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Leah Nash Mysteries #9
Dangerous Deception
The murder of police captain Rob Porter sends shockwaves through the small town of Himmel.
And when a member of Rob's own department is arrested for the crime, everyone is stunned.
But journalist Leah Nash isn't buying it.
To her, the motive isn't plausible, the evidence is thin, and the investigation smacks of an overconfident detective eager to solve a high-profile murder. So when Leah's asked to do some digging for the defense, she jumps at the chance.
Leah starts tugging at a few loose threads in the case and discovers that Rob Porter was keeping some very ugly secrets—and not just his own. What she uncovers is a tangled web of deception, delusion, and obsession—with Rob at the center.
And as she nears the truth in a twisting tale of hidden motives and long-buried guilt, a killer with everything to lose will do anything to stop her.
And when a member of Rob's own department is arrested for the crime, everyone is stunned.
But journalist Leah Nash isn't buying it.
To her, the motive isn't plausible, the evidence is thin, and the investigation smacks of an overconfident detective eager to solve a high-profile murder. So when Leah's asked to do some digging for the defense, she jumps at the chance.
Leah starts tugging at a few loose threads in the case and discovers that Rob Porter was keeping some very ugly secrets—and not just his own. What she uncovers is a tangled web of deception, delusion, and obsession—with Rob at the center.
And as she nears the truth in a twisting tale of hidden motives and long-buried guilt, a killer with everything to lose will do anything to stop her.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2022
977 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hunter
29 books193 followersSusan Hunter is a happy introvert who lives with her husband Gary, an extreme extrovert, in rural Michigan.
She spent some years as a reporter and then as the managing editor of a small daily newspaper. From there Susan went on to work at a university in publications and marketing where she honed her skills at appearing engaged in academic meetings, while internally composing her grocery list. She also taught a few classes as well—in English composition, that is, not in faking your way through meetings.
In addition to writing the Leah Nash series, Susan enjoys reading other people’s writing, watching classic films, occasional walks and snarky conversation with old friends and family, eating chocolate chip cookies, and answering emails from her readers. Visit her website, susanhunterauthor.com
She spent some years as a reporter and then as the managing editor of a small daily newspaper. From there Susan went on to work at a university in publications and marketing where she honed her skills at appearing engaged in academic meetings, while internally composing her grocery list. She also taught a few classes as well—in English composition, that is, not in faking your way through meetings.
In addition to writing the Leah Nash series, Susan enjoys reading other people’s writing, watching classic films, occasional walks and snarky conversation with old friends and family, eating chocolate chip cookies, and answering emails from her readers. Visit her website, susanhunterauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 3, 2022
Dangerous Deception was a fun read. The story takes place in Himmel, Wisconsin. The main character is Leah Nash who is an an, ace reporter, true crime writer and author She is also co-owner with her mother of The Himmel Times Weekly. The other characters add to the story.. The story opens with police captain Rob Porter going fishing at his cabin. He is putting his vest on when he hears someone, His gun is on the dock. He looks up with his gun pointing at him and is shot. David Cooper is the Grantland County sheriff and Leah's boyfriend. calls Leah and tells her that Bob is missing and later that he has been murdered. Erin Harper who is a police woman is arrested for the murder. She originally says that she is innocent but later changes to guilty. Leah's old boyfriend, Gabe Hoffman who is Erin's lawyer asks Leah to help him with his case. She does but when Erin changes her plea she is taken off the case. Leah is determined to prove Erin's innocence that she goes out on her own to find out who killed Rob.
There is another part of the story involving Leah's nemesis, Spencer Karr who owns Go News, a digital only newspaper. While out on a bike ride with her senior reporter, Miguel Santos they find Spencer meeting with Harley Granger who has gotten out of prison and is rumored to be back in the drug business. Lots of things are happening and later the police are planning a raid to arrest the drug dealers.
Both parts of the story come to an exciting and surprising climax which leaves the reader not able to put the book down.
Thank you NetGalley and Seven River Publishing for this ARC.
There is another part of the story involving Leah's nemesis, Spencer Karr who owns Go News, a digital only newspaper. While out on a bike ride with her senior reporter, Miguel Santos they find Spencer meeting with Harley Granger who has gotten out of prison and is rumored to be back in the drug business. Lots of things are happening and later the police are planning a raid to arrest the drug dealers.
Both parts of the story come to an exciting and surprising climax which leaves the reader not able to put the book down.
Thank you NetGalley and Seven River Publishing for this ARC.
June 14, 2022
Dangerous Deception was a fun read. The story takes place in Himmel, Wisconsin. The main character is Leah Nash who is an an, ace reporter, true crime writer and author She is also co-owner with her mother of The Himmel Times Weekly. The other characters add to the story.. The story opens with police captain Rob Porter going fishing at his cabin. He is putting his vest on when he hears someone, His gun is on the dock. He looks up with his gun pointing at him and is shot. David Cooper is the Grantland County sheriff and Leah's boyfriend. calls Leah and tells her that Bob is missing and later that he has been murdered. Erin Harper who is a police woman is arrested for the murder. She originally says that she is innocent but later changes to guilty. Leah's old boyfriend, Gabe Hoffman who is Erin's lawyer asks Leah to help him with his case. She does but when Erin changes her plea she is taken off the case. Leah is determined to prove Erin's innocence that she goes out on her own to find out who killed Rob.
There is another part of the story involving Leah's nemesis, Spencer Karr who owns Go News, a digital only newspaper. While out on a bike ride with her senior reporter, Miguel Santos they find Spencer meeting with Harley Granger who has gotten out of prison and is rumored to be back in the drug business. Lots of things are happening and later the police are planning a raid to arrest the drug dealers.
Both parts of the story come to an exciting and surprising climax which leaves the reader not able to put the book down.
Thank you NetGalley and Seven River Publishing for this ARC.
There is another part of the story involving Leah's nemesis, Spencer Karr who owns Go News, a digital only newspaper. While out on a bike ride with her senior reporter, Miguel Santos they find Spencer meeting with Harley Granger who has gotten out of prison and is rumored to be back in the drug business. Lots of things are happening and later the police are planning a raid to arrest the drug dealers.
Both parts of the story come to an exciting and surprising climax which leaves the reader not able to put the book down.
Thank you NetGalley and Seven River Publishing for this ARC.
December 11, 2023
Still don't like the main character
Its nice that someone was actually mad at Leah and didn't apologize by the end of the book. Of course they're leaving town though...
Its time the police stopped arresting the wrong person to make Leah look good. I'm not even sure if she's good at her job since clues just fall in her lap or people in town share too much. Its time to switch it up.
Its nice that someone was actually mad at Leah and didn't apologize by the end of the book. Of course they're leaving town though...
Its time the police stopped arresting the wrong person to make Leah look good. I'm not even sure if she's good at her job since clues just fall in her lap or people in town share too much. Its time to switch it up.
July 23, 2022
Murderer to easy for me. SPOILER
I identified the murderer simply by their vocation. Same here too!
I probably should have kept count, but I’m thinking at least four out of four times when this character is introduce I peg them as the murderer. Talk about stereotyping.
I identified the murderer simply by their vocation. Same here too!
I probably should have kept count, but I’m thinking at least four out of four times when this character is introduce I peg them as the murderer. Talk about stereotyping.
April 20, 2023
Miss
Definitely the case of a stereotypical female journalist who is so narcissistic she constantly gets herself into trouble. You end up thinking she deserves all the problems she gets herself into.
Definitely the case of a stereotypical female journalist who is so narcissistic she constantly gets herself into trouble. You end up thinking she deserves all the problems she gets herself into.
November 11, 2023
Excellent read
Story continues, and oh my,Leah doesn't disappoint. She is one fiesty and demanding g lady.what did she do this time!
Story continues, and oh my,Leah doesn't disappoint. She is one fiesty and demanding g lady.what did she do this time!
June 10, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the ARC of this book!
The Police Captain in Himmel is murdered, another police officer is arrested for his murder, but investigative journalist Leah Nash doesn’t believe this is what happened. As she chases her own leads and theories, what she finds is a tangled web of deception and lies among nearly every potential suspect, and even people that were never thought to be suspects. But what she is trying to find the truth, there is someone that doesn’t want her to.
I haven’t read any other books in this series, but I never felt like I was missing out for one minute. If there was something that seemed to reference an earlier book, it was described really quickly, and then the author moved on. The pacing of this book is great, it is very dialogue driven, the chapters aren’t too long, and it makes it easy to get through. I was on board with Leah’s theories the whole time, though I had some of my own suspicions. But even my own suspicions were wrong. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, is that a little past the halfway mark of the book, it dragged on a bit and got a little bit repetitive. Otherwise, this is a great read, and I highly recommend it!
The Police Captain in Himmel is murdered, another police officer is arrested for his murder, but investigative journalist Leah Nash doesn’t believe this is what happened. As she chases her own leads and theories, what she finds is a tangled web of deception and lies among nearly every potential suspect, and even people that were never thought to be suspects. But what she is trying to find the truth, there is someone that doesn’t want her to.
I haven’t read any other books in this series, but I never felt like I was missing out for one minute. If there was something that seemed to reference an earlier book, it was described really quickly, and then the author moved on. The pacing of this book is great, it is very dialogue driven, the chapters aren’t too long, and it makes it easy to get through. I was on board with Leah’s theories the whole time, though I had some of my own suspicions. But even my own suspicions were wrong. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, is that a little past the halfway mark of the book, it dragged on a bit and got a little bit repetitive. Otherwise, this is a great read, and I highly recommend it!
July 10, 2022
The story begins with captain Rob Porter and his plans to become the next Chief of Police for the Himmel Police Department. Someone will not let that happen and he is murdered. As owner of the Himmel Times newspaper, Leah Nash was aware of Rob’s often spiteful treatment of others and not surprised that he met an untimely death. In her personal life, Leah and Sheriff David “Coop” Cooper have yet to announce their progress from friends to lovers. She hesitates to do so as she hates all the “hoopla”. Working on her fiction novel, she tries to stay out of the case, but she has a natural curiosity and wants to know who killed Rob and why. When an arrest is made, she agrees to help a local attorney with the investigation for his client, but she needs to tread carefully due to her personal relationship with Coop. There are several suspects including a man that Rob had arrested and who was just released from prison. A well thought out mystery with a surprise ending. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
May 30, 2022
Dangerous Deception is the 9th book in the Leah Nash series.
It's definitely the best one yet!
With the murder of the Local Police Captian,
the town is in shock.
When one of his police officers and Leah's friend is arrested
for the murder?
Leah steps in to investigate.
Clair asks Leah to let it go, she forgot that that's not in
Leah's mode of operation.
Leah uncovers deceptions that has gone on for years from
the captain, to just about everyone else involved.
One theory after another crumbles as Leah gets closer and closer
to the truth.
It's a truth that will crush several of the people Leah has known
for years, and many will never be the same again.
Susan Hunter has done a masterful job at leading you in the wrong
direction with this one.
When you think you have it figured out? You probably don't.
Put your thinking cap on for this one.
You're going to need it.
And I don't say that very often.
It's definitely the best one yet!
With the murder of the Local Police Captian,
the town is in shock.
When one of his police officers and Leah's friend is arrested
for the murder?
Leah steps in to investigate.
Clair asks Leah to let it go, she forgot that that's not in
Leah's mode of operation.
Leah uncovers deceptions that has gone on for years from
the captain, to just about everyone else involved.
One theory after another crumbles as Leah gets closer and closer
to the truth.
It's a truth that will crush several of the people Leah has known
for years, and many will never be the same again.
Susan Hunter has done a masterful job at leading you in the wrong
direction with this one.
When you think you have it figured out? You probably don't.
Put your thinking cap on for this one.
You're going to need it.
And I don't say that very often.
July 10, 2022
Ms. Hunter continues to bring her skillful writing and sharp mind to the table as she spins another tale of intrigue and murder. Her main characters, Leah, Coop, Miguel, and Leah’s mom, are likable, while the many other characters seem to go around like they are on a merry-go-round of suspects. One or two might jump on, while someone else might fall off the suspect list. Like Leah, you never know which one(s) might be guilty of murder, but each little thread that she pulls in her quest for the truth lands her in trouble with someone. The conclusion was a total surprise to me, and it was satisfying to see all those loose ends tied up and questions answered. Ms Hunter has become a favorite of mine in this genre, and I look forward to her next book. I received an advanced copy of this book from SRP Mystery and Thriller Books, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 28, 2022
Leah Nash, former reporter, now author (switching from true crime to fiction) – is promising to only work on her book, not trying to micro manage the “Himmel Times Weekly” she co-owns with her mom, but will it hold when Police Captain, Rob Porter is found dead at his cabin, shot while fishing, she gets side tracked finding his killer.
Rob was not liked by all, and when Erin, a police officer is charged and arrested, Leah’s old boyfriend Gabe asks Leah for help.
Erin first claims not guilty, but as days go by she changes it to guilty. Why? Who is she protecting?
At the same time the “Times” rival “Go News” seems to have personnel issues, or is it more?
It keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for an early read in exchange for my opinion.
Rob was not liked by all, and when Erin, a police officer is charged and arrested, Leah’s old boyfriend Gabe asks Leah for help.
Erin first claims not guilty, but as days go by she changes it to guilty. Why? Who is she protecting?
At the same time the “Times” rival “Go News” seems to have personnel issues, or is it more?
It keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for an early read in exchange for my opinion.
July 12, 2022
A mystery filled with plenty of twists and turns.
This latest Leah Nash story starts with a bang – literally - and takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride that is at times mildly relaxing until it slams into a hard fall or sharp bend. Once again, the story is filled with memorable characters along with Leah who is herself very memorable. I can honestly say this is a story where I can say “I never saw that coming.” There were enough “red herrings” in the hunt for Rob’s killer that when it became clear who would be identified I was fully expecting at least another twist and sure enough there it was. If you enjoy a good who-done-it Dangerous Deception is a must read. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
This latest Leah Nash story starts with a bang – literally - and takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride that is at times mildly relaxing until it slams into a hard fall or sharp bend. Once again, the story is filled with memorable characters along with Leah who is herself very memorable. I can honestly say this is a story where I can say “I never saw that coming.” There were enough “red herrings” in the hunt for Rob’s killer that when it became clear who would be identified I was fully expecting at least another twist and sure enough there it was. If you enjoy a good who-done-it Dangerous Deception is a must read. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
February 9, 2024
Same Underlying Theme is Getting Old
Every book in this series has the same recurring theme over and over in every book. Leah trying to convince the police department that she should be treated as an equal in a crime investigation. Her relentlessly plowing her way into every investigation as if she should have the same access to a case as the police. Her not thinking before she opens her mouth. Her getting ticked off at everything someone says if they don't agree with and being brazen with anyone in her path as a result. I really want to know if she comes to her senses and fully commits to Coop, but I'm not sure I can read another book in the series with the same underlying theme and repeat conversations in every book.
Every book in this series has the same recurring theme over and over in every book. Leah trying to convince the police department that she should be treated as an equal in a crime investigation. Her relentlessly plowing her way into every investigation as if she should have the same access to a case as the police. Her not thinking before she opens her mouth. Her getting ticked off at everything someone says if they don't agree with and being brazen with anyone in her path as a result. I really want to know if she comes to her senses and fully commits to Coop, but I'm not sure I can read another book in the series with the same underlying theme and repeat conversations in every book.
July 15, 2022
Oh what a tangled web …
As with all the books in the Leah Nash series, Dangerous Deceptions is a 5-star read. Leah once again finds herself doggedly following a path that carries her around unexpected twists and turns (and a blind alley or two) to find the truth and solve a murder. I love everything about this series - the small-town setting, the easy naturalness of the dialogue and the many unexpected twists that kept me guessing. But I especially love the well-drawn characters who populate Leah’s life. I wish I could get to meet them all in person over a Bonnucci’s pizza to get to know them better. Guess I’ll just have to be patient and wait fot the next installment.
As with all the books in the Leah Nash series, Dangerous Deceptions is a 5-star read. Leah once again finds herself doggedly following a path that carries her around unexpected twists and turns (and a blind alley or two) to find the truth and solve a murder. I love everything about this series - the small-town setting, the easy naturalness of the dialogue and the many unexpected twists that kept me guessing. But I especially love the well-drawn characters who populate Leah’s life. I wish I could get to meet them all in person over a Bonnucci’s pizza to get to know them better. Guess I’ll just have to be patient and wait fot the next installment.
May 27, 2022
I'm not sure how I feel about Dangerous Deception by Susan Hunter. It took a bit for me to invest in the story and the characters. They all seemed kind of cookie-cutter and flat.
Two storylines were happening in the book: the murder investigation and the main character's relationship with her nemesis in another newspaper.
I am glad I finished the book, and the storyline kept my interest.
I did like the ending and was surprised. I would recommend this book and this author. I will also check out other books by Susan Hunter.
#DangerousDeception #NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
Two storylines were happening in the book: the murder investigation and the main character's relationship with her nemesis in another newspaper.
I am glad I finished the book, and the storyline kept my interest.
I did like the ending and was surprised. I would recommend this book and this author. I will also check out other books by Susan Hunter.
#DangerousDeception #NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
July 9, 2022
Leah Nash is a small town writer and book author, her boyfriend, Coop, is the town sheriff. Leah seems to find herself in the middle of trouble everywhere she goes. Recently, Rob Porter, a local police officer was murdered, the suspect, another policewoman was the major suspect. Leah, didn't think that Erin could or would murder Rob, she set out to prove she was right. This was an excellent book, with lots of twists and turns and suspects changing every chapter. I never guessed the true murder and why they killed Rob Porter. Five plus book.
July 26, 2022
I enjoyed Dangerous Deception even though it is book 9 in a series readers can jump right in because it pretty much your basic murder mystery story along with basic strong woman her pain in the butt nemesis, relationship issues along with a murder to solve. What did set this story apart was the ending. I have to admit these readers didn't see it coming or maybe it was because it no longer felt like a basic murder mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Susan Hunter Dangerous Deception
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Susan Hunter Dangerous Deception
January 24, 2024
The murder of Himmel Police Captain Rob Porter, and a surprising arrest and subsequent confession, lead Leah Nash into an investigation that she would later wish she had stayed well out of. Add to that the surprising arrest of someone in her orbit as part of a drug investigation involving her new lover, and Sheriff, Coop, and you have arguably the best yet in this series. If, like me, you figured much of the ending out early, it doesn’t detract from Leah’s dogged pursuit of the truth, and the wonderful relationships Susan Hunter creates that make you want to move to Himmel, WI.
July 14, 2022
This is a good series! The characters are interesting and well developed. I do however sometimes find Leah pushy and kind of abrasive, which ends up being a bit of a drawback for me, but my overall enjoyment of the storyline tempers my dissatisfaction with her. The mystery is well crafted, holds your interest, provides plenty of suspects, keeps you guessing and has an ending that is unexpected and that you may not see coming.
July 14, 2022
Another great Leah Nash novel.A very tangled web will pull you into this intriguing storyline. A murder of a police captain who was hated by many produces multiple suspects who are all lying. Leah is determined to get to the truth and doggedly pursues every lead. The ending was a complete surprise which I didn’t see coming. Great dialogue between the fully developed characters. Recommend the series.
July 28, 2022
This is a first rate mystery! When a fellow officer is charged with a police captain’s murder, journalist Leah Nash thinks they wrong person has been arrested. Great storytelling, well developed characters and a beautifully twisty plot kept be reading until the unexpected conclusion. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
July 22, 2023
Book #9 of the Leah Nash Mysteries
I have read all of the previous books in this series and this one wasn’t one of my favorites. Leah Nash is at it again stopping at nothing to find the truth in a murder case. She puts herself in dangerous situations that almost gets her killed. She leaves no stone unturned until she gets to the truth. This story seemed a little less believable than the previous books, but I still enjoyed reading it and finished it within 24 hours.
I have read all of the previous books in this series and this one wasn’t one of my favorites. Leah Nash is at it again stopping at nothing to find the truth in a murder case. She puts herself in dangerous situations that almost gets her killed. She leaves no stone unturned until she gets to the truth. This story seemed a little less believable than the previous books, but I still enjoyed reading it and finished it within 24 hours.
June 25, 2022
Leah Nash is back, and, as usual, is juggling her writing career while trying to stay out of the way in the newspaper that she co=owns. With her personal life somewhat in order, she should be focused on fulfilling her book contract. But, there's a suspicious death in Himmel and Leah just has to know what happened...
Thanks to Severn River Publishing for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley.
Thanks to Severn River Publishing for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley.
July 14, 2022
Great characters. Very interesting story. Leah doesn't stop until the truth is revealed. She's quirky, funny and has great instincts. These books keep getting better and this might be the best one yet. It definitely keeps you guessing. If you like mysteries, suspense with humor and fabulous characters then you must read this series.
July 19, 2022
Worth the wait
As always Leah’s innate need for truth keeps her in the game after everyone else has folded - including her - until her eagle eye catches a tiny unexpected clue that unraveled the closed case. Of course now that she and Coop are “together” there is that need to define “together” that I suspect will be with us for a few more books.
As always Leah’s innate need for truth keeps her in the game after everyone else has folded - including her - until her eagle eye catches a tiny unexpected clue that unraveled the closed case. Of course now that she and Coop are “together” there is that need to define “together” that I suspect will be with us for a few more books.
July 26, 2022
Deception at its Best!
Susan Hunter delivers another great Leah Nash mystery. A roller coaster tide from beginning to end and just when you think you have got it all figured out, there is a new twist. You felt Leah's frustrations as she fought through various scenarios to finally solve the mystery. I'm sure you will enjoy this latest Leah Nash adventure as much as I did.
Susan Hunter delivers another great Leah Nash mystery. A roller coaster tide from beginning to end and just when you think you have got it all figured out, there is a new twist. You felt Leah's frustrations as she fought through various scenarios to finally solve the mystery. I'm sure you will enjoy this latest Leah Nash adventure as much as I did.
November 1, 2024
Dangerous Deception by Susan Hunter
This is the ninth book of this author that I have read. As with all the previous eight, this was excellent with lot of intrigue with Leah Nash’s various theories failing. Yet, with the smallest of clues that she notices from a photograph, she ends up solving the crime. Waiting to read the next one in the series.
This is the ninth book of this author that I have read. As with all the previous eight, this was excellent with lot of intrigue with Leah Nash’s various theories failing. Yet, with the smallest of clues that she notices from a photograph, she ends up solving the crime. Waiting to read the next one in the series.
July 7, 2022
She may not be a journalist anymore but that doesn't stop Leah from chasing a lead to the very end. And what she uncovers is shocking. Flawlessly written and eloquently portrayed, Ms. Hunter has crafted a novel you won't want to miss. Highly Recommended.
July 15, 2022
Dangerous Deception
OMG. This book had so many twist and turns you can not put this book down. This is an exciting mystery. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I highly recommend this book and series.
OMG. This book had so many twist and turns you can not put this book down. This is an exciting mystery. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I highly recommend this book and series.
July 15, 2022
Another amazing mystery that will have you wondering what could possibly happen next. A murder that’s close to home, you wonder if it can be solved so easily. Strong , interesting characters. Well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews