The Art of Deception

by Alison Stone

He’s the only thing standing between her and a killer. After being attacked in her own store, Ellie Winters no longer considers her hometown a safe haven. Nor can she believe the lawman helping her recover is Johnny Rock, her former childhood friend—and the boy who once threw her family into turmoil. Though she's secretly happy to see Johnny again, he's only back to stop a drug ring. Too bad the trail leads straight to Ellie's shop. Despite their rocky history, Johnny knows the pretty business owner can't possibly be guilty. Now, with Johnny as the only thing standing between Ellie and a killer, he will do anything to keep her safe…and prove he's worthy of Ellie trusting him with her heart.

This book was formerly published as High-risk Homecoming by Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. This next stand-alone novel in The Thrill of Sweet Suspense series has a new title and cover.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2021

About the author

Alison Stone writes sweet romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational romantic suspense, some of which contain bonnets and buggies.

Alison often refers to herself as the "accidental Amish author." She decided to try her hand at the genre after an editor put a call out for more Amish romantic suspense. Intrigued—and who doesn't love the movie Witness with Harrison Ford?—Alison dug into research, including visits to the Amish communities in Western New York where she lives. This sparked numerous story ideas, the first leading to her debut novel with Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. Four subsequent Love Inspired Suspense titles went on to earn RT magazine's TOP PICK! designation, their highest ranking.

When Alison’s not plotting ways to bring mayhem to Amish communities, she’s writing inspirational romantic suspense with a more modern setting, sweet romances, and cozy mysteries, including her new Murphy's Dance Academy series. In order to meet her deadlines, she has to block the internet and hide her smartphone.

Married and the mother of four (almost) grown kids, Alison lives in the suburbs of Buffalo where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a book—or writing one.

Reviews

[Linda Rainey]

Nice Clean Romantic Suspense

This was a nice clean romantic suspicion sense filled with twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the awesome cast of characters.

[JoAnn McGowan]

Loved it

I love this author! She has a great way of bringing friendship, love , mystery and God I to this story!
Another thing I liked was the plot surrounding drug addiction, it is so prevalent in today’s world ! I hope it helps someone - as I’ve known of too many overdose
Thank you for the great book!

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review]

4.5 stars. This was a good story. It’s a clean, Christian romantic suspense and it’s not gruesome or scary. It’s light on the suspense aspect and a very enjoyable read. I recommend it. I thought I knew who was behind the crimes as the author writes in a way that directs the reader to think someone is behind it all but it wasn’t who I suspected, which was refreshing. I recommend this book.

[J. Smith]

Another Winner

I really enjoyed the Plain series and was so glad to see how prolific Ms.Stone has been in her life’s choice. The Art of Deception gave me a very entertaining evening. God has given her a wonderful gift.

[Karen Jones]

Good Mystery

When a FBI agent comes to a small town he had previously made drug arrests everyone is suspicious of him. He had been undercover on his previous assignment and had deceived some of the town. Now he is back investigating a drug ring. This also has romance.

[Harriett Henderson]

Great suspense.

Enjoyed the situation and the characters. The suspense was such that kept me reading nonstop to the very end. Try it.

[Terri Voth(TV)]

You never know!!

Best thing I can say about this book is that it's a nice feel good book that's easy reading. There's some action, romance, and good clean fun.