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Amara Alvarez #2
Network of Deceit
Amara Alvarez's first case as a homicide detective drags her into the murky world of computer hackers. When she finds herself under attack by cybercriminals, she has no choice but to use unconventional methods to expose the truth and find a killer.
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2021
115 people are currently reading
2650 people want to read
About the author
Tom Threadgill
11 books392 followersTom Threadgill's books have a distinct focus on clean, suspenseful action with strong character development. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In his downtime, Tom enjoys woodworking, riding his Harley, and chasing the elusive Yard of the Month award. He currently resides with his wife in the Dallas area and can be reached through his website at TomThreadgill.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
January 22, 2021
A new detective in San Antonio’s homicide squad, Amara Alvarez has to earn her stripes, despite her heroic efforts in a previous kidnaping case. Given an apparent suicide case to confirm, things spiral out of control as she becomes the victim of a cyber stalker and is under pressure to close the case. Despite the hard time given to her by her colleagues, Amara’s relentless pursuit of justice coincides with problems in her personal life. A good whodunnit with strong character development, Tom Threadgill builds the suspense and action to reveal a potential new detective series. An enjoyable crime thriller that builds nicely to a resolution of the crimes, with a three-and-a -half star rating. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes.
June 22, 2021
Following a stellar case involving kidnapped children that gained international attention, Amara Alvarez has been promoted to Homicide. Her first case is possible foul play when a young man is discovered dead in the lazy river at a water park.
This suspense novel was a fun ride. Loved the humor between Amara and her co-worker Starsky. The dry humor was sprinkled throughout the pages and added so much to the dynamics between the two of them. The case itself was interesting and I didn't guess the details of the crime.
Great series!
This suspense novel was a fun ride. Loved the humor between Amara and her co-worker Starsky. The dry humor was sprinkled throughout the pages and added so much to the dynamics between the two of them. The case itself was interesting and I didn't guess the details of the crime.
Great series!
February 1, 2021
After proving herself with the Cotulla case as told in Collision of Lies, tough as nails but endearing Amara Alvarez has moved to the Homicide Division. Her first real case will prove a challenge as will fitting in with her seasoned colleagues. The case of Zachary Coleman, a teen who turned up dead at a water park, has quite a few puzzling aspects. Amara is an independent an savvy cop, but she knows when to ask for help. From the title and the cover, it is clear the case involves cyber crime. But this case has more twists and turns , so Amara has to focus on certain clues.
Jeremiah *Starsky* Peckham is an ally in the squad room and offers his help, although Amara usually opts to go it alone. The relationship Starsky and Amara began in Collision of Lies goes a step further here. It was fun and a welcome break from the tenseness of the case to experience their banter. We get another peek at the Alvarez family and how they pull together in a crisis.
I learned a lot about cyber crime and how the police deal with it. This was a real page turner and hard to put down. I liked it for its realistic characters, quick pace and excellent research. I would consider this a clean read, although some characters are Christian.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Jeremiah *Starsky* Peckham is an ally in the squad room and offers his help, although Amara usually opts to go it alone. The relationship Starsky and Amara began in Collision of Lies goes a step further here. It was fun and a welcome break from the tenseness of the case to experience their banter. We get another peek at the Alvarez family and how they pull together in a crisis.
I learned a lot about cyber crime and how the police deal with it. This was a real page turner and hard to put down. I liked it for its realistic characters, quick pace and excellent research. I would consider this a clean read, although some characters are Christian.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
February 6, 2021
"You think he was already dead when he went in the water."
"No Detective. I'm certain of it." And just like that, Amara Alvarez lands her first investigation as a newly promoted homicide detective. It's a curious set of circumstances for many reasons. Who would choose to kill someone inside a water park on a hot summer day, then float his body down a lazy river? The young victim had no known enemies, came from an upstanding family, and had no criminal record. Plus, if he died by natural causes, why were there so many convenient security glitches at the park that afternoon . . . . all questions that Amara is determined to answer. However, she never expected to have to watch her own back when it becomes obvious that someone is following her every move.
If you enjoy page turning criminal suspense, this book checks off every box; great characters, fascinating clues, red herrings, pitch perfect pacing, . . . . . . and best of all, the author makes what could be mind numbing technology issues fairly easy to understand. The pages read so smoothly that I was both shocked and disappointed when the ending arrived . . . .. or had it? Prepare yourself for one final twist and turn.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
"No Detective. I'm certain of it." And just like that, Amara Alvarez lands her first investigation as a newly promoted homicide detective. It's a curious set of circumstances for many reasons. Who would choose to kill someone inside a water park on a hot summer day, then float his body down a lazy river? The young victim had no known enemies, came from an upstanding family, and had no criminal record. Plus, if he died by natural causes, why were there so many convenient security glitches at the park that afternoon . . . . all questions that Amara is determined to answer. However, she never expected to have to watch her own back when it becomes obvious that someone is following her every move.
If you enjoy page turning criminal suspense, this book checks off every box; great characters, fascinating clues, red herrings, pitch perfect pacing, . . . . . . and best of all, the author makes what could be mind numbing technology issues fairly easy to understand. The pages read so smoothly that I was both shocked and disappointed when the ending arrived . . . .. or had it? Prepare yourself for one final twist and turn.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
February 8, 2021
Fast paced-suspense glued this book to my hand until the very end. Once again, we're back with Amara Alvarez and the San Antonio PD. This character makes her first appearance in an earlier book, Collision of Lies, but Network of Deceit can be read as a stand-alone, though I'd highly recommend grabbing the first book if you enjoy suspense-totally worth it.
