Deception

by Sian Ann Bessey

Someone wants Elizabeth Clarke dead. And she doesn’t know who or why. This was supposed to be the assignment that would earn the attractive young engineer recognition in her male-dominated profession. But now Elizabeth is forced to search for safety in a strange land—a place where the only person she has known for more than a few hours is Michael Royden, her brother’s childhood friend. Michael no longer sees Elizabeth as a kid sister, and he’s going out of his way to make her stay in New Zealand unforgettable. And it will be—if she can survive. After a trip with Michael to the breathtaking National Kauri Forest, Elizabeth suddenly finds she is the target of someone determined to take her life. Now Elizabeth must figure out who to trust—if she is to stay alive.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Mystery, Lds, Suspense, Action, Romance

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S., where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best selling author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

Reviews

[Elise Derr Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Elizabeth Clarke is assigned an important job in Auckland, New Zealand, she seizes the opportunity to prove herself as a female engineer. She'll need to prepare a highly sensitive piece of equipment for transportation to a new lab.

Elizabeth is surprised to find her brother's best friend working in the very lab she's visiting. Michael Royden is determined to spend time with Elizabeth and show her as much of New Zealand as possible during her stay. However, when their excursions start to get dangerous, Elizabeth becomes anxious to complete the job and return to the States. The only thing standing in the way is her heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An exciting story, full of mystery, illegal activities, romance, and the beautiful sights of New Zealand. The NMR machine is a bit over the heads of non-engineers, but it does explain the time-sensitive nature of the circumstances.

Fits in the category of LDS fiction. Not blatant or preachy, but some jargon may be unfamiliar to those outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Also affects the way things play out (for example, the couple never spends the night together, although it would have been more convenient in certain circumstances).

Content: Mild. Some peril and physical injuries, as well as one scene of mild violence bring a semi-intense feeling, but nothing traumatizing. Mild romance wraps everything up with a happy ending.
Language: squeaky clean!
Adult themes include death and drugs.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book set in New Zealand - Elizabeth, an engineer, goes to New Zealand at the university to start up an NMR machine and runs into her brothers best friend, Michael. Elizabeth and Michael reconnect and find out that after all these years their relationship is changing from Elizabeth being a pesky little sister to one of interest in Michael's eyes. But on one of their outings, Elizabeth sees something, not sure what, but it is someone that doesn't want to take any chances on being identified and so he goes to great and dangerous lengths to take care of Elizabeth and Michael. There is a twist at the end that wasn't expected, good romance and good mystery. Really enjoyed this story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems to be an early book by Sian Ann Bessey, and her later books are even better. At first Deception seemed a little too predictable (and you couldn't choose a less informative or more generic title), but then I really got interested in how the story and characters would work out. One of the good things about the book is that you get a bit of a tour of New Zealand and insights into the culture there. I appreciated the references to Latter-day Saint beliefs as they affected the two characters who are members of the Church. A pretty good suspense/romance.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an average read, good but not great. I listened on audio and the reader was not very dynamic so that may have influenced my experience. It definitely was not as good as some I have read by this author. It had a 2004 copyright so maybe she is getting better in her later writing. The mystery/suspense had its moments but often predictable.

[the girl who reads a lot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve had this audiobook for a long time. I think I got it on CD years ago. It is suspenseful and romantic, and it takes place in New Zealand. I think the version I have is abridged, and I much prefer unabridged versions, but it’s still a good book to listen to. I quite like suspense books and Sian’s writing, so it’s always fun to revisit some of her older books.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time! Elizabeth was just going to New Zealand for a job, one she had done many times before. What she wasn't expecting was the drug ring, having her life threatened and finding love.

[Sal4gal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great adventure/mystery! I listened to the audio book.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great re-read!

A fun romantic suspense in beautiful New Zealand. Again great characters , even the secondary ones, with little cultural glimpses to add texture.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book. Perfect for crafting, cleaning the house, or driving. A mystery with minimal religious notes and lots of danger!

[Jenni C · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay.

Basically it was a tourists' guide to New Zealand with a background mystery / romance story.

The writing was sound, but I was not addicted to the book and ended up skipping the details about the setting... "She had to turn the key in the door," and "She used an adapter to blowdry her wet hair." Could note taking on a New Zealand trip by the author be anymore obvious?! So annoying. If you do not mind a play by play stay in a foreign country...then it will not bother you. Personally, I just wanted to read the mystery / romance story.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When Elizabeth Clarke goes to New Zealand for her company, her task seems simple. She doesn't realize that meeting up with a childhood friend, Michael, will put her into a race for her life. The question she has to as is, why does anyone want to kill her? Good book, although it's a bit technical in parts." (My review from 11/7/2004.)

[Ryviera Shayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sian (pronounced Shaun) Ann has a great read here. I don't think she has many like this out there but I enjoyed the story line along this one and her knowledge on the subject. Enough to add to the story without boring you with the details.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth's company sends her to New Zealand on business where she meets her brother's best friend. (Love story a little thin.) In trying to help a friend they stumble across opium plants growing in the forest. She also sees a man there and this sends them running for their lives.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the action in it. It was enough to keep me reading, but it could have been more suspenseful. I liked how the plot was simple, but was strong enough. I also enjoyed the the reunion between Michael and Elizabeth, and how that all turned out.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting profession to be an electrical engineer with knowledge of an NMR. WOW! Elizabeth meeting up with her childhood playmate Michael was pretty much a given. The mystery was intriging and the description of New Zealand makes me want to travel there--bucket list.

[Hilary Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time I've read anything by this author (that I know of), and I really enjoyed it. This is LDS romantic suspense, and it kept my attention nicely. I am curious to try other books by this author.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.5. I enjoyed this story. I liked that it was set in New Zealand (read: sited somewhere different from anything I have been reading lately). I liked the characters.

[Caren · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought the mormon drama in this was way too much. The idea of the mystery was good. Too bad it was extreamly overpowered by silly conversations, and mormon drama just to fit it in.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mystery and suspense about my speed.

[Kisty Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

plot un realistic but a good quick read

[Miriam Robarts · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good quick read. If it was a movie, it would be a chick-flick.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical LDS read