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Deception Bay
She’s armed. He’s dangerous. Together, can they stop a killer from tearing a small island community apart?
When wise-cracking cozy mystery author, Austin Martell, left his hometown on Whidbey Island for the bright lights of New York, he vowed he would never go back. But some promises are impossible to keep, and when Austin discovers that his mother has suffered a serious accident, he has no choice but to return. Austin soon learns that her accident may be no accident at all, and secrets that were laid to rest after his brother’s tragic death off the coast of Deception Bay, have now begun to surface. Austin finds himself in the center of a real-life murder mystery, when Police Chief Ellie Sharpe uncovers a curious connection between the author and the death of a local businessman. Born and raised on Whidbey and trained as a New York cop,
Ellie is smart, and tough, and determined to solve the mystery behind the killing before more people die. Sparks fly as the two pair up to figure out who is responsible for the murder. The closer they come to discovering truth, the more desperate someone is to keep the sins of the past from coming to light. Someone close to Austin harbors a deadly truth.
Can Ellie unmask a killer before Austin becomes one more secret buried beneath the waves of Deception Bay?
When wise-cracking cozy mystery author, Austin Martell, left his hometown on Whidbey Island for the bright lights of New York, he vowed he would never go back. But some promises are impossible to keep, and when Austin discovers that his mother has suffered a serious accident, he has no choice but to return. Austin soon learns that her accident may be no accident at all, and secrets that were laid to rest after his brother’s tragic death off the coast of Deception Bay, have now begun to surface. Austin finds himself in the center of a real-life murder mystery, when Police Chief Ellie Sharpe uncovers a curious connection between the author and the death of a local businessman. Born and raised on Whidbey and trained as a New York cop,
Ellie is smart, and tough, and determined to solve the mystery behind the killing before more people die. Sparks fly as the two pair up to figure out who is responsible for the murder. The closer they come to discovering truth, the more desperate someone is to keep the sins of the past from coming to light. Someone close to Austin harbors a deadly truth.
Can Ellie unmask a killer before Austin becomes one more secret buried beneath the waves of Deception Bay?
222 pages, Paperback
Published December 31, 2018
190 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Chris Patchell
22 books275 followers Chris Patchell is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author who started writing to curb the homicidal urges she experienced during her Seattle commute. She writes gripping suspense thrillers set in the Pacific Northwest, including bestsellers Deadly Lies, In the Dark, and her most recent collection of small-town crime thrillers, the Lacey James Series. Her writing has won several awards, including a Next Generation Indie Book Award, several Readers’ Favorite Awards, a BookFest Award, an IndieReader Discovery Award, and a Pacific Northwest Literary Award.
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 6, 2019
I love a prologue, especially one like Deception Bay’s that immediately hooked me and never let me go.
Austin is heading home to Whidbury Island to see about his mom, who has been in an accident.
He has a panic attack and meets Ellie.
The cat…named CAT after Inspector Clouseau’s valet because he’s sneaky and attacks when you least expect it. Makes for some hilarious scenes and I do like the extra fun with the critter.
If Austin wasn’t a writer, I might mistake him for Jim Rockford, from the Rockford Files. He’s constantly getting beat on. Love the character.
I figured out some of the mystery from the prologue, but I’m still working on the who. Why would anyone want to hurt his mother? Sure, she had issues, but who wouldn’t when their Golden Boy was taken from them before his time.
Austin is forced to face his past and the inner demons that he can’t seem to get rid of. He grows, changes, forgives and solves a couple of mysteries along the way.
Three deaths, past and present.
A wonderful tale of secrets, murder and mystery, with laughs along the way. I do love some chuckles with my murder
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Deception Bay by Chris Patchell.
See more at fundinmental
Austin is heading home to Whidbury Island to see about his mom, who has been in an accident.
He has a panic attack and meets Ellie.
The cat…named CAT after Inspector Clouseau’s valet because he’s sneaky and attacks when you least expect it. Makes for some hilarious scenes and I do like the extra fun with the critter.
If Austin wasn’t a writer, I might mistake him for Jim Rockford, from the Rockford Files. He’s constantly getting beat on. Love the character.
I figured out some of the mystery from the prologue, but I’m still working on the who. Why would anyone want to hurt his mother? Sure, she had issues, but who wouldn’t when their Golden Boy was taken from them before his time.
Austin is forced to face his past and the inner demons that he can’t seem to get rid of. He grows, changes, forgives and solves a couple of mysteries along the way.
Three deaths, past and present.
A wonderful tale of secrets, murder and mystery, with laughs along the way. I do love some chuckles with my murder
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Deception Bay by Chris Patchell.
See more at fundinmental
January 12, 2019
This is unlike the Jill Shannon Books, Chris Patchell is moving far away from her “normal twisty, creepy kind of tale” and introducing suspense, a little romance and some humour, although there’s still death and danger.
Austin Martell is a best-selling author of cozy-mysteries, living the high life in New York City. He left his island home many years ago and has no desire ever to return. But things change when he receives a phone call telling him his mother has been injured and so, as the only remaining son, he makes the journey to Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound in Washington State.
Nothing appears to have changed in the fifteen years since he left. While his brother died just before Austin left the island, most of his friends are still there. Some are happily married, some not so happily, and of course, some are divorced.
Austin and his mother have no relationship. Her favourite was always Scott, the dead son.
News of his arrival quickly gets around and Austin is the centre of attraction for a couple of females, but unfortunately, not the Police Chief, an attractive young woman to whom he finds himself attracted.
He discovers that his late brother’s fiance, Leigh is now married to his brother’s best friend Blake Parsons, and they are expecting their first child. But Austin is unhappy at the way Parsons treats Leigh.
And then there is his bete noir from college days, Mark Hammer.
Things take an ugly turn when Hammer is found dead in his gaudy McMansion in a setting that’s too close to one Austin wrote about in a book.
We follow Austin through his trips to the hospital, meeting up with his mother’s doctor who is another old friend, his interactions with the local ladies, with Leigh, and with the local Police Chief, and his final meeting with his mother.
This is a fast, short, easy read full of twists and turns. We feel totally involved with Austin and the folk on Whidbey. I suggest you get hold of a copy to read the full story. Will you enjoy it as much as I did? I wonder.
Note – I was given a copy of this book to read by the author, and choose to write a review.
Austin Martell is a best-selling author of cozy-mysteries, living the high life in New York City. He left his island home many years ago and has no desire ever to return. But things change when he receives a phone call telling him his mother has been injured and so, as the only remaining son, he makes the journey to Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound in Washington State.
Nothing appears to have changed in the fifteen years since he left. While his brother died just before Austin left the island, most of his friends are still there. Some are happily married, some not so happily, and of course, some are divorced.
Austin and his mother have no relationship. Her favourite was always Scott, the dead son.
News of his arrival quickly gets around and Austin is the centre of attraction for a couple of females, but unfortunately, not the Police Chief, an attractive young woman to whom he finds himself attracted.
He discovers that his late brother’s fiance, Leigh is now married to his brother’s best friend Blake Parsons, and they are expecting their first child. But Austin is unhappy at the way Parsons treats Leigh.
And then there is his bete noir from college days, Mark Hammer.
Things take an ugly turn when Hammer is found dead in his gaudy McMansion in a setting that’s too close to one Austin wrote about in a book.
We follow Austin through his trips to the hospital, meeting up with his mother’s doctor who is another old friend, his interactions with the local ladies, with Leigh, and with the local Police Chief, and his final meeting with his mother.
This is a fast, short, easy read full of twists and turns. We feel totally involved with Austin and the folk on Whidbey. I suggest you get hold of a copy to read the full story. Will you enjoy it as much as I did? I wonder.
Note – I was given a copy of this book to read by the author, and choose to write a review.
September 24, 2020
Couldn't Put It Down
I picked this up because it's set on my home island, Whidbey. How much fun is that! The descriptions are spot on and the ambience, or sometimes lack of it, also hits the mark for true island life.
The writing is great and the story is good--had to finish it in one sitting because there's no boring spot to take a break in. But it's a quick read and worth every minute. Nice bit of humor throughout even though the serious undercurrent of murder is ever present too.
I highly recommend this book.
I picked this up because it's set on my home island, Whidbey. How much fun is that! The descriptions are spot on and the ambience, or sometimes lack of it, also hits the mark for true island life.
The writing is great and the story is good--had to finish it in one sitting because there's no boring spot to take a break in. But it's a quick read and worth every minute. Nice bit of humor throughout even though the serious undercurrent of murder is ever present too.
I highly recommend this book.
Currently reading
October 2, 2024TheFussyLibrarian
June 1, 2019
I realize the sarcasm of the main character was really a defense mechanism. There was so much of it, however, that I did not think he could speak one sentence without it. It just got to be too much for me. Otherwise, I would have given this book a solid 4 stars. As it stands, 3.5.
September 19, 2020
A good quick read with plenty of twists and turns. A sprinkle of humor and romance made for a good read.
January 12, 2019
I love stand-alones, I really do, but this needs to be the first in a series. It doesn't have to be a 10 book series, 3 books would be enough. I hated to reach the end because I know there could be more. Austin has to finish everything that he started. This was an extremely good mystery that fed you clues all along the way but never hit you in the face with the murderer or the reasons why the murders were committed. Don't ever expect a recap of the book from me. That's your job. I'll only tell you how much I enjoyed a book and some of the reasons why.
April 21, 2020
Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!
I’ve read a couple of books by Chris Patchell and I have to say, “Deadly Lies” was great and I look forward to reading “Vow of Silence” . Seeing another book written by the author, I figured why not. I should’ve passed as this book did nothing for me. To be honest, I don’t understand a lot of what went on. I understand the story but the reason behind what started it all didn’t make any sense.
The main character of this book is Austin, who’s been living in New York for fifteen years and is a successful writer. Austin returns home because his mother was attacked by an intruder. Trying to be a good “son”, he stays for days waiting for his mother to wake up but in reality, all he really wants to do is leave his home town and return to New York, the sooner the better. He does decide to stick around for a couple of weeks about half-way through but only because he learns that his brother might not have drowned like they all thought. Here’s what I don’t get - there was no reason for his mother to be attacked. Seriously, why was she attacked? Why bother? It made no sense. Was she going to the cops to talk about her son’s death even though she believes and accepts that he drowned? Was she talking about her son around town? There was no reason to hurt her and if there’s no reason to hurt the mother, then Austin would have no reason to come home which means he would not have bothered to find out if his brother was killed or not. Someone Austin knew from years ago goes diving months earlier and sees his brother’s boat and figures out that the boat didn’t sink because of the storm. However, this someone never went to the police, never sought out Austin’s mother, only mentioned it in passing to a friend. So again, why even bother to hurt his mother? He only returned home because she was hurt. By the way, it was so obvious who the murderer was right from the get-go. There was no mystery.
Except for Austin, the other characters who made up the story, they were not fleshed out. Yes, there were physical descriptions, what they were doing and how Austin knew everyone, but there was nothing about them that felt real. Even the love interest, Ellie, her character was lacking any development.
As for the so-called romance between Austin and Ellie? There was absolutely no chemistry between these two. The fact that he “loves her” doesn’t make any sense either. How can he love her when he barely knows her? I mean the same day he meets her he sleeps with someone else.
Also, why does Ellie take Austin to her place (on the couch to sleep it off)? He got drunk at The Willow which is a resort. Don’t resorts have rooms? He could’ve slept there which he does on another occasion soon thereafter.
At the end of the day, had the killer not attacked his mother, no one would have known he killed Austin’s brother. Again, it doesn’t make sense. I know this is fiction but come on, let’s make it somewhat believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2019
An Entertaining, Gripping Read
“Deception Bay” by Chris Patchell offers engaging, romantic suspense filled with unexpected twists and turns. An acclaimed cozy mystery author, Austin Martell, returns to his hometown on Whidbey Island when his mother has an accident. It’s a place he’s avoided for fifteen years, ever since his beloved brother, Scott, perished when his sail-boat sank. Beyond the Island’s bitter memories, Austin was never close to his mother, who always had made it clear that her favorite son was Scott. Traveling from Seattle to the Island on a ferry, Austin has an anxiety attack and a woman comes to his rescue. He wants to know more about her, but she departs too quickly.
When Austin arrives at the hospital to see his mother, he’s told that her injury wasn’t an accident. She had been struck on the head and was in a coma. To find out about the status of the crime, he goes to the police station to meet with the police chief. To his surprise, he comes face to face with Ellie Sharpe, the woman from the ferry.
After the guy Austin knew as the high school bully dies under suspicious circumstances and Scott’s bedroom is ransacked, long hidden secrets surrounding Scott’s tragic death begin to emerge. While investigating the crimes, Ellie and Austin are drawn closer together and the chemistry between them sizzles. Can they uncover the killer before more untimely deaths occur? Or will Austin be the next victim?
The author has expertly woven together romance, mystery, suspense, and intrigue in this entertaining read. The characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is smart and witty. I especially liked the cleverly written discourse between Austin and Ellie. “Deception Bay” is highly recommended!
“Deception Bay” by Chris Patchell offers engaging, romantic suspense filled with unexpected twists and turns. An acclaimed cozy mystery author, Austin Martell, returns to his hometown on Whidbey Island when his mother has an accident. It’s a place he’s avoided for fifteen years, ever since his beloved brother, Scott, perished when his sail-boat sank. Beyond the Island’s bitter memories, Austin was never close to his mother, who always had made it clear that her favorite son was Scott. Traveling from Seattle to the Island on a ferry, Austin has an anxiety attack and a woman comes to his rescue. He wants to know more about her, but she departs too quickly.
When Austin arrives at the hospital to see his mother, he’s told that her injury wasn’t an accident. She had been struck on the head and was in a coma. To find out about the status of the crime, he goes to the police station to meet with the police chief. To his surprise, he comes face to face with Ellie Sharpe, the woman from the ferry.
After the guy Austin knew as the high school bully dies under suspicious circumstances and Scott’s bedroom is ransacked, long hidden secrets surrounding Scott’s tragic death begin to emerge. While investigating the crimes, Ellie and Austin are drawn closer together and the chemistry between them sizzles. Can they uncover the killer before more untimely deaths occur? Or will Austin be the next victim?
The author has expertly woven together romance, mystery, suspense, and intrigue in this entertaining read. The characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is smart and witty. I especially liked the cleverly written discourse between Austin and Ellie. “Deception Bay” is highly recommended!
September 1, 2023
Another mystery book from Christ Patchell? Yes, please! This one was way different than her Lacey James series but I still enjoyed it. A famous writer comes home after he gets a call that his mother had fallen and ended up in a coma. However, when he gets there, it appears she didn't fall and it could have been caused by someone else. While Austin is home, things start happening to him as well. I like the story itself. It moved at a decent pace and it was interesting but I wasn't desperate to figure out who done it. While I did guess some of the events that took place, I didn't really fully commit myself to the story.
Austin Miller has finally come home after his brothers death and his success. There were reasons why he stayed away, and it made sense. His unflattering personality made sense as well. However, being home really did something to Austin and made him change. I really liked how he progressed as a character. The description of this book made it sound like there was going to be two point of views but everything is from Austin. It's not bad but did change my expectations some. I really wasn't convinced by the romance in this book either. It just didn't feel like there was really any build up? But it worked I guess.
Overall, Deception Bay by Chris Patchell was a really good read. I enjoyed the mystery and the story behind it. I liked how it wasn't really a detective story but more about a guy who came home and things started happening to him. He didn't really take it upon himself to find all the clues and answers himself until things started to unravel in front of him. The romance didn't really feel natural but it worked. I highly recommend this book if you do like mystery novels as this one does fill that itch!
Austin Miller has finally come home after his brothers death and his success. There were reasons why he stayed away, and it made sense. His unflattering personality made sense as well. However, being home really did something to Austin and made him change. I really liked how he progressed as a character. The description of this book made it sound like there was going to be two point of views but everything is from Austin. It's not bad but did change my expectations some. I really wasn't convinced by the romance in this book either. It just didn't feel like there was really any build up? But it worked I guess.
Overall, Deception Bay by Chris Patchell was a really good read. I enjoyed the mystery and the story behind it. I liked how it wasn't really a detective story but more about a guy who came home and things started happening to him. He didn't really take it upon himself to find all the clues and answers himself until things started to unravel in front of him. The romance didn't really feel natural but it worked. I highly recommend this book if you do like mystery novels as this one does fill that itch!
December 21, 2020
I enjoyed this mystery taking place on Whidbey Island because I am a native and long time resident of it. The plot was well crafted with current deadly deeds originating in a murder years ago. The characters were pretty well crafted too. I always find it interesting when an author has a main character of the opposite gender. I trust male readers will think Patchell did a sufficient job.
Patchell did capture the atmosphere of living on an island in the Salish Sea. She portrays well the small community attitude where everyone seems to know what everyone else is doing.
I really like Patchell's writing style. She is clever at writing and has some good snarky dialogue too.
I can forgive Patchell for a few errors in geography, like putting the Star Store in Coupeville when it is in Langley. Fictional freedom is certainly allowed. I was bothered by Austin seeing Puget Sound from the Coupeville Wharf. You can't. But you can see Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains from it. That would have been a descriptive view to better show the beauty the Pacific Northwest offers.
There is some foul language I didn't appreciate but seemed appropriate to the characters. I really do like Patchell's writing style and will be reading more from her. I do recommend this book to readers who would like to get a bit of the flavor of Whidbey Island.
Patchell did capture the atmosphere of living on an island in the Salish Sea. She portrays well the small community attitude where everyone seems to know what everyone else is doing.
I really like Patchell's writing style. She is clever at writing and has some good snarky dialogue too.
I can forgive Patchell for a few errors in geography, like putting the Star Store in Coupeville when it is in Langley. Fictional freedom is certainly allowed. I was bothered by Austin seeing Puget Sound from the Coupeville Wharf. You can't. But you can see Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains from it. That would have been a descriptive view to better show the beauty the Pacific Northwest offers.
There is some foul language I didn't appreciate but seemed appropriate to the characters. I really do like Patchell's writing style and will be reading more from her. I do recommend this book to readers who would like to get a bit of the flavor of Whidbey Island.
September 20, 2023
Lots of Suspense with a Little Romance! ❤️ Audiobook Review 🎧
This was my first book by Chris Patchell, and I loved it. It’s a romantic suspense story that keeps you guessing throughout the book. Austin, who is a Cozy mystery writer, comes back home to Whidbey Island because his mother is hurt in an accident, even though they haven’t been close for years. He hasn’t been back there for a long time since his brother Scott died. During his travels around the island since he has been back and while seeing his mother at the hospital, he meets Ellie, who is the chief of police. They hit it off but don’t start up any relationship right away as several of the woman seem to be trying to get close to Austin and he has to head home after they figure out what is happening on the island. Lots of things seem to be happening since Austin arrived, especially around his mother and his deceased brother. Ellie is working with Austin to help solve the mysteries of what is going on. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this story and the chemistry that Austin and Ellie had. A lot happens in this book and I won’t spoil it for you, so I will only suggest that you listen to this great book. Nathan Agin did a great job narrating and all the voices were great and showed all the emotions for each of the characters.
#AudiobookObsession #TheFlock
This was my first book by Chris Patchell, and I loved it. It’s a romantic suspense story that keeps you guessing throughout the book. Austin, who is a Cozy mystery writer, comes back home to Whidbey Island because his mother is hurt in an accident, even though they haven’t been close for years. He hasn’t been back there for a long time since his brother Scott died. During his travels around the island since he has been back and while seeing his mother at the hospital, he meets Ellie, who is the chief of police. They hit it off but don’t start up any relationship right away as several of the woman seem to be trying to get close to Austin and he has to head home after they figure out what is happening on the island. Lots of things seem to be happening since Austin arrived, especially around his mother and his deceased brother. Ellie is working with Austin to help solve the mysteries of what is going on. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this story and the chemistry that Austin and Ellie had. A lot happens in this book and I won’t spoil it for you, so I will only suggest that you listen to this great book. Nathan Agin did a great job narrating and all the voices were great and showed all the emotions for each of the characters.
#AudiobookObsession #TheFlock
Read
September 26, 2023A prodigal son returns home only to discover a chilling revelation about his family’s past that could cost him his life. When mystery author, Austin Martell, left his hometown on Whidbey Island for the bright lights of New York, he vowed he would never go back. But some promises are impossible to keep, and when Austin discovers that his mother has suffered a serious accident, he has no choice but to return. Austin soon learns that her accident may be no accident at all, and secrets that were laid to rest after his brother’s tragic death off the coast of Deception Bay, have now begun to surface. As they close in on the killer, new dangers arise. Austin finds himself in the center of a real-life murder mystery, when Police Chief Ellie Sharpe uncovers a curious connection between the author and the death of a local businessman. Born and raised on Whidbey and trained as a New York cop, Ellie is smart, and tough, and determined to solve the mystery behind the killing before more people die. Sparks fly as the two pair up to figure out who is responsible for the murder. The closer they come to discovering truth, the more desperate someone is to keep the sins of the past from coming to light. Someone close to Austin harbors a deadly truth. Can Ellie unmask a killer before Austin becomes one more secret buried beneath the waves of Deception Bay?
Good.
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2019
Chris Patchell writes a beautifully suspenseful, page turning, tale of tragedy and disjointed family and community. Austin Martell returns home to a jewel of the Pacific Northwest, Whidbey Island. Soon he is caught up in the small island life that he left behind after high school and the death of his older brother.
Accidents that don’t appear to be accidents, his brothers best friend now married to his brothers former girlfriend, the local not so smart oversized jock now a “deep pockets” business owner, the cheerleader that was the town sleep around, is still after all of these years, still the town sleep around with and agenda it appears.
So many twists and turns, so much trying to guess who did what and what is going to happen next, and of course a bit of romance thrown in, but who is wanting who, who will end up with who, and who will end up with a tragic ending. I read this book in one sitting, beacause i wanted to find out immeadiately. I will probably never look at Whidbey Island the same again, I will look out over the water and wonder if this is where the Dreamcatcher went down, and what other mysteries lie in wait to be discovered under the waves. I very much enjoyed this book, and cant wait to read others by this author.
Accidents that don’t appear to be accidents, his brothers best friend now married to his brothers former girlfriend, the local not so smart oversized jock now a “deep pockets” business owner, the cheerleader that was the town sleep around, is still after all of these years, still the town sleep around with and agenda it appears.
So many twists and turns, so much trying to guess who did what and what is going to happen next, and of course a bit of romance thrown in, but who is wanting who, who will end up with who, and who will end up with a tragic ending. I read this book in one sitting, beacause i wanted to find out immeadiately. I will probably never look at Whidbey Island the same again, I will look out over the water and wonder if this is where the Dreamcatcher went down, and what other mysteries lie in wait to be discovered under the waves. I very much enjoyed this book, and cant wait to read others by this author.
January 12, 2019
Deception Bay by Chris Patchell
This book started immediately on a high. Short punchy sentences – excitement, fear, disaster, danger. It was all there. Stop reading? No way. My mind raced on with the words, the paragraphs, the sentences. Couldn't avoid getting caught up in the excitement.
Wow! This was a great read. The ending brought tears to my eyes and I am excited waiting to read the next book in this Chris Patchell series.
I mean in the second paragraph “… another wave crests over the bow, washing away the lingering traces of blood.” But we don't know who's blood or why or how. Hooked? You bet.
A couple of other quotes for your delectation: “Cameron is flying as high as Major Tom.” Nothing to link Major Tom to anything. If you don't know - over the head; if you do - a wry chuckle.
Another one: “She squeezes my bicep tighter than a blood pressure cuff.” and, “The Green Goddess On The Starbucks sign beckons me”.
Don’t miss out on this one.
This book started immediately on a high. Short punchy sentences – excitement, fear, disaster, danger. It was all there. Stop reading? No way. My mind raced on with the words, the paragraphs, the sentences. Couldn't avoid getting caught up in the excitement.
Wow! This was a great read. The ending brought tears to my eyes and I am excited waiting to read the next book in this Chris Patchell series.
I mean in the second paragraph “… another wave crests over the bow, washing away the lingering traces of blood.” But we don't know who's blood or why or how. Hooked? You bet.
A couple of other quotes for your delectation: “Cameron is flying as high as Major Tom.” Nothing to link Major Tom to anything. If you don't know - over the head; if you do - a wry chuckle.
Another one: “She squeezes my bicep tighter than a blood pressure cuff.” and, “The Green Goddess On The Starbucks sign beckons me”.
Don’t miss out on this one.
September 5, 2023
Deception Bay
By: Chris Patchell
Narrated by: Nathan Agin
Don't you love a book that pulls you in from the prologue? Chris Patchell does that with Deception Bay! The first paragraph comes to life by narrator Nathan Agin, and I was hooked until the end. Austin has come home after his mother has had an accident. He swore he would never return, but sometimes life doesn't go as planned. But what he finds out is that this may not have been an accident. From there, a web of lies that has been woven for years begins to untangle and shock the residents of Deception Bay. Patchell has quickly become a favorite mystery audiobook author of mine. Every book is packed with a great set of characters, and unpredictable situations and suspense. Did I mention suspense? Loved this, the way it all comes out and the closure it brings. It's a fantastic listen.
Nathan Agin is fantastic at narrating these mysteries. He has a tone in his voice that brings out the feelings of fear, despair and thrills and that thread of romance, keeping me listening and wondering what will happen next. This one has a bit of all of it and I was captivated from start to finish. Grab this, you will love it!
By: Chris Patchell
Narrated by: Nathan Agin
Don't you love a book that pulls you in from the prologue? Chris Patchell does that with Deception Bay! The first paragraph comes to life by narrator Nathan Agin, and I was hooked until the end. Austin has come home after his mother has had an accident. He swore he would never return, but sometimes life doesn't go as planned. But what he finds out is that this may not have been an accident. From there, a web of lies that has been woven for years begins to untangle and shock the residents of Deception Bay. Patchell has quickly become a favorite mystery audiobook author of mine. Every book is packed with a great set of characters, and unpredictable situations and suspense. Did I mention suspense? Loved this, the way it all comes out and the closure it brings. It's a fantastic listen.
Nathan Agin is fantastic at narrating these mysteries. He has a tone in his voice that brings out the feelings of fear, despair and thrills and that thread of romance, keeping me listening and wondering what will happen next. This one has a bit of all of it and I was captivated from start to finish. Grab this, you will love it!
October 21, 2023
3.5 stars
audiobook review
this was my first story for this author and narrator and though it took a bit to enjoy the narration and story by the end of the audiobook as I just found it to be okay for me. Will I reread/relisten to it anytime soon? Probably not as it was just too predictable and a bit boring as I wasn't able to get into the story.
Hero returns home to take care of his mother who is now his last living relative as in his youth he had lost his father and then sadly lost his brother too. Life in a small town and a youth where his mother was not there for him he heads to the opposite side of the country and became a famous mystery writer. With deadlines approaching this last minute scare has him exploring his hometown as the past doesn't seem to have been to rest. With secrets being revealed, current activities trigerring the crazy side of certain people the hero and the cop he can't stop wanting to get to know more intimately will they be able to work together and figure out who the person who attacked him, killed another, and possibly connect them to his brothers death before its too late?
audiobook review
this was my first story for this author and narrator and though it took a bit to enjoy the narration and story by the end of the audiobook as I just found it to be okay for me. Will I reread/relisten to it anytime soon? Probably not as it was just too predictable and a bit boring as I wasn't able to get into the story.
Hero returns home to take care of his mother who is now his last living relative as in his youth he had lost his father and then sadly lost his brother too. Life in a small town and a youth where his mother was not there for him he heads to the opposite side of the country and became a famous mystery writer. With deadlines approaching this last minute scare has him exploring his hometown as the past doesn't seem to have been to rest. With secrets being revealed, current activities trigerring the crazy side of certain people the hero and the cop he can't stop wanting to get to know more intimately will they be able to work together and figure out who the person who attacked him, killed another, and possibly connect them to his brothers death before its too late?
May 19, 2019
3.5 STARS
I've read a couple of books by this author, and this one is on the lighter side: there's still a mystery, but it's infused with some romance and (welcome) humor. It's fairly short, I read it in a couple hours on a rainy afternoon.
Austin's a successful author, and he goes home for the first time in 15 years. Quite a few people he knew from high school still live on the island, and it gets awkward at times because of the strong resemblance to his late brother Scott. Austin's reappearance seems to set off a series of events that somehow tie in with his brother's death. Several of the characters seemed to peak in high school, many carrying grudges years later. I found this both funny and sad, who cares about high school 15+ years later?
I liked the setting of this story, Austin was easy to root for, and the supporting characters were people I wanted to know more about. The bad guy was a little obvious, but not everything was predictable. I'm hoping this is the start of a series, I'd like to see these characters again.
I've read a couple of books by this author, and this one is on the lighter side: there's still a mystery, but it's infused with some romance and (welcome) humor. It's fairly short, I read it in a couple hours on a rainy afternoon.
Austin's a successful author, and he goes home for the first time in 15 years. Quite a few people he knew from high school still live on the island, and it gets awkward at times because of the strong resemblance to his late brother Scott. Austin's reappearance seems to set off a series of events that somehow tie in with his brother's death. Several of the characters seemed to peak in high school, many carrying grudges years later. I found this both funny and sad, who cares about high school 15+ years later?
I liked the setting of this story, Austin was easy to root for, and the supporting characters were people I wanted to know more about. The bad guy was a little obvious, but not everything was predictable. I'm hoping this is the start of a series, I'd like to see these characters again.
February 9, 2024
My first Chris Patchell book. Overall I loved parts and did not love parts . First, the prologue was one of the most gripping I ever read. Second, I loved her description of Widbey Island. I visit the area often and it made me want to jump on a plane and be up there. Finally, I loved the snappy dialogue. I found it amusing. I liked that the main character was an author. Kind of like the TV series Castle.
However, I struggled with the main character’s anti hero characterization. He wasn’t likable to me. He drank and womanized and laid around in his underwear in his mother’s trashed house too much, but he had women fawning all over him. Suddenly, he comes out of that character to take a woman on a high end date to Seattle. Then after a few short meetings with Ella, the police chief, he decides he’s in love. Anytime he tries to be a hero, he gets his ass kicked. I came away with a “yucky” feeling about Austin.
Overall I would try another of her books, but not with this character.
However, I struggled with the main character’s anti hero characterization. He wasn’t likable to me. He drank and womanized and laid around in his underwear in his mother’s trashed house too much, but he had women fawning all over him. Suddenly, he comes out of that character to take a woman on a high end date to Seattle. Then after a few short meetings with Ella, the police chief, he decides he’s in love. Anytime he tries to be a hero, he gets his ass kicked. I came away with a “yucky” feeling about Austin.
Overall I would try another of her books, but not with this character.
June 9, 2019
Another great thriller from Chris Patchell. Quick read. Lots of suspense. Although Austin and his mother have a strained relationship since the boat accident that took his brother, he wants to find out what happened to her, get the house cleaned up while he stays there, so something about her crazy cat, get his mother set up with help at home and get back to New York as soon as possible. Easier said than done. Someone breaks into the house and seems to be searching for something. And now someone is after him. It seems there is more to his mother's accident than a fall, and perhaps something more to his brother's accident. With plenty of suspects from Austin's past, a little romance and lots of suspense, I think you will love this book.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
August 14, 2019
A writer finds himself embroiled in a real life murder mystery that could have come from his own pen! Nor even successful writer Austin can make sense of the death that threatens to rock him and his entire community. Was his mom's accident the catalyst for his returning home to really an accident? Secrets about his brother's death and his past begin to resurface and Police Chief Elle Sharpe intends to help him uncover the truth along with discovering his death to a local businessman There is plenty of action and a touch of romance happening between the pair as the duo race against the clock to stop a killer from burying his secrets.
I really enjoyed this thriller and all of the characters that were a part of it. I would love to see subsequent books featuring some of the many fun and interesting characters.
Truly an entertaining read!
I really enjoyed this thriller and all of the characters that were a part of it. I would love to see subsequent books featuring some of the many fun and interesting characters.
Truly an entertaining read!
September 12, 2020
A decent enough story. Author did a quite good job of fleshing-out the character of the protagonist. The other characters, not so much. Never really got to know the principle players in the story. They just sort of popped-up as needed. Little background or personal details were provided about each supporting character. Some funny lines by the protagonist and he came across as a self-absorbed, immature annoyance. He falls in love after just a few minutes of conversation with the female police chief in the story, spends almost the whole narrative wishing he was back in New York, then rather suddenly does a one-eighty. All-in-all, sort of a fun read, good for a couple of afternoons on the front porch of a cabin in the woods. Maybe telling the story in the first person prevented any closeness of minor characters for the reader.
June 2, 2022
I was given this book as a gift. I had read other books by Chris Patchell and was pleased to receive the Deception Bay mystery.
The main character Austin is a writer who lives in New York and has returned home after receiving a call that his mother had suffered a bad fall. He had not been back home since his brother Scott died in a boating accident 15 years ago. Scott was their mother's favorite. Austin was never on the receiving end of her love and acceptance.
Once Austin is back in his home town new information comes to light about his mother's 'fall' and his brother's death.
I could not devour this book fast enough. I enjoyed all the characters. I thought I had reached the conclusion only to find there was so much more.
Chris is a wonderful writer and you cannot help but be fully involved in the unfolding of the story and also her great sense of humor woven throughout.
May 9, 2020
Some spoilers ahead!!
This is more romance then a mystery. Mystery is revealed in first chapter. Motivation behind attack on Austin's mother is non existent. If she got any idea that death of her beloved son was murder she will for sure change her behavior and become a fixture in police station forcing police to investigate. As she didn't done anything similar why to attack her and draw attention on 15 years old crime?
All women are gorgeous, protagonist falls in love on first sight but few hours later sleeps with first woman who crosses his path. Did he spent last 15 years on deserted island or just come from Big Apple as a famous author?
In spite of this and some other issues it is nice little read fully recommendable to ones girlfriend!
This is more romance then a mystery. Mystery is revealed in first chapter. Motivation behind attack on Austin's mother is non existent. If she got any idea that death of her beloved son was murder she will for sure change her behavior and become a fixture in police station forcing police to investigate. As she didn't done anything similar why to attack her and draw attention on 15 years old crime?
All women are gorgeous, protagonist falls in love on first sight but few hours later sleeps with first woman who crosses his path. Did he spent last 15 years on deserted island or just come from Big Apple as a famous author?
In spite of this and some other issues it is nice little read fully recommendable to ones girlfriend!
September 16, 2023
I loved the narration of Nathan Agin, who brings out the mystery.
Mystery author Austin Martell, returns to his hometown on Whidbey Island when his mother has an accident. He has not been back since his beloved brother, Scott, died when his sail-boat sank. While he was Traveling on the ferry, Austin has an anxiety attack and a woman comes to his rescue. He wants to know more about her, but she departs too quickly.
Austin finds out his mother, had been struck on the head and was in a coma. He goes to the police station wanting to know what is happening. To his surprise, he comes face to face with Ellie Sharpe, the woman from the ferry.
This book has romance, mystery and suspense.
Mystery author Austin Martell, returns to his hometown on Whidbey Island when his mother has an accident. He has not been back since his beloved brother, Scott, died when his sail-boat sank. While he was Traveling on the ferry, Austin has an anxiety attack and a woman comes to his rescue. He wants to know more about her, but she departs too quickly.
Austin finds out his mother, had been struck on the head and was in a coma. He goes to the police station wanting to know what is happening. To his surprise, he comes face to face with Ellie Sharpe, the woman from the ferry.
This book has romance, mystery and suspense.
September 17, 2023
A suspenseful story about a mystery writer living in his own real life murder mystery. Austin Martell , returns home to Whidbey Island when he found out his mother was in the hospital.
It's Been 15 years after his brother's death, a rift between him and his mother drove him away.
Now Austin , a popular mystery writer, is involved right in the middle of a murder mystery. Danger finds Austin at every corner. enough to keep the police chief busy on this small island.
Enough Twists, turns, kidnapping, murder to keep me guessing.
Nathan Agin is a tremendously talented narrator. His portrayal of the characters brought all the out all their strengths, weaknesses, and emotions.
#The flock VIP review
It's Been 15 years after his brother's death, a rift between him and his mother drove him away.
Now Austin , a popular mystery writer, is involved right in the middle of a murder mystery. Danger finds Austin at every corner. enough to keep the police chief busy on this small island.
Enough Twists, turns, kidnapping, murder to keep me guessing.
Nathan Agin is a tremendously talented narrator. His portrayal of the characters brought all the out all their strengths, weaknesses, and emotions.
#The flock VIP review
August 14, 2019
Had to read it to the end without a break - a mystery within a mystery twisted up with suspense and romance. Love the main character mystery author, Austin who is trouble by his brother's death many years ago. He goes home to take care of his injured mother and ends up in the middle of trying to figure who and why someone attach\ked his mother and now seems to be targeting him. The chacters are all well written and enrich the twists and turns story. The setting in the pacific Northwest adds to intrigue. I definitely want to read more books by this author,
September 12, 2023
Austin had no intention of going back “home”. But when his mom has an accident, he is called back to the island he steps in the middle of real-life mystery. Austin is used to writing the mysteries not solving crimes or being in the middle of the plot. I enjoyed this quick listen and mystery. Some characters were a little annoying but they were meant to be so it works. If other characters were to get their own books I’d listen/read them as well. If you’re looking for a mystery with a side of romance then you’ll probably enjoy this one.
November 28, 2023
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Chris Patchell's work, and it was entertaining. Austin Martell vowed never to return home. When his mother was taken to the hospital, Austin felt compelled to visit her there in spite of his vow. I liked the unusual setting. The characters were complicated. I enjoyed the snappy dialogue. I'm looking forward to more stories from this author. Nathan Agin's narration was good, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook through Spotify, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
November 30, 2023
A man returns from NYC to his small town on an island because his mother has been injured. They haven't been close in years because her favorite son died in a boating accident. He is now a famous author and people are impressed that he's home on Whidbey Island. He starts to uncover deeply hidden secrets, endangering himself and others.
This is a great story. The reader is kept in the dark for quite a while. There is also a budding romance buried within the story.
I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator was wonderful
This is a great story. The reader is kept in the dark for quite a while. There is also a budding romance buried within the story.
I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator was wonderful
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