After the death of a teenage boy at a waterpark turns suspicious, Detective Alvarez finds herself caught in a deadly game of cybercrime. I enjoyed the plot and the unfolding investigation. I'm a huge fan of Starsky and appreciate the authentic way Mr. Threadgill is developing their relationship. The added personal element of Amara's family dynamic adds another level of character development that drive the emotional impact of the story. There's a very, very subtle faith element in this story that left me wanting a little more. I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good suspense story with a solid mystery.
***I received a copy of this story from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions are my own.***
After the death of a teenage boy at a waterpark turns suspicious, Detective Alvarez finds herself caught in a deadly game of cybercrime. I enjoyed the plot and the unfolding investigation. I'm a huge fan of Starsky and appreciate the authentic way Mr. Threadgill is developing their relationship. The added personal element of Amara's family dynamic adds another level of character development that drive the emotional impact of the story. There's a very, very subtle faith element in this story that left me wanting a little more. I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good suspense story with a solid mystery.
***I received a copy of this story from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions are my own.***
March 21, 2021
Detective Amara Alvarez made her bones in a rescue mission of many abducted children. For her efforts she was rewarded with what she wanted ... to be part of the Homicide Division.
The first case she's assigned is the death of a teenage boy in a local water park. At first glance, it looks like a case of drug overdose, or drinking while sunning and died when he became too dehydrated. But the medical examiner is sure that the boy was dead before he was ever placed in the water.
While searching the victim's room, she finds something that takes this case to a whole new level. This boy may not be the only death that occurs unless Amara can find the killer ..soon.
Well-written with an intricate plot, there are twists and turns with plenty of suspects to follow. The characters are solidly drawn. I especially liked Amara. She's determined to do her job well and bring some kind of closure to the victims. She also feels she has a lot to prove as being new, and being a female, and one who got to jump the line to Homicide Detective. She's not afraid of being a little different, a little bit of a maverick to close a case. I liked how her professional life blended with her personal life. She's definitely not a cardboard character.
Many thanks to the author / Revell Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The first case she's assigned is the death of a teenage boy in a local water park. At first glance, it looks like a case of drug overdose, or drinking while sunning and died when he became too dehydrated. But the medical examiner is sure that the boy was dead before he was ever placed in the water.
While searching the victim's room, she finds something that takes this case to a whole new level. This boy may not be the only death that occurs unless Amara can find the killer ..soon.
Well-written with an intricate plot, there are twists and turns with plenty of suspects to follow. The characters are solidly drawn. I especially liked Amara. She's determined to do her job well and bring some kind of closure to the victims. She also feels she has a lot to prove as being new, and being a female, and one who got to jump the line to Homicide Detective. She's not afraid of being a little different, a little bit of a maverick to close a case. I liked how her professional life blended with her personal life. She's definitely not a cardboard character.
Many thanks to the author / Revell Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 17, 2021
I was under the impression that Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill was the first book in the series, from the way the synopsis read and since there is no indication on the jacket that this is a series. So I was a bit surprised when Threadgill started mentioning a previous case. There was enough context that I didn’t get confused, I was just expecting to be introduced to the character more… but that was already done in Collision of Lies. You don’t have to read the first book (obviously, since I didn’t), but I think it is advisable since Threadgill excels at in depth character writing.
Threadgill really was able to capture a detective’s life not just at the station, but her everyday. The way he incorporated her relationship with her fellow detectives, love interest, and family was phenomenal. While I was interested in the case and the mystery, at times I found myself more drawn to her personal life.
As far as the case went, at first I was a bit… not bored, but concerned with the style of writing. So many police procedurals are fast paced. While they are trying to solve the case there is still a lot of action, but Threadgill really focuses on every step of the case. Once I realized this was how the book was going to read, it was much more enjoyable.
I thought Threadgill did a very good job with making cybercrimes easy to understand for someone who isn’t an expert on them or who may not be into technology. He was able to do this by incorporating interesting characters with believable emotions.
Network of Deceit was a great read, especially if you enjoy strong characters with realistic lives. I would suggest reading Collision of Lies first since I think you’ll get even more out of the story. And I look forward to seeing how Amara handles her bully at work, how her relationship with Starsky progresses, and how her family continues to support each other in upcoming books.
Threadgill really was able to capture a detective’s life not just at the station, but her everyday. The way he incorporated her relationship with her fellow detectives, love interest, and family was phenomenal. While I was interested in the case and the mystery, at times I found myself more drawn to her personal life.
As far as the case went, at first I was a bit… not bored, but concerned with the style of writing. So many police procedurals are fast paced. While they are trying to solve the case there is still a lot of action, but Threadgill really focuses on every step of the case. Once I realized this was how the book was going to read, it was much more enjoyable.
I thought Threadgill did a very good job with making cybercrimes easy to understand for someone who isn’t an expert on them or who may not be into technology. He was able to do this by incorporating interesting characters with believable emotions.
Network of Deceit was a great read, especially if you enjoy strong characters with realistic lives. I would suggest reading Collision of Lies first since I think you’ll get even more out of the story. And I look forward to seeing how Amara handles her bully at work, how her relationship with Starsky progresses, and how her family continues to support each other in upcoming books.
February 12, 2021
Tom Threadgill is a new to me author of suspense/crime fiction bordering on thrillers. His books are well researched and the writing flows brilliantly throughout. Collision of Lies is the first of two (so far?) books in the Amara Alvarez series. Alvaraz is a smart, witty detective based in San Antonio, Texas who begins in property crimes in the first novel and lands in homicide by the second novel.
I read the two books back to back but in reverse order and I think it was a good thing that I did. I seriously like Amara's character as well as that of her "sidekick" Starsky and her "housemate" Larry the lizard. They are great together and I can't say that about too many characters in crime fiction these days. However, I enjoyed the second book, Network of Deceit, more than the first for unknown reasons. Both are great reads. Both have the same characters but I connected more with the second. Regardless, I recommend them both if you like crime fiction. It's interesting to note that according to the author the books have no cursing, no sex and no religion. I didn't even notice while reading the book but looking back on it, he's right. I didn't miss it but I am thankful that he was able to write a "clean" crime book without getting all religious on us. ;)
I read the two books back to back but in reverse order and I think it was a good thing that I did. I seriously like Amara's character as well as that of her "sidekick" Starsky and her "housemate" Larry the lizard. They are great together and I can't say that about too many characters in crime fiction these days. However, I enjoyed the second book, Network of Deceit, more than the first for unknown reasons. Both are great reads. Both have the same characters but I connected more with the second. Regardless, I recommend them both if you like crime fiction. It's interesting to note that according to the author the books have no cursing, no sex and no religion. I didn't even notice while reading the book but looking back on it, he's right. I didn't miss it but I am thankful that he was able to write a "clean" crime book without getting all religious on us. ;)
November 24, 2021
“Evil lived inside people. Only Dios could see it. People were capable of anything, murder included.”
“We were hacked. Or, as the expert put it, there were signs of unauthorized network intrusions.”
“Technology is a wonderful thing…We love it when it makes our lives better. But nothing is free. There’s a cost to all this.”
I am really enjoying the Amara Alvarez series. It is such a good crime procedural series where you are along for the ride step by step in the investigation. And what makes Tom Threadgill so good is that he gives a nice blend of gritty suspense, laugh out loud humor, and some faith elements. Although this book had a few slower moments, I still very much enjoyed it and will definitely continue reading them. As I said with book one Collision Of Lies, Threadgill’s books have a similarity to Michael Connelly’s crime books which is a huge compliment. But while Connelly has strayed over the past few years with a liberal agenda added to his books, Threadgill focuses on the story only. Can’t wait for book 3.
“We were hacked. Or, as the expert put it, there were signs of unauthorized network intrusions.”
“Technology is a wonderful thing…We love it when it makes our lives better. But nothing is free. There’s a cost to all this.”
I am really enjoying the Amara Alvarez series. It is such a good crime procedural series where you are along for the ride step by step in the investigation. And what makes Tom Threadgill so good is that he gives a nice blend of gritty suspense, laugh out loud humor, and some faith elements. Although this book had a few slower moments, I still very much enjoyed it and will definitely continue reading them. As I said with book one Collision Of Lies, Threadgill’s books have a similarity to Michael Connelly’s crime books which is a huge compliment. But while Connelly has strayed over the past few years with a liberal agenda added to his books, Threadgill focuses on the story only. Can’t wait for book 3.
January 30, 2021
This was an excellent second installment in this series by Tom Threadgill. While this story can stand alone, fans who have read Collision of Lies will have a greater depth of character development and relationships for Amara Alvarez, the leading lady of this story. In part due to her success with the case from the prior book, Amara has earned the promotion to homicide detective. When the first case lands on her desk, it appears to be a case of heatstroke or alcohol poisoning, but she's asked to take another look. What she finds leads her to more nefarious dealings and as she makes strides in solving the case, her own life is hacked into.
Detective Alvarez is a short statured hispanic spitfire and I just adore her. In real life, I think we would be fast friends. I love the banter between her and Starsky. There's a bit of romance in this one as well, but it felt like a natural progression and the balance is overly heavy on the suspense rather than the romance, which is how I like it. While marketed as Christian fiction, there are only passing references to God (Dios) so no solid faith thread, but it is a completely clean novel. The plot line pulled me in and kept me entranced for the duration. I finished this in one day - and a work day at that. There were parts that made me laugh out loud, parts that had me holding back tears, and parts that had me on the edge of my seat. That's the mark of a great book! This is one I would strongly recommend to fans of mystery/suspense.
Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Detective Alvarez is a short statured hispanic spitfire and I just adore her. In real life, I think we would be fast friends. I love the banter between her and Starsky. There's a bit of romance in this one as well, but it felt like a natural progression and the balance is overly heavy on the suspense rather than the romance, which is how I like it. While marketed as Christian fiction, there are only passing references to God (Dios) so no solid faith thread, but it is a completely clean novel. The plot line pulled me in and kept me entranced for the duration. I finished this in one day - and a work day at that. There were parts that made me laugh out loud, parts that had me holding back tears, and parts that had me on the edge of my seat. That's the mark of a great book! This is one I would strongly recommend to fans of mystery/suspense.
Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
February 24, 2021
Since I enjoyed Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill, I was anxious for the next book to feature detective Amara Alvarez, Network of Deceit.
Amara gets her first case as a detective for San Antonio's Homicide Division. Her first case is a suspicious death of a teenage boy at a crowded water park. Soon she is involved with online cybercriminals who catch wind that she is on their trail and then stalk her online. As she works on the case, she bounces ideas off of fellow detective Starsky whom she also goes out to dinner with. What kind of relationship do they have? Her life also becomes more complicated as her mother faces a big health challenge.
Network of Deceit kept me turning pages quickly to find out who the killer was. The plot was well done and kept me guessing. I liked the romance building between Amara and Starsky. I also thought the book remained true to life in that Amara had to deal with her work and some challenges in her personal life with her mother's health issues. While the investigation does wrap up at the end of the book, there are some unanswered questions with Starsky and her family that leave me hoping for another book in this series. I would classify Network of Deceit as good clean suspense. There isn't much of a spiritual element in this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Amara gets her first case as a detective for San Antonio's Homicide Division. Her first case is a suspicious death of a teenage boy at a crowded water park. Soon she is involved with online cybercriminals who catch wind that she is on their trail and then stalk her online. As she works on the case, she bounces ideas off of fellow detective Starsky whom she also goes out to dinner with. What kind of relationship do they have? Her life also becomes more complicated as her mother faces a big health challenge.
Network of Deceit kept me turning pages quickly to find out who the killer was. The plot was well done and kept me guessing. I liked the romance building between Amara and Starsky. I also thought the book remained true to life in that Amara had to deal with her work and some challenges in her personal life with her mother's health issues. While the investigation does wrap up at the end of the book, there are some unanswered questions with Starsky and her family that leave me hoping for another book in this series. I would classify Network of Deceit as good clean suspense. There isn't much of a spiritual element in this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
February 25, 2021
This second book in the Amara Alvarez series was just as enjoyable as the first. You do not need to read the first book, however, there is a lot of character growth from book 1 to book 2.
This is the second book I've read by this author, and am enjoying his writing so much, that I went and bought his entire first series.
The murder mystery will be enjoyed by both readers who loves thrillers, but also those who enjoy cozy mysteries. I enjoyed following the clues with Amara into solving, one, if Zach was murdered, and two, why. There was a few things I guessed before the reveal, but the who and why remained a mystery. I must confess, after reading this, I did seriously wonder again about how we can protect ourselves from hackers - this book again emphasised how vulnerable we could be.
There was also a great balance between suspense, emotional connections and some funny, lighter moments which had me laughing out loud.
I was surprised by the ending (which is a good thing). I did not see the revelation of the murder. The murderer had me fooled as well.
I am looking forward to following Starsky and Amara's story in book 3 (confirmed by the author one is in progress.)
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This is the second book I've read by this author, and am enjoying his writing so much, that I went and bought his entire first series.
The murder mystery will be enjoyed by both readers who loves thrillers, but also those who enjoy cozy mysteries. I enjoyed following the clues with Amara into solving, one, if Zach was murdered, and two, why. There was a few things I guessed before the reveal, but the who and why remained a mystery. I must confess, after reading this, I did seriously wonder again about how we can protect ourselves from hackers - this book again emphasised how vulnerable we could be.
There was also a great balance between suspense, emotional connections and some funny, lighter moments which had me laughing out loud.
I was surprised by the ending (which is a good thing). I did not see the revelation of the murder. The murderer had me fooled as well.
I am looking forward to following Starsky and Amara's story in book 3 (confirmed by the author one is in progress.)
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
February 19, 2021
Captivating, emotional and interesting.
The characters were very interesting, each bring their own flavour to the story and complimenting the plot immensely.
The twist and turns of the story kept me reading and reading. Every educative too. The action was thrilling, the suspense and intrigue lipbiting.
The author is am amazing storyteller.
I received a copy of this book from Revell and this is my honest opinion.
The characters were very interesting, each bring their own flavour to the story and complimenting the plot immensely.
The twist and turns of the story kept me reading and reading. Every educative too. The action was thrilling, the suspense and intrigue lipbiting.
The author is am amazing storyteller.
I received a copy of this book from Revell and this is my honest opinion.
February 21, 2021
The review for Collision of Lies was posted February 20th of 2020. That's EXACTLY a year ago! XD How fitting is it that I sat down to write a review for it today? Let's get into it!
The Characters
The Plot
er mom really did help. Usually an author would make that part of the plot a romantic aspect. She'd spend all her time at the gym wondering what she and Starsky were and what they weren't. And she didn't. Very tasteful and very very good.
Content
In Summary
Thank you to Revell and Tom for the review copy! A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own!
The Characters
Amara Alvarez was still the amazing girl that she is. I could definitely see the development and growth into who she was from the first book. I really loved the way that the author pulled facts and events from the first book to connect the two. It almost felt like I never left Amara and I was back with a good friend. (I have a hard time really actually liking female characters, and she's one of the ones I do like.
Starsky. Who is this guy? I couldn't remember him from the first book, but I was really appreciating the way that he let Amara do her own thing. But he was always there to help her, and he really did care about who she was as a person. Girls, there was NO SENSUAL CONTENT IN THIS BOOK. I LOVED the way that Starsky and Amara's relationship developed. I didn't agree with the way that they were "not dating" according to Amara, but the pace and the tiny thread of "are they really together or are they not?" was so much fun to read.
Amara's mom with her cancer, and Wylie's constant care of her was really a beautiful thread in the story. I loved the hispanic aspect that was threaded through who Amara was. It was just the way that she was, the way that her life was lived, and it was really refreshing from the generic cliché white household, or divorced parents or whatever the cliché is. That's one reason I really like this series.
The Plot
The plot was awesome. So FUN. (No offense to the dead of course.) A death from heatstroke at a waterpark? Oh but the cameras were out on the spot the victim entered the water. Hold on, was it a drug overdose? But what if it was a murder? (So much like the first book and yet so completely different).
The pace was so much fun to follow. I think it may have been a tad fast for some people, but I like faster plots, so it was perfect for me. I also loved that Amara chased all the threads the could. She didn't spend any time sitting around waiting for results. Even if they were false threads or leads, she wasn't sitting around gossiping or wallowing in her sorrow.
er mom really did help. Usually an author would make that part of the plot a romantic aspect. She'd spend all her time at the gym wondering what she and Starsky were and what they weren't. And she didn't. Very tasteful and very very good.
Content
There wasn't anything graphic in this story. (the murder was very clean ;) ). As I said before, there was no sensual content. That being said, Wylie and Amara's mom are in a relationship and don't hide the fact.
In Summary
I really did like this story a lot and I'm so glad I got it. The internet aspect was so much fun. Watching the cameras at the waterpark and picking out tiny facts was so much. Working through this case with Amara gave me such fun vibes I will definitely be coming back to this story. The ending came about at the perfect time. It wasn't obvious or cliché by any means, and I really enjoyed watching them take down the criminal. So basically, if you like to read clean suspense, this is a very good book to go with! I recommend for almost anybody 16 and over!
Thank you to Revell and Tom for the review copy! A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own!
February 27, 2021
Looking for an action-filled, high-paced novel with a strong female as the main character? Network of Deceit starts out with a bang and it never lets up as we once again see Detective Amara Alvarez at work! Amara is now a detective with the San Antonio Homicide Division and her investigation of a teenager's death turns into a look at cybercrime and its toll on society. Author Tom Threadgill shares another glimpse of this multi-faceted detective with the ability to see beyond the obvious and think outside the box! And then there's Detective Jeremiah "Starsky" Peckham! Will these two detectives discover that there's more to their relationship than a working partnership?
Network of Deceit is a clean read, with lots of twists and turns and an "I didn't see that coming" ending. I'm looking forward to more adventures with this intriguing female protagonist!
I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Network of Deceit is a clean read, with lots of twists and turns and an "I didn't see that coming" ending. I'm looking forward to more adventures with this intriguing female protagonist!
I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
February 19, 2022
A seemingly accidental death at a waterpark turns into a full blown homicide investigation.
I wasn't aware that this book was the second in a series going into it, and it had a slower start. Amara finds herself challenged by the case, that has startling personal risk as well. The stake raise as the story unfolds and I liked that it had that chilling element to it, and that she has a good friend to lean on.
Once it got going, it kept picking up speed. I think that the book does a great job of following Amara and showing the things that she faced as part of her new job. This book has a strong focus on the case, and less on Amara's personal life, though I liked her relationship with her mother.
Overall, this was a solid read, though I did get the feeling that I had come in on the middle of something. I would probably recommend reading the first book in the series to better understand the situation and Amara's life. Though in the end I really enjoyed it, and liked how it looks at the dangers online.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I wasn't aware that this book was the second in a series going into it, and it had a slower start. Amara finds herself challenged by the case, that has startling personal risk as well. The stake raise as the story unfolds and I liked that it had that chilling element to it, and that she has a good friend to lean on.
Once it got going, it kept picking up speed. I think that the book does a great job of following Amara and showing the things that she faced as part of her new job. This book has a strong focus on the case, and less on Amara's personal life, though I liked her relationship with her mother.
Overall, this was a solid read, though I did get the feeling that I had come in on the middle of something. I would probably recommend reading the first book in the series to better understand the situation and Amara's life. Though in the end I really enjoyed it, and liked how it looks at the dangers online.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 31, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I really liked Amara in the last book and liked getting to know her more in this one. I also really liked Starsky. I enjoyed trying to figure out the case with her. This book kept me interested the whole time. I hope that there is another book coming. I would love to see what is next for Amara and hopefully see more of Starsky!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
March 1, 2021
*received from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed*
NETWORK OF DECEIT picks up not long after COLLISION OF LIES left off. A teenage boy is found dead on a float at a water park. While the general consensus seems to be heatstroke or drugs, the medical examiner points out to Amara that the boys toes are not wrinkled up from being in the water. And with that, Amara is handed her first homicide investigation.
Amara dives into the investigation, which leads her to three other teens who, along with the deceased, were heavily into online gaming. She believes the other kids are keeping secrets, and know more than they're letting on about the first boy’s death. I was actually a little surprised at how she treated the kids, at times she was downright mean. But she got results, even if it made her feel a little uncomfortable at times. At one point she and Starsky even had a conversation about crossing the line and having to learn where your own line is.
Speaking of Starsky, I love their banter and their interactions. When the story starts, they’ve been out to eat a few times, always dutch, and Amara often wonders about their relationship. Are they dating, or just hanging out? Does she want to date him? She’s not sure where it’s going, and he doesn’t give any hints, and I enjoyed watching how their relationship grew and developed.
As Amara gets deeper into her investigation, she finds herself the victim of a hacker, who reveals to her a knowledge of personal information about herself and her mother. She then has to turn over her laptop and cell phone to a CSI tech, and is given an old flip phone to use while the tech has hers. Not having a smart phone not only impeded her in her investigation but in her life. It became a running theme that was terribly amusing, with a frustrated Amara unable to order an Uber or look up literally anything without a smart phone, but it was also a sad commentary on how much we rely on our phones in our daily lives.
The author details a lot of the minutiae of being a detective, particularly since cybersecurity and ransomware are involved. Talking to suspects, the victim’s family members, the water park’s head of security. Online research, and many phone calls, looking for information or trying to connect a potential clue to the case. I’d heard of ransomware, but I had no idea that you could actually purchase ransomware insurance! As I learned more about it along with Amara I found the subject very fascinating.
While there isn’t a lot of physical action, there is plenty of suspense and the story still felt pretty action packed. The characters are well developed, and there were some surprising turns in the plot, which kept me in the dark and trying to guess who the murderer was. Definitely not who I expected! I certainly hope we’ll get more Amara in the future.
NETWORK OF DECEIT picks up not long after COLLISION OF LIES left off. A teenage boy is found dead on a float at a water park. While the general consensus seems to be heatstroke or drugs, the medical examiner points out to Amara that the boys toes are not wrinkled up from being in the water. And with that, Amara is handed her first homicide investigation.
Amara dives into the investigation, which leads her to three other teens who, along with the deceased, were heavily into online gaming. She believes the other kids are keeping secrets, and know more than they're letting on about the first boy’s death. I was actually a little surprised at how she treated the kids, at times she was downright mean. But she got results, even if it made her feel a little uncomfortable at times. At one point she and Starsky even had a conversation about crossing the line and having to learn where your own line is.
Speaking of Starsky, I love their banter and their interactions. When the story starts, they’ve been out to eat a few times, always dutch, and Amara often wonders about their relationship. Are they dating, or just hanging out? Does she want to date him? She’s not sure where it’s going, and he doesn’t give any hints, and I enjoyed watching how their relationship grew and developed.
As Amara gets deeper into her investigation, she finds herself the victim of a hacker, who reveals to her a knowledge of personal information about herself and her mother. She then has to turn over her laptop and cell phone to a CSI tech, and is given an old flip phone to use while the tech has hers. Not having a smart phone not only impeded her in her investigation but in her life. It became a running theme that was terribly amusing, with a frustrated Amara unable to order an Uber or look up literally anything without a smart phone, but it was also a sad commentary on how much we rely on our phones in our daily lives.
The author details a lot of the minutiae of being a detective, particularly since cybersecurity and ransomware are involved. Talking to suspects, the victim’s family members, the water park’s head of security. Online research, and many phone calls, looking for information or trying to connect a potential clue to the case. I’d heard of ransomware, but I had no idea that you could actually purchase ransomware insurance! As I learned more about it along with Amara I found the subject very fascinating.
While there isn’t a lot of physical action, there is plenty of suspense and the story still felt pretty action packed. The characters are well developed, and there were some surprising turns in the plot, which kept me in the dark and trying to guess who the murderer was. Definitely not who I expected! I certainly hope we’ll get more Amara in the future.
March 1, 2021
What an Amazing mystery!
This is the second book in a series about detective Amara Alvarez. More suspense, mystery, and all of that! This story definitely takes off with a bang!
Amara is trying to find her place at the San Antonio Police Department, and gets assigned a case that doesn't seem like much...until she starts investigating!
I very much enjoyed watching Amara try and solve this mystery. On the surface, this death she is investigating seems to be a simple death by heatstroke, but there are some things that just don’t quite match up. And then there is the matter of cyber crimes...why is she being targeted in this way? Someone is wanting Amara to see they can get to her accounts and passwords however they jolly well please.
In addition to the mystery, Amara also has some difficult things happening on the personal side of things. Her family and those issues are written into the story in a beautiful way.
And then there is her other relationships. Especially the one with Starsky. This was a bit humorous to watch at times, but added so much to the story.
This story has lots going on, and the mystery kept me guessing the entire way through the book.
If you enjoy reading mysteries than I highly recommend this book!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This is the second book in a series about detective Amara Alvarez. More suspense, mystery, and all of that! This story definitely takes off with a bang!
Amara is trying to find her place at the San Antonio Police Department, and gets assigned a case that doesn't seem like much...until she starts investigating!
I very much enjoyed watching Amara try and solve this mystery. On the surface, this death she is investigating seems to be a simple death by heatstroke, but there are some things that just don’t quite match up. And then there is the matter of cyber crimes...why is she being targeted in this way? Someone is wanting Amara to see they can get to her accounts and passwords however they jolly well please.
In addition to the mystery, Amara also has some difficult things happening on the personal side of things. Her family and those issues are written into the story in a beautiful way.
And then there is her other relationships. Especially the one with Starsky. This was a bit humorous to watch at times, but added so much to the story.
This story has lots going on, and the mystery kept me guessing the entire way through the book.
If you enjoy reading mysteries than I highly recommend this book!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 30, 2021
I thought this book was even better than the first! I definitely didn't want to put it down and the cast of characters is really growing on me. I am looking forward to book #3!
December 28, 2020
Review of Advanced Reading Copy
When her rescue of the kidnapped children in the Cotulla school bus case makes international headlines, San Antonio Police Detective Amara Alvarez finally gets her wish: a transfer from Property Crimes to Homicide. But sometimes it’s hard going, as some of the division’s detectives aren’t particularly welcoming.
The tragic death of a teenager at a local water park becomes her first homicide case. Despite the oft-expressed belief that the young man died from heatstroke resulting from alcohol consumption and the excessively high air temperature that day, Amara keeps digging at the case, determined to find the truth. As the facts slowly reveal themselves, Amara finds herself caught up in the worlds of computer gamers and hackers.
When she becomes the victim of a cybersecurity attack, she will need all her resolve to bring the culprits to justice. Continuing to press the suspects in her water park investigation, she struggles to find the facts she needs to prove the death of the young man was murder.
The characters in this compelling story are well-drawn and interesting. Amara is particularly introspective, allowing readers to develop a deeper understanding of what drives the character. The plot, with cybersecurity and ransomware at the center of the puzzle, is perfectly drawn. With teenagers as the main suspects, it seems perfectly plausible that these computer-savvy young people would find a way to communicate through online gaming or that they’d figure out how to use ransomware to their own advantage. Elementary actions for an adept cyber-criminal perhaps, but perfect for a group of teenagers testing the murky waters of cyber-criminality.
Amara, introduced in the previous “Collision of Lies,” remains appropriately curious; her co-workers, particularly Starsky, are a good fit. The detectives exhibit the variety of attitudes and personalities one might expect to find in a police department. There are several unexpected surprises as the unfolding story slowly reveals the nuances of the intriguing plot.
Although “Network of Deceit” is the second in the series, it works well as a stand-alone. However, a slight cliffhanger at the end of this story sets the stage for another story focused on Amara Alvarez and her work as a homicide detective.
Readers of police procedurals and/or intriguing mysteries will find much to appreciate here . . . and, looking forward to the next book in the series, much to anticipate.
Highly recommended.
When her rescue of the kidnapped children in the Cotulla school bus case makes international headlines, San Antonio Police Detective Amara Alvarez finally gets her wish: a transfer from Property Crimes to Homicide. But sometimes it’s hard going, as some of the division’s detectives aren’t particularly welcoming.
The tragic death of a teenager at a local water park becomes her first homicide case. Despite the oft-expressed belief that the young man died from heatstroke resulting from alcohol consumption and the excessively high air temperature that day, Amara keeps digging at the case, determined to find the truth. As the facts slowly reveal themselves, Amara finds herself caught up in the worlds of computer gamers and hackers.
When she becomes the victim of a cybersecurity attack, she will need all her resolve to bring the culprits to justice. Continuing to press the suspects in her water park investigation, she struggles to find the facts she needs to prove the death of the young man was murder.
The characters in this compelling story are well-drawn and interesting. Amara is particularly introspective, allowing readers to develop a deeper understanding of what drives the character. The plot, with cybersecurity and ransomware at the center of the puzzle, is perfectly drawn. With teenagers as the main suspects, it seems perfectly plausible that these computer-savvy young people would find a way to communicate through online gaming or that they’d figure out how to use ransomware to their own advantage. Elementary actions for an adept cyber-criminal perhaps, but perfect for a group of teenagers testing the murky waters of cyber-criminality.
Amara, introduced in the previous “Collision of Lies,” remains appropriately curious; her co-workers, particularly Starsky, are a good fit. The detectives exhibit the variety of attitudes and personalities one might expect to find in a police department. There are several unexpected surprises as the unfolding story slowly reveals the nuances of the intriguing plot.
Although “Network of Deceit” is the second in the series, it works well as a stand-alone. However, a slight cliffhanger at the end of this story sets the stage for another story focused on Amara Alvarez and her work as a homicide detective.
Readers of police procedurals and/or intriguing mysteries will find much to appreciate here . . . and, looking forward to the next book in the series, much to anticipate.
Highly recommended.
March 6, 2021
Network of Deceit is the second Amara Alvarez book and the first Tom Threadgill book I've read. I started the book with no expectations since I hadn't really heard much about this author and so I was just hoping for the best. I'm so happy to say that it was unbelievably good and I am eager to read the next book whenever it releases.
The suspense was amazing. I had so much fun trying to figure out who the killer was and what was really going on. There were several twists and the ending was satisfying.
All in all, with a great storyline and believable characters, Network of Deceit was a very good read and I recommend it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The suspense was amazing. I had so much fun trying to figure out who the killer was and what was really going on. There were several twists and the ending was satisfying.
All in all, with a great storyline and believable characters, Network of Deceit was a very good read and I recommend it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
January 27, 2021
Network of Deceit is the second in a series about Detective Amara Alvarez of the San Antonio Police Department. Although, they mention the case from the first book, it doesn’t deter from this separate story. I had no idea there was another book prior until after I read this one and still enjoyed it.
A teenage boy is found dead floating in an inner tube on a lazy river of a water park. Did he die from heat stroke, drug overdose or something worse? This is what Alvarez investigates. One she finds out he is murdered, she finds out he is a cybercriminal, along with his three friends. I found the story to be entertaining, slow at first but picked up. It has a few surprises that made it interesting.
A teenage boy is found dead floating in an inner tube on a lazy river of a water park. Did he die from heat stroke, drug overdose or something worse? This is what Alvarez investigates. One she finds out he is murdered, she finds out he is a cybercriminal, along with his three friends. I found the story to be entertaining, slow at first but picked up. It has a few surprises that made it interesting.
December 31, 2020
After reading Collision of Lies by this author I was delighted to read this new book. Network of Deceit is very well written.. I enjoyed the plot and the characters dynamics. I highly recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
February 24, 2021
Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of a finished book from Lone Star Literary Life partner in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copies used in this review are finalized copies sent to me in exchange for my honest review. #partner #LSBBT
This book follows the life of a newly spotlighted detective Alvarez. A level-headed, strong willed, female detective trying to make a name for herself in a new town. She struggles with a new boss who is unwilling to give her more responsibility, a thorn in her side co-worker, and a potentially budding office romance. The story unfolds as she navigates a new case that seems to have more twists and turns than anticipated. All while trying to manage the fact that her office is a foldable table. Will Alvarez solve the case and provide some closer to the family or will she get caught in the mix of the case itself.
Network of Deceit is book two the series. This is my first time reading a book by the author and it definitely won’t be my last time. This novel is told from the perspective of the main character which allows for you to feel like you’ve been transplanted into her mind. It actually helped me paint a better picture of the full story and feel more connected to each character. The simplistic writing style allows for a quick read and for the reader to not be distracted by complex terms but to be captivated by the story. The storyline flows well, and the book had my attention captured the whole time. I was thoroughly surprised by some of the twists and turns the novel took. Toward the end I was shocked by the plot twist and was on the edge of my seat during the epilogue. The author does a great job with character development of both main and supporting characters. I enjoyed the insert of family history of the main character, the budding romance, and the work conflict. I like how the author shed some light on the challenges women face in often male dominated positions and the challenges of being a Rookie cop. This story will have you both laughing, gasping, and holding your breath the whole way through.
I highly recommend this book for teens or adults. The writing style is simple enough for others to grasp the concepts and not get lost in the complexity of terms. Once you begin, you won’t want to put it down. I am excited to see what the next installment in this series holds.
This book follows the life of a newly spotlighted detective Alvarez. A level-headed, strong willed, female detective trying to make a name for herself in a new town. She struggles with a new boss who is unwilling to give her more responsibility, a thorn in her side co-worker, and a potentially budding office romance. The story unfolds as she navigates a new case that seems to have more twists and turns than anticipated. All while trying to manage the fact that her office is a foldable table. Will Alvarez solve the case and provide some closer to the family or will she get caught in the mix of the case itself.
Network of Deceit is book two the series. This is my first time reading a book by the author and it definitely won’t be my last time. This novel is told from the perspective of the main character which allows for you to feel like you’ve been transplanted into her mind. It actually helped me paint a better picture of the full story and feel more connected to each character. The simplistic writing style allows for a quick read and for the reader to not be distracted by complex terms but to be captivated by the story. The storyline flows well, and the book had my attention captured the whole time. I was thoroughly surprised by some of the twists and turns the novel took. Toward the end I was shocked by the plot twist and was on the edge of my seat during the epilogue. The author does a great job with character development of both main and supporting characters. I enjoyed the insert of family history of the main character, the budding romance, and the work conflict. I like how the author shed some light on the challenges women face in often male dominated positions and the challenges of being a Rookie cop. This story will have you both laughing, gasping, and holding your breath the whole way through.
I highly recommend this book for teens or adults. The writing style is simple enough for others to grasp the concepts and not get lost in the complexity of terms. Once you begin, you won’t want to put it down. I am excited to see what the next installment in this series holds.
February 10, 2021
Loved this follow-up of Amara's story! And turns out, she's a pretty good detective... Tom Threadgill 's excellent writing kept me guessing as to who the mastermind behind crime [s] just might be as Amara's investigation into the death of a young man at a water park uncovers a web of deceit that surprised many... [and being a victim of a part of this myself, I found it VERY interesting!] In the end she solves the case [of course!] but she also matured and grew in her professional role as well. Loved that she had her mama to guide her through some tough things... and Starsky, of course, too! A favorite quote about how people are using fantasy games to escape reality..." Escaping reality sounded great, but it was a one-sided agreement. REALITY NEVER LEFT. Never went away. Never stopped. You could do your best to forget it for a while, but it would always be there waiting for you when you returned." So I think I'll stick with Amara and choose to LIVE life [embrace it, even] day-by-day, even in the hard times...
February 27, 2021
This was a very interesting case as Amara pulls the threads and finds clues. I loved her toughness and her determination. She never gave up, even when it seemed like she was stuck. I liked how she was an introvert and had a pet lizard as you don't see that too often! Her good friend and fellow detective Starsky added humor to the story as they had funny conversations that made me smile. There's a little bit of a faith element as there's a couple of prayers said. Amara also dealt with some hard issues in her personal life and questions about her future. This worked well as a stand-alone, though I also recommend book one as that was also a fascinating story! You should try this book if you like police procedurals and suspense!
I received this book free from Revell. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
I received this book free from Revell. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2021
I was so glad to see that there was a book after Collision of Lies so we could read more about Amara Alvarez. This story is a continuation of the first book and I do recommend reading them in order. Amara is a great female lead as she is strong, independent, and smart. I enjoyed the relationship between Amara and “Starsky” and found the characters to once again be intriguing. I liked the twists and turns in this novel that always kept me guessing. I think that themes of faith were subtler and perhaps lost a bit in the suspense, but the novel is clean and enjoyable to read. Overall, I liked this novel and look forward to more by this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 1, 2021
It’s a while since I’ve been excited about a new-to-me suspense author, but that’s how I’m feeling about this series featuring detective Amara Alvarez. Part of it may be that this series is written by a male author, whereas the majority of the authors I read are female. Men always bring a different perspective to their writing, and that can feel fresh in and of itself. Further, this male author is writing about a female protagonist, which is even more unusual (but he did it well, so bonus points). But I think the thing that has really sold me on this series is the combination of good old-fashioned detective work and the fact that we get to see both the professional Amara and the private Amara.
I loved that Amara had to do so much legwork as well as inductive and deductive reasoning to solve the case. I’ve always been a puzzle solver, and the who, why, and how of this investigation presented a real challenge to Amara. At the same time, there are things happening in her personal life that I won’t share here but which really made me invested in Amara as a character. What I will say on that point is that I enjoyed the light romantic thread. Quite understated, and yet it came across as very natural and kind of sweet. And grew out of a friendship—my favourite kind of romance.
I’m definitely hoping to see more of Amara in the future!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I loved that Amara had to do so much legwork as well as inductive and deductive reasoning to solve the case. I’ve always been a puzzle solver, and the who, why, and how of this investigation presented a real challenge to Amara. At the same time, there are things happening in her personal life that I won’t share here but which really made me invested in Amara as a character. What I will say on that point is that I enjoyed the light romantic thread. Quite understated, and yet it came across as very natural and kind of sweet. And grew out of a friendship—my favourite kind of romance.
I’m definitely hoping to see more of Amara in the future!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 28, 2021
Tom Threadgill has done it again! From start to finish this book will keep you entertained and in suspense, Amara Alvarez has gotten her first case as a newly appointed Homicide Detective but will she solve the case or the case solve her. This is a good clean read full of suspense and excitement as she battles against cyber criminals to find out who killed her victim. This is a perfect book for Christian Suspense readers or Suspense readers in General as there are subtle undertones of God but not a preaching message. Just like all his books his Characters are solid and the storyline is one that will keep you turning the pages to find out who done it. I Can’t wait until the next one
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