able to find The Fireman before it's too late?
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was a little skeptical about this book since it is a part of a series, and I hate to start a series in the middle, but this one was pretty good. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series.
Can you imagine having a killer in your clutches and then he escapes? Even though he has admitted to his crimes, he really feels as though he was doing it for the greater good. Killing people who were considered evil in the world. When Kieran speaks to him, he tells her that she is a good person and there is nothing for her to worry about. She doesn't feel any hardship toward him. But she has this strange feeling that she is being watched. Craig is not happy that Kieran has been brought in on this case, but he knows she can handle her own.
When more people end up dead, Craig feels as though he is on a wild goose chase. Will he be able to find The Fireman before it's too late?
March 8, 2020
The Final Deception
Rating : 5
Would I recommend it it? Yes
Would I read more of this series ? Yes
Would I read more by this author? yes
No matter the story or the series Heather Graham has never let me down yet, wither its a series I'm reading or a new to me one that I'm just starting like this one and after reading this I want to go back and read the others in this series .As for having trouble following what was going on, I had no trouble at all , in fact once I started reading it I didn't want to stop. Loved the characters and the inter action between them as well as the interaction between Kieran and her family , with that said I want to thank Harlequin -MIRA as well as Netgalley for inviting me to read and review one of my all time favorite authors books and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Rating : 5
Would I recommend it it? Yes
Would I read more of this series ? Yes
Would I read more by this author? yes
No matter the story or the series Heather Graham has never let me down yet, wither its a series I'm reading or a new to me one that I'm just starting like this one and after reading this I want to go back and read the others in this series .As for having trouble following what was going on, I had no trouble at all , in fact once I started reading it I didn't want to stop. Loved the characters and the inter action between them as well as the interaction between Kieran and her family , with that said I want to thank Harlequin -MIRA as well as Netgalley for inviting me to read and review one of my all time favorite authors books and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
January 22, 2020
I am really so excited that I have discovered the author Heather Graham and I feel so bad that I hadn't read any of her works before now. At the same time am so grateful that there are other books in the series that I can now enjoy.
The cover is beautiful and the title so very apt that I understood the meaning and relevance of the title only at the end of the story. The blurb reveals just enough to give the intrigue about the story.
The story is about a serial killer named 'The fireman' who gets caught in the beginning of the story, but then what's the story about if the serial killer is caught? That's what keeps us on our toes throughout the story. The killer escapes from prison and immediately at the same time there are two more murders in the city with the same MO as the fireman. Agent Craig Fraisier is one of the lead agents in the case and Keiran Finnegan has interviewed the serial killer as a psychologist. Due to this the couple are very close to the case.
The characters are well fleshed out and as in a mystery there are red herrings too and each and every character dies find a place in the story.
The story is pacy in parts and in the middle of the story it feels a bit slow as it just doesn't seem to be progressing. The author has managed to keep the intrigue till the very end.
I liked the relationship between Craig and Kieran, a very healthy and respectful of each other and their professional competencies. The dynamics of the Finnegan siblings was very sweet and endearing. The banter between the detectives was fun too. There were definitely certain unanswered questions remaining in my head but revealing those would amount to spoilers so I shall not do so.
If you love to read Mysteries with FBI agents and smart female leads, if you like to read a mystery with a dsh of romance in it then this is a story for you.
I received an ARC of this book from Edelweiss and the opinions expressed are my own.
The cover is beautiful and the title so very apt that I understood the meaning and relevance of the title only at the end of the story. The blurb reveals just enough to give the intrigue about the story.
The story is about a serial killer named 'The fireman' who gets caught in the beginning of the story, but then what's the story about if the serial killer is caught? That's what keeps us on our toes throughout the story. The killer escapes from prison and immediately at the same time there are two more murders in the city with the same MO as the fireman. Agent Craig Fraisier is one of the lead agents in the case and Keiran Finnegan has interviewed the serial killer as a psychologist. Due to this the couple are very close to the case.
The characters are well fleshed out and as in a mystery there are red herrings too and each and every character dies find a place in the story.
The story is pacy in parts and in the middle of the story it feels a bit slow as it just doesn't seem to be progressing. The author has managed to keep the intrigue till the very end.
I liked the relationship between Craig and Kieran, a very healthy and respectful of each other and their professional competencies. The dynamics of the Finnegan siblings was very sweet and endearing. The banter between the detectives was fun too. There were definitely certain unanswered questions remaining in my head but revealing those would amount to spoilers so I shall not do so.
If you love to read Mysteries with FBI agents and smart female leads, if you like to read a mystery with a dsh of romance in it then this is a story for you.
I received an ARC of this book from Edelweiss and the opinions expressed are my own.
April 5, 2020
Reading The Final Deception confirmed for me what I already knew. It had been far too long since I've read a book by Heather Graham. Graham, a master of romantic suspense, infused this book with the perfect balance of serial killer induced mayhem and family entanglements. Although I haven't read the previous books in the series, I had no problem understanding who the characters are and how they are connected to each other and the investigation.
At the center are Kieran and Craig, a criminal psychologist and an FBI agent respectively. Also, an engaged couple. Together they are confronted with the evilness of " The Fireman" who is intent on ridding the world of perceived monsters, that he also calls witches. While the crimes are pretty gruesome, nothing is overdone or too shocking in the scene descriptions. The story is completely captivating as the action never lets up and the twists and turns keep the reader guessing.
I loved Craig and Kieran's relationship, her family and life at said family's pub. I really enjoyed this fast-paced read and am excited to have been reintroduced to Heather Graham's storytelling. 4 Stars and recommendations.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
At the center are Kieran and Craig, a criminal psychologist and an FBI agent respectively. Also, an engaged couple. Together they are confronted with the evilness of " The Fireman" who is intent on ridding the world of perceived monsters, that he also calls witches. While the crimes are pretty gruesome, nothing is overdone or too shocking in the scene descriptions. The story is completely captivating as the action never lets up and the twists and turns keep the reader guessing.
I loved Craig and Kieran's relationship, her family and life at said family's pub. I really enjoyed this fast-paced read and am excited to have been reintroduced to Heather Graham's storytelling. 4 Stars and recommendations.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
April 7, 2020
This was a pure Heather Graham story where the twists kept popping at delicious intervals.
I hadn't read the earlier books, but I had no problem understanding the characters. The villain The Fireman made the story more delectable. The writing kept me on my toes with the characters well developed. The story was steady in it space where I kept waiting for the final reveal. Intrigue and suspense made me a fan of this author and there were loads of it in this book. Overall, a fun read.
I hadn't read the earlier books, but I had no problem understanding the characters. The villain The Fireman made the story more delectable. The writing kept me on my toes with the characters well developed. The story was steady in it space where I kept waiting for the final reveal. Intrigue and suspense made me a fan of this author and there were loads of it in this book. Overall, a fun read.
February 15, 2022
A confessed killer escapes from jail and suddenly new murders with his MO are springing up -- murders of which he insists he is innocent.
That's the premise of this novel.
Kieran, a psychologist, is interviewing witnesses while her fiancé Craig, an FBI agent, is investigating. Of course there are complications -- because they both forget the maxim against assuming a victim is not a perpetrator and a perpetrator is not a victim.
The criminals are complicated -- although I figured one out almost as soon as they appeared on the page -- and functioning from a variety of motives. These are borne out in a book that is part fair play puzzle and part thriller.
I admit, I didn't love Kieran and Craig -- but this is their 5th book, and the first one in the series that I've read. I think if I'd seen more of their relationship developing, the conflicts between them (which felt minor to me) would have made more sense.
Still, it was an entertaining read.
That's the premise of this novel.
Kieran, a psychologist, is interviewing witnesses while her fiancé Craig, an FBI agent, is investigating. Of course there are complications -- because they both forget the maxim against assuming a victim is not a perpetrator and a perpetrator is not a victim.
The criminals are complicated -- although I figured one out almost as soon as they appeared on the page -- and functioning from a variety of motives. These are borne out in a book that is part fair play puzzle and part thriller.
I admit, I didn't love Kieran and Craig -- but this is their 5th book, and the first one in the series that I've read. I think if I'd seen more of their relationship developing, the conflicts between them (which felt minor to me) would have made more sense.
Still, it was an entertaining read.
June 13, 2020
3.5 stars. The Fireman, Raoul Nicholson, strangled his victims, cut out their tongues, gouged out their eyes and set their bodies on fire because voices told him to. Criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan interviewed Nicholson then he escaped right after. Her fiancee FBI agent Craig Frasier is called to the scene of a similar murder only a few hours later. Is the Fireman killing again or did he have an accomplice?
I like this series better than the Krewe of Hunters which I've stopped reading because I've had enough of the supernatural. This series does not have that but deals with various members of the Finnegan family and their New York pub. I love the dog Ruff. The newest killer was not evident to me so I was surprised near the end.
I like this series better than the Krewe of Hunters which I've stopped reading because I've had enough of the supernatural. This series does not have that but deals with various members of the Finnegan family and their New York pub. I love the dog Ruff. The newest killer was not evident to me so I was surprised near the end.
October 18, 2020
Heather Graham’s fifth intriguing murder-mystery in her “New York Confidential” series, “ The Final Deception” heats up when accused killer Raoul Nicholson (“the Fireman” ) escapes lockup on Riker’s Island just as Agent Craig Fraser and his partner Mike Dalton are called in to investigate the murder of wealthy philanthropist Charles Mayhew, killed in the same gruesome manner as the other victims.
His fiancée Kieran Finnegan having interviewed the Fireman to determine his mental stability, Agent Fraser fears for her safety assigning a body guard to watch over her, only to find her being dragged into the investigation. With the city in fear as a manhunt for the escaped killer broadens, Fraser and Kieran begin to suspect a second murderer is using the man’s madness and horrific cruelty as a cover for his killings.
Fast-paced, intensity and suspense quickly escalate with a second murder in Mayhew’s building and with questions about how the killer got through the tight security. Emotional tension escalates with a man watching Kieran’s building clothed in trench coat and floppy hat, and a sudden encounter in the basement of the Finnegan’s bar. With twists and turns that keep you on the edge of you seat this well-developed plot flows smoothly to a surprising ending.
Yet amid all the danger not only does the love deepen between Kieran and Craig as they discuss a wedding date but it spills over to a homeless pup called Ruff. Bringing the story to life are realistic and compelling characters like astute problem-solver, criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan; dependable, clever, protective and warm-hearted Agent Craig Fraser; and scrappy, doggy sleuth Ruff.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Final Deception” and hope we’ll see more of Kieran, her caring brothers, Craig Fraser, Ruff and even Agent Declan in future.
His fiancée Kieran Finnegan having interviewed the Fireman to determine his mental stability, Agent Fraser fears for her safety assigning a body guard to watch over her, only to find her being dragged into the investigation. With the city in fear as a manhunt for the escaped killer broadens, Fraser and Kieran begin to suspect a second murderer is using the man’s madness and horrific cruelty as a cover for his killings.
Fast-paced, intensity and suspense quickly escalate with a second murder in Mayhew’s building and with questions about how the killer got through the tight security. Emotional tension escalates with a man watching Kieran’s building clothed in trench coat and floppy hat, and a sudden encounter in the basement of the Finnegan’s bar. With twists and turns that keep you on the edge of you seat this well-developed plot flows smoothly to a surprising ending.
Yet amid all the danger not only does the love deepen between Kieran and Craig as they discuss a wedding date but it spills over to a homeless pup called Ruff. Bringing the story to life are realistic and compelling characters like astute problem-solver, criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan; dependable, clever, protective and warm-hearted Agent Craig Fraser; and scrappy, doggy sleuth Ruff.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Final Deception” and hope we’ll see more of Kieran, her caring brothers, Craig Fraser, Ruff and even Agent Declan in future.
May 29, 2020
Psychologist Kieran somehow wins the trust of a psychotic killer and religious fanatic called The Fireman whom her FBI fiance has captured. The killer claims a voice points out witches who will harm others unless slain and burned with their tongues cut out and their eyes scooped with a grapefruit spoon. Of course, the man is insane and is put away in jail pending trial--but he escapes soon after and the hunt is on again. Shortly, another burned body is found, that of a rich philanthropist, but neither Kieran nor Craig believe the Fireman did it. Yet, how did the kiiler get into a high security building? The modis operandi is very clever, perhaps too clever for the fireman. It's a good, twisty story to which my only objection is Kieran's penchant through all five books to run into dark alleys after suspects on her own. In this case, she has been stalked for several days by a man in a trench coat and floppy hat but tells neither Craig nor her guard. She just chases him down a street on her own. Oh Kieran, your lover shouldn't have to constantly ask you to stay safe in one place. Regardless, they solve the intriguing crime together and finally set a date for a wedding.
May 7, 2020
This book had good reviews and so my expectations were perhaps a bit too high. But I find it annoying when an author seems to define a "surprise ending" or "plot twist" as a sudden change in direction without any hints or clues that make you go afterward, "Oh.....that's right, I should have seen that." Without such hints, hidden clues, it is not a surprise ending, it is just a flip flop without rhyme or reason -- a cheap shortcut to writing a complex mystery.
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January 1, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Suspense, Crime Thriller
Miniseries
New York Confidential (Book #5)
Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Suspense, Crime Thriller
Miniseries
New York Confidential (Book #5)
March 23, 2021
Another great book with an unexpected ending! This is definitely my favorite author💜
May 23, 2021
Lots of twists and turns in this story. It features Kieran Finnegan and FBI agent Craig Frasier who are working a serial killer case that turns into so much more. The book was an easy read.
December 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I also truly loved the ending of the book as well.
June 14, 2024
I jumped into this series by Heather Graham randomly based on what was available at the bookstore. I am not sure if the series connects much or just occurs in the same location but I felt like I was able to enjoy this book without having read the previous books in the series.
I enjoyed the case and the author used a lot of misdirection to keep me guessing. The romance was already established as the couple was together, but they were still learning each other. I enjoyed that both worked in different fields but that there was overlap, and Kieran being involved in the case added to the danger and intrigue. Kieran made some foolish moves in my opinion, but she always adjusted after; but her lies of omission were driving me insane and I was not going to be happy if one of them led to a delay in the killer being caught - but I don’t think they did!
Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more suspense novels from Heather Graham.
I enjoyed the case and the author used a lot of misdirection to keep me guessing. The romance was already established as the couple was together, but they were still learning each other. I enjoyed that both worked in different fields but that there was overlap, and Kieran being involved in the case added to the danger and intrigue. Kieran made some foolish moves in my opinion, but she always adjusted after; but her lies of omission were driving me insane and I was not going to be happy if one of them led to a delay in the killer being caught - but I don’t think they did!
Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more suspense novels from Heather Graham.
April 6, 2020
The Final Deception by Heather Graham
New York Confidential #5
Coming into this series on book five shouldn’t have worked but it did. I have enjoyed this author’s work before and was happy to read a new-to-me book by her again.
Craig Frasier is an FBI agent and his fiance sometimes does pysch consultations for the FBI. In this book Craig is still having nightmares about the tough case of THE FIREMAN and Kieran Finnegan, Craig’s fiance, has just interviewed The Fireman a little while before he escapes from prison. About the time he escapes another murder following the same modus operandi takes place and all of New York is soon intently watching the news to find out what will happen next. Is this a copycat murder or did The Fireman do it?
In addition to the catch-him-if-you-can thread there is the ongoing romance between Craig and Kieran and if/when they will get married, the sibling support of the Finnegan family for one another, the police procedural aspects of solving the murder, the suspense of wondering who might be following Kieran and the question of Ruff the dog and where he will end up in the future.
This was an interesting read that might have been more interesting had I come in on book one and read the four books preceding this one because I would have known the main and supporting characters better than I did going into book five. That said, I still knew them well enough to enjoy the story.
What I liked:
* Kieran: Smart, intuitive, puzzle solver, not clingy, a good sister and fiance and very likable
* Craig: Intelligent, driven, keen to solve cases, not too clingy, a good boyfriend, dependable and bit hearted.
* The relationship between Kieran and Craig – they were mature, knew what they wanted and allowed one another the independence and distance needed to accomplish the goals of their profession.
* The Finnegan brothers – I am sure there is more to each and every one of them that I would love to know.
* Ruff – a scrappy fellow that landed in clover
* Following the threads that lead to the WHO and WHY of the murders
* The twist or two at the end
* The good thwarted evil
What I did not like:
* The psychotic puppet master and those he pulled the strings of
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
New York Confidential #5
Coming into this series on book five shouldn’t have worked but it did. I have enjoyed this author’s work before and was happy to read a new-to-me book by her again.
Craig Frasier is an FBI agent and his fiance sometimes does pysch consultations for the FBI. In this book Craig is still having nightmares about the tough case of THE FIREMAN and Kieran Finnegan, Craig’s fiance, has just interviewed The Fireman a little while before he escapes from prison. About the time he escapes another murder following the same modus operandi takes place and all of New York is soon intently watching the news to find out what will happen next. Is this a copycat murder or did The Fireman do it?
In addition to the catch-him-if-you-can thread there is the ongoing romance between Craig and Kieran and if/when they will get married, the sibling support of the Finnegan family for one another, the police procedural aspects of solving the murder, the suspense of wondering who might be following Kieran and the question of Ruff the dog and where he will end up in the future.
This was an interesting read that might have been more interesting had I come in on book one and read the four books preceding this one because I would have known the main and supporting characters better than I did going into book five. That said, I still knew them well enough to enjoy the story.
What I liked:
* Kieran: Smart, intuitive, puzzle solver, not clingy, a good sister and fiance and very likable
* Craig: Intelligent, driven, keen to solve cases, not too clingy, a good boyfriend, dependable and bit hearted.
* The relationship between Kieran and Craig – they were mature, knew what they wanted and allowed one another the independence and distance needed to accomplish the goals of their profession.
* The Finnegan brothers – I am sure there is more to each and every one of them that I would love to know.
* Ruff – a scrappy fellow that landed in clover
* Following the threads that lead to the WHO and WHY of the murders
* The twist or two at the end
* The good thwarted evil
What I did not like:
* The psychotic puppet master and those he pulled the strings of
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
June 29, 2021
I just figured out what this series is missing and why it feels so bland. From the beginning they create the suspense really well and make us feel the danger which is looming constantly. And it keep going like that and barely something happens. Hardly any action. 80% of these books are suspense suspense suspense .... Little bit boom and finish. We wait for The big twist/discovery and it turns out not so big everytime. And yeah that's why it feels bland.
April 9, 2020
Kieran, a criminal psychologist, has been called to interview The Fireman. The Fireman is a serial killer. He hears voices telling him which person to kill and why. She just can’t shake the feeling there is more going on behind these voices.
Kieran is smart and I enjoy that in a character. She has good instincts and knows when to follow them. Craig, her FBI Special Agent boyfriend, is a perfect match for her. They really work well together and make a great team.
I have enjoyed Heather Graham’s books for years! She is an author which creates a great escape. There is danger, suspense, mystery and little bit of love scattered throughout her stories! You cannot go wrong with any of that! And this tale is full of suspense and creepiness. Plus, there is a cute, little dog!
This is the final novel in the New York Confidential series. I have not read any of the previous novels. (I will have to remedy that soon!) This is a stand alone tale. There are a few previous cases alluded to but it did not affect this story at all. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Kieran is smart and I enjoy that in a character. She has good instincts and knows when to follow them. Craig, her FBI Special Agent boyfriend, is a perfect match for her. They really work well together and make a great team.
I have enjoyed Heather Graham’s books for years! She is an author which creates a great escape. There is danger, suspense, mystery and little bit of love scattered throughout her stories! You cannot go wrong with any of that! And this tale is full of suspense and creepiness. Plus, there is a cute, little dog!
This is the final novel in the New York Confidential series. I have not read any of the previous novels. (I will have to remedy that soon!) This is a stand alone tale. There are a few previous cases alluded to but it did not affect this story at all. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
March 30, 2020
The conclusion to the 5-book romantic suspense series involving Kiera and Craig and a very twisted serial killer named The Fireman. After escaping, the killer went on his rampage again, and now the duo team has to catch him before things go from worse to really, really bad.
Absolutely loved the book (but then again, I love all romantic suspense novels by this author), and now that this series seems to be finished, I guess I'll go back to my favorite series, Krewe of Hunters.
Full review at https://mysterysequels.com/book-revie...
Absolutely loved the book (but then again, I love all romantic suspense novels by this author), and now that this series seems to be finished, I guess I'll go back to my favorite series, Krewe of Hunters.
Full review at https://mysterysequels.com/book-revie...
April 12, 2020
The Final Deception is the fifth and final book in the New York Confidential series. It can be read as a stand alone, but I do recommend all of the books included in the series. It also finishes out Kieran and Craig's romance arc. I think this is probably my favorite of the series.I love this couple together. I loved the epilogue! In addition to this wonderful wrap-up to their romance, there was a great mystery with a few surprises. I didn't call the ending. It's a quick read and one I highly recommend.
July 5, 2020
Very juvenile, mundane dialogue. There is no emotion in any character
April 15, 2020
A chilling, twisted and sinister thriller, The Final Deception is the latest exhilarating and heart-pounding tale in the New York Confidential series from the talented pen of the legendary Heather Graham.
It was one of the most chilling cases psychologist Kieran Finnegan had ever worked on. The Fireman had stalked his prey, tortured and maimed them before eventually killing them in the most gruesome of ways. When Kieran had been asked to give her professional opinion on this man, she’d been chilled to the bone by this devious and evil man capable of committing such devious and barbaric acts. Yet this deeply religious pillar of the community who had believed that he was purging the world from witches was initially thought by his friends, colleagues and neighbours to be a polite and mild-mannered man. But reality proved to be far different. Still, despite the fact that he might still haunt her nightmares – and those of her partner, FBI agent Craig Frasier – the Fireman is behind bars and will not hurt or torture anyone else…or will he? When Craig is called to a crime scene, he is flabbergasted when he realizes that the blood-curdling methods of The Fireman had been used to despatch a real estate mogul – and it just so happens that The Fireman has escaped from prison…
What are the police dealing with? Is it The Fireman striking again? Yet, his previous victims were sex workers or promiscuous and hedonistic people leading sinful lifestyles but this time, the man in question was somebody known for his philanthropy. Did The Fireman have a score to settle? Are there hidden secrets and twisted lies the police simply are not privy to? Or is The Fireman innocent this time and this is the work of a copycat killer? Could it be that this is somebody close to The Fireman charged with carrying out a final act of vengeance? And will this murder set in motion even further killings? Or is it a one-off?
The search is on to find The Fireman and New York’s finest will leave no stone unturned to locate him. Craig and Kieran find themselves working together to uncover an insidious web of greed, privilege, money and power to get to the killer. But they must work fast and ensure that they do not put a single foot wrong because when the investigation brings the danger far too close to home they could stand to lose everything they hold dear to their hearts…
Can Craig and Kieran manage to find whoever is responsible for this heinous murder and have the wedding they’ve been planning? Or will they end up condemned to a lifetime of misery, anguish and regret?
Heather Graham will send your heart rate soaring through the roof with her latest tantalizing thriller, The Final Deception. Nail-biting, action-packed and deliciously twisted, this densely plotted tale is rich in suspense, intrigue and danger and will have you reading all through the night and keep you absolutely glued to the page. Heather Graham is a master storyteller who will send chills down your spine and keep you on the edge of your seat in this electrifying tale of murder, mayhem and revenge.
The Final Deception continues to cement Heather Graham’s standing as a true virtuoso of suspense and a writer who never fails to surprise, delight and entertain.
It was one of the most chilling cases psychologist Kieran Finnegan had ever worked on. The Fireman had stalked his prey, tortured and maimed them before eventually killing them in the most gruesome of ways. When Kieran had been asked to give her professional opinion on this man, she’d been chilled to the bone by this devious and evil man capable of committing such devious and barbaric acts. Yet this deeply religious pillar of the community who had believed that he was purging the world from witches was initially thought by his friends, colleagues and neighbours to be a polite and mild-mannered man. But reality proved to be far different. Still, despite the fact that he might still haunt her nightmares – and those of her partner, FBI agent Craig Frasier – the Fireman is behind bars and will not hurt or torture anyone else…or will he? When Craig is called to a crime scene, he is flabbergasted when he realizes that the blood-curdling methods of The Fireman had been used to despatch a real estate mogul – and it just so happens that The Fireman has escaped from prison…
What are the police dealing with? Is it The Fireman striking again? Yet, his previous victims were sex workers or promiscuous and hedonistic people leading sinful lifestyles but this time, the man in question was somebody known for his philanthropy. Did The Fireman have a score to settle? Are there hidden secrets and twisted lies the police simply are not privy to? Or is The Fireman innocent this time and this is the work of a copycat killer? Could it be that this is somebody close to The Fireman charged with carrying out a final act of vengeance? And will this murder set in motion even further killings? Or is it a one-off?
The search is on to find The Fireman and New York’s finest will leave no stone unturned to locate him. Craig and Kieran find themselves working together to uncover an insidious web of greed, privilege, money and power to get to the killer. But they must work fast and ensure that they do not put a single foot wrong because when the investigation brings the danger far too close to home they could stand to lose everything they hold dear to their hearts…
Can Craig and Kieran manage to find whoever is responsible for this heinous murder and have the wedding they’ve been planning? Or will they end up condemned to a lifetime of misery, anguish and regret?
Heather Graham will send your heart rate soaring through the roof with her latest tantalizing thriller, The Final Deception. Nail-biting, action-packed and deliciously twisted, this densely plotted tale is rich in suspense, intrigue and danger and will have you reading all through the night and keep you absolutely glued to the page. Heather Graham is a master storyteller who will send chills down your spine and keep you on the edge of your seat in this electrifying tale of murder, mayhem and revenge.
The Final Deception continues to cement Heather Graham’s standing as a true virtuoso of suspense and a writer who never fails to surprise, delight and entertain.
September 3, 2021
The Final Deception is the fifth novel in Heather Graham's New York Confidential series, combining romance, crime, mystery, and suspense. I'll confess that I mistakenly picked up this book without knowing it was part of a series. Yet, I didn't have any trouble diving right into the plot.
FBI Agent Craig Frasier and psychologist Kieran Finnegan have teamed up to hunt a serial killer. Yet, this case will quickly pull them into more danger than they ever could have anticipated. Given the hunt they've taken up, perhaps they should have expected that.
The case quickly takes them throughout the city, forcing them to delve into lots of dark secrets while on the hunt for one killer. What will they dig up in the process, and what price will they pay in the process?
The Final Deception was a thrilling read, as I had hoped and expected. I loved Heather Graham's writing style and felt like she did an excellent job of weaving multiple threads together into one chilling narrative.
As I mentioned above, I haven't read any of the four previous novels in this series. Yet, I didn't have any trouble following along or appreciating much of the nuance that came with these two characters. I love it when new readers can just jump on in like that, so I'm going to give extra credit where it is due.
On that note, the killer really was one that gave me goosebumps. If you ask me, he was terrifying and felt so real – which is always a chilling combination. It made it easy for me to root for his capture.
Thanks to MIRA and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
FBI Agent Craig Frasier and psychologist Kieran Finnegan have teamed up to hunt a serial killer. Yet, this case will quickly pull them into more danger than they ever could have anticipated. Given the hunt they've taken up, perhaps they should have expected that.
The case quickly takes them throughout the city, forcing them to delve into lots of dark secrets while on the hunt for one killer. What will they dig up in the process, and what price will they pay in the process?
The Final Deception was a thrilling read, as I had hoped and expected. I loved Heather Graham's writing style and felt like she did an excellent job of weaving multiple threads together into one chilling narrative.
As I mentioned above, I haven't read any of the four previous novels in this series. Yet, I didn't have any trouble following along or appreciating much of the nuance that came with these two characters. I love it when new readers can just jump on in like that, so I'm going to give extra credit where it is due.
On that note, the killer really was one that gave me goosebumps. If you ask me, he was terrifying and felt so real – which is always a chilling combination. It made it easy for me to root for his capture.
Thanks to MIRA and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
April 24, 2020
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Netgalley, and Mira Books for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
These kind of books really make me think about how police procedurals can be translated well in different forms of literature, from novels to TV shows. I have always been interested in procedurals since the days of Law and Order when I was younger, and I think this was such a great novel that gave me really great TV show vibes.
In this novel, we are reunited with FBI agent Craig Fraiser and psychologist Kieran Finnegan and their task to hunt a serial killer with some ties to Finnegan’s Pub. When the bad guy is too close for comfort, things can get really intense, and that’s where things get interesting in this series. With this novel also being the conclusion to this five book series, readers finally come to a head with the cat and mouse chase between our heroes and this serial killer villain. Will things end well?
Graham is a great author, and I’m glad that I was able to experience her writing with this novel. While I did not read the rest of the series before finishing this, I think that I was able to understand the main gist of the plot and I wasn’t left lost with what was going on. I’m curious to see how this partnership between Fraiser and Finnegan started in the first novel, and I’d love to see how their partnership grew from the first book to this one.
These kind of books really make me think about how police procedurals can be translated well in different forms of literature, from novels to TV shows. I have always been interested in procedurals since the days of Law and Order when I was younger, and I think this was such a great novel that gave me really great TV show vibes.
In this novel, we are reunited with FBI agent Craig Fraiser and psychologist Kieran Finnegan and their task to hunt a serial killer with some ties to Finnegan’s Pub. When the bad guy is too close for comfort, things can get really intense, and that’s where things get interesting in this series. With this novel also being the conclusion to this five book series, readers finally come to a head with the cat and mouse chase between our heroes and this serial killer villain. Will things end well?
Graham is a great author, and I’m glad that I was able to experience her writing with this novel. While I did not read the rest of the series before finishing this, I think that I was able to understand the main gist of the plot and I wasn’t left lost with what was going on. I’m curious to see how this partnership between Fraiser and Finnegan started in the first novel, and I’d love to see how their partnership grew from the first book to this one.
April 14, 2020
ORIGINAL POST: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Heather Graham is a well known for her detective thrillers, and yet I had never heard of her. Shame on me! The Final Deception follows Kieran and Craig, him an FBI agent, her a psychologist, as they hunt an escaped serial killer.
This book was so different. While it was a story about an escaped convict, it was more so a psychological thriller with some crime fighting. I really loved how it was more about Kieran and trying to figure out the motive behind the crime than the crime itself. It was very realistic with how they ran the investigation and interviews. I feel like Graham definitely does her research to get realism.
Usually this is the time I would point out the things I did not like about the book, but honestly I can’t think of any. The characters were well thought out and descriptive. The story flowed smoothly and gave you little pieces of the puzzle slowly so you could try and figure out what was happening on your own along the way. I devoured this book in a little over 24 hours. So honestly, not much I could say but praise.
Heather Graham is right up there at the level I hold Lisa Gardner, which is pretty high on the detective crime novel writings. The Final Deception was unique, fiery, inventive, dark, and bloody! If you love a great… no a fantastic… detective crime novel, pick up The Final Deception by Heather Graham. You will not be disappointed.
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Heather Graham is a well known for her detective thrillers, and yet I had never heard of her. Shame on me! The Final Deception follows Kieran and Craig, him an FBI agent, her a psychologist, as they hunt an escaped serial killer.
This book was so different. While it was a story about an escaped convict, it was more so a psychological thriller with some crime fighting. I really loved how it was more about Kieran and trying to figure out the motive behind the crime than the crime itself. It was very realistic with how they ran the investigation and interviews. I feel like Graham definitely does her research to get realism.
Usually this is the time I would point out the things I did not like about the book, but honestly I can’t think of any. The characters were well thought out and descriptive. The story flowed smoothly and gave you little pieces of the puzzle slowly so you could try and figure out what was happening on your own along the way. I devoured this book in a little over 24 hours. So honestly, not much I could say but praise.
Heather Graham is right up there at the level I hold Lisa Gardner, which is pretty high on the detective crime novel writings. The Final Deception was unique, fiery, inventive, dark, and bloody! If you love a great… no a fantastic… detective crime novel, pick up The Final Deception by Heather Graham. You will not be disappointed.
April 2, 2020
A Serial Killers Strikes Again, or Is It a Copycat?
Kieran Finnegan, a criminal psychologist, has been asked by her partners to interview the Fireman, a serial killer. The question is whether he’s insane or sane and evil. Kieran isn’t sure. He says he hears voices telling him to kill his victims, but is he faking?
Craig Frasier, an FBI agent and Kieran’s fiancee, is called to the scene of a murder, shortly after Kieran interviews the Fireman. The crime has all the earmarks of the Fireman, and he’s escaped from Riker’s Island, but has he had time to do the killing?
The Fireman contacts Keiran asking for help because he believes she’s good. Craig doesn’t want her anywhere near the killer, but when has anyone been able to stop Kieran?
This is a well done police procedural with lots of action and twists. The author gives plenty of clues, but still the ending was a surprise.
The characters are one of the best parts of the book. Kieran is a feisty redhead who lives up to reputation for getting involved in Craig’s cases. Craig is the perfect handsome hero who wants to protect Kieran, but knows that he can’t control her.
Kieran’s family runs Finnegan’s Pub. The scenes with Kieran and her brothers are some of the most delightful in the book. The family scenes keep the book from become bogged down in the horror of the killings.
I received this book from Harlequin for this review.
Kieran Finnegan, a criminal psychologist, has been asked by her partners to interview the Fireman, a serial killer. The question is whether he’s insane or sane and evil. Kieran isn’t sure. He says he hears voices telling him to kill his victims, but is he faking?
Craig Frasier, an FBI agent and Kieran’s fiancee, is called to the scene of a murder, shortly after Kieran interviews the Fireman. The crime has all the earmarks of the Fireman, and he’s escaped from Riker’s Island, but has he had time to do the killing?
The Fireman contacts Keiran asking for help because he believes she’s good. Craig doesn’t want her anywhere near the killer, but when has anyone been able to stop Kieran?
This is a well done police procedural with lots of action and twists. The author gives plenty of clues, but still the ending was a surprise.
The characters are one of the best parts of the book. Kieran is a feisty redhead who lives up to reputation for getting involved in Craig’s cases. Craig is the perfect handsome hero who wants to protect Kieran, but knows that he can’t control her.
Kieran’s family runs Finnegan’s Pub. The scenes with Kieran and her brothers are some of the most delightful in the book. The family scenes keep the book from become bogged down in the horror of the killings.
I received this book from Harlequin for this review.
July 22, 2020
I have read quite a few of Heather Graham's books and have find them enjoyable enough that I now feel comfortable purchasing them even if I don't have time to read the teaser because they are always engaging. I did find this one to feel different than the other ones I'm read. It seemed a lot darker and more intense. Several times I rechecked the spine to make sure this was Heather Graham (LOL). I wasn't able to guess who the villain was until the final reveal. By the end I was willing to suspect just about everyone because it wasn't obvious who the killer was or what the motive was.
Also, unlike the other Heather Graham books I've read, this is part of a series that follows the same two main characters. Usually if I realize that I've accidently picked up a book that's part of a continuous series I won't read it until I've purchased and read the series from the beginning. This time I was just so in the mood for a Heather Graham style adventure, and so broke with no spending money, that I just went ahead and read it right away. It works well as a stand-alone novel as well, but I liked our lead couple (Kieran and Craig) so well that I defiantly still want to go back later and read the previous novels in this series.
Also, unlike the other Heather Graham books I've read, this is part of a series that follows the same two main characters. Usually if I realize that I've accidently picked up a book that's part of a continuous series I won't read it until I've purchased and read the series from the beginning. This time I was just so in the mood for a Heather Graham style adventure, and so broke with no spending money, that I just went ahead and read it right away. It works well as a stand-alone novel as well, but I liked our lead couple (Kieran and Craig) so well that I defiantly still want to go back later and read the previous novels in this series.
August 13, 2020
A religious fanatic is arrested as a serial killer. He didn’t kill people; he killed devils. He is sent to Riker’s Island to await trial. After an interview with criminal psychologist Kieran Finnegan (and the arresting officer’s fiancé), Nicholson escapes from Riker’s…and kills again. How could he have escaped? Why, after killing sinners and devils, would he kill a financier? Where would he get the knowledge and skills to infiltrate such a high security building? Something doesn’t add up, but people are dying and the public is demanding action.
Lots of red herrings and bad guys who are not so bad guys, good guys who are very good, and some really bad people. An entertaining addition to the series. A quick, diverting read.
Readalikes:
Julie Garwood – Sweet Talk; Lisa Gardner – Never Tell; James Patterson & David Ellis – Invisible; Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli and Isles series; Kay Hooper – Blood Dreams; Fern Michaels – Southern Comfort; Beverly Barton – Dead by Midnight; Allison Brennan – The Third to Die; Karen Rose – You Belong to Me.
Pace: Fast-paced
Characters: Likeable
Story: Intricately plotted
Writing style: Compelling
Tone: Steamy; moderately suspenseful
Frame: New York City; contemporary
Theme: Framed
Lots of red herrings and bad guys who are not so bad guys, good guys who are very good, and some really bad people. An entertaining addition to the series. A quick, diverting read.
Readalikes:
Julie Garwood – Sweet Talk; Lisa Gardner – Never Tell; James Patterson & David Ellis – Invisible; Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli and Isles series; Kay Hooper – Blood Dreams; Fern Michaels – Southern Comfort; Beverly Barton – Dead by Midnight; Allison Brennan – The Third to Die; Karen Rose – You Belong to Me.
Pace: Fast-paced
Characters: Likeable
Story: Intricately plotted
Writing style: Compelling
Tone: Steamy; moderately suspenseful
Frame: New York City; contemporary
Theme: Framed
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