Art of Deception

by Geoffrey Bott

Daniel Cross is enjoying his new life when one of the world's largest container ships detonates in the Panama Canal. When he flies down to Panama and confronts the suspect, Cross finds he is artificial intelligence and programmed to assassinate him. From the explosive first chapters, Art of Deception sets off on a trail of death and destruction as Cross traverses the globe looking for reasons behind the sinking of container ships causing catastrophic supply chain disruptions. Life-like robots are infiltrating the human race with an eye on controlling the world from Washington, DC. In a race against time, Cross escapes death and searches for an island based somewhere in the vast waters that is orchestrating events. This is the second book in the Daniel Cross trilogy and is a page-turner, culminating in the shocking final chapters.

272 pages, Paperback

Published January 4, 2023

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art of Deception is a fast-paced and high-stakes techno-thriller that delivers action, suspense, and global intrigue from the opening chapters.

Geoffrey Bott builds a story centered on artificial intelligence, geopolitical disruption, and a rapidly escalating global threat. Daniel Cross’s investigation into catastrophic events around the world creates a strong sense of urgency and momentum, keeping the narrative consistently engaging.

What stands out most is the scale of the conflict. From explosive incidents to covert technological manipulation, the story maintains tension while exploring the dangers of advanced AI and systemic disruption.

Thrilling, action-driven, and conceptually engaging, Art of Deception is a strong read for fans of modern techno-thrillers and global conspiracy fiction.

[Blue Ant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Blue Ant Literary, Art of Deception moves at the pace its premise demands. Bott wastes no time establishing stakes, a detonated container ship in the Panama Canal is not a slow burn, and the global supply chain disruption as a vector for AI-driven control is more prescient now than when it was written. Cross is a protagonist built for momentum, and the trilogy architecture gives the story room to breathe without losing urgency. Techno-thriller readers have been underserved. This addresses that.

[Paige D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art of Deception is a fast-paced and engaging thriller that blends cutting-edge technology with global-scale suspense. Geoffrey Bott crafts a compelling narrative filled with action, intrigue, and the unsettling possibilities of artificial intelligence. A gripping installment that keeps readers turning pages with its escalating stakes and high-impact twists.