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Psychic Eye Mystery #13
Sense of Deception
In "New York Times" bestselling author Victoria Laurie s newest Psychic Eye Mystery, Abby Cooper senses a convicted killer is innocent, but she ll need hard evidence to save the woman before it s too late A ticked-off judge has tossed Abby in the slammer for contempt of court, and during her brief but unpleasant stay she learns the story of a condemned woman who is facing a far more serious sentence. Skylar Miller has been found guilty of murder and faces the death penalty. Everyone believes she s guilty, including her own family and her ex-husband everyone, that is, except Abby, whose finely honed intuition tells her this woman doesn t belong behind bars. With the help of her husband Dutch and her friend Candice, Abby launches into her own investigation to clear Skylar and find the real killer. But after a final appeal is denied and Skylar s attorney scrambles for a stay of execution, time is running short and the list of suspects keeps growing. There s no margin for error as the life of an innocent woman hangs in the balance "
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2015
About the author
Victoria Laurie
43 books2,945 followersVictoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
April 22, 2018
Published!!! Yes, go girl!
The must have for my library is out, finally!
Dd 06 Aug 2015
Oh, finally I got aroung to reading this book. Frankly speaking I purposely refrained from wolfing it for several months so that there would be less time between the end of current book and the outing of the next one. Yep.
Dd 20 Nov 2015
Ok, here goes a teeny-weeny spoiler:
Q:... I immersed myself in my relationship with my husband, in little ways at first. Dutch would come home from his morning workout and I’d bring him coffee as he stepped out of the shower. He’d slip into a crisp white shirt and dark slacks and run a little goop through his hair, and I’d eye him in the mirror with desire and a sultry smile that he couldn’t miss. He’d head to work and I’d put a love note in his bag—just a line about how proud I was of him. How beautiful he was. How happy I was as his wife.
He’d come home and cook dinner and instead of camping out in front of the TV while he fussed in the kitchen, I’d keep him company at the kitchen table and we’d talk about our days, about our future, about whatever came to mind. After dinner, he’d clear the table and I’d do the dishes, making sure to compliment him on the meal. On those weekends when he’d head outside to mow the lawn, I’d bring him an ice-cold beer. And, in those times when Dutch was in the mood and maybe I wasn’t, well, I got in the mood and we had fun.
As the weeks passed and I kept discovering little ways to open myself up to him, the most amazing thing happened. I found myself falling madly, deeply, passionately, head-over-heels in love with my husband. I’d loved him as much as I thought I could love anybody before I’d married him, but in treating him like my own personal Superman, I discovered how much of a superhero he actually was. How giving he was. How generous. How kind, caring, and considerate. How passionate. How loving. How genuinely good. And whatever wounds had never fully healed from my childhood finally, at long last, formed scar tissue. It was like being able to take a full breath of air for the first time in my life. It was transformative. And it likely would save our marriage, because, at some point, all that withholding would’ve turned a loving man bitter. On some level I think I’d known that and yet I’d needed my sister to point it out to me and help me change.
Sometimes it’s good to have people in your life that know you better than you know yourself. (c)
Sage advice here.
April 2018. Rereaaaaad! Love it!
The must have for my library is out, finally!
Dd 06 Aug 2015
Oh, finally I got aroung to reading this book. Frankly speaking I purposely refrained from wolfing it for several months so that there would be less time between the end of current book and the outing of the next one. Yep.
Dd 20 Nov 2015
Ok, here goes a teeny-weeny spoiler:
Q:... I immersed myself in my relationship with my husband, in little ways at first. Dutch would come home from his morning workout and I’d bring him coffee as he stepped out of the shower. He’d slip into a crisp white shirt and dark slacks and run a little goop through his hair, and I’d eye him in the mirror with desire and a sultry smile that he couldn’t miss. He’d head to work and I’d put a love note in his bag—just a line about how proud I was of him. How beautiful he was. How happy I was as his wife.
He’d come home and cook dinner and instead of camping out in front of the TV while he fussed in the kitchen, I’d keep him company at the kitchen table and we’d talk about our days, about our future, about whatever came to mind. After dinner, he’d clear the table and I’d do the dishes, making sure to compliment him on the meal. On those weekends when he’d head outside to mow the lawn, I’d bring him an ice-cold beer. And, in those times when Dutch was in the mood and maybe I wasn’t, well, I got in the mood and we had fun.
As the weeks passed and I kept discovering little ways to open myself up to him, the most amazing thing happened. I found myself falling madly, deeply, passionately, head-over-heels in love with my husband. I’d loved him as much as I thought I could love anybody before I’d married him, but in treating him like my own personal Superman, I discovered how much of a superhero he actually was. How giving he was. How generous. How kind, caring, and considerate. How passionate. How loving. How genuinely good. And whatever wounds had never fully healed from my childhood finally, at long last, formed scar tissue. It was like being able to take a full breath of air for the first time in my life. It was transformative. And it likely would save our marriage, because, at some point, all that withholding would’ve turned a loving man bitter. On some level I think I’d known that and yet I’d needed my sister to point it out to me and help me change.
Sometimes it’s good to have people in your life that know you better than you know yourself. (c)
Sage advice here.
April 2018. Rereaaaaad! Love it!
February 23, 2019
5 Things I liked:
1) Intricate murder mystery plot.
2) Interactions with pets (dogs).
3) Snappy dialogue.
4) Kept me guessing whodunit.
5) Swear jar.
1) Intricate murder mystery plot.
2) Interactions with pets (dogs).
3) Snappy dialogue.
4) Kept me guessing whodunit.
5) Swear jar.
August 17, 2020
Abby’s in jail ?! Follow long, please. Victoria Laurie’s Sense of Deception ( Psychic Eye Mystery #13) is quite uplifting! Although this mystery does not begin in am ‘uplifting’ manner as Abby is “ dragged kicking and screaming” from a courtroom where she has being charged with contempt of court. Between you and me, I believe that Abby deserved this charge, but I shall not tell you why. For that information one must read the book! It appears that the county jail is rather crowded, and Abby ends up ‘bunking’ with one other woman, Skylar Miller. Abby being Abby discovers Skylar’s story. Bottom line - Skylar is a death row inmate facing her final appeal and should be in solitary, but that area is too crowded also. Thus Abby and Skylar become ‘roommates’ until Abby’s husband, Dutch’ can arrange her release.
As Abby first studies Skylar’s face, her ‘radar’ tells Abby that Skylar is innocent of the crime of which she was convicted 10 years ago. Abby immediately decides to help Skylar so an innocent woman is not put to death by legal injection, but there is not much time, and the State of Texas is known for executing convicted criminals only hours after all legal ‘steps’ for the death row inmate are denied. And that is exactly what will happen to Skylar unless Abby and her ‘team’ can provide proof of her innocence. As it has been 10 years since the conviction, the fight to save Skylar is an almost impossible uphill battle. Will Abby and her ‘team’ be successful? Fascinating reading but a tad too long. 4.5 stars.
As Abby first studies Skylar’s face, her ‘radar’ tells Abby that Skylar is innocent of the crime of which she was convicted 10 years ago. Abby immediately decides to help Skylar so an innocent woman is not put to death by legal injection, but there is not much time, and the State of Texas is known for executing convicted criminals only hours after all legal ‘steps’ for the death row inmate are denied. And that is exactly what will happen to Skylar unless Abby and her ‘team’ can provide proof of her innocence. As it has been 10 years since the conviction, the fight to save Skylar is an almost impossible uphill battle. Will Abby and her ‘team’ be successful? Fascinating reading but a tad too long. 4.5 stars.
July 24, 2019
Well, hell ... I don't think I have been this satisfied with a mystery book for a while. For that, yes, this deserves my 5-stars read. Sense of Deception, the 13th installment in Victoria Laurie's Psychic Eye Mystery is definitely not an unlucky number. In fact, I think this is the best so far in the series, and I think it can actually compete with those other edgy mystery/thriller police procedural.
The book is opened with a chapter in which Abby Cooper, professional psychic and FBI consultant extraordinaire, is tossed into jail because she outs a judge (the judge then attacks her(!) and held her in contempt of the court!). Apparently the judge thinks Abby as a fake, a charlatan, and Abby unleashes the Kraken on him (*laugh so hard*).
While spending overnight in jail, Abby meets Skylar Millar, a woman who have been imprisoned for 10 years and on a death-row for murdering her 9-year-old son. Abby's intuition tells her that Skylar is innocent .so Abby is determined to work Skylar's case to prove her innocence. Abby personally gathers help from her best friend, Candice, the FBI agent Oscar who is on leave, and Abby requests the lawyer who works with her in the previous book, Calvin, to be Skylar's attorney.
I found myself unable to put this book down!! Well, I did, because I needed good enough sleep, but apart from that, I found myself really hooked by this. For one, the case has no direct threat to either Abby, Dutch, or the rest of the gang (unlike the previous books when Abby is strapped to a bomb, or Candice being charged for murder).
At the same time there's a time factor running against Abby because Skylar is on her last appeal and they only have ten days to get new evidence that will help exonerate Skylar. Without new evidence, Skylar's chance is basically zero. So they cannot really relax about it either.
The investigation is thorough -- even with the help of Abby's psychic intuition, there is no magic happening here. Everyone work their strength, burn the midnight oil to find things that maybe the original detective missed, and to find new suspects that might hate Skylar and Noah enough to do such horrible thing.
And I LOVED Abby when she closed the case (she said Kyra Sedgwick as Brenda from The Closer inspired her, and I could totally see that scene in my mind's eye). Everyone is AWESOME here. So yes, maybe Dutch and Brice don't do a lot but I didn't mind. I thought Abby kicked everyone's ass.
This is an EXCELLENT book ... there's nothing I dislike. None. Nada. And that ending was wonderful -- made me all happy smile. I am so going to immediately read the next one.
The book is opened with a chapter in which Abby Cooper, professional psychic and FBI consultant extraordinaire, is tossed into jail because she outs a judge (the judge then attacks her(!) and held her in contempt of the court!). Apparently the judge thinks Abby as a fake, a charlatan, and Abby unleashes the Kraken on him (*laugh so hard*).
While spending overnight in jail, Abby meets Skylar Millar, a woman who have been imprisoned for 10 years and on a death-row for murdering her 9-year-old son. Abby's intuition tells her that Skylar is innocent .so Abby is determined to work Skylar's case to prove her innocence. Abby personally gathers help from her best friend, Candice, the FBI agent Oscar who is on leave, and Abby requests the lawyer who works with her in the previous book, Calvin, to be Skylar's attorney.
I found myself unable to put this book down!! Well, I did, because I needed good enough sleep, but apart from that, I found myself really hooked by this. For one, the case has no direct threat to either Abby, Dutch, or the rest of the gang (unlike the previous books when Abby is strapped to a bomb, or Candice being charged for murder).
At the same time there's a time factor running against Abby because Skylar is on her last appeal and they only have ten days to get new evidence that will help exonerate Skylar. Without new evidence, Skylar's chance is basically zero. So they cannot really relax about it either.
The investigation is thorough -- even with the help of Abby's psychic intuition, there is no magic happening here. Everyone work their strength, burn the midnight oil to find things that maybe the original detective missed, and to find new suspects that might hate Skylar and Noah enough to do such horrible thing.
And I LOVED Abby when she closed the case (she said Kyra Sedgwick as Brenda from The Closer inspired her, and I could totally see that scene in my mind's eye). Everyone is AWESOME here. So yes, maybe Dutch and Brice don't do a lot but I didn't mind. I thought Abby kicked everyone's ass.
This is an EXCELLENT book ... there's nothing I dislike. None. Nada. And that ending was wonderful -- made me all happy smile. I am so going to immediately read the next one.
August 25, 2015
Quick review:
Cover: Fitting
Rating: R
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Fun Book
Characters: Well Done
Plot: How do you save an innocent from death row
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Sure
Book Boyfriend: Oscar
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
It was an interesting read. I figured out who done it way to early and didn’t sway in my conviction. Still, the book was entertaining. Dutch wasn’t as involved in this book as much. Oscar took the leading role. He was there with Abby most of the time.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Elizabeth Michaels did a good job with narration.
Cover: Fitting
Rating: R
Thumbs Up: 4
Overall: Fun Book
Characters: Well Done
Plot: How do you save an innocent from death row
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Sure
Book Boyfriend: Oscar
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
It was an interesting read. I figured out who done it way to early and didn’t sway in my conviction. Still, the book was entertaining. Dutch wasn’t as involved in this book as much. Oscar took the leading role. He was there with Abby most of the time.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Elizabeth Michaels did a good job with narration.
November 27, 2019
there was chaos in the courtroom as I was dragged kicking and screaming from it by two beefy bailiffs.
Abby is testifying in a trial when the judge calls her a fraud and she decides to out him in public. That transgression lands her in jail on contempt of court charges. She is placed in a cell with a woman waiting on her final appeal before being put to death. Abby knows she is innocent and swears to help her in the two weeks she has left.
This was an excellent addition to the series. Abby is such a relatable and likeable character. She certainly has a huge heart. With all odds against her, Abby is determined to prove that Skylar is innocent of all charges.
I really liked that Oscar was a big focus in this book. Abby works her magic on him as well. He is a huge help in her investigation.
These books suck you in and get you involved in the mystery. I had my suspicions early on who the real culprit was but couldn't prove it. I love that Abby keeps going long after anyone else would have given up.
This is one of my favorite series and I look forward to reading the next book.
Abby is testifying in a trial when the judge calls her a fraud and she decides to out him in public. That transgression lands her in jail on contempt of court charges. She is placed in a cell with a woman waiting on her final appeal before being put to death. Abby knows she is innocent and swears to help her in the two weeks she has left.
This was an excellent addition to the series. Abby is such a relatable and likeable character. She certainly has a huge heart. With all odds against her, Abby is determined to prove that Skylar is innocent of all charges.
I really liked that Oscar was a big focus in this book. Abby works her magic on him as well. He is a huge help in her investigation.
These books suck you in and get you involved in the mystery. I had my suspicions early on who the real culprit was but couldn't prove it. I love that Abby keeps going long after anyone else would have given up.
This is one of my favorite series and I look forward to reading the next book.
July 17, 2015
I must confess I have a real big problem with Victoria Laurie right now.
SHE IS TOO GOOD OF A WRITER!!! I get her book and put down anything else I am reading, doing, feeding or keeping alive. My children included. My life stops as I devour her latest Abby Cooper adventure. And that happened with this book. So my problem is that she writes so well and keeps me on the edge of my seat that I just rush through her book, rather then being able to find it just ok and have it last a little while. Why cant I just read a chapter a week and let the book last forever so that I am not salivating like a rabbit with a carrot on a stick, just waiting for the next one.
Thank you oh so much Ms. Laurie for your amazing gift and wonderful story. Thank you for letting us in on your moment of heart break and opening yourself up to us. It lets us have a glimpse of just what you put into every book we read. It allows us to appreciate you just a little bit more.
SHE IS TOO GOOD OF A WRITER!!! I get her book and put down anything else I am reading, doing, feeding or keeping alive. My children included. My life stops as I devour her latest Abby Cooper adventure. And that happened with this book. So my problem is that she writes so well and keeps me on the edge of my seat that I just rush through her book, rather then being able to find it just ok and have it last a little while. Why cant I just read a chapter a week and let the book last forever so that I am not salivating like a rabbit with a carrot on a stick, just waiting for the next one.
Thank you oh so much Ms. Laurie for your amazing gift and wonderful story. Thank you for letting us in on your moment of heart break and opening yourself up to us. It lets us have a glimpse of just what you put into every book we read. It allows us to appreciate you just a little bit more.
July 12, 2021
Not my favorite Psychic Eye book—too many moving parts, and the reveal just seemed a little too farfetched for me. That said, I always love Abby’s voice and thoughts and seeing Candice and Oscar play a big role in this one was a lot of fun!
June 10, 2016
I love this series, and this book did not disappoint. Abby enlists the help of her friends in trying to prove that a woman she met has been wrongly convicted of murdering her own son. This was definitely one of the most disturbing crimes in this series, and my heart broke for Noah and Skylar. I kept reminding myself that this is just a story, but then I would think about how often these things happen in real life. People suck. This one had me guessing right up until the end, and I really did not know if they would solve this one in time.
On a personal note, the author's dedication of this book to her dog, Lilly, had me absolutely bawling as I read the dedication and acknowledgements section. Lilly was diagnosed with terminal cancer in May of 2014 and passed later that year. My own Sparky was also given a terminal cancer diagnosis in early 2015 and passed in September. What she wrote about their time together after the diagnosis really resonated with me. It's an awful thing, watching one you love try to fight death. As hard as it is, though, you are grateful for every moment you have with them. I appreciated the extra moments in this book between Abby and her own dogs, and I honored Lilly and Sparky by reading this one while cuddling my other furbabies.
On a personal note, the author's dedication of this book to her dog, Lilly, had me absolutely bawling as I read the dedication and acknowledgements section. Lilly was diagnosed with terminal cancer in May of 2014 and passed later that year. My own Sparky was also given a terminal cancer diagnosis in early 2015 and passed in September. What she wrote about their time together after the diagnosis really resonated with me. It's an awful thing, watching one you love try to fight death. As hard as it is, though, you are grateful for every moment you have with them. I appreciated the extra moments in this book between Abby and her own dogs, and I honored Lilly and Sparky by reading this one while cuddling my other furbabies.
July 22, 2015
Sense of Deception is, in my opinion, the best book yet in the Psychic Eye series! Abby Cooper Rivers...or is it just Cooper..no Rivers, starts her day in gthe local lock up. While there, she is put in the same cell as Skyler Miller, a woman on death row awaiting her final appeal, for the murder of her 9 year old son. Abby's psychic powers start working and convince her that Skyler was wrongly convicted..so she and Candice, her partner in crime in more ways than one, spend the next 10 days working pro bono trying to prove Skyler's innocence!
All the main, and favorite, characters of this series return....This book has more depth to it than the previous books, but that only serves to make the series more interesting! 5 stars!
All the main, and favorite, characters of this series return....This book has more depth to it than the previous books, but that only serves to make the series more interesting! 5 stars!
June 23, 2021
The writing is pretty good and the story flows. I read the first book in the series and thought it was OK, but this one if much better. The only thing that annoyed me was the "swear jar." Abby swears ALL the time, without ever trying to stop herself. She should just accept that she has a foul mouth and forget about the stupid swear jar.
January 30, 2023
I love this series.... Reading Laurie's books are like watching my favorite CSI TV shows. Even though there is only so many ways you can investigate a murder each one is it's own journey.
Till the next one... Happy Reading!
Lynz
Till the next one... Happy Reading!
Lynz
February 16, 2018
Brushing off the dust on some of my older TBR books, I found myself returning to Victoria Laurie’s first series, Psychic Eye Mystery! I remember discovering this series when I tired of not finding any paranormal books in the YA section, those are the Dark Years friends. What’s great about diving back into this series is that each book kind of stands on its own. There are some things that carry over from book to book, but it’s mostly personal stuff that you can easily get right back into. Sense of Deception is one where Abby has a very tight deadline to solve the case or else an innocent woman’s life will be put to an end.
At the beginning of this book, Abby finds herself being held in contempt of court and sent to prison. Her cellmate just happens to be of a woman named Skylar Miller who has been on death row for killing her son for the past decade. Her final appeal is just over a week away and after exchanging just a few words with her, Abby is convinced without a doubt that Skylar is innocent. Once she’s free from jail, she gets on the case and begins the long and tedious process of research.
Though trying to prove Skylar’s innocence isn’t her only case, she’s still trying to help her husband, Dutch, find a way to convict a serial rapist/killer—coincidentally whose trial she was testifying at when she was held in contempt—and get him put behind bars for good, and also, help the detective that arrested Skylar with a case he’s struggling with. Nothing Abby can’t handle, though there is that looming deadline until Skylar’s final appeal. Texas is a state that’s fond of the death penalty and if the appeal doesn’t go in her favor, she’ll be looking at the needle by midnight.
To my knowledge, Abby has never had to solve such a cold case before. Especially one that most people considered closed. Since my gut instinct is to always trust Abby and her gut, I was rooting for her. Though she hits many obstacles and dead ends, each failure felt like the end for poor Skylar. Naturally, some of the people Abby has to question about an event that was ten years ago, aren’t the most savory. It’s a good thing her BFF, Candice, has her back! Candice is one tough cookie, who I would never want to be caught on her bad side! But I love that she and Abby always have each other’s back when it comes to these cases of theirs.
What I have always loved about Victoria’s mysteries are the amazing characters! Abby is such a real person to me! She’s carefree, has amazing talents being a psychic, but isn’t without her flaws. She had me laughing more than once throughout this book. Plus the relationships she has with her friends, coworkers, and her husband too, are just amazing! They are such a tight-knit group at times, even though they challenge one another and may have doubts when it comes to work related matters, they always manage to stick it out together.
The story has a nice balance of mystery solving and everyday life, add in the fact that Abby is psychic, and you’ve got just the right twist to make things interesting! I am so happy to have returned to this series and after a brief interruptus of review books, I plan to come back here and get caught up with it! It’s one of the longest running series I’ve read to date at 15 books, whether there will be a book 16 this summer I have yet to find out, fingers crossed though!
Try as I might with this one, I didn’t quite get to the whodunit before Abby did. I at one point had a brief suspicion over the murderer, but then what I thought were more promising suspects came about! It’s kind of fun though to be taken by surprise and to remember that I ought to go with my gut, like Abby when it comes to picking my suspects! Lol!
If you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted mystery with the added touch of paranormal and still increasing danger, then look no further than Victoria Laurie and her Psychic Eye Mystery series!!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
At the beginning of this book, Abby finds herself being held in contempt of court and sent to prison. Her cellmate just happens to be of a woman named Skylar Miller who has been on death row for killing her son for the past decade. Her final appeal is just over a week away and after exchanging just a few words with her, Abby is convinced without a doubt that Skylar is innocent. Once she’s free from jail, she gets on the case and begins the long and tedious process of research.
Though trying to prove Skylar’s innocence isn’t her only case, she’s still trying to help her husband, Dutch, find a way to convict a serial rapist/killer—coincidentally whose trial she was testifying at when she was held in contempt—and get him put behind bars for good, and also, help the detective that arrested Skylar with a case he’s struggling with. Nothing Abby can’t handle, though there is that looming deadline until Skylar’s final appeal. Texas is a state that’s fond of the death penalty and if the appeal doesn’t go in her favor, she’ll be looking at the needle by midnight.
