Guilty Deceptions

by D.C. Malcolm

While searching for a killer, Sheriff Dawson learns that not everything is what it seems...

In September of 1869, Sheriff Dawson holds a man's life in his hands, when they discover a double murder hidden deep within the woods of Willow Grove. Shaking the normally quiet city of Saint John, New Brunswick it triggers the most complex investigation that Sheriff Dawson has ever dealt with.

Armed with letters beyond the grave and cutting edge 1800s forensics, the finger of guilt points to a prominent member of the city. This forces Sheriff Dawson to race against time in order to uncover the truth before it's buried in a web of deception.

461 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2022

About the author

With a fascination for forgotten histories and the darker corners of the past, D.C. Malcolm crafts richly atmospheric Victorian mysteries that weave together historical fact, true crime and compelling fiction. Inspired by real events, social history, and the untold stories that are hidden between the pages of time, she brings nineteenth-century Canada vividly to life through gripping mysteries steeped in authenticity. ​ ​ Blending meticulous historical detail with suspenseful storytelling, D.C. Malcolm creates immersive tales filled with secrets, deception, and lingering shadows of the Victorian age. Readers drawn to haunting mysteries, complex characters, and crimes that are rooted in historical truth will find themselves swept into stories where every clue matters and nothing is ever quite as it seems. ​ ​ When not uncovering obscure historical accounts or researching the forgotten lives of the nineteenth century, D.C. Malcolm can often be found delving into true crime, archival records, and the curious histories that inspire the next mystery waiting to be told.

Reviews

[Jessica Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected. When I first downloaded it, I hadn't planned on reading yet, but then I started to read the first few sentences and I was hooked. I kept my Kindle open on my desktop and kept going back to it as I worked through my day (I work from home) and then I finished up the next night. It was really hard to put down; almost like reading a diary concerning the solving of a crime. That's the best way I can explain it. It's a five star book all the way because you simply can't figure out what's going to happen next. I was on the edge of my seat till the end and not many books do that for me these days simply because I read so many. This was a thrill ride that I thoroughly enjoyed! I'd love to read more by this author! Great read.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read and I enjoyed it. I love the setting and time period. I'd recommend it to those who enjoy mysteries. Especially those that keep you guessing. The author put in a lot of details that you need to pay attention to, and I had fun trying to figure things out.

[Jerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Book falls short of its potential as a gripping murder mystery set in 1860s Saint John, New Brunswick. The predictable narrative, shallow characters, and lackluster writing make for a forgettable reading experience. The promised twists and turns are disappointingly predictable, and the historical backdrop fails to enhance the story. Overall, this novel lacks originality and fails to captivate fans of the mystery genre.