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The Deception
Murders past and present will unite a couple against their enemies—or tear them apart forever—in this suspenseful thriller from the author of The Victim.
Rosie Cantrell has a past that even her husband knows nothing of. Born Samantha Ashby, she abandoned her old life when her twin sister was murdered and their trust fund was stolen.
Journalist Frank Stokes knows Rosie’s story, and, nearly ten years later, he intends to write a book about the sisters. Tracing Rosie, he visits Thursdale, the village where she now lives with Mike and their baby son, Noah.
Compelled to reveal her past to Mike, Rosie tells him of the man she dated who later killed her sister—and who was subsequently killed while in prison awaiting trial. To this day, there is no sign of the two-million-pound trust fund.
When Stokes goes missing, the police question Rosie and Mike—and when Stokes’s body is found close to their cottage, they become persons of interest. Soon, the investigation uncovers even more secrets, and threatens to destroy both their marriage and their lives . . .
Rosie Cantrell has a past that even her husband knows nothing of. Born Samantha Ashby, she abandoned her old life when her twin sister was murdered and their trust fund was stolen.
Journalist Frank Stokes knows Rosie’s story, and, nearly ten years later, he intends to write a book about the sisters. Tracing Rosie, he visits Thursdale, the village where she now lives with Mike and their baby son, Noah.
Compelled to reveal her past to Mike, Rosie tells him of the man she dated who later killed her sister—and who was subsequently killed while in prison awaiting trial. To this day, there is no sign of the two-million-pound trust fund.
When Stokes goes missing, the police question Rosie and Mike—and when Stokes’s body is found close to their cottage, they become persons of interest. Soon, the investigation uncovers even more secrets, and threatens to destroy both their marriage and their lives . . .
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2022
About the author
Gillian Jackson
30 books199 followersAuthor of Abduction, Snatched, The Accident, and four more books published by Bloodhound books
Wife to Derek, mother to four and grandmother to nine.
Our lovely rescue dog Liffey completes my family and ensures that I take regular breaks from my desk!
Wife to Derek, mother to four and grandmother to nine.
Our lovely rescue dog Liffey completes my family and ensures that I take regular breaks from my desk!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 11, 2022
Few things are more enticing than a book showcasing the art and science of deception.
This being said, Gillian Jackson's "The Deception" does not disappoint.
After Samantha's twin sister is murdered by Samantha's ex-boyfriend(who has also absconded with her family's $2 million trust fund money), Samantha moves away and changes her name to Rosie.
Ten years after the murder, Rosie is tracked down by an obnoxious journalist demanding to do a story on Rosie, the murder of Rosie's twin sister, and the theft of Rosie's trust fund money.
Immediately after the journalist contacts Rosie, he is found dead.
Did Rosie or her husband kill the journalist?
If not, who did?
The book was fast-paced with strong characterizations.
Although the book is entitled "The Deception", there were many deceptions unfolding in the storyline -- not just one.
Even though I easily guessed the ending, the book was an enjoyable read.
This is my third Gillian Jackson book and I am a fan. Unlike the author's earlier books, I did feel that the police procedurals in this title were lacking.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a superb job.
3.5 stars rounded up.
This being said, Gillian Jackson's "The Deception" does not disappoint.
After Samantha's twin sister is murdered by Samantha's ex-boyfriend(who has also absconded with her family's $2 million trust fund money), Samantha moves away and changes her name to Rosie.
Ten years after the murder, Rosie is tracked down by an obnoxious journalist demanding to do a story on Rosie, the murder of Rosie's twin sister, and the theft of Rosie's trust fund money.
Immediately after the journalist contacts Rosie, he is found dead.
Did Rosie or her husband kill the journalist?
If not, who did?
The book was fast-paced with strong characterizations.
Although the book is entitled "The Deception", there were many deceptions unfolding in the storyline -- not just one.
Even though I easily guessed the ending, the book was an enjoyable read.
This is my third Gillian Jackson book and I am a fan. Unlike the author's earlier books, I did feel that the police procedurals in this title were lacking.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a superb job.
3.5 stars rounded up.
March 16, 2022
After the murder of her twin sister, Sam takes on a new identity & builds a new life for herself. Now known as Rosie, she seems settled with her husband & young son but the upcoming tenth anniversary of her sister’s death sees a journalist getting in contact & Rosie fears that her carefully concealed past is about to be revealed. When the journalist is found murdered, Rosie finds herself caught up in a predicament that not only brings back past events to haunt her but creates a whole new nightmare situation for her & her family.
It's an entertaining & easy read. If I’m brutally honest, the opening chapters didn’t enamour me but once into Rosie’s new life & the problems she was facing, I was hooked. It was maybe a little predictable in that it wasn’t hard to see as to which way things were going but this didn’t detract from the story as the tension built nicely & there was always doubt as to whether things would actually play out as I was expecting. Overall a good read.
* I received an advance copy from Bloodhound books & this review is my own opinion*
It's an entertaining & easy read. If I’m brutally honest, the opening chapters didn’t enamour me but once into Rosie’s new life & the problems she was facing, I was hooked. It was maybe a little predictable in that it wasn’t hard to see as to which way things were going but this didn’t detract from the story as the tension built nicely & there was always doubt as to whether things would actually play out as I was expecting. Overall a good read.
* I received an advance copy from Bloodhound books & this review is my own opinion*
April 28, 2022
Thank you Bloodhound books for the copy in exchange for a honest review. Indentical twins Alison and Samantha are a University when Alison is murdered by her boyfriend. Sam moves away and changes her name to start try to put the past behind her. She is now married with a baby son and thriving new business. Then her past catches up with her when a murder happens in their village and she becomes the prime suspect. Gillian Jackson at her best. Absolutely outstanding fast paced thriller.
June 13, 2022
Thrillers are my favorite genre. I think I am always expecting shock and authentic twists but this book has neither. It’s a quick easy read but very much predictable.
March 4, 2024
Knew it was Lisa all along unfortunately but story was very good. Loved the happy ending regarding being pregnant with twins
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2022
Really enjoyed this book.
Great characters and brilliant plot.
A fun ride from start to finish, with a side of drama and intrigue and some thrilling moments thrown in for good measure.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me
Great characters and brilliant plot.
A fun ride from start to finish, with a side of drama and intrigue and some thrilling moments thrown in for good measure.
Highly recommended 5 stars from me
March 15, 2022
Allison and Samantha are identical twins, while that did come in handy at times it can also cause problems. Their lives were great until their parents died in a car crash. Later they head off to college and this is where things get all messed up. Little did they know what lied ahead for them. I very well written story that comes full circle. Has wonderful characters and a believable storyline. I finished this story one one day! It is that good!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 18, 2022
This book was an enjoyable read, if not at times a little predictable with what was going to happen. But even so, when I did guess something, I did second guess myself until it actually happened.
Samantha and her twin sister Alison have been through a lot together, first their parents die in a terrible accident then their grandmother dies, all before they go to university. At university Samantha meets a boyfriend who she enjoys spending time with until she starts seeing red flags in their relationship. She breaks up with him only to discover he is dating her twin sister. It ends with Alison being murdered and the boyfriend being murdered in prison. Samantha then decides she needs a new start and moves away and changes her name.
The book then moves on around 10 years and we find out what Samantha has been up to, she has changed her name to Rosie, married and had a baby. She has neglected to tell her husband her past, but all of that changes when she gets a letter from one of the journalists from 10 years previously. The journalist is then murdered and the police start pointing the finger at her and her husband.
While it was enjoyable, the police parts didn’t seem to add up as they jumped to a conclusion before looking at all the evidence, including the autopsy report which wasn’t rushed through like the rest of the evidence. This didn’t ring true for me, why would all of the evidence from the house be rushed through but not the autopsy when that tells you so much about the death and how the person was murdered? Just little parts of the story niggled at me, which did stop me from enjoying it as much as I could.
I also guessed who was involved from as soon as they entered the story, although I didn’t know how they were connected but I did know that they had the trust fund money and it was only at the end when it was revealed their true identity I could see how they ended up with the trust fund.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and Gillian Jackson for my copy of this book to read and review.
Samantha and her twin sister Alison have been through a lot together, first their parents die in a terrible accident then their grandmother dies, all before they go to university. At university Samantha meets a boyfriend who she enjoys spending time with until she starts seeing red flags in their relationship. She breaks up with him only to discover he is dating her twin sister. It ends with Alison being murdered and the boyfriend being murdered in prison. Samantha then decides she needs a new start and moves away and changes her name.
The book then moves on around 10 years and we find out what Samantha has been up to, she has changed her name to Rosie, married and had a baby. She has neglected to tell her husband her past, but all of that changes when she gets a letter from one of the journalists from 10 years previously. The journalist is then murdered and the police start pointing the finger at her and her husband.
While it was enjoyable, the police parts didn’t seem to add up as they jumped to a conclusion before looking at all the evidence, including the autopsy report which wasn’t rushed through like the rest of the evidence. This didn’t ring true for me, why would all of the evidence from the house be rushed through but not the autopsy when that tells you so much about the death and how the person was murdered? Just little parts of the story niggled at me, which did stop me from enjoying it as much as I could.
I also guessed who was involved from as soon as they entered the story, although I didn’t know how they were connected but I did know that they had the trust fund money and it was only at the end when it was revealed their true identity I could see how they ended up with the trust fund.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and Gillian Jackson for my copy of this book to read and review.
April 2, 2024
"While all deceptions require secrecy, all secrecy is not meant to deceive." -Sissela Bok (epigraph)
April 3, 2022
The author has an easy to read way of writing. Breezed through the book wanting to know more rooting for the main characters at every turn. If you like murder, mystery, and love all mixed up together on a rollercoaster ride, this is the read for you.
March 24, 2022
A good cozy mystery and an easy read. It took me a little while to get into this but once I did it was a real page turner. Good characterisations, I thought Rosie was a nice character and I had her back!
Briefly, Samantha Ashby has a secret. Her twin sister Alison was murdered by Sams ex boyfriend and their Trust Fund stolen. To escape the press she moves to Yorkshire and starts a new life with a new name, Rose Cantrell. She meets Mike, they marry and have a young son. Life is good until one day she receives a letter from one of the journalists who hounded her 10 years earlier. He wants to visit her as he intends to write a book on the tenth anniversary of her sisters murder. However, after visiting her, his body is found nearby, and the police start investigating and unsurprisingly Rosie and Mike are on their radar.
The police were a little inefficient, missing some obvious clues I thought but it was a well written thriller with a good twist. The identity of the killer was a bit predictable, although I did second guess myself, but the motivation was a surprise. None of this made it any less fun to read and I would definitely read this author again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Samantha Ashby has a secret. Her twin sister Alison was murdered by Sams ex boyfriend and their Trust Fund stolen. To escape the press she moves to Yorkshire and starts a new life with a new name, Rose Cantrell. She meets Mike, they marry and have a young son. Life is good until one day she receives a letter from one of the journalists who hounded her 10 years earlier. He wants to visit her as he intends to write a book on the tenth anniversary of her sisters murder. However, after visiting her, his body is found nearby, and the police start investigating and unsurprisingly Rosie and Mike are on their radar.
The police were a little inefficient, missing some obvious clues I thought but it was a well written thriller with a good twist. The identity of the killer was a bit predictable, although I did second guess myself, but the motivation was a surprise. None of this made it any less fun to read and I would definitely read this author again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 15, 2022
This crime thriller follows the story of Samantha, whose life is turned upside down several times. Just when things are starting to seem settled, things start to spiral out of control for her again.
The story was an easy read and the chapters are relatively short, making this quite a quick read. I found this an enjoyable story although, I did think it was a little predictable. There are some clever twists but I had unfortunately already worked out the the person responsible quite early on. The narrative is in third person and looks at the story from different angles, however I felt that it was difficult to make any real connections with the characters and may have benefited from some first person narrative/ extra development. Some of the events at the start of the book seemed a little rushed and could have given more detail but I really liked the use of the circular structure used towards the start of the book bringing us up to date with the events that had taken place to lead up to the initial scene.
The story was an easy read and the chapters are relatively short, making this quite a quick read. I found this an enjoyable story although, I did think it was a little predictable. There are some clever twists but I had unfortunately already worked out the the person responsible quite early on. The narrative is in third person and looks at the story from different angles, however I felt that it was difficult to make any real connections with the characters and may have benefited from some first person narrative/ extra development. Some of the events at the start of the book seemed a little rushed and could have given more detail but I really liked the use of the circular structure used towards the start of the book bringing us up to date with the events that had taken place to lead up to the initial scene.
March 16, 2022
Samantha Ashby's life falls apart when her sister is murdered and her death attracts public interest. Her instinct is to escape her past life and take on a new identity. She seems to have succeeded in doing so and has a new life as Rosie, a wife and mother to Noah.
Unfortunately that all changes with the arrival of Frank Stokes, a reporter who knows her past and wants to resurrect the story by Rosie telling her side of the story. Rosie realises that she needs to tell her husband, Mike about her past and when the reporter arrives on her doorstep Rosie and Mike make it clear that they will not make any comment or be part of the book he wants to write. Several days later Frank Stokes is found dead in the woods near Rosie's home and as Mike was the last person to see him at the local pub, suspicion falls on the couple.
The Deception is a book which keeps you guessing and has a surprising ending. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this book. The review is my own opinion.
Unfortunately that all changes with the arrival of Frank Stokes, a reporter who knows her past and wants to resurrect the story by Rosie telling her side of the story. Rosie realises that she needs to tell her husband, Mike about her past and when the reporter arrives on her doorstep Rosie and Mike make it clear that they will not make any comment or be part of the book he wants to write. Several days later Frank Stokes is found dead in the woods near Rosie's home and as Mike was the last person to see him at the local pub, suspicion falls on the couple.
The Deception is a book which keeps you guessing and has a surprising ending. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this book. The review is my own opinion.
March 28, 2022
I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed reading. This is a well written story about two people who have a past that get together to fight their enemies. But will it give them justice or will they lose each other forever? This is a fast paced story that is engaging and kept me turning pages fast. I enjoyed how I was pulled into the story by the characters. They are connectable and I enjoyed how they made the story come to life. They had great growth throughout which made the story easy to read. The twists and turns they took me on had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I enjoyed the author's writing style as well which made the story entertaining. I really enjoyed the suspense in this story and what the characters brought to the story. I highy recommend this book.
February 8, 2023
so glad I discovered this author
Again another excellent read. Having read several of Gillian Jackson’s books as A.R.C and loving them I decided to read all her previous stories and so far I am not disappointed.
This is the story of twins tested to the limit and the strength of recovery and renewal. But the past is never far from the surface and when it reappears into Rosie’s new world it brings about devastating consequences for herself and small family. Can they pull through the ordeal together or will things take a sinister turn.
Page turned from start to finish. Part way through I did have an inkling as to “who” and I was correct but that didn’t deviate from the story. I loved every bit of this book as with all the others so thank you and only 2 more to read before I’ve read all your works!
Again another excellent read. Having read several of Gillian Jackson’s books as A.R.C and loving them I decided to read all her previous stories and so far I am not disappointed.
This is the story of twins tested to the limit and the strength of recovery and renewal. But the past is never far from the surface and when it reappears into Rosie’s new world it brings about devastating consequences for herself and small family. Can they pull through the ordeal together or will things take a sinister turn.
Page turned from start to finish. Part way through I did have an inkling as to “who” and I was correct but that didn’t deviate from the story. I loved every bit of this book as with all the others so thank you and only 2 more to read before I’ve read all your works!
March 9, 2022
Rosie lives in an idyllic village with husband Mike and baby son Noah. What her family doesn't know is that she's hiding a past - one where she had a different name, a murdered twin sister and a stolen trust fund. When a journalist from her past gets in touch to say he wants to write a book about her, she realises she has to tell Mike the truth about her life. Things get even trickier when the journalist is killed near Rosie's home - who can Rosie trust, and will events tear her new family apart?
An enjoyable, even if predictable, read. I found some of the police procedures a bit ridiculous, there were blatant leads ignored, but the characterisation and interest in the relationships kept me reading.
An enjoyable, even if predictable, read. I found some of the police procedures a bit ridiculous, there were blatant leads ignored, but the characterisation and interest in the relationships kept me reading.
March 12, 2022
Almost 10 years ago, Samantha's twin sister died. Murdered by her boyfriend, Samantha was sure of it. But the boyfriend died in prison so, without justice served, Samantha escaped to a new life. She changed her name to Rosie and got married. Now she's happy for the most part but a reporter from the past shows up. Then he is murdered. What happens next threatens Rosie's entire life.
I really enjoyed this book. I honestly didn't have any idea who may have killed the reporter until closer to the end. this is my first book by Jackson and I may look into her others as I liked this one a lot.
If you like a simple psychological thriller, you may just like one too!
Thank you, Bloodhound books!
I really enjoyed this book. I honestly didn't have any idea who may have killed the reporter until closer to the end. this is my first book by Jackson and I may look into her others as I liked this one a lot.
If you like a simple psychological thriller, you may just like one too!
Thank you, Bloodhound books!
March 16, 2022
Page Turner
I absolutely loved this book. It had me gripped from the very first chapter. Rosie had the most horrific of teenage years. she ran away from her past to start a new life in a small village; no one knows her past, including her new husband. This all gets threatened when a journalist from way back when turns up, wanting her 'side' of what had happened, this is when things start to go wrong for the young couple.
It's easy to read and unputdownable! A real page turner as I needed to know what was going to happen next. I did guess (not saying any more, no spoilers here). However, that didn't stop me questioning my choice until the end.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for this arc in return for my honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. It had me gripped from the very first chapter. Rosie had the most horrific of teenage years. she ran away from her past to start a new life in a small village; no one knows her past, including her new husband. This all gets threatened when a journalist from way back when turns up, wanting her 'side' of what had happened, this is when things start to go wrong for the young couple.
It's easy to read and unputdownable! A real page turner as I needed to know what was going to happen next. I did guess (not saying any more, no spoilers here). However, that didn't stop me questioning my choice until the end.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for this arc in return for my honest review.
March 28, 2022
The Deception. by Gillian Jackson. Another great book by this incredible author ….
Samantha and Allie are identical twins .. that sometimes comes in handy for playing jokes on people!
As young girls they were so close no words are needed … a look … a action is their communication they don’t always need words. They have more than their fair share of grief in the teen lives …
Fast forward 9 years … Samantha who is now know as Rosie is married to a lovely man and they have a young son …. Why does earlier life have to rear its ugly head now! It was left in the past for a reason but now it is back and causing serious problems!!
A intriguing book that will keep you turning the pages to find out what is happening next!
Samantha and Allie are identical twins .. that sometimes comes in handy for playing jokes on people!
As young girls they were so close no words are needed … a look … a action is their communication they don’t always need words. They have more than their fair share of grief in the teen lives …
Fast forward 9 years … Samantha who is now know as Rosie is married to a lovely man and they have a young son …. Why does earlier life have to rear its ugly head now! It was left in the past for a reason but now it is back and causing serious problems!!
A intriguing book that will keep you turning the pages to find out what is happening next!
March 18, 2022
The death of your parents, then your beloved grandma followed by the murder of your twin sister would be enough to send anyone over the edge, however for Samantha Ashby, she changes her name and moves to Yorkshire to start over again. Everything is going well until an old journalist nemesis contacts her and the new life she has created begins to tear apart at the seams. An easily read story and like some other reviewers I did guess the who although not the why. That being said, the story is cleverly written so that initially you do begin to doubt most of the other characters - for a short time at least !
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
March 27, 2022
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After the murder of her twin Allison, Samantha moves to another area and changes her name to Rosie. She has a new life with her husband and young son and nothing could be better. Nearing the 10 year Anniversary of her sisters death, a journalist finds and makes contact with Rosie in an attempt to write a book about the story. Rosie declines and fears her past life will be exposed. He is then found murdered and when she and her husband are implicated in his death, her past life begins to unravel.
A well written thriller that kept me turning the pages!
After the murder of her twin Allison, Samantha moves to another area and changes her name to Rosie. She has a new life with her husband and young son and nothing could be better. Nearing the 10 year Anniversary of her sisters death, a journalist finds and makes contact with Rosie in an attempt to write a book about the story. Rosie declines and fears her past life will be exposed. He is then found murdered and when she and her husband are implicated in his death, her past life begins to unravel.
A well written thriller that kept me turning the pages!
March 28, 2022
Having been read other books by the author I was sure this one was going to be a great read, and mostly it was, my only but (and the reason why I’m not giving the book more stars) was that I knew very early on who the villain of the story was. Although this knowledge didn’t deter me from enjoying reading the book.
The story unravels quite nicely and keeps the reader engaged in it, with relatable characters and good writing this book will be a good fit for anyone who likes and enjoys reading psychological thrillers.
The story unravels quite nicely and keeps the reader engaged in it, with relatable characters and good writing this book will be a good fit for anyone who likes and enjoys reading psychological thrillers.
March 28, 2022
Rosie has a secret past in her old life her twin sister was murdered and her trust fund stolen, moving on a few years later she is hoping that life will be better but this turns out not to be the case, will not say more as it would give away the storyline.
I really enjoyed this book, got totally hooked on it, a really good read, one of the best books I have read in ages in fact.
Well worth reading.
I really enjoyed this book, got totally hooked on it, a really good read, one of the best books I have read in ages in fact.
Well worth reading.
March 29, 2022
Started well but found the ending quite disappointing.
The story jumps in telling events of the past. I found it quite well written but moved through very quickly without giving time for the characters to develop well and found the reasons for the sisters behaviour strange after them supposedly being so close.
The second part of the book told by Rosie was much better until the ending. Not a memorable read.
The story jumps in telling events of the past. I found it quite well written but moved through very quickly without giving time for the characters to develop well and found the reasons for the sisters behaviour strange after them supposedly being so close.
The second part of the book told by Rosie was much better until the ending. Not a memorable read.
March 28, 2022
This book is a pleasant read that does have plenty of action. I sussed out 'who done it' but that did not spoil the book - I hadn't got it all correct anyway. The characters are likeable or unlikeable as intended. An easy and enjoyable read. I received an arc from the publishers and I give this review freely and honestly.
March 29, 2022
This book has it all when you are looking for a fast paced thriller: secrets, murder, and money. The main character just can't catch a break starting at a young age and it seems to carry on throughout her life. I enjoyed everything about this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
July 13, 2022
The Deception by Gillian Jackson was a very good book and I was gripped from the beginning till the end. This book was was a good thriller and had a brilliant Plot. All the Characters were great and played great parts within putting this book together.
I will be looking forward reading more books by Gillian in the near future.
I will be looking forward reading more books by Gillian in the near future.
July 8, 2024
Don’t get me wrong, I definitely thought there was a good storyline and the book kept me intrigued the whole time, however the writing just wasn’t very good in my opinion, it just wasn’t very fluent and I personally guessed the twist before I was even half way through. Still I did enjoy the read and the characters, it had a nice fast pace which I always prefer.
March 7, 2022
I enjoyed the book. It was very well described. Starting with an awful murder the story moves forward nine years. Rose's old life come back threatening her security.
I am sorry to say that I guessed shat was happening but it didn't detract from the story.
I am sorry to say that I guessed shat was happening but it didn't detract from the story.
March 13, 2022
This was a really gripping book, one I couldn't put down. Rosie has a big secret, one she is forced to reveal to her husband when her past catches up with her. It takes them on a rocky ride and events unfold causing mayhem. A truly great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews