What do you think?
Rate this book
With Intent to Deceive
HE’S ABOUT TO UNCOVER A POWERHOUSE 9/11 CONSPIRACY THAT COULD BRING DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE…IF THEY DON’T BRING HIM DOWN FIRST.Investigating a corporate bankruptcy is a typical assignment for Mike Stanton’s forensic accounting firm. Security Systems Corporation, however, is owned by the President’s brother and therefore no ordinary company. Mike’s discovery of some very unusual connections between SSC and the tragedy of 9/11, just three years ago, raises alarms up the chain of command and before long has White House Chief of Staff Kevin Rome throwing up roadblocks. His suspicions raised, Mike keeps digging, prompting the appearance of a government liaison in the form of leggy brunette Mirabella D’Souza who is assigned to monitor his team and “help” with the federal investigation.
Wary at first, Mike is surprised to find that he and Mirabella become closer as they work, and with her assistance the bankruptcy investigation reveals ever more secret transactions. As the evidence mounts, so do the stakes—with the President up for reelection, Mike finds himself struggling to do his job in the face of escalated pushback from the Chief of Staff. When the Bankruptcy Trustee on the case and Mike’s best friend turns up dead, the accountant begins to understand the lengths to which someone will go to stop his probing. Unable to trust anyone—not even Mirabella, who has captured his guarded heart but whose loyalties remain conflicted—Mike must prove his theory and make his findings public before he loses everything he’s worked for…even, perhaps, his own life. And the ramifications of what he uncovers could change everything.
Wary at first, Mike is surprised to find that he and Mirabella become closer as they work, and with her assistance the bankruptcy investigation reveals ever more secret transactions. As the evidence mounts, so do the stakes—with the President up for reelection, Mike finds himself struggling to do his job in the face of escalated pushback from the Chief of Staff. When the Bankruptcy Trustee on the case and Mike’s best friend turns up dead, the accountant begins to understand the lengths to which someone will go to stop his probing. Unable to trust anyone—not even Mirabella, who has captured his guarded heart but whose loyalties remain conflicted—Mike must prove his theory and make his findings public before he loses everything he’s worked for…even, perhaps, his own life. And the ramifications of what he uncovers could change everything.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2020
47 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Michael Smigocki
2 books2 followersI am a CPA by trade who conducts forensic investigations of companies involved in complex financial litigation matters, fraud, bankruptcy, contract disputes, and other civil and criminal matters.
The Mike Stanton thriller series is a journey into the world of high stakes finance, political corruption, corporate espionage, fraud and white collar crime, and large dollar financial litigation.
The Mike Stanton thriller series is a journey into the world of high stakes finance, political corruption, corporate espionage, fraud and white collar crime, and large dollar financial litigation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 22, 2020
Author Michael Smigocki hits a home run with this suspense thriller around the deceptions of 9/11. A great historical fiction piece for a first-time novelist....or is it? Set in Washington, DC, this story line could just as easily be set in 2020 as twenty years earlier. Great character development in the protagonist, Mike Stanton, and the circle of people who help him unwind the forensic accounting intricacies of the plot. Glad to know this is the first book of a series, and looking forward to book #2 in the Mike Stanton series.
April 15, 2021
Michael Smigocki's debut novel is a fascinating thriller that I couldn't put down. With politics, national security, and forensic accounting the book reminds me of a Baldacci thriller but with a faster pace. The characters either win you over or you grow to hate them quickly. A story of lifelong friendship, possibly love, and mystery with each chapter. I can't wait for the next installment of Mike Stanton's investigative accounting. This character has a bright future to come!
February 26, 2024
I know nothing about forensic accounting (and I would never have thought it would be interesting at all), but this book not only made it interesting, it was a real page turner! Really enjoyed the character development, the references to places I know in the DC area, and the twists and turns of the plot. Congrats to the author, job well done! (Wish I could get the recipe for the mango vinaigrette…)
October 17, 2024
Great read!
One would never believe being a forensic accountant would be so dangerous. However, Smigocki has written an excellent thriller and I look forward to his next one.
Highly recommended this book.
One would never believe being a forensic accountant would be so dangerous. However, Smigocki has written an excellent thriller and I look forward to his next one.
Highly recommended this book.
September 10, 2020
Incredible suspenseful thriller! Can’t recommend it enough!
September 20, 2020
Couldn’t put it down! Very easy to read and kept me guessing.
October 6, 2020
I really do not understand such high ratings. Skipped half of the book, couldn't be bothered.
Read
January 11, 2022I always love to read a thriller set in DC-it’s fun when places you know are referenced - I really liked the main character Mike Staunton -a good guy!
Read
February 15, 2022Loved it! Whens the next book being release?
Currently reading
February 17, 2022excellent along the lines of a Grissom novel
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews