Deceit by Design

by Roz Potgieter

Women beware the devil is in town Strike one, two, three You'll all be down... The usually tranquil and picturesque city of Champaign, Illinois, is being rocked by an evil force, turning it upside down. Three closely bonded women-all talented, all beautiful, potent with success and charisma-return to their old lives and Alma Mater for their school's 100th reunion. One of the trio is suspiciously murdered-Extraordinarily this is the first homicide in fifty years. Who could be responsible for committing such a heinous crime in a charming city positively brimming with people, many of whom have something to hide? Dark secrets bubble in Champaign... There is only one man fit for this role: Lieutenant Craig Ryan, relentless in his pursuit of justice. By his side is his former partner, Kirsten Wells, reporter and darling of Champaign, whose grief fuels her need for the truth. As the investigation heightens, a slew of cryptic poetic clues and riddles are strewn around. Devious. Mystifying. Indeed irksome. One by one, the women of Champaign find their way into a psychotic killer's web. Nothing will prevent him from getting what he wants. His plans must be foiled before it is too late...

270 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2023

About the author

Roz Potgieter is a fiction and children's picture book author who resides in Brisbane, Australia.

Her writing inspiration comes not only from her vivid imagination, but from her granddaughters who reside continents away in Roz's birth country of South Africa.

Finding calmness in writing, Roz abandoned her full-time job to focus on her lifelong passion for writing. This has seen the emergence of her children's picture book series GabAna along with other children's series, Gabriella Rose Dream series and Anastasia Grace's Mystical Adventures series, which she constantly adds to.

She has published her first crime fiction novel - Deceit by Design.

When not writing Roz finds pleasure in spending time with her husband, reading, interior styling and spending time on the beach.

Reviews

[Gill Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleverly written and with a good insight into American Police practices. A killer is on the loose in a small American town and Craig a senior detective who personally knows the families of the victims is in charge of the case. Can he stop more murders and why is the murderer taunting hi with odd letters that arrive by various means. An interesting book that explores the mind of a killer. Well done.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating this 3.5.

I was able to predict who the killer was quite early in the book. As I read on it only confirm my original prediction. Working it out was not a guess, after thinking about the characters and their situations it narrowed down who it would/should be. It is a well written book and still worth a read.

[Sonja Serfontein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping murder mystery novel, compelling page turner, loved it from start to finish. You won’t need a book marker for this one, I could not put it down and finished it the day I started it. Easy read with captivating characters. Can’t wait for the next book by Roz Potgieter.

[Jennifer Wrigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish Deceit by Design is one of those books that keeps you guessing who the killer is. A great story full of intrigue, Roz Potgieter certainly used her imagination on this novel. Really looking forward to Roz's next publication.

[Savanna Labuschagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, very easy read and once started couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading more from this author for sure!

[Seán Sanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. It is incredibly well written. The authors style of writing brings the characters to life on the page. A captivating page turner. I hope there’ll be a sequel.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced read with compelling action and mystery — couldn't put it down!

[Genevieve Broom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a non stop thrill ride. I couldn’t put it down. Definitely hope there is a sequel.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Couldn't put it down!

[Greg Hann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, keeps one guessing. Such intrigued and detail around the characters. A must read and definitely movie material there!! Well done Roz. When do we get the next crime thriller?

[CRAIG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deceit by Design is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Set in the mysterious town of Champaign, the story follows Detective Ryan as he digs into high-profile cases. Potgieter’s writing kept me hooked with its unexpected twists and rich, atmospheric setting. The characters are vividly described and incredibly relatable, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Potgieter’s skilful portrayal makes them feel like real people, which deepens the emotional impact and draws readers into the narrative even more…If you love a good crime thriller, this one’s a must-read!