What do you think?
Rate this book
Finley #2
Deception
Five men vanish from their homes without a single piece of evidence left behind.
The police are stumped – until the most recent victim is found. Alive. And he demands to speak to me.
At Captain Taylor's request, I join the investigation. This time, I’m confined to the boring restraints of the law. Finley Williams, former vigilante turned consultant criminal profiler. How times have changed.
When we discover the victims’ bodies, it becomes clear – this killer is unlike any predator I've encountered before.
Tom remains relentless in his pursuit to prove the identity of the Marcel Sniper. As the months go by and a sniper kills two men, I realise the people closest to me are out to destroy the life I fought for and will die to protect.
If only victim number five didn't survive …
The police are stumped – until the most recent victim is found. Alive. And he demands to speak to me.
At Captain Taylor's request, I join the investigation. This time, I’m confined to the boring restraints of the law. Finley Williams, former vigilante turned consultant criminal profiler. How times have changed.
When we discover the victims’ bodies, it becomes clear – this killer is unlike any predator I've encountered before.
Tom remains relentless in his pursuit to prove the identity of the Marcel Sniper. As the months go by and a sniper kills two men, I realise the people closest to me are out to destroy the life I fought for and will die to protect.
If only victim number five didn't survive …
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2020
6 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Mariëtte Whitcomb
11 books111 followersMariëtte Whitcomb studied criminology and psychology at the University of Pretoria. An avid reader of psychological thrillers and true crime books, writing allows her to pursue her childhood dream to hunt criminals, albeit fictional and born in the darkest corners of her imagination.
When Mariëtte isn’t writing, she’s either rock climbing or working on her golf swing.
When Mariëtte isn’t writing, she’s either rock climbing or working on her golf swing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 30, 2021
Finley is back!!!!
Do I need to say any more than that? – For those who have read the first book in the series; Orca, those three words are all that is needed to say, our unconventional heroine is back and this time she must at least try to stick to the rules to find the latest serial killer on the loose. Old faces appear and new ones are introduced to us.
Deception is the second book in the new and highly addictive Finley Series, the starts off more or less from where the first book finishes, so if you haven’t read Orca yet then I would advise you to read that one first, even though I suppose each can be read as stand-alone but as there are so many factors that connect the two books and to fully know Finley for the woman she is now, you need to ‘meet’ her when she is at her most vulnerable in the first book and then you will fully appreciate how far she has come as a character.
In the first book, we see a fragile and deeply unhappy, depressed and lonely young woman who had been to hell and back, we saw her claw her way out of the darkness of her mind and become an avenging angel, we see that spark of romance and a hint of happily ever after. Now, Finley is in a much better place she has found love, her life has fallen into some kind of normality she has found a calling in the form of her new career as a criminal profiler – she hasn’t quite hung up vigilant (or as I labelled her in the previous book’s review; bat-woman) and all is well – that is until a blast from the past (or previous book) suddenly turns up and she is asked to help with a new case and once again her life is rocked again, plus not to mention her godfather Tom is once again on the hunt for the notorious ‘Marcel’ and trying his hardest to prove that Aidan is the ruthless sniper – which does cause a fair bit of friction as Finley and Aidan are now an item.
Finley is once again on the fierce, protective, determined, frightening, defender of the innocent mode. She is a brilliant character, so many complexities about her are still peeking through and you know that there is so much more to learn about her as this series goes on. Finley is an amazing character, she isn’t what you would usually call a hero but there is something very mesmerizing about her. This time around she gets called in to profile a new serial killer, the case is far more complicated than anyone thinks – even the reader, oh what a tangled web…
As with the previous book; Orca this is an incredibly hard-hitting story, yet this one is more about the case than Finley’s nightly exploits, it’s gritty and edgy but there is something a bit different about this one, maybe because now we are on to a new chapter of Finley’s life, or that the twists from the previous book left such an impact on me that I have now done a complete u-turn and see certain aspects in a completely different light. Whatever it is, this book is completely absorbing, the development of Finley’s character especially is a masterpiece of writing, I can’t wait to see where her journey will take her next.
I was completely gripped by Deception, it’s a dark, edgy, surprising, thrilling and compelling book that will keep you on your toes throughout. All you have to do is blink and you will miss something, your attention is kidnapped and trapped by the intoxicating and unbelievably twisty tale which spirals around the reader like a fine silky cobweb.
Finally, I have to mention these book covers, they are so eye-catching and striking, once you have read them you will see how well the covers match with the story, they work perfectly with each other, they are fabulous!
If you are interested in the first book then do check out my review of Orca here – Orca (Finley#1) by Mariette Whitcomb. I highly recommend you give it a read, it will blow your mind at how good it is!!
Do I need to say any more than that? – For those who have read the first book in the series; Orca, those three words are all that is needed to say, our unconventional heroine is back and this time she must at least try to stick to the rules to find the latest serial killer on the loose. Old faces appear and new ones are introduced to us.
Deception is the second book in the new and highly addictive Finley Series, the starts off more or less from where the first book finishes, so if you haven’t read Orca yet then I would advise you to read that one first, even though I suppose each can be read as stand-alone but as there are so many factors that connect the two books and to fully know Finley for the woman she is now, you need to ‘meet’ her when she is at her most vulnerable in the first book and then you will fully appreciate how far she has come as a character.
In the first book, we see a fragile and deeply unhappy, depressed and lonely young woman who had been to hell and back, we saw her claw her way out of the darkness of her mind and become an avenging angel, we see that spark of romance and a hint of happily ever after. Now, Finley is in a much better place she has found love, her life has fallen into some kind of normality she has found a calling in the form of her new career as a criminal profiler – she hasn’t quite hung up vigilant (or as I labelled her in the previous book’s review; bat-woman) and all is well – that is until a blast from the past (or previous book) suddenly turns up and she is asked to help with a new case and once again her life is rocked again, plus not to mention her godfather Tom is once again on the hunt for the notorious ‘Marcel’ and trying his hardest to prove that Aidan is the ruthless sniper – which does cause a fair bit of friction as Finley and Aidan are now an item.
Finley is once again on the fierce, protective, determined, frightening, defender of the innocent mode. She is a brilliant character, so many complexities about her are still peeking through and you know that there is so much more to learn about her as this series goes on. Finley is an amazing character, she isn’t what you would usually call a hero but there is something very mesmerizing about her. This time around she gets called in to profile a new serial killer, the case is far more complicated than anyone thinks – even the reader, oh what a tangled web…
As with the previous book; Orca this is an incredibly hard-hitting story, yet this one is more about the case than Finley’s nightly exploits, it’s gritty and edgy but there is something a bit different about this one, maybe because now we are on to a new chapter of Finley’s life, or that the twists from the previous book left such an impact on me that I have now done a complete u-turn and see certain aspects in a completely different light. Whatever it is, this book is completely absorbing, the development of Finley’s character especially is a masterpiece of writing, I can’t wait to see where her journey will take her next.
I was completely gripped by Deception, it’s a dark, edgy, surprising, thrilling and compelling book that will keep you on your toes throughout. All you have to do is blink and you will miss something, your attention is kidnapped and trapped by the intoxicating and unbelievably twisty tale which spirals around the reader like a fine silky cobweb.
Finally, I have to mention these book covers, they are so eye-catching and striking, once you have read them you will see how well the covers match with the story, they work perfectly with each other, they are fabulous!
If you are interested in the first book then do check out my review of Orca here – Orca (Finley#1) by Mariette Whitcomb. I highly recommend you give it a read, it will blow your mind at how good it is!!
May 8, 2021
Deception follows Finley into a new delicious chapter in her life...and the title fits perfectly. Just as you fall into Fin's new domestic side, you're reminded of how fierce she really is. The confines of the law won't stop her from tearing down evil nor will characters she thought she once loved stop her from protecting those she would kill for.
From a villain who isn't what she seems, characters we thought we knew from book one, and a situation that has more layers than a wedding cake, Deception is the perfect word to use for book 2 in this series. Proof that Mariette Whitcomb and Finley herself are always ten steps ahead of the reader.
From a villain who isn't what she seems, characters we thought we knew from book one, and a situation that has more layers than a wedding cake, Deception is the perfect word to use for book 2 in this series. Proof that Mariette Whitcomb and Finley herself are always ten steps ahead of the reader.
December 28, 2020
The next adventure began and did so with a curve ball that sets the tone for an incredible read!! The author crips you with every turn of the page, until the last sentence when you can not wait for the next book.
This book is an exiting read with twists that you never expect. The characters evolve and become friends and foes you love and hate.
Well done to the author for bringing the story to life and making you feel as if you are walking next to Finley.
An easy read wonderfully writen.
This book is an exiting read with twists that you never expect. The characters evolve and become friends and foes you love and hate.
Well done to the author for bringing the story to life and making you feel as if you are walking next to Finley.
An easy read wonderfully writen.
January 13, 2021
This book perfectly manages to capture the emotions stirred from the first of the series and take them to new heights. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommended all fans of gritty and dark novels to read this series. The author has created an incredible in-depth world with characters you can't help but become invested in and stories with the perfect amount of unexpected twists and turns.
December 28, 2020
Deception is gripping from the very first page. Not only is it incredibly well written but the story line keeps you hooked all the way through. Scenes and characters are so well described that I found myself submerged to the extent that I could almost see it all play out. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see how the plot further unfolds! Incredible read!
January 6, 2021
WOW, is actually not the correct word to use - Amaze balls sounds better!
It truly takes natural talent to keep one gripped and on a journey in any novel ever written, but in the case of Deception it's the ability to have your imagination run wild, to actually travel to each and every situation, each plot written and to visualize each character as if they are family or a friend.
After finishing Orca I personally could not wait to read Deception, I made new friends with Finlay and Lizzie (Actually relating to plots, situations and emotion) Deception had me cornered, one moment I was running ahead and the next I was trying to figure out what I missed - And that is what binds me to a novel. As you read chapter for chapter you get so more involved in the plots that you have flash backs of your own journey in life ( Finlay truly speaks of what we are to scared to mention - she touches your soul), scenarios and even situations from your past, the twists are excellently written the story line is a real life adventure.
Exceptionally written, BRAVO!
It truly takes natural talent to keep one gripped and on a journey in any novel ever written, but in the case of Deception it's the ability to have your imagination run wild, to actually travel to each and every situation, each plot written and to visualize each character as if they are family or a friend.
After finishing Orca I personally could not wait to read Deception, I made new friends with Finlay and Lizzie (Actually relating to plots, situations and emotion) Deception had me cornered, one moment I was running ahead and the next I was trying to figure out what I missed - And that is what binds me to a novel. As you read chapter for chapter you get so more involved in the plots that you have flash backs of your own journey in life ( Finlay truly speaks of what we are to scared to mention - she touches your soul), scenarios and even situations from your past, the twists are excellently written the story line is a real life adventure.
Exceptionally written, BRAVO!
Read
December 27, 2020What a wonderful book!!
The bond between the two sisters made me phone my own to reconnect.
For the rest there is never a dull moment... Jam packed full of twists and turns right to the last word! :-)
The bond between the two sisters made me phone my own to reconnect.
For the rest there is never a dull moment... Jam packed full of twists and turns right to the last word! :-)
January 2, 2021
This is the 1st book I've read written by Mariette Whitcomb; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2022
Having read the first in the series (Orca) I was excited to carry on with the series. Finley is back and just as ruthless and sharp-tongued as ever. Love her! But she has mellowed somewhat now she's married 🤣 ... well, sort of. I must admit I don't really like her husband as a character, but their chemistry is good. It's another fast paced psychological thriller, some great twists and snappy dialogue.
Good Points: I'll always love Finley! She's so cool and badass. My heart did break for her though at points (without giving too much away). The writing is easy to read and I really am enjoying this series. Can't wait to start the next one because this one ended on a great cliff-hanger!
Not so Good Points: I'm afraid I don't like any of the male characters. Not that they are badly written, but I just don't like them. Sorry!
Good Points: I'll always love Finley! She's so cool and badass. My heart did break for her though at points (without giving too much away). The writing is easy to read and I really am enjoying this series. Can't wait to start the next one because this one ended on a great cliff-hanger!
Not so Good Points: I'm afraid I don't like any of the male characters. Not that they are badly written, but I just don't like them. Sorry!
July 7, 2022
I thought the first book, Orca, was great… this one was topped it! The story progression was even better than the first. There were plenty of battles being fought, both physical and mental, there was just enough love and romance, and the ending? Well, I immediately bought book 3 because I knew I couldn’t read anything else next. Its the kind of series you rush through because you just can’t put the book down, and then you’re sad because it’s over so quickly.
January 15, 2021
Finley is back and more fierce than ever in book 2 of this series! Whitcomb weaved a wonderful plot that kept me guessing and much to my chagrin, left me hanging from a darn cliff!
I’m loving Finley’s series! Deception did not disappoint and I can’t wait to see what Whitcomb does with Binding Lies!
I’m loving Finley’s series! Deception did not disappoint and I can’t wait to see what Whitcomb does with Binding Lies!
December 13, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Loved this book. Plot, characters, everything is there for a great story.
See my full review on Instagram
Follow me @seb.reads
Loved this book. Plot, characters, everything is there for a great story.
See my full review on Instagram
Follow me @seb.reads
December 15, 2020
Struggled to put this book down, once I got going, I had to just see and find out what was going to happen next. I really enjoy the main character – Finley. Having got to know her in Orca and being part of her journey into and throughout Deception, her wittiness, dark and somewhat comical sarcasm really puts you as the reader there with her, in her mind and thoughts. The book is captivating, suspenseful with twists and turns as would be expected from any good read. Can’t wait for #3 of the Finley Series to come out!!
December 30, 2020
Finley has grown from strength to strength in this book. Her character is strong, fierce and yet incredibly empathetic. The story line kept me engaged from start to finish and I absolutely loved the sharp humor the author brought to the story, made me laugh out loud a few times. I am so happy the author is doing the release of her third novel shortly after Deception as I cannot wait to read what happens next!
December 31, 2020
This is a thrilling read with strong well developed characters and a gripping story line. The author paints her scenes in vivid detail and had me glued to the pages from start to finish with all the suspense and twists and turns as well as the humor. It's well written ,moves quickly and smoothly and is a fantastic book. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 21, 2025
This was my first Whitcomb read and it will not be the last. 5 stars well deserved. I was quickly part of the story, I loved some characters and some I just wanted to slap. Finley did it on my behalf. The romance was a delicate thread, woven throughout the thriller. The tension hammered into the reader's mind. I will have to read Finley#3.
December 29, 2020
Another exceptional gripping adventure that is called Fin's life! Love the twists and turns and moments that get you all excited... Wanting to read more and more! Can't wait for the next one!
November 22, 2023
It is a highly, addictive, adventurous series. I was completely immersed into the dark, suspenseful, and twisty tale that is incredibly well written. The characters are complex and described perfectly that the reader feels part of the journey that Finely experiences becoming more involved in the plot as the story progresses. The story was sensational and engaging, which ends on a fantastic cliffhanger. I rushed to get book 3 to see where the story takes me next. Mariette is a master at delivering a fast-paced, twisted psychological thriller.
May 31, 2021
Finley and Aidan’s story continues in book 2 of this series as they come out of the darkness and make a new life together. But the dark world doesn’t stop when Finley is called back home to profile a serial killer who is abducting, torturing, and killing men. Yet, one of the victims has survived and it is Finley’s ex, Ari, who is obsessed with Finley even though he knows she is married to Aidan.
While working on the case and dodging Ari’s advances, Finley and Aidan settle down in their new home as they discuss having a family. Finley’s sister Lizzie and her boyfriend, Eli (Ari’s friend) have asked Ari to move in with them as he recuperates from his harrowing experience. However, not everything is all as it seems with the people she once trusted and she has to fight for all that is precious by beating them at their own game of deception.
Finley and Aidan are a great pair. Finley is a warrior who used to live in the dark abyss tracking down vile rapists and murderers and getting her own revenge. Aidan saved her life from a horrific and violent abduction and he is her calm to her rage. Unfortunately, Finley’s godfather, Tom, is set on the idea that Aidan is the Marcel Sniper who Finley met during her dark days, so Finley has cut Tom out of her life. However, that hasn’t stopped him from doing everything he can, including convincing Ari that Aidan is the bad guy. As Finley gets closer to solving the killing spree, her life starts to go to pieces as her husband becomes a fugitive while she finds herself facing the abyss once again.
Ms. Whitcomb’s books aren’t so much romances as they are suspense thrillers. There is love and sex talk, but no scenes of sex, which sometimes distracts from suspense books. Yes, I do enjoy my sex scenes, but I enjoy the race to find a killer as well as finding revenge for those who turn on you.
Overall, this is a thrilling next chapter in the Finley series as she rises above her rage and fights for her own life and family while tracking down a killer and unraveling a conspiracy. Did I mention it ends in a cliffhanger?
Thank you to Ms. Whitcomb for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
While working on the case and dodging Ari’s advances, Finley and Aidan settle down in their new home as they discuss having a family. Finley’s sister Lizzie and her boyfriend, Eli (Ari’s friend) have asked Ari to move in with them as he recuperates from his harrowing experience. However, not everything is all as it seems with the people she once trusted and she has to fight for all that is precious by beating them at their own game of deception.
Finley and Aidan are a great pair. Finley is a warrior who used to live in the dark abyss tracking down vile rapists and murderers and getting her own revenge. Aidan saved her life from a horrific and violent abduction and he is her calm to her rage. Unfortunately, Finley’s godfather, Tom, is set on the idea that Aidan is the Marcel Sniper who Finley met during her dark days, so Finley has cut Tom out of her life. However, that hasn’t stopped him from doing everything he can, including convincing Ari that Aidan is the bad guy. As Finley gets closer to solving the killing spree, her life starts to go to pieces as her husband becomes a fugitive while she finds herself facing the abyss once again.
Ms. Whitcomb’s books aren’t so much romances as they are suspense thrillers. There is love and sex talk, but no scenes of sex, which sometimes distracts from suspense books. Yes, I do enjoy my sex scenes, but I enjoy the race to find a killer as well as finding revenge for those who turn on you.
Overall, this is a thrilling next chapter in the Finley series as she rises above her rage and fights for her own life and family while tracking down a killer and unraveling a conspiracy. Did I mention it ends in a cliffhanger?
Thank you to Ms. Whitcomb for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
June 8, 2021
The second book in the Finley series of which 'Orca' is the first. Immediately I will say if you fancy 'Deception' read 'Orca' first.
Marriëtte Whitcombe has done it again! I read 'Orca' and knew I needed to read more about Finley. This story is just as excellent as 'Orca'. The cover to 'Deception' is just as striking as the first and it just screams "Read me" again.
I did wonder if this book would be able to match my expectations that I had after 'Orca' but I shouldn't have worried...I loved returning to Finley's world. I have to say that Marriëtte's character development has continued as it began and I was away in that world as soon as I began this book. I was back with the friends I felt I had made previously.
I cannot put into words how much I enjoy this series of books and the character of Finley. She is a strong, fiesty and very fierce woman who will do what she needs to get things done...and prefers her own ways to sticking within the law.
A story that is as vivid and different as before, with the promise of a third book as soon as I had ended my journey, here I was raring to go.
Massive thanks go to Emma at Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Marriëtte Whitcombe for allowing me to join in Finley's journey for all the series and gifting me the copy of the book.
Marriëtte Whitcombe has done it again! I read 'Orca' and knew I needed to read more about Finley. This story is just as excellent as 'Orca'. The cover to 'Deception' is just as striking as the first and it just screams "Read me" again.
I did wonder if this book would be able to match my expectations that I had after 'Orca' but I shouldn't have worried...I loved returning to Finley's world. I have to say that Marriëtte's character development has continued as it began and I was away in that world as soon as I began this book. I was back with the friends I felt I had made previously.
I cannot put into words how much I enjoy this series of books and the character of Finley. She is a strong, fiesty and very fierce woman who will do what she needs to get things done...and prefers her own ways to sticking within the law.
A story that is as vivid and different as before, with the promise of a third book as soon as I had ended my journey, here I was raring to go.
Massive thanks go to Emma at Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Marriëtte Whitcombe for allowing me to join in Finley's journey for all the series and gifting me the copy of the book.
April 3, 2023
I'm going to be part of a blog tour for this book, starting on May 30th: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/dec...
Finley is back with another dark, thrilling case!
In Orca, we met Finley just after she returned home from being held as a prisoner of war. Unable to cope with the world’s atrocities, she turns to vigilantism to fill her sleepless nights. Now, she has fallen in love and settled down a bit, but that doesn’t change the badass she is.
I liked that this book was more case-oriented, as Finley is working to complete her degree to become an official criminal profiler. It felt closer to the police procedurals that I love, although I also really enjoyed the vigilante aspect of Orca. I also really liked that we got to see a bit more of Finley’s personal side, as she gets married and begins trying to conceive. She’s a little more human and a little easier to relate to in this book, which was certainly an interesting contrast to Orca! I’m rooting for her, her love story, and her mission to rid the world of a little more evil.
Whitcomb certainly does an amazing job of spinning incredibly twisty tales. In both books I've read, I have had no idea what to expect. Deception ends with another whiplash-inducing cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out in Binding Lies!
Finley is back with another dark, thrilling case!
In Orca, we met Finley just after she returned home from being held as a prisoner of war. Unable to cope with the world’s atrocities, she turns to vigilantism to fill her sleepless nights. Now, she has fallen in love and settled down a bit, but that doesn’t change the badass she is.
I liked that this book was more case-oriented, as Finley is working to complete her degree to become an official criminal profiler. It felt closer to the police procedurals that I love, although I also really enjoyed the vigilante aspect of Orca. I also really liked that we got to see a bit more of Finley’s personal side, as she gets married and begins trying to conceive. She’s a little more human and a little easier to relate to in this book, which was certainly an interesting contrast to Orca! I’m rooting for her, her love story, and her mission to rid the world of a little more evil.
Whitcomb certainly does an amazing job of spinning incredibly twisty tales. In both books I've read, I have had no idea what to expect. Deception ends with another whiplash-inducing cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out in Binding Lies!
September 16, 2023
Okay, so to be VERY honest, this book didn't start off the way I thought it would, I get it needed to lead up to how book 1 ended.... The beginning of the book was a little annoying with Aiden & Fin, was just too much lol buuuuutttt.....
About 10% in did it really start to REALLY draw me in & then I just couldn't put the book down, and I had to know how the story ended only to be shocked and left with more question 🙈
Tom had me wanting to murder him every time he opened his mouth 🙄
I know I said they annoyed me buuuuuuuut ....... further into the book, Aiden was like every women's dream, he was always there for Fin and never judged her but embraced all she had to offer, the good, the bad and the ugly and vice versa. I'm absolutely in love with this couple!
Ari was a little annoying, but at the same time, something just never felt right about the whole situation, and boy, was I right! Like this man is not sane! But I couldn't put the book down and I needed to see how this ended and boy was I surprised! Book 3 here we come cause oh my word!
About 10% in did it really start to REALLY draw me in & then I just couldn't put the book down, and I had to know how the story ended only to be shocked and left with more question 🙈
Tom had me wanting to murder him every time he opened his mouth 🙄
I know I said they annoyed me buuuuuuuut ....... further into the book, Aiden was like every women's dream, he was always there for Fin and never judged her but embraced all she had to offer, the good, the bad and the ugly and vice versa. I'm absolutely in love with this couple!
Ari was a little annoying, but at the same time, something just never felt right about the whole situation, and boy, was I right! Like this man is not sane! But I couldn't put the book down and I needed to see how this ended and boy was I surprised! Book 3 here we come cause oh my word!
October 23, 2021
Whaaaaat just happened! Another fantastic read! I have really enjoyed continuing Finley’s story, especially after the cliff hangar dropped at the end of the last book!
Deception is aptly named, as I was constantly trying to figure everything out with all the twists and turns! What happened to Ari? Is Aiden who he seems? This book had me asking so many questions and I couldn’t get through this book quick enough to find the answers!
I really don’t want to give out any spoilers but I really recommend going back to read Orca (book 1) as this is a must read series!
I am so excited to start book 3, Binding Lies!
Deception is aptly named, as I was constantly trying to figure everything out with all the twists and turns! What happened to Ari? Is Aiden who he seems? This book had me asking so many questions and I couldn’t get through this book quick enough to find the answers!
I really don’t want to give out any spoilers but I really recommend going back to read Orca (book 1) as this is a must read series!
I am so excited to start book 3, Binding Lies!
May 27, 2021
In my review of Orca I said: “Along the way, Finley meets two men, both of whom she has a relationship with (I know who I prefer)…”
I’m afraid I have a confession to make. The one I preferred was Ari. When I started reading Deception, I secretly hoped that Aidan was a) the Marcel Sniper and b) that he would get his comeuppance and Finley would be reunited with Ari. I can’t warm to Aidan – any man who called me ‘woman’ or ‘wife’ would get a smack in the chops. Or a man who booked a holiday without my input, chose my dress for me and finally bought OUR house without consulting me would get short shrift (just ask my husband).
However, now I have got that off my chest, I loved Deception. I read it in two sittings. The pace is relentless. Firstly we have a serial killer who chose Ari as their fifth victim and he is the only one to survive. In her new career as a profiler, Finley must try and decipher who the killer is and what is their motive. Why keep the victims for months and then dispatch them brutally and without giving it a second thought? Why were three kept for six months and the other two for three months? Finley is baffled – initially – but we know she’ll work it out.
In the meantime, sister Lizzie is still with Eli (who we met in Orca). And Finley has fallen out big time with godfather Tom who believes Aidan is the Marcel Sniper and intends to prove it (so do I but that’s another story).
So here we have mystery upon mystery all revolving around the baddest badass in female crime novels. I can’t wait to get stuck into Binding Lies, especially as apparently there is a cult involved and I love nothing more than a crime novel that involves a cult. Go Finley!
Many thanks to @damppebbles for inviting me to be part of #damppebblesblogtours
I’m afraid I have a confession to make. The one I preferred was Ari. When I started reading Deception, I secretly hoped that Aidan was a) the Marcel Sniper and b) that he would get his comeuppance and Finley would be reunited with Ari. I can’t warm to Aidan – any man who called me ‘woman’ or ‘wife’ would get a smack in the chops. Or a man who booked a holiday without my input, chose my dress for me and finally bought OUR house without consulting me would get short shrift (just ask my husband).
However, now I have got that off my chest, I loved Deception. I read it in two sittings. The pace is relentless. Firstly we have a serial killer who chose Ari as their fifth victim and he is the only one to survive. In her new career as a profiler, Finley must try and decipher who the killer is and what is their motive. Why keep the victims for months and then dispatch them brutally and without giving it a second thought? Why were three kept for six months and the other two for three months? Finley is baffled – initially – but we know she’ll work it out.
In the meantime, sister Lizzie is still with Eli (who we met in Orca). And Finley has fallen out big time with godfather Tom who believes Aidan is the Marcel Sniper and intends to prove it (so do I but that’s another story).
So here we have mystery upon mystery all revolving around the baddest badass in female crime novels. I can’t wait to get stuck into Binding Lies, especially as apparently there is a cult involved and I love nothing more than a crime novel that involves a cult. Go Finley!
Many thanks to @damppebbles for inviting me to be part of #damppebblesblogtours
October 14, 2025
it has been a little while since I read the first one so I was a little bit lost at the start of this, but I quickly recovered and we pick up with Finley and Aiden. Aiden is whisking her away on a vacation that turns out to be.... Their wedding and during this time they get a call that Ari who disappeared is back and Finley is needed to help with his case... The body count is rising and Ari is not helping the situation at all. Actually, he's making things even more difficult for Finley. But as we progress she starts to put pieces together and is able to figure out a link between the victims. All alpha males that are kept for a period of time. Who is doing this is going to surprise you. You're going to have lots of emotions because 1 minute you're going to think it's one person and then the next minute you're going to think it's someone else. I would definitely recommend this one! I would read orca first.... In true series fashion we leave on a cliffhanger and boy do I need to read the next one.
January 26, 2021
What an amazing story line and love all the plots.
I struggled to put the book down as I just wanted to see what's going to happen next.
Keep up the good work and go Fin!!!
I struggled to put the book down as I just wanted to see what's going to happen next.
Keep up the good work and go Fin!!!
June 22, 2024
Flew through this one! I had to know what Tom was up to and enjoyed this new side of Finley. Again with the cliffhanger end so I had to go straight to #3! Good thing I got the set all together!
July 22, 2024
This is just getting better and better! Not as dark as book 1 but I cannot wait for justice and punishment to be dished out in book 3.
June 6, 2022
First, I love this dark and unique series. Mariëtte Whitcomb's storytelling is on another level. I don't know where she comes up with this stuff, but it's brilliant. It's dark, emotional, sexy, gritty, and thrilling. The tension never drops. Second, I love the covers and titles. I just had to add that because they're perfect! Third, that ending! Whitcomb always leaves you wanting more! I have a character that I'm rooting for, but I won't say the name because of spoilers, but I'm very invested in seeing what happens next.
I'm looking forward to Binding Lies and the next step in Finley's journey to uncover the truth!
I'm looking forward to Binding Lies and the next step in Finley's journey to uncover the truth!
January 23, 2024
3.5/5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews