The Perfect Deceit

Jessie Hunt #14

by Blake Pierce

When a string of newly-married couples are found murdered in high-end suburbs, Jessie is called in to find the connection between them. Her investigation brings her into the world of exclusive weddings, and a sprawling list of potential suspects.

Only one thing is certain: it is a life-and-death race before the killer strikes again.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2021

About the author

Blake Pierce is author of the bestselling RILEY PAGE mystery series, which includes seven books (and counting). Blake Pierce is also the author of the MACKENZIE WHITE mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); of the AVERY BLACK mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); and of the new KERI LOCKE mystery series.

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Blake loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.blakepierceauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Reviews

[Kat (Books are Comfort Food) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read all of the Jessie Hunt series and with each book lately I feel more frustrated. There has become so much repetition on the books and carryover from the previous books that I’m wasting precious reading time.

This book involves the killing of couples who have had tragic losses in their families. All live in nice neighborhoods. Meanwhile Jessie is still hunting the night killer who continues to make his killings personal to Jessie.

The other thing pierce is doing is, once again, putting his main characters in perilous situations. Done more than once, it’s tiring. I would have given the book 3 stars but I felt so frustrated that I wanted the book to end.

I doubt I will read any additional books in this series.

[Mary Nemanich · Rating 2 out of 5]

To much repetition!

I have read all 14 books available so far in the Jessie Hunt series. I have enjoyed each of the stories and Blake Pierce's writing style... EXCEPT... in each book there are far to many details from the previous book... and often from other previous books in the series that are REPEATED from the PREVIOUS BOOKS! I believe that I am paying far to much money for each book to have to pay for so much repetition... and it wastes far too much of my precious reading time re-reading so much that I have already read in the previous book(s).

PLEASE, Mr. Pierce, STOP REPEATING yourself in EVERY BOOK!

I'm NOT sure that I will continue to purchase your books!

I have read ALL of the books in EACH of your series. I have definitely enjoyed the stories... HOWEVER... I HAVE NOT ENJOYED THE CONSTANT REPETITION of TEXT from PREVIOUS BOOKS!

I am alerting other loyal readers, like myself, that they might CONSIDER NOT PURCHASING ADDITIONAL BOOKS by BLAKE PIERCE... especially if the REPETITION of so much TEXT from PREVIOUS BOOKS in a series has become annoying.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake Pierce has done it again in the Jessie Hunt series! The Perfect Deceit was creepy, twisty, and intense at many points. In this installment, three couples in a row have suffered the loss of their loved one to incredibly painful deaths. The department is still low on staff, and Jessie is begged into coming in to assist in the investigation. Meanwhile, of course, the ever elusive Night Hunter is still murdering innocent people to send his own sick messages to Jessie. In this book, he comes far, far too close to changing Jessie's world completely. Jessie's half-sister, Hannah, is portrayed here as repentant and more docile, and it leads me to believe she's going to come out full throttle again in a future installment. Great read!

[Claudio Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading the fifteenth book in the series and decided to write the first review, not on this book but on the series in general. I've read a few comments and they are all undeniably true. The fact is that you either love or hate a series of books like this. Obviously many situations may appear repetitive, basically it is the story of a profiler who finds serial killers, it is true that in all the books there are boring repetitions (such as the purpose of the HSS - Homicide Special Section, the description of the physical traits of the characters , some details of their past, etc...), I believe to ensure that the book can be read stand alone having a minimal conception of the background story. Personally, what I particularly like is the description and psychological evolution of the characters. This makes books enjoyable in my opinion, so far I haven't gotten bored yet and I'm moving forward with reading. Don't expect to find a treatise on psychotherapy, this is not the purpose of such a book, but for an average reader like me, the work done by the writer is appreciable. I'm a lover of thrillers, so I also like the part purely concerning the investigation, I find it to be written in a very pleasant way, even if it doesn't reach extreme heights. To conclude: would I recommend it? The answer is yes

[Deanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jessie is THE WORST HUMAN ALIVE. She is being so incredibly mean and unrealistic with Kat regarding their friendship. Jessie needs to move on and realize not everything is about her. Kat was being a good support to Hannah and no one else was giving her any attention. Hannah needs real help and Jessie is too worried about Ryan and her own life. They both saved each other's lives in this book and she STILL isn't ready to forgive and move on? Kat, you're better off without her. Moving on, there is no disguise in the world that would make me believe a serial killer is actually a poor old lady. Um hello, wasn't the voice different? For two professionals in the field, you are both way too easily tricked. Get a new job - everyone. Except Kat - you're the best. The actual murder story? Eh.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed some proof-reading and edit care.

[Ashley Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

These plots are getting ridiculous. And does anybody even proofread these? Way too many errors. I started out really liking this series, they are getting worse with each one.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #14 - I love a good series and this one started off great but now it's just gotten a bit repetitive. I find myself skimming over paragraphs at this point because they are just not necessary. I will say this one had a little twist towards the end but then fell flat - again. Plot - On Sunday, Jessie gets a called in to help solve the murder of an up and coming fashion influencer and she accepts the case but only through Tuesday because on Wednesday she has to go back to teaching. Umm, okay. In the meantime, serial killer Night Hunter is out there stalking her family. Again, okay. Naturally, Jessie solves the case. Naturally there is more cat and mouse with the serial killer and no resolution. I will say that the little twist at the end got me going only to get me frustrated in the end. Lots of repetition with the series. Why do I keep reading them? Good Question. I think I am hoping that the series will come to some sort of conclusion.

[❤️My Dog is my Best Friend❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am still not the biggest fan of these covers.

Or the recycling of plot.

But I still enjoyed reading this overall so I can’t complain too much. And despite the fact that I feel as if I have read the same story thousands of times over there is just enough uniqueness and cliffhangers that I keep getting dragged into the next one.

But the recycled plots wasn’t what annoyed me the most but Jessie’s sister Hannah. At what point will she become less aggravating? She knowingly puts herself in danger and never seems to grow despite knowing others can be put into danger too??? There is kind of this disregard for others safety that I wish would be more addressed. We know she has a psychological issue from the trauma but people around her really should do more about it. Especially since she wants to put herself in danger all the time because she doesn’t want to be bored.

I just can’t.

Content: talk about sex, violence, some language (b-word)

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Wow Blake's amazing thriller "The Perfect Deceit"

I am so invested in Jessie Hunt and her boyfriend Ryan and her sister Hannah, it hurts when someone's threatening their lives. I read the first chapter of this story and it was so intense 😰😰 that I had to give it a rest and then go back to it today. We still have the Night Stalker trying to kill her and she was working this case where the perpetrator was killing the victims by spraying acid in their face and injecting them with drain cleaner. So Jessie was pulled in two different ways, she wanted to do her job as LAPD profiler so the HHS program Ryan worked in would not be in trouble and they could catch the Night 🌃🌉 Stalker before he hurts her and her family. This story was intense but good. I of course am on to the next Jessie Hunt thriller. Get this book 📚📖 I highly recommend this Book 📚📖 it's a good read.

[Jana A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally love the books in this series. This one had a good storyline in general, but it was my least favorite for the following reasons. It seemed as if the editing process was either skipped or rushed. I found several errors (I stopped counting at ten): missing letters, missing words, grammatical errors, etc. There was even one page in the book that listed the wrong character's name (i.e. Jessie instead of Hannah). Also, I feel like there were a few parts of the story that were very unrealistic. Things that would never happen that way in real life.

Aside from all of the negative items I listed above, I did enjoy this book and I rated it a three instead of my usual five because of the items I mentioned above.

[gray · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one was just okay (actually that’s all of them but the killer here was boring) the best part was when she killed off my favorite side character. Anyways, I have a question about Ryan Hernandez. How was he this hot shot running HSS and getting all the cases, and so big and intimidating as Jessie likes to describe, when (before he is injured by Kyle) he doesn’t win a single fight! And he NEVER solves the case correctly! Ryan, you are not a good cop. Jessie, you are not a cop!!! I’m obsessed with this series, it is so poorly written yet just entertaining enough that it just numbs my mind all day at work.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. I listened to the book rather than read it, and I don’t know if I liked the narrator as much, but the story was still fantastic. Getting closer to an engagement? But not to getting the killer just started this whole series. I really enjoy that there are two stories going on at once. You will have the frame story That’s been going on for 14 books, and then the one within the story where you were trying to figure out the minor killer. This one with the photographer: crazy

[Lisa Hebting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Editing

As much as I love reading the Jessie Hunt series, the editing of Blake Pierce's books is horrible! I have read 14 books and continually find typos, words missing, words transposed, and even the wrong character's name used! I have even recommended the books to others as a good read and they have found the poor editing as well. I may finish the Jessie Hunt series, but not sure I can start another of his series. I get so irritated when I come across the editing mistakes! Maybe your trying to put out too many books too fast! Quality should override quantity!

[Jeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. Repetition seems even more in this book, to the extent it's become annoying.

This story starts with newly married couples in high-end suburbs found murdered. At first it's - is there a connection? After the 3rd, it's who or what is the connection? Jessie is asked to help with solving this.

The 2nd tier story of the Night Hunter stalking Jessie and family continues, as well as Hannah's mental health issues; whether Jessie & Kat can mend their friendship; and where is Jessie & Ryan's relationship going.

[Amanda Roberts-Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

This book series is an absolute triumph of suspense and thrilling storytelling. The author masterfully crafts each installment, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The FBI agent protagonist is compelling, and their pursuit of justice is both gripping and expertly depicted. The writing is of a remarkably high caliber, filled with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue. This is a truly fast-paced and unforgettable reading experience that I wholeheartedly recommend.

[Caitlyn Hauser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm committed to finishing this series because it is really good, but there is so much storyline repetition throughout. If I'm on book 14, I don't need to read scenario synopses from multiple previous books in the series. Also, there are a ton of editing issues in this book. Even the wrong character is named in one conversation. I really love the story, I just wish it was less repetitive and edited better.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

If HSS is so elite.. how did not 1 but 2 HSS detectives not realize that man was wearing a fake… let me stop I don’t want to spoil. but BFFR!!! i don’t mind an easy read but Pierce is insulting the readers intelligence atp. Also enough with the repetition we get it.. by book 14, WE GET IT!!

Also the editing errors? HOW.. this book is not that long for there to be that many errors.

And please no more body and age shaming.It’s weird and doesn’t add anything to the plot.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She was bringing the hunt to him."

Whoa!

So much going on! I really appreciate the ongoing message of mental health and self care. It's so vital.

I just wish that Ryan also sought help.

This was a busy book. In a way, I felt sympathy for the assailant. Everyone longs to be loved and to love. But they just chose the wrong way around it.

WaHoo! Onto Book #15. Just under 1/2 way through the series!!!!

🎉👏🎉

[Natacha · Rating 1 out of 5]

The repetition is insane. If they took out the repetition, the book would be at around 60-70% new material in my opinion. And is every book going to be about swingers???? Come on man. There are so many other reasons why ppl commit murders. This is just lazy.

Spoiler alert

The book mentioned the safe room was only secure by drywall multiple times yet Ryan didn’t think to shoot through the wall…….BIGGEST EYE ROLL EVER. Time to find a new series.

[Lucy Appadoo]

I absolutely love the Jesse Hunt thrillers, and this one was scary with its notorious serial killer, The Night Hunter, who is extremely hard to catch. The characters are smart and interesting, and the plotline is a page-turner. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Well worth the read!

[Ixa Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does anyone else panic at those extermely close calls or is it just me?!
Like all the other books in this series, it is a must read!!
I really liked the development regarding Hannah in this book. I can't wait to see what actually happens there in future books! Also, I am a bit in love with Jessie so what's not to love about this book?!
100% recommended.

[Abhi Bhattacharyya · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was engaging in parts, and I had to rush through the book to know the ending. I never got around understanding why, apart from knowing that the person was crazy! I knew the book is part of the series, where not all the missing parts will be nicely tied up. Good that I didn't pay for this, but an okay afternoon read.

[Christie Gerren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Perfect Deceit, book fourteen.

I have read all 14 books in this series, some have been much better than others and I have also enjoyed the continuing story line of Jessie Hunt and her continuing romantic relationship with detective Hernandez. Though the author needs to stop being so repetitive in his stories. In every book he is basically recapping previous books and it is driving me crazy!!

[Cristina Volpin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potessi darei 3.5 stelline
Sto continuando la serie perché la voglio finire ma sembra il classico telefilm che: faccio la seconda stagione perché è piaciuta la prima .
Storia gialla: carina ma non ho capito il movente e anche come l hanno trovato il colpevole: a botta di fortuna.
Lei insopportabile. Finale veramente assurdo

[Mahnoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books in the series... Hannah tries to run away from home but that doesn't work. Jessie and her family are being watched by the night hunter which is why she is trying to protect her family but her sister thinks otherwise. It was quite the cliff hanger in the last book because I wanted to know what Hannah had done.

[Kimberly Rolston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Jessie Hunt book. I listen to the audio books and the new reader took some getting used to, but I was good. The whole book is only over 2-3 days, which seems so weird. I'm glad to see some progress in Hannah. I was getting a little tired of her being so ridiculous! I understand she's only 17, but from book to book, she was just out of control

[Dorothy Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

As usual Blake did it again I loved the book but was disappointed with the ending it just left me saying (o no)I highly recommend this book to everyone and all of his other books Dorothy Schaefer

[Allison Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one better than some of the last few in the series! Both of the cases in this book were suspenseful and entertaining (despite being gruesome). Thought the ending was good and sets up the next one nicely! 🎧

[Julianne Nunnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Deceit is A real cliffhanger of a novel. I love the characters, and you never know what is next with Jessica, Ryan or Hannah. The storyline kept my interest until the end and made me want to see what would happen next. Now for book 15!