To my knowledge, Abby has never had to solve such a cold case before. Especially one that most people considered closed. Since my gut instinct is to always trust Abby and her gut, I was rooting for her. Though she hits many obstacles and dead ends, each failure felt like the end for poor Skylar. Naturally, some of the people Abby has to question about an event that was ten years ago, aren’t the most savory. It’s a good thing her BFF, Candice, has her back! Candice is one tough cookie, who I would never want to be caught on her bad side! But I love that she and Abby always have each other’s back when it comes to these cases of theirs.
What I have always loved about Victoria’s mysteries are the amazing characters! Abby is such a real person to me! She’s carefree, has amazing talents being a psychic, but isn’t without her flaws. She had me laughing more than once throughout this book. Plus the relationships she has with her friends, coworkers, and her husband too, are just amazing! They are such a tight-knit group at times, even though they challenge one another and may have doubts when it comes to work related matters, they always manage to stick it out together.
The story has a nice balance of mystery solving and everyday life, add in the fact that Abby is psychic, and you’ve got just the right twist to make things interesting! I am so happy to have returned to this series and after a brief interruptus of review books, I plan to come back here and get caught up with it! It’s one of the longest running series I’ve read to date at 15 books, whether there will be a book 16 this summer I have yet to find out, fingers crossed though!
Try as I might with this one, I didn’t quite get to the whodunit before Abby did. I at one point had a brief suspicion over the murderer, but then what I thought were more promising suspects came about! It’s kind of fun though to be taken by surprise and to remember that I ought to go with my gut, like Abby when it comes to picking my suspects! Lol!
If you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted mystery with the added touch of paranormal and still increasing danger, then look no further than Victoria Laurie and her Psychic Eye Mystery series!!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
October 28, 2021
Abby finds herself in a predicament when she pulls out her radar during court when a judge accuses her of being a fraud and she tells everyone in court about his *ahem* indiscretions. well actually, she finds herself in jail bunked up with a death row inmate. Abby know this woman is innocent of the crime she is accused of, murdering her young son. She is up against the clock though, because the woman is facing her last row in 2 weeks and will then be sentenced to death later that evening.
This book was great and I was hooked from the first page. It was some tough material to listen to and I struggled a bit with the death of a little boy. I love how Abby's intuition works and I immediately dove in to the next one as soon as this was finished!
This book was great and I was hooked from the first page. It was some tough material to listen to and I struggled a bit with the death of a little boy. I love how Abby's intuition works and I immediately dove in to the next one as soon as this was finished!
June 12, 2015
Congratulations to author Victoria Laurie for an original storyline. Having protagonist psychic Abby Cooper thrown in jail for contempt of court was a great way to start off SENSE OF DECEPTION. Having Abby share a cell with an accused death row murderer and Abby’s psychic sense telling her the woman is innocent when no one else believes she is, was simply inspired.
The story was full of energy and intrigue. There was lot of action and many road blocks as Abby and gang try to find the real murderer. What seemed an impossible uphill battle, was resolved in a surprising and satisfying reveal.
For those who read book 12, FATAL FORTUNE, and were disappointed, I think you’ll find SENSE OF DECEPTION is back on track and up to the standards you have come to expect from this author.
I pointed this out in my last review of a book in this series, but it seems to have fallen into the “cozy” mystery genre. For readers who like their cozies on the true lighter side as cozies should be, this series may not be to your liking. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a hardcore thriller. However, anyone who enjoys an edgier mystery, that doesn’t mind some “language” and such, as well as a slight a paranormal flare, you’ll really like this book and the Psychic Eye Mystery series.
The story was full of energy and intrigue. There was lot of action and many road blocks as Abby and gang try to find the real murderer. What seemed an impossible uphill battle, was resolved in a surprising and satisfying reveal.
For those who read book 12, FATAL FORTUNE, and were disappointed, I think you’ll find SENSE OF DECEPTION is back on track and up to the standards you have come to expect from this author.
I pointed this out in my last review of a book in this series, but it seems to have fallen into the “cozy” mystery genre. For readers who like their cozies on the true lighter side as cozies should be, this series may not be to your liking. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a hardcore thriller. However, anyone who enjoys an edgier mystery, that doesn’t mind some “language” and such, as well as a slight a paranormal flare, you’ll really like this book and the Psychic Eye Mystery series.
September 5, 2016
still love this series! The characters, the situations they are trying to fix, the relationships...all good things!
I even liked the bit of relationship advice that Abby got from her sister - to treat your spouse like a god/goddess and you will get more than you expected in return. Wise words.
The mystery itself had me on pins and needles...were they going to be able to save Skylar from the death penalty? Time was running out and they didn't have much time to track down who killed her son Noah. There are a few other mini mysteries in the book - other cases they are working on solving.
I will admit that I figured out who killed Noah (but not why) and who the killer was in another case, but just didn't know how they tied in to the case.
I noticed in the last book that the author included 1 F* bomb. In this book there were probably 5 or 6. In some cases I could see why it might be warranted, but still wish she would have come up with another word in its place.
I even liked the bit of relationship advice that Abby got from her sister - to treat your spouse like a god/goddess and you will get more than you expected in return. Wise words.
The mystery itself had me on pins and needles...were they going to be able to save Skylar from the death penalty? Time was running out and they didn't have much time to track down who killed her son Noah. There are a few other mini mysteries in the book - other cases they are working on solving.
I will admit that I figured out who killed Noah (but not why) and who the killer was in another case, but just didn't know how they tied in to the case.
I noticed in the last book that the author included 1 F* bomb. In this book there were probably 5 or 6. In some cases I could see why it might be warranted, but still wish she would have come up with another word in its place.
September 2, 2015
This is the thirteenth book in A Psychic Eye Mystery series and each one gets better than the last. Abby is a psychic who reads for her own client list, works cases with her PI partner, Candice and is also a consultant to the FBI where her husband, Dutch works. Abby is thrown in jail for contempt of court and while spending the night there meets Skylar Miller. Skylar has been on death row for the last ten years and is at the county jail awaiting her last appeal. Abby senses that Skylar is actually innocent but with less than two weeks to go, she and her friends are racing to find the real killer. This is a fast paced paranormal murder mystery that you want to read non-stop. You can read each book as a stand alone but I recommend you start from the beginning.
July 21, 2015
This continues to be an enjoyable series. Abby's use of her psychic powers to help solve crimes is a good hook. But in this story, I was frustrated throughout by her paying no attention whatsoever to the person who obviously (at least to me) was the killer. No psychic abilities needed, just using the usual questions of motive and opportunity.
It was a fun read despite this, though less enjoyable than it could have been if Abby had been a bit less dense.
It was a fun read despite this, though less enjoyable than it could have been if Abby had been a bit less dense.
December 28, 2019
I liked this one better than the last couple. It was intense and I was rooting for Abby to figure it out in time. I thought some of the investigation was a little drawn out... like how they didn't immediately interview the ex husband.
I also loved it when Abby took that guy down. It was good.
Also loved the bit about Kyra Sedgewick from The Closer. Made me giggle.
I also loved it when Abby took that guy down. It was good.
Also loved the bit about Kyra Sedgewick from The Closer. Made me giggle.
July 12, 2015
"Sense of Deception" grips readers from the first page. Victoria Laurie fans will be taken along on a dizzying mystery involving a grisly murder, a wrongly convicted mother and no shortage of roadblocks on Abby's quest for justice. Luckily, she and her crew have her "radar," skills and each other's backs as the suspects pile up nearly as fast as the quarters in the swear jar.
July 23, 2015
Love Abby and the gang. Another great story. Really enjoyed the mystery in particular in this one.
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March 20, 2016Loved it and will wait for her next book not so patiently.
August 3, 2016
Totally gripping! I had to slow myself down while reading this, or I would have gulped it down like the first breath of air after almost drowning! No one writes like Victoria!!
June 20, 2021
One of the best in the series
May 8, 2017
I’ve been a fan of Victoria Laurie’s Psychic Eye series from day one and through its various ups and downs. I’m one of those readers who also reads a book’s forward, afterward and acknowledgements. In her acknowledgements of SENSE OF DECEPTION, Laurie shares a very personal part of her life and tells the story of her puppy, Lily. I had to sit for a few minutes to absorb the very heartfelt story of Lily’s passage to the Rainbow Bridge. Having recently had to help my 19 year old kitty cross the bridge, Lily’s story was particularly poignant. This is not my normal review.
I realized something that had me turning back to the acknowledgements and Laurie’s heartfelt words about Lily. I’m not sure if this is what was going on when she wrote this book, but it was a cathartic moment for me and I suspect would be for anyone else who has lost a loved one, especially one who has been sick. Whether I am right or not, it is something to consider.
Laurie wrote, or at least finished writing SENSE OF DECEPTION at the time of Lily’s cancer diagnosis. Who among us hasn’t been in a situation where we will do anything to change the outcome? With a sick family member, including our pets, much like Abby keeps trying to find a way to save Skylar, even though time is running out. There are times she is ready to give up—but either one of her friends or she herself finds the strength, the energy, the wherewithal to keep going—to change the outcome. As a psychic Abby knows the limitations—but she is human enough to keep going. I was struck by what was, to me, a strong parallel between Abby’s determination to save Skylar and Laurie’s very personal story about Lily…and my own efforts to change my kitty’s outcome. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we do not. Even if I am way off base here, considering this deeper meaning to the story made it a truly wonderful read.
I realized something that had me turning back to the acknowledgements and Laurie’s heartfelt words about Lily. I’m not sure if this is what was going on when she wrote this book, but it was a cathartic moment for me and I suspect would be for anyone else who has lost a loved one, especially one who has been sick. Whether I am right or not, it is something to consider.
Laurie wrote, or at least finished writing SENSE OF DECEPTION at the time of Lily’s cancer diagnosis. Who among us hasn’t been in a situation where we will do anything to change the outcome? With a sick family member, including our pets, much like Abby keeps trying to find a way to save Skylar, even though time is running out. There are times she is ready to give up—but either one of her friends or she herself finds the strength, the energy, the wherewithal to keep going—to change the outcome. As a psychic Abby knows the limitations—but she is human enough to keep going. I was struck by what was, to me, a strong parallel between Abby’s determination to save Skylar and Laurie’s very personal story about Lily…and my own efforts to change my kitty’s outcome. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we do not. Even if I am way off base here, considering this deeper meaning to the story made it a truly wonderful read.
May 22, 2020
Wonderful mystery that had so many twists and turns, it keeps you really wanting to get the killer.
Abby Cooper is a psychic and a private investigator who helps the Austin police and FBI with cold cases and finding killers. She has a knack of letting her psychic radar go when it’s the wrong time and get herself into trouble. That’s why she’s in jail because she lets it fly that a federal judge is a secret homosexual and he throws her in jail for contempt. In that jail she meets Skylar, a woman on death row for supposedly killing her young son. Abby believes that she’s innocent and it sets into motion a whirlwind of detective work to make the courts see she’s innocent.
I really loved the book. There’s so many parts going on, but it’s fun to see the pieces all fall into place at the end.
The characters are great and Abby is a great all around character and has a out of the ordinary way of doing business, but it gets things done.
Abby Cooper is a psychic and a private investigator who helps the Austin police and FBI with cold cases and finding killers. She has a knack of letting her psychic radar go when it’s the wrong time and get herself into trouble. That’s why she’s in jail because she lets it fly that a federal judge is a secret homosexual and he throws her in jail for contempt. In that jail she meets Skylar, a woman on death row for supposedly killing her young son. Abby believes that she’s innocent and it sets into motion a whirlwind of detective work to make the courts see she’s innocent.
I really loved the book. There’s so many parts going on, but it’s fun to see the pieces all fall into place at the end.
The characters are great and Abby is a great all around character and has a out of the ordinary way of doing business, but it gets things done.
October 11, 2017
Around the Year in 52 Books 2017 Reading Challenge. A continuation of a story.
Abby loses her temper while on the witness stand in court because the judge accuses her of being a fraud, breaking and entering into the defendants home to steal, and then planting evidence at a crime scene. She proves she is not a fraud by outing the married judge's homosexual relationship with his clerk and lands in jail for contempt of court. While in jail she meets a woman named Skylar who is on death row. Abby is convinced Skylar is NOT guilty of killing her son and sets out to save Skylar from the death penalty. However, the clock is running out! Great suspense; great story line! We get to know more about FBI agent Oscar Rodriguez.
Abby loses her temper while on the witness stand in court because the judge accuses her of being a fraud, breaking and entering into the defendants home to steal, and then planting evidence at a crime scene. She proves she is not a fraud by outing the married judge's homosexual relationship with his clerk and lands in jail for contempt of court. While in jail she meets a woman named Skylar who is on death row. Abby is convinced Skylar is NOT guilty of killing her son and sets out to save Skylar from the death penalty. However, the clock is running out! Great suspense; great story line! We get to know more about FBI agent Oscar Rodriguez.
October 19, 2017
Victoria is a really good writer. I thoroughly enjoy her books, and this one was very entertaining. I rather prize myself for choosing the culprit early. This book had a lot of viable twists and turns, but finally my choice of culprit was validated! (Yippee!) I love these books because they are enthralling without being nerve wracking. Good job!
July 19, 2018
This time Abby Cooper gets in trouble with a judge and is sent to jail. While there she meets a woman named Sklyar who is on death row but can see she is innocent. When Abby get released she takes the case of Sklyar who has only 14 days till she is put to death. Abby and her friends race against time to find the real killer. The book was a very quick easy read.
June 9, 2019
I found this Abby Cooper book very exciting and moving. Her psychic abilities are so unique. The way she gets carried away so intensely is amazing. This story is about a woman that Abby meets on death row for the murder of her young son. Abby is convinced she is innocent. I also enjoy the laughs which always surprise me. I got wait for her next book.
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