When the Past is All Deception

by R. Michael Cassidy

Professor Mark Price has been removed from the classroom due to an explosive conflict with his students over issues of political correctness. As his problems on campus escalate, they pose complex challenges for his spouse, Susan Price, a partner at a prestigious Boston law firm who has been nominated for an appointment to the State Supreme Court.

The Prices’ lives are tragically shattered by a gruesome stabbing in Harvard Square. The murder investigation unfolds through shifting those of the Prices, their two teenage children, and the lead detective assigned to investigate the murder. Everyone is hiding something, but what? And why?

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"The proverbial bright light is shining down on the slick surface of Mark Price’s life and revealing all its cracks, ripples and rough edges. . . .Michael Cassidy’s new novel, When the Past is all Deception is a cautionary tale of secrets and assumptions. Can anyone’s life stand up to close scrutiny?"

-- Lyn McCauley, author of Early Release

"Cassidy’s setting for The Past is all Deception comes alive, from local eateries to hot button campus conflicts. The plotting is so high-octane and the danger so unrelenting that almost anyone. . .might be to blame for a homicide, and anyone could be the next victim. I found it impossible to put the book down once the secrets began being unveiled."

-- Stephanie Martin Glennon, author of The Company of Ghosts and Watching the Detectives

"Cassidy’s novel weaves together a compelling murder investigation, family dysfunction, nuanced characters, and a fabulous Boston setting. . . . The twists and turns keep the suspense high and the reader hooked."

-- Nancy Geary, author of Misfortune, Redemption, Regrets Only and Being Mrs. Alcott

316 pages, Paperback

Published September 25, 2024

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

My crim professor is the author and just recently came out with this book. Was an interesting story with lots of Boston references and references to legal doctrines weaved into the storyline.

[SK]

Shoutout Professor Cassidy.

[Collin Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing debut novel from the great R. Michael Cassidy—looking forward to the sequel!

[Eleanor Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Cassidy has followed sage advice in crafting this compelling thriller: write what you know! Cassidy's career has included long runs as both a highly ranked government prosecutor and a tenured law professor. It also seems likely that he has been the parent of teenage children. He writes with an insider's knowledge about criminal investigation (and prosecution), law school politics, and the complexities of dual-career parents raising teenagers. Cassidy offers astute and pithy observations about all of these complicated contexts while guiding his readers on a fascinating journey to solve a brutal murder. There are enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages, but none of these surprises are "cheap" or groan-inducing (a common flaw of this genre). Cassidy should be very proud of this first novel, you'll be happy you read it, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does next.

[Bella Burrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I wasn't sure if I was going to write a review on this one but I've decided that the rating warrants one. First of all, I should disclose that this book was written by a former law school Criminal Law professor (which I think definitely influenced my opinions unfortunately).

I think my biggest problem with this book is that I really wanted it to be a murder mystery and thought that was what I was getting into. Instead, it was a book about familial relationships, self-discovery, and secrets. It was good, but not what I thought I signed up for.

Some of the intimate scenes felt a bit forced and I didn't understand the purpose of them :( I enjoyed the sections where the law and ethics were discussed- it was cool to see the coming together of worlds play out in an interesting context. Overall, I think I came into this book with the wrong expectations and therefore wasn't able to fully enjoy the ride. 2.5 stars, rounded up because I feel like 2 stars on GR is harsh.

[Kathy Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seemingly perfect Price family appears to have it all: middle-aged Mark is a lawyer and an academic; his wife , Susan, has her own successful legal career; their two teenaged children attend private school. So why does Mark feel bored ? Problems arise when a challenge at work starts to snowball downhill at the same time Susan is up for a major promotion and the kids are dealing with common social issues. A brutal murder throws the Price’s lives into chaos, and reveals the secrets that they are all keeping from each other.
This fast-paced, beautifully written, murder mystery/ legal thriller is hard to put down, and keeps the reader guessing whodunnit until the very last page. It is the perfect novel to discuss with a book club. I highly recommend this book, which will keep you thinking about the plot for days after you finish reading it.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down! I read the kindle edition, because the print version is sold out currently, and once I started, I couldn’t stop reading. Thoroughly engrossing plot, complex and realistic characters, thought-provoking treatment of important issues in criminal justice and legal ethics, and an accurate depiction of the procedural aspects. A fun, exciting, and moving read, with countless twists and turns!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! I read it in three days. The author did an amazing job painting the picture of Boston’s legal system as well as college academics. I love a mystery and could not decide who was the villain. Everyone has something to hide, some more than others but it created doubt as to who was guilty. Love a twist at the end!! Brilliant!! Will recommend to my bookclub.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t generally read legal thrillers like this, but this one had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Professor Cassidy is a gifted story teller, all the more so because of his ability to weave realistic legal drama into a story about the impacts of crime and deception on those most touched by them.

[Cici Bevin Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping novel!!

This kept my rapt attention throughout the book! The story is very well told, the characters are well developed and the ending is excellent!! I highly recommend this book and was sad it was over - I looked forward to reading every night.

[Aislinn Mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Granted, I am an attorney, so I geeked out on the legal stuff, but my mother who is not an attorney read it in one day. An interesting story, compelling characters, and a total plot twist at the very end.

[Walter Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

Great Read!!! I received on my kindle yesterday. I could not put it down! Fantastic Ending that will surprise you!!!

[Emilie Keij · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely one of the best books I’ve read this year

[Toby Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was well written, however, I was a bit surprised and perhaps disappointed by the ending.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 4 stars A solid legal mystery with a bit of a condensed ending

[Peter Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect family unravels as the book progresses. A good story but a wordy lugubrious style.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, a good thriller has layered characters, surprising twists, and a satisfying ending. The Past is all Deception excels at this in spades.

In these times, conservative leaning law professor, Mark Price, makes a perfect morally gray protagonist. His relationships with his wife and children were well developed and kept me invested in the outcome. I needed to know who killed Susan Price, and when it was finally revealed, I was not disappointed.

The moral and legal issues in this novel are fascinating, and if you’re a Boston native, you’re in for a special treat with all the local references. I can’t wait to see what Cassidy comes up with next.