Book Review: Deception

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Deception     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Denise Mina
Class/Genre:   Mystery

Denise Mina, author of the acclaimed "Garnethill" trilogy, lives up to the eager anticipation of her readers with her new stand alone "Deception."

Susie Harriot, a psychiatrist working in the Scottish prison system, has been arrested and tried for the grisly murder of an inmate who was released when his conviction was overturned. Susie's husband Lachlan is astounded when she is convicted of the murder and sentenced to a prison stay of her own.

Lachlan is left alone to raise their young daughter. As he attempts to organize his wife's belongings, he discovers a cache of news clippings, doctor's treatment notes, videos, computer files and other data pertaining to the murdered former inmate. He deals with his chronic insomnia by visiting his wife's study, perusing all his finds, and summarizing them in diary form. The title of the book becomes and ironic comment on all he discovers. Multiple layers of deceit and interlocking motives on the part of his wife and others involved in events surrounding the murder create a grim scenario.

Portrayed by Mina as a sort of nebbish, Lachlan gradually begins to put two and two together. With the reader backing him all the way, he builds a new life for himself and his daughter.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM