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Deadly #4
Deadly Deception
Everyone hides secrets. Some provoke murder.
Olivia Denis discovers her father kneeling over the body of a man...a man who supposedly drowned in the Channel years before. Olivia wants to ring for help, her father wants to hide the body, but a mysterious phone call brings Scotland Yard to the murder scene.
Olivia can't stand by and let her maddening, disapproving father hang. To prove his innocence - and learn his secrets - she must work with a master spy. The search for clues takes Olivia to the continent and the Kent countryside, Hastings and London, pushing her deeper into the world of danger and deception.
As war between Germany and Britain stalks closer, the hunt for a Nazi collaborator intensifies. With a mounting death toll, Olivia knows she must unmask the killer or be the next to die.
Olivia Denis discovers her father kneeling over the body of a man...a man who supposedly drowned in the Channel years before. Olivia wants to ring for help, her father wants to hide the body, but a mysterious phone call brings Scotland Yard to the murder scene.
Olivia can't stand by and let her maddening, disapproving father hang. To prove his innocence - and learn his secrets - she must work with a master spy. The search for clues takes Olivia to the continent and the Kent countryside, Hastings and London, pushing her deeper into the world of danger and deception.
As war between Germany and Britain stalks closer, the hunt for a Nazi collaborator intensifies. With a mounting death toll, Olivia knows she must unmask the killer or be the next to die.
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2019
224 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Kate Parker
29 books749 followersKate began reading Agatha Christie mysteries and the Nancy Drew books while her classmates were reading Dick and Jane. She particularly likes historical mysteries and the feeling of time travel a good historical book can give the reader. Combined with her love of late Victorian to World War II architecture and fashions, she found an outlet for the stories and characters that fill her head by writing The Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, The Milliner Mysteries, and The Deadly series, as well as taking part in the Christmas Revels anthologies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 6, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Olivia Denis and her father have a complicated relationship and it is about to get even more complicated. She arrives at his door to find him kneeling beside a dead man. She recognizes the man as someone she thought was already dead. Her father’s first inclination is to hide the body but before Oliva can explain why that wouldn’t be a good idea, the fellows from Scotland Yard are already at the door. Observing the scene in front of them they take her father away.
Then she can’t find him anywhere, not at the prison, he hasn’t returned home. She makes an interesting acquaintance who tells her he can help find her father if she helps him. Her employer also has an important job for her. And the war between Germany and Britain seems imminent. She knows her fiance is on a mission but has no idea where.
Olivia has no choice, she has to save her father and she has to do it quickly or they could both end up dead.
___
Kate Parker picks up where Deadly Fashion ends. The war is drawing near and Jewish people are fleeing Germany. Her employer needs to get the last of his family out of Germany and he needs Olivia’s help. She tells him she needs to find her father first. Soon Olivia is caught between two powerful men and facing danger at every turn. A woman she has been trying to find seems to be the key to saving her father but if she finds her own life may be struck down.
The author takes us on a journey, London, to the English countryside, with a side trip to Germany and back. Each trip is full of intrigue and peril. Olivia Denis is one smart, savvy, and very lucky woman, who seems to have friends in all the right places. The pace of this book is brisk and there is a lot going on, so putting the book down for any reason is darn near impossible. The ending is intense and surprising in an unusual way.
Again Ms. Parker paints a clear picture of time and place. Olivia’s many travels are so easily visualized, even in the middle of a field . . . in the dark. Her excursions had me trembling for her in places. The woman has no fear and it was exciting to follow her each and every step of the way.
Each story in this series builds from the last so I do recommend reading the books in order. The author continues to top herself with each new installment.
Olivia Denis and her father have a complicated relationship and it is about to get even more complicated. She arrives at his door to find him kneeling beside a dead man. She recognizes the man as someone she thought was already dead. Her father’s first inclination is to hide the body but before Oliva can explain why that wouldn’t be a good idea, the fellows from Scotland Yard are already at the door. Observing the scene in front of them they take her father away.
Then she can’t find him anywhere, not at the prison, he hasn’t returned home. She makes an interesting acquaintance who tells her he can help find her father if she helps him. Her employer also has an important job for her. And the war between Germany and Britain seems imminent. She knows her fiance is on a mission but has no idea where.
Olivia has no choice, she has to save her father and she has to do it quickly or they could both end up dead.
___
Kate Parker picks up where Deadly Fashion ends. The war is drawing near and Jewish people are fleeing Germany. Her employer needs to get the last of his family out of Germany and he needs Olivia’s help. She tells him she needs to find her father first. Soon Olivia is caught between two powerful men and facing danger at every turn. A woman she has been trying to find seems to be the key to saving her father but if she finds her own life may be struck down.
The author takes us on a journey, London, to the English countryside, with a side trip to Germany and back. Each trip is full of intrigue and peril. Olivia Denis is one smart, savvy, and very lucky woman, who seems to have friends in all the right places. The pace of this book is brisk and there is a lot going on, so putting the book down for any reason is darn near impossible. The ending is intense and surprising in an unusual way.
Again Ms. Parker paints a clear picture of time and place. Olivia’s many travels are so easily visualized, even in the middle of a field . . . in the dark. Her excursions had me trembling for her in places. The woman has no fear and it was exciting to follow her each and every step of the way.
Each story in this series builds from the last so I do recommend reading the books in order. The author continues to top herself with each new installment.
March 28, 2019
Fine story of espionage in the years before World War One
XXX has decided to read her father the riot act for telling for announcing her upcoming marriage to Adam—who is much absent working for the army. But when she arrives at her father’s house, she finds him kneeling on the floor next to a body; the body of one of his best friends who died in a boating accident two years prior. This surprise is followed by the arrival of police and British intelligence.
With the support of her newspaper, she takes leave in order to pursue the real murderer. This leads her, oddly, to a German assassin whom she had foiled earlier.
This novel is very enjoyable: the characters are mostly believable, the setting is interesting, and the action riveting. Excellent book for a quiet afternoon.
XXX has decided to read her father the riot act for telling for announcing her upcoming marriage to Adam—who is much absent working for the army. But when she arrives at her father’s house, she finds him kneeling on the floor next to a body; the body of one of his best friends who died in a boating accident two years prior. This surprise is followed by the arrival of police and British intelligence.
With the support of her newspaper, she takes leave in order to pursue the real murderer. This leads her, oddly, to a German assassin whom she had foiled earlier.
This novel is very enjoyable: the characters are mostly believable, the setting is interesting, and the action riveting. Excellent book for a quiet afternoon.
April 3, 2020
Well plotted, interesting characters, and very well written. I'm looking forward to picking up the books I've missed in this series.
February 1, 2020
I like Olivia and many of the recurrent characters. I find the trips into Nazi territory interesting and a bit nerve wracking. The main character is really drawn into the British intelligence community as WWII is definitely on the horizon.
April 4, 2019
DEADLY DECEPTION by Kate Parker
The Fourth Deadly Mystery
Miffed that her father has started inviting people to her wedding when she hasn't even set a date yet, Olivia Denis storms off to confront him. Entering her father's house Olivia finds him crouched over a dead body, his dagger in the dead man's chest. With her father suspected of murder, Olivia feels obligated to help him, despite their many differences. Secrets, spies, Nazi collaborators, and the ever looming threat of war propel Olivia forward as she looks to save her father from the hangman's noose.
Loyalty, as well as the lack thereof, plays an integral part of this fourth entry to the Deadly series. Loyalty to family and to country, whether that country is England or Germany is the foundation as Olivia finds herself risking all for her father, a man she sometimes despises. We also see Olivia's loyalty to her fiance as well as her friends. Once again, Olivia travels to Germany to help get the family of her Jewish friends out of the country before it's too late.
I found Olivia's dealings in Germany the most frightening and haunting section of the book. Seeing what people were forced to endure, the sacrifices made, the treasures lost, and ultimately knowing what will come brings chills. I was happy to see Oberst Bernhard, and I hope to meet him in future books, although I worry about the safety of a German colonel on the brink of WWII.
The descriptions and attention to detail that are so important, especially in historical mysteries, were spot on and I could feel I was really there with Olivia...and very glad that I was actually safe at home in 2019. DEADLY DECEPTION is a compelling study of loyalty and treason set amidst the backdrop of a nation preparing for war.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The Fourth Deadly Mystery
Miffed that her father has started inviting people to her wedding when she hasn't even set a date yet, Olivia Denis storms off to confront him. Entering her father's house Olivia finds him crouched over a dead body, his dagger in the dead man's chest. With her father suspected of murder, Olivia feels obligated to help him, despite their many differences. Secrets, spies, Nazi collaborators, and the ever looming threat of war propel Olivia forward as she looks to save her father from the hangman's noose.
Loyalty, as well as the lack thereof, plays an integral part of this fourth entry to the Deadly series. Loyalty to family and to country, whether that country is England or Germany is the foundation as Olivia finds herself risking all for her father, a man she sometimes despises. We also see Olivia's loyalty to her fiance as well as her friends. Once again, Olivia travels to Germany to help get the family of her Jewish friends out of the country before it's too late.
I found Olivia's dealings in Germany the most frightening and haunting section of the book. Seeing what people were forced to endure, the sacrifices made, the treasures lost, and ultimately knowing what will come brings chills. I was happy to see Oberst Bernhard, and I hope to meet him in future books, although I worry about the safety of a German colonel on the brink of WWII.
The descriptions and attention to detail that are so important, especially in historical mysteries, were spot on and I could feel I was really there with Olivia...and very glad that I was actually safe at home in 2019. DEADLY DECEPTION is a compelling study of loyalty and treason set amidst the backdrop of a nation preparing for war.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
April 3, 2019
Kate Parker writes this series of books that make you feel as though you are in England in the run up to WW2, with all the angst and worry that this time provoked, another total page turner.Olivia is annoyed, very annoyed with her father, not only has he started telling people that she and Adam are getting married (which means they are angling for their invites), but he was supposed to meet her at Church and didn't turn up. By the time she got to the family home she has a head of steam built up, only to have it released quickly when she finds her father kneeling next to a corpse! Not only that the corpse of man she knew who died two years ago. Now things need to go on hold as her father is arrested for murder, oh and she needs to get two Jewish ladies out of Berlin (her best friend's Aunt and Grandmother), so she signs the Official Secret Act and ends up running to catch up and catch the murderer so that they will hang and not her father. But is this one case too far for this feisty, working widow?
September 12, 2020
I liked seeing Oberst Bernhard again. He's a likable man caught in an impossible situation, proven by the fact he aids Olivia while she's helping Jews escape Nazi Germany. I definitely feel more chemistry in the brief scenes between Olivia and Bernhard than I do when she and Adam are together, but I'm sure to be disappointed in this regard.
Can't stand Sir Malcolm. Not sure I'm going to like the series from here on out if Olivia is constantly mixed up with him. I hope the series doesn't lose it's appeal. There were far too many unlikable characters on both sides (maybe that's why I so enjoy the brief scenes with Oberst Bernhard). Either Olivia is going retain too much naivete and keep walking into dangerous situations (come on, she should have been suspicious of everyone, including Alicia Crawford) where her character will not be quite as believable or she'll grow suspicious of everyone she meets, hence losing some of her appeal. By no means am I ready to quit the series, I'm just worried it will lose its appeal for me one day.
Can't stand Sir Malcolm. Not sure I'm going to like the series from here on out if Olivia is constantly mixed up with him. I hope the series doesn't lose it's appeal. There were far too many unlikable characters on both sides (maybe that's why I so enjoy the brief scenes with Oberst Bernhard). Either Olivia is going retain too much naivete and keep walking into dangerous situations (come on, she should have been suspicious of everyone, including Alicia Crawford) where her character will not be quite as believable or she'll grow suspicious of everyone she meets, hence losing some of her appeal. By no means am I ready to quit the series, I'm just worried it will lose its appeal for me one day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2019
Kate Parker’s Deadly Deception is the latest installment in the adventures of Olivia Denis, part-time journalist (limited by the mores of late 1930s London to the Women’s Pages) and part-time unofficial spy and investigator. As the book opens, Olivia finds her father (with whom she does not have a particularly warm relationship), kneeling over a corpse, blood on his hands, his knife in the man’s chest.
Her father may have his faults, but Olivia doesn’t believe for a minute that he killed the man lying on the floor of his house, especially since the victim is an old friend who had been reported drowned two years earlier. But her attempts to prove his innocence clash with his refusal to cooperate and lead Olivia deeper into the maelstrom of pre World War II security.
I’ve enjoyed all of Parker’s books, but Deadly Deception proved to be a real page turner; I had trouble putting it down, and read it over a weekend (when I should have been doing other things).
Her father may have his faults, but Olivia doesn’t believe for a minute that he killed the man lying on the floor of his house, especially since the victim is an old friend who had been reported drowned two years earlier. But her attempts to prove his innocence clash with his refusal to cooperate and lead Olivia deeper into the maelstrom of pre World War II security.
I’ve enjoyed all of Parker’s books, but Deadly Deception proved to be a real page turner; I had trouble putting it down, and read it over a weekend (when I should have been doing other things).
February 7, 2022
Very Satisfying!
I greatly enjoyed this latest from the Deadly series. As Olivia and her father have a believable fraught relationship, Parker did a credible job demonstrating that, as well as detailing Olivia’s commitment to clear her father’s name in the murder of his friend.
Olivia’s interactions with her boss, his daughter who’s her best friend, and her fiancé, Adam, were also well portrayed. While some of the plot devices relied on solutions that I found too easy, it was still a great listen as an audiobook. The complications of approaching WWII lent believable fear, worry and conflict. I find Olivia heroic in mostly relatable ways. Her workarounds of the era’s female repression are satisfying and congruent with her character. All in all, I felt myself transported to a different era when bigotry was becoming deadly, and even if not, lives were being permanently changed - not unlike today.
I greatly enjoyed this latest from the Deadly series. As Olivia and her father have a believable fraught relationship, Parker did a credible job demonstrating that, as well as detailing Olivia’s commitment to clear her father’s name in the murder of his friend.
Olivia’s interactions with her boss, his daughter who’s her best friend, and her fiancé, Adam, were also well portrayed. While some of the plot devices relied on solutions that I found too easy, it was still a great listen as an audiobook. The complications of approaching WWII lent believable fear, worry and conflict. I find Olivia heroic in mostly relatable ways. Her workarounds of the era’s female repression are satisfying and congruent with her character. All in all, I felt myself transported to a different era when bigotry was becoming deadly, and even if not, lives were being permanently changed - not unlike today.
September 26, 2025
2.75 Stars
I have a love/hate relationship with this series.
I can't stand the FMC and find her incredibly unlikeable. Olivia is childish, a brat and overconfident in her abilities. The MMC, Adam, her love interest... they have zero chemistry and I can't figure out why the author insists on having them in a relationship.
I think part of my issue it the narrator of this series, Henrietta Meire, who's delivery of any audiobook is never my favorite. The other is that the characters can feel like cardboard at times and of course, my above mentioned issues with Olivia's spoiled brat persona.
All that being said, there must be something about Kate Parker's writing that keeps me circling back when I'm between other reads and want a known entity author.
So I guess, for all my protesting and "Olivia-ing", pick up the Deadly series and give it a shot. I keep coming back.
I have a love/hate relationship with this series.
I can't stand the FMC and find her incredibly unlikeable. Olivia is childish, a brat and overconfident in her abilities. The MMC, Adam, her love interest... they have zero chemistry and I can't figure out why the author insists on having them in a relationship.
I think part of my issue it the narrator of this series, Henrietta Meire, who's delivery of any audiobook is never my favorite. The other is that the characters can feel like cardboard at times and of course, my above mentioned issues with Olivia's spoiled brat persona.
All that being said, there must be something about Kate Parker's writing that keeps me circling back when I'm between other reads and want a known entity author.
So I guess, for all my protesting and "Olivia-ing", pick up the Deadly series and give it a shot. I keep coming back.
April 7, 2019
Three and a half stars. I like the series, and the lead character, Olivia “Livvy “ Denis. Since solving her husband’s murder in a previous book, Livvy has become enmeshed in crime solving, and, with the lead up to WW II, smuggling and espionage on behalf of her employer, the publisher of a newspaper, and of the British government. In this book, things are again personal for Livvy as she tries to prove that her father didn’t commit a murder, although he was found over the body. While I enjoyed this installment of the series, I feel the situations are getting a bit far fetched. And, it seemed as if the author tried to pack too much into the book, and there wasn’t as much development of characters and situations as in previous installments.
August 17, 2022
Excellent!! First class WWII mystery.
I believe Olivia’s strong character should be taught in schools. Today, most women do whatever they want; whereas, in the 40s 99.99% believed that they were second class citizens with no opinion or self worth. It is for the 00.01% that we honor and Olivia is an honored member.
I believe Olivia’s strong character should be taught in schools. Today, most women do whatever they want; whereas, in the 40s 99.99% believed that they were second class citizens with no opinion or self worth. It is for the 00.01% that we honor and Olivia is an honored member.
December 26, 2022
Enjoyed the use of characters from previous books in the series. Also appreciated that her work was semi legitimized so we are getting the larger picture. Also Adam was absent most of the book so I didn't have to read about their crap lol. Also much less about the war and Jews so it was an easier read than the last.
March 18, 2024
Turns out Olivia does care about her father, even if he constantly exasperates her. A villain from a previous book in the series is flitting around threateningly, but that person may not be who we should really fear. The solving of the crimes and even the survival of our heroine in this seems more by luck and sheer doggedness than by clever thinking, but the atmosphere very well done.
May 29, 2019
Kate Parker does it again!
Trials and tribulations of delightful heroine in this story will keep you entertained looking forward to the levelling in this series. Spies, counter-spies, intrigue and romance, what could post go wrong? Enjoy this one
Trials and tribulations of delightful heroine in this story will keep you entertained looking forward to the levelling in this series. Spies, counter-spies, intrigue and romance, what could post go wrong? Enjoy this one
July 28, 2019
Great story
This book will keep you entertain with it's storyline and compelling characters. It's 1938 England war is looming and it looks like Olivia has to save her father from a murder charge which evolves into a big spy hunt. The story keeps you guessing until the end.
This book will keep you entertain with it's storyline and compelling characters. It's 1938 England war is looming and it looks like Olivia has to save her father from a murder charge which evolves into a big spy hunt. The story keeps you guessing until the end.
March 16, 2021
Another fantastic read by Kate Parker and what a fantastic reminder to readers this is a series! If school did not request my immediate attention, I would have preferred continuing the series but I will pick it back up as soon as I can!
April 22, 2021
Blondes, Brunettes and Auburn --Oh My!
Another great story for Livvy. She is really getting to be a pro at espionage and smuggling refugees. Very exciting book with a fantastic cast of characters. Read this book! You won't be disappointed.
Another great story for Livvy. She is really getting to be a pro at espionage and smuggling refugees. Very exciting book with a fantastic cast of characters. Read this book! You won't be disappointed.
August 12, 2021
Books that Keep getting better and better
Bravo! Loved this book in the deadly series. She is really improving her skills. I love all the other characters, and it seems all very British to me. Can't wait to read the next one. Hope the wedding bells ring.
Bravo! Loved this book in the deadly series. She is really improving her skills. I love all the other characters, and it seems all very British to me. Can't wait to read the next one. Hope the wedding bells ring.
October 5, 2021
Another good one
I love this series. England and the rest of Europe are slipping closer to war in 1938 and Hitler has support in England; the fascists and antisemitism are ever with us. This was good fun with a serious edge.
I love this series. England and the rest of Europe are slipping closer to war in 1938 and Hitler has support in England; the fascists and antisemitism are ever with us. This was good fun with a serious edge.
July 5, 2023
Another case of an amazing recommendation from my local library! I hadn’t even finished the first book before I requested all of the Deadly books that my library offered, and I’ve loved each one. Highly recommend for fans of engaging historical mysteries set around WWII.
July 30, 2023
It was an OK read…
I found some passages exasperating and some plot lines that led nowhere. Also the inclusion of Tom Cunningham as a character appeared to be a filler. His actions were never believable and his entrance and exit unnecessary.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the book.
I found some passages exasperating and some plot lines that led nowhere. Also the inclusion of Tom Cunningham as a character appeared to be a filler. His actions were never believable and his entrance and exit unnecessary.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the book.
May 19, 2019
Exciting
I love the combination of romance, mystery, and espionage. I thoroughly enjoy the “Deadly” series. I await the next installment.
I love the combination of romance, mystery, and espionage. I thoroughly enjoy the “Deadly” series. I await the next installment.
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September 6, 2019I really enjoy this series. Well written, well plotted. Just a good read. Enjoy the historical era.
June 24, 2020
It was good! I've enjoyed this series, the characters and how Parker colors this world and era. I'll probably read them again, the mysteries are well done!
January 4, 2021
Fantastic Series -I'm hooked
Espionage, romance and historical mystery before the start of WWII. Reminds me of a more light hearted Maisie Dobbs. Really enjoying reading this series
Espionage, romance and historical mystery before the start of WWII. Reminds me of a more light hearted Maisie Dobbs. Really enjoying reading this series
April 23, 2021
This is such a great series. I am so enjoying it.
January 21, 2023
This one was more suspenseful than the previous ones. It also left our heroine alone to solve the mystery. It was hard to put down.
June 1, 2023
I love this series
Exciting but cozy series of spies and WW2. I highly recommend. I read number 4 in one sitting, today. I love these books.
Exciting but cozy series of spies and WW2. I highly recommend. I read number 4 in one sitting, today. I love these books.
July 4, 2023
Loose lips sink ships Livvy! She is far too trusting that people are who they say they are and then has diarrhea of the mouth, to be a spy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews