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Desolation Bluff
He can see clearly now...
Blind romance author Oliver Cameron uses the pen name of Fidel Amore and thinks he has the perfect life at his country estate near Desolation Bluff. After a honeymoon in Paris, his wife Vanessa continues her work as his assistant. His friend Ray is the business manager who lives in the gatehouse and also acts as the public face of Fidel Amore, doing all those book-signing trips that Oliver never wanted to attend. Helen Dunkley is the housekeeper devoted to him since childhood – but she detests the two newcomers.
Complications set in when Ray, working on his old car, accidentally backs into Oliver. His injuries appear minor but the next day he suddenly regains his sight. Oliver wants Ray and Rachel to be the first to hear his good news, but when he finds them he uncovers a shocking betrayal.
A game of cat and mouse begins – and with the arrival of a mysterious stranger, it turns deadly.
A short suspense novel that will keep you guessing right to the very end.
Blind romance author Oliver Cameron uses the pen name of Fidel Amore and thinks he has the perfect life at his country estate near Desolation Bluff. After a honeymoon in Paris, his wife Vanessa continues her work as his assistant. His friend Ray is the business manager who lives in the gatehouse and also acts as the public face of Fidel Amore, doing all those book-signing trips that Oliver never wanted to attend. Helen Dunkley is the housekeeper devoted to him since childhood – but she detests the two newcomers.
Complications set in when Ray, working on his old car, accidentally backs into Oliver. His injuries appear minor but the next day he suddenly regains his sight. Oliver wants Ray and Rachel to be the first to hear his good news, but when he finds them he uncovers a shocking betrayal.
A game of cat and mouse begins – and with the arrival of a mysterious stranger, it turns deadly.
A short suspense novel that will keep you guessing right to the very end.
130 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2019
About the author
Toni Pike
12 books28 followersToni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing page-turning fiction for adults, hilarious books for children, and non-fiction. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day.
Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of LINDA’S MIDLIFE CRISIS, DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.
The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.
She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
To find out more, her website is tonipike.com.
Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of LINDA’S MIDLIFE CRISIS, DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.
The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.
She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
To find out more, her website is tonipike.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 17, 2022
In Toni Pike's Desolation Bluff (Chapman Reid Publications 2019), blind romance writer, Oliver Cameron, has the good fortune of miraculously regaining his eyesight. He can’t wait to tell his beloved wife, Vanessa, and best friend, Ray, about his good fortune. Before he can do this, he finds them in bed together, professing their love. He decides to continue to pretend he is blind so he can see if this is simply a bored fling or something else. It doesn't take long to figure out it is the latter. Oliver decides to play with them by causing a number of accidents they would never blame on a blind man, each increasingly more devious until he begins to anonymously accuse them of their deceit.
I loved everything about this book. Oliver is blind but not weak (yay!) and discovering that everything he'd thought was his world isn't makes him determined to clean his life up and start fresh. How he does it is fascinating, clever, often feels good, and is always very satisfying. I cheered for him every step. Despite being novelette length, the characters are well-developed and the plot is intricate enough to keep any reader's attention. Recommended for those who love strong people who don't quit.
I loved everything about this book. Oliver is blind but not weak (yay!) and discovering that everything he'd thought was his world isn't makes him determined to clean his life up and start fresh. How he does it is fascinating, clever, often feels good, and is always very satisfying. I cheered for him every step. Despite being novelette length, the characters are well-developed and the plot is intricate enough to keep any reader's attention. Recommended for those who love strong people who don't quit.
March 16, 2022
In Toni Pike's Desolation Bluff (Chapman Reid Publications 2019), blind romance writer, Oliver Cameron, has the good fortune of miraculously regaining his eyesight. He can’t wait to tell his beloved wife, Vanessa, and best friend, Ray, about his good fortune. Before he can do this, he finds them in bed together, professing their love. He decides to continue to pretend he is blind so he can see if this is simply a bored fling or something else. It doesn't take long to figure out it is the latter. Oliver decides to play with them by causing a number of accidents they would never blame on a blind man, each increasingly more devious until he begins to anonymously accuse them of their deceit.
I loved everything about this book. Oliver is blind but not weak (yay!) and discovering that everything he'd thought was his world isn't makes him determined to clean his life up and start fresh. How he does it is fascinating, clever, often feels good, and is always very satisfying. I cheered for him every step. Despite being novelette length, the characters are well-developed and the plot is intricate enough to keep any reader's attention. Recommended for those who love strong people who don't quit.
I loved everything about this book. Oliver is blind but not weak (yay!) and discovering that everything he'd thought was his world isn't makes him determined to clean his life up and start fresh. How he does it is fascinating, clever, often feels good, and is always very satisfying. I cheered for him every step. Despite being novelette length, the characters are well-developed and the plot is intricate enough to keep any reader's attention. Recommended for those who love strong people who don't quit.
May 2, 2019
The extremely popular blind romance writer Fidel Amore who in real life is Oliver Cameron has just returned from an exciting, romantic honeymoon in Paris with his writing assistant wife Vanessa. He has an arrangement with Ray who poses as the writer and attends all the obligatory events that a writer is expected to attend!
When a freak accident restores his vision, he keeps it a secret and discovers the direction in which his life has been taken over by his wife and his friend! At this juncture, an unexpected long distance relative enters Oliver's life.
How Oliver gradually takes over his own life forms the content of this beautifully conceived book that sets an exciting pace and keeps the reader glued to the book until the last page is read!
Thanks to the author Toni Pike for an ARC of this book which made for a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience!
When a freak accident restores his vision, he keeps it a secret and discovers the direction in which his life has been taken over by his wife and his friend! At this juncture, an unexpected long distance relative enters Oliver's life.
How Oliver gradually takes over his own life forms the content of this beautifully conceived book that sets an exciting pace and keeps the reader glued to the book until the last page is read!
Thanks to the author Toni Pike for an ARC of this book which made for a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience!
May 3, 2019
Bluff is the operative word in this new thriller by Toni Pike. This short novella is quickly engaging and a page-flipper as Pike weaves this suspenseful tale of betrayal set in the Southern Highlands region of Australia.
Romance author Oliver Cameron is blind from childhood, but an accident restores his sight unbeknownst to his housekeeper, new wife, and literary partner. The minute Oliver “sees” the treachery of his partner and his own wife, he engineers a subtle cat and mouse game of revenge that will stun you to the end and leave you well-satisfied.
Pike is fast becoming a master in the suspense fiction genre and Desolation Bluff is a great addition to her growing collection of books.
I received an ARC at no cost from the author and this is my honest review.
Romance author Oliver Cameron is blind from childhood, but an accident restores his sight unbeknownst to his housekeeper, new wife, and literary partner. The minute Oliver “sees” the treachery of his partner and his own wife, he engineers a subtle cat and mouse game of revenge that will stun you to the end and leave you well-satisfied.
Pike is fast becoming a master in the suspense fiction genre and Desolation Bluff is a great addition to her growing collection of books.
I received an ARC at no cost from the author and this is my honest review.
July 27, 2019
For a short novel, Desolation Bluff is packed with suspense and action.
Life is challenging enough for those with a sight impairment, when trust of those around you is essential. Oliver Cameron feels blessed to have a highly successful writing career, loyal housekeeper, a wonderfully supportive wife and best friend and back from honeymoon, he couldn’t be happier.
As we become involved in the story, and are party to events that Oliver is not aware of, it is easy to become angry on his behalf as the depths of betrayal are exposed. How will he deal with the revelations that unfold? Seeking revenge requires careful planning but people will go to great lengths to protect their secrets. For some of those who are looking out for Oliver’s best interests, this can be dangerous. Especially when an unexpected ally turns up on the scene who might be less likely to be intimidated.
The characters are well drawn and the plot moves along at a good pace. It is easy to take sides as the story develops and the climax leaves you on the edge of your seat…. and Desolation Bluff.
Life is challenging enough for those with a sight impairment, when trust of those around you is essential. Oliver Cameron feels blessed to have a highly successful writing career, loyal housekeeper, a wonderfully supportive wife and best friend and back from honeymoon, he couldn’t be happier.
As we become involved in the story, and are party to events that Oliver is not aware of, it is easy to become angry on his behalf as the depths of betrayal are exposed. How will he deal with the revelations that unfold? Seeking revenge requires careful planning but people will go to great lengths to protect their secrets. For some of those who are looking out for Oliver’s best interests, this can be dangerous. Especially when an unexpected ally turns up on the scene who might be less likely to be intimidated.
The characters are well drawn and the plot moves along at a good pace. It is easy to take sides as the story develops and the climax leaves you on the edge of your seat…. and Desolation Bluff.
November 9, 2020
Oliver Cameron writes popular romance novels under the pen name of Fidel Amore. What makes Oliver's success as an author more impressive is how it happens. After falling from a tree as a young boy, Oliver loses his vision. He amazingly overcomes his disability and becomes a prolific writer.
Since Oliver prefers to live in seclusion and concentrate on writing, the people around him develop a plan to further his financial success. Elizabeth Townsend, the senior editor at a publishing company, introduces Oliver to Vanessa and her friend, Ray. They develop a scheme where the handsome playboy, Ray, poses as Fidel to attract more female followers. Oliver can concentrate on writing while the others can focus on marketing Fidel. The formula works well as Oliver churns out four books per year that achieve excellent sales
Oliver and Vanessa mary, but Ray and Vanessa are having a steamy affair behind the scenes. When Oliver finds out, Toni Pike's well-crafted story becomes even more intriguing and fast-paced. The writing is excellent, and this book is a page-turner from cover to cover. The ending is quite satisfying, as well. About my only issue with this excellent book were a couple of moments of implausibility. This was the first book I've read by Pike, but it won't be the last.
Since Oliver prefers to live in seclusion and concentrate on writing, the people around him develop a plan to further his financial success. Elizabeth Townsend, the senior editor at a publishing company, introduces Oliver to Vanessa and her friend, Ray. They develop a scheme where the handsome playboy, Ray, poses as Fidel to attract more female followers. Oliver can concentrate on writing while the others can focus on marketing Fidel. The formula works well as Oliver churns out four books per year that achieve excellent sales
Oliver and Vanessa mary, but Ray and Vanessa are having a steamy affair behind the scenes. When Oliver finds out, Toni Pike's well-crafted story becomes even more intriguing and fast-paced. The writing is excellent, and this book is a page-turner from cover to cover. The ending is quite satisfying, as well. About my only issue with this excellent book were a couple of moments of implausibility. This was the first book I've read by Pike, but it won't be the last.
July 1, 2019
Desolation Bluff was a pleasure to read. Blind writer, Oliver, who writes under the pen name of Fidel Amore, is a workaholic who has his newlywed wife, Vanessa looking after Oliver's administrative and public relations side of his novels. Oliver's best friend - Ray, impersonates Oliver by doing all the physical PR work, showing up to book signings, etc, pretending to be Oliver, allowing Oliver his freedom to write without having to go anywhere to promote his work. What could possibly go wrong?
Blind at birth, Oliver is unaware of the shenanigans going on between his wife and his best friend until the plot thickens and Ray accidentally backs into Oliver on the driveway and knocks him down. One of the side effects from this was Oliver's vision was miraculously restored - and this is when the story really heats up.
Oliver makes a decision to keep his newly restored sight a secret when he realizes that his wife and Ray have become much 'closer' than he was aware of. And so the games begin! - Somebody is murdered, and then another somebody is murdered, and Oliver realizes that he may be next in line!
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read with interesting characters and great plot twist to keep me hooked all the way through to a most satisfying ending! #Recommended.
Blind at birth, Oliver is unaware of the shenanigans going on between his wife and his best friend until the plot thickens and Ray accidentally backs into Oliver on the driveway and knocks him down. One of the side effects from this was Oliver's vision was miraculously restored - and this is when the story really heats up.
Oliver makes a decision to keep his newly restored sight a secret when he realizes that his wife and Ray have become much 'closer' than he was aware of. And so the games begin! - Somebody is murdered, and then another somebody is murdered, and Oliver realizes that he may be next in line!
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read with interesting characters and great plot twist to keep me hooked all the way through to a most satisfying ending! #Recommended.
December 4, 2020
Oliver is a successful romance writer and happy newlywed. His wife, Vanessa, is his writing assistant, and his best friend Ray handles promotion. But Oliver is also blind, and what he doesn’t see is the way Vanessa and Ray roll their eyes at him and touch each other’s hands across the table. Then a freak accident returns Oliver’s sight. Before he can tell the two most important people in his life about the miracle, he discovers them in the throes of passion. His ability to see becomes his secret, and the tables turn.
The characters started off a touch flat for me, but they didn’t stay that way for long. As soon as Oliver gets his sight back, things get very interesting, very fast. Oliver is quite crafty and when a distant relative, Ferris, shows up at Oliver’s estate, she joins in the scheming. Things escalate like crazy and grow out of everyone’s control. The pace is great and the plot well-conceived.
The characters are varied and interesting, all of them flawed. Even Vanessa and Ray, despite their deceptions, don’t seem to start out with murderous intentions. And Oliver, in many ways the victim, makes vengeful choices with disastrous results. This book is a quick read that I polished off in a morning. Recommended for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
The characters started off a touch flat for me, but they didn’t stay that way for long. As soon as Oliver gets his sight back, things get very interesting, very fast. Oliver is quite crafty and when a distant relative, Ferris, shows up at Oliver’s estate, she joins in the scheming. Things escalate like crazy and grow out of everyone’s control. The pace is great and the plot well-conceived.
The characters are varied and interesting, all of them flawed. Even Vanessa and Ray, despite their deceptions, don’t seem to start out with murderous intentions. And Oliver, in many ways the victim, makes vengeful choices with disastrous results. This book is a quick read that I polished off in a morning. Recommended for anyone who enjoys thrillers.
November 29, 2024
With all the holiday interruptions, it took me a few days to finish this story. It has some great story elements such as deceit, lies, debauchery and murder.
Oliver Cameron is a quite successful romance author, and he has been blind since childhood. He has a supposedly loyal team who works with him.
Ray Malik plays the role of accountant, advisor and poses as Oliver for book signings and personal appearances, with permission from both Oliver and the publisher. Vanessa helps Oliver write the stories, transcribing his dictation and serving as editor.
As the story opens, Oliver and Vanessa are newlyweds. But as it progresses, it's evident things are not as they seem. But when Oliver recovers his sight through a freak accident, he finds things are not as they seem.
Lives are in danger and when a long lost second cousin, Ferris Cameron appears in the story, everything changes. I won't leave any spoilers, but if you like a twisted story of deceit and revenge gone wrong, you'll enjoy this story from Toni Pike!
Oliver Cameron is a quite successful romance author, and he has been blind since childhood. He has a supposedly loyal team who works with him.
Ray Malik plays the role of accountant, advisor and poses as Oliver for book signings and personal appearances, with permission from both Oliver and the publisher. Vanessa helps Oliver write the stories, transcribing his dictation and serving as editor.
As the story opens, Oliver and Vanessa are newlyweds. But as it progresses, it's evident things are not as they seem. But when Oliver recovers his sight through a freak accident, he finds things are not as they seem.
Lives are in danger and when a long lost second cousin, Ferris Cameron appears in the story, everything changes. I won't leave any spoilers, but if you like a twisted story of deceit and revenge gone wrong, you'll enjoy this story from Toni Pike!
May 3, 2019
I have enjoyed Toni Pike's books before, particularly Dead Dry Heart and when she asked if I'd read her new novel Desolation Bluff I was pleased to do so for an honest review. I received an ARC at no cost from the author.
This story was interesting, riveting and full of suspense. The fact that Oliver Cameron was a romance writer and blind as well, made for an intriguing main character. When he was able to 'see' what was happening around him with his new wife Vanessa and friend Ray, it all became clear!
I enjoyed the location as I know the area quite well and could imagine it all happening there. The characters were well drawn and the story moved along at a good pace. It was all a bit over the top at times but this fitted in with the whole romance writing genre and made it a fun read. It wasn't all happiness and light with a few deaths, but well written and highly enjoyable.
This story was interesting, riveting and full of suspense. The fact that Oliver Cameron was a romance writer and blind as well, made for an intriguing main character. When he was able to 'see' what was happening around him with his new wife Vanessa and friend Ray, it all became clear!
I enjoyed the location as I know the area quite well and could imagine it all happening there. The characters were well drawn and the story moved along at a good pace. It was all a bit over the top at times but this fitted in with the whole romance writing genre and made it a fun read. It wasn't all happiness and light with a few deaths, but well written and highly enjoyable.
August 31, 2022
“Desolation Bluff” by Toni Pike kept me glued to my Kindle late into the night! Oliver Cameron, a blind romance author, suddenly regains his sight through a freak accident.
Oliver can’t wait to share his news with his wife Vanessa, and his best friend Ray, who has been a stand-in for the blind author for many years. On his way to tell them of the miracle, he discovers Vanessa and Ray in bed—together.
This sets off a chain of events that I never saw coming. Oliver plays along, pretending he is still blind as he strings along his cheating wife and best friend. Every one of these characters is flawed, but Oliver plays the victim with a certain panache that will leave you chuckling at how devious he really is. If you love a good thriller, you will love the twists and turns in this novel.
Oliver can’t wait to share his news with his wife Vanessa, and his best friend Ray, who has been a stand-in for the blind author for many years. On his way to tell them of the miracle, he discovers Vanessa and Ray in bed—together.
This sets off a chain of events that I never saw coming. Oliver plays along, pretending he is still blind as he strings along his cheating wife and best friend. Every one of these characters is flawed, but Oliver plays the victim with a certain panache that will leave you chuckling at how devious he really is. If you love a good thriller, you will love the twists and turns in this novel.
February 23, 2026
Desolation Bluff is a fascinating thriller. Oliver Cameron, blind since a childhood accident, has made a name for himself during the last five years as an author ‘churning out’ four romance books a year. Reclusive, his fortunes soar when Vaness and Ray turn up; she becomes his assistant and Ray becomes his handyman and accountant and, blessed with handsome looks, Ray takes on the face behind the pen name Fidel Amore at book signings.
The reader is privy to Vanessa and Ray’s affair and deceit and, when Oliver’s sight begins to return, we are also party to the neat tricks he plays in turn on them.
Romance, danger, humour, horror and tragedy, are all knitted into a tightly-woven plot that delivers some neat surprises. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it!
The reader is privy to Vanessa and Ray’s affair and deceit and, when Oliver’s sight begins to return, we are also party to the neat tricks he plays in turn on them.
Romance, danger, humour, horror and tragedy, are all knitted into a tightly-woven plot that delivers some neat surprises. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it!
October 13, 2021
It's hard to delve into the nitty-gritty of this book and keep from revealing the plots and twists. It’s a fun, quick read, with a “Got ya!” ending. The story flows well and Toni has done a great job of creating characters that are easily sympathized or hated.
Some of the plot is predictable, yet I liked the way it was knit together. I couldn’t help but smile at the “comeuppance” served so cleverly by the protagonists.
There’s just enough romance to wet the taste buds of fans of the genre, and enough to appeal to those who prefer action/thriller. A great balance of both. I’m giving this one, FOUR STARS!
Some of the plot is predictable, yet I liked the way it was knit together. I couldn’t help but smile at the “comeuppance” served so cleverly by the protagonists.
There’s just enough romance to wet the taste buds of fans of the genre, and enough to appeal to those who prefer action/thriller. A great balance of both. I’m giving this one, FOUR STARS!
June 18, 2019
Very good!
I really enjoyed this book. I love a good suspenseful read. This was so good that I read it in one sitting. Will try another from this author soon.
I really enjoyed this book. I love a good suspenseful read. This was so good that I read it in one sitting. Will try another from this author soon.
March 10, 2021
This book hooked me from the beginning. I read it in one day!
Read
May 5, 2019I love psychological thrillers but usually avoid them because they're too graphic - sex, language, even violence. Toni Pike's stories are "toned down" but every bit as suspenseful, maybe even more so since more is left to the imagination.
From the first paragraph, I could sense something ominous in the atmosphere, which stayed all through the background, even in the very "happy" moments of Oliver & Vanessa's honeymoon in Paris.
It was hard to put the book down. The story was straightforward and rolled right along. It was a very enjoyable read. In fact, I've enjoyed all of her books!
Thanks Toni for the chance to read the free ARC. I can hardly wait for your next book
From the first paragraph, I could sense something ominous in the atmosphere, which stayed all through the background, even in the very "happy" moments of Oliver & Vanessa's honeymoon in Paris.
It was hard to put the book down. The story was straightforward and rolled right along. It was a very enjoyable read. In fact, I've enjoyed all of her books!
Thanks Toni for the chance to read the free ARC. I can hardly wait for your next book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews