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Masquerade Inc. #1
The After Hours Deception
Petal Morgan finds herself, at twenty-eight, not only without any sort of compass leading her to her lifelong dream (she has as yet to identify), not to mention the student loans stacking up against her (how much education is too much?), now perched on the edge of bankruptcy while accepting, with the shame that comes from failure, taking over the unfinished apartment over her parent's garage. But when an unexpected encounter with an old friend leads her to the kind of job she never expected, she not only uncovers her talents, but a dead body to boot. Deception has never been so lucrative... Welcome to Masquerade Inc. Cozy Mysteries!
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2019
380 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Patti Larsen
302 books547 followersI write a lot of paranormal books for someone who is afraid of the dark. And I wonder why I have to sleep with the lights on. Sometimes life is a teenaged B horror movie and I'm the one who investigates when the scary music is playing. But the voices are calling and resistance is… Yes. I am a Star Trek geek, too. And a fan of RPG’s. With a slight coolness factor since I've been told I'm allowed to join the pops.
Naw. I like being a nerdy girl :)
Naw. I like being a nerdy girl :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 29, 2021
A chance meeting with an old high school acquaintance leads Petal Morgan to a new job and possibly a new career. A dead body, though, is rather ruining things.
It's unusual to enjoy a book when you don't really like the main character. However, this was my situation as I read The After Hours Deception. Just as in real life, there are those people in books that I don't hate, but we are never going to be good friends. When Petal met up with the aforementioned acquaintance and found that they were bonding and growing towards friendship, I was actually pleased for the two. As time went on, I found myself warming to Petal to the point that, at the end of the story, I was aware that I had a begrudging respect for her.
At this point, I realize that I should make it clear that I did really like the plot. I didn't guess the "doer" but the person seemed logical in retrospect so it wasn't a great ah-ha moment at the reveal.
All in all, I look forward to another Petal adventure. It will be interesting to see what she gets up to next.
It's unusual to enjoy a book when you don't really like the main character. However, this was my situation as I read The After Hours Deception. Just as in real life, there are those people in books that I don't hate, but we are never going to be good friends. When Petal met up with the aforementioned acquaintance and found that they were bonding and growing towards friendship, I was actually pleased for the two. As time went on, I found myself warming to Petal to the point that, at the end of the story, I was aware that I had a begrudging respect for her.
At this point, I realize that I should make it clear that I did really like the plot. I didn't guess the "doer" but the person seemed logical in retrospect so it wasn't a great ah-ha moment at the reveal.
All in all, I look forward to another Petal adventure. It will be interesting to see what she gets up to next.
January 24, 2022
I liked this, but ...
The writing was uneven. While there were some very nice turns of phrases and a peek at what COULD be, I had trouble following every now and then. Some sentences needed punctuation or other clarification to make sense for me.
I'm willing to try another of the author's work, though, because the story was engaging.
The writing was uneven. While there were some very nice turns of phrases and a peek at what COULD be, I had trouble following every now and then. Some sentences needed punctuation or other clarification to make sense for me.
I'm willing to try another of the author's work, though, because the story was engaging.
March 7, 2021
Disappointed. Had previously read and reviewed another by the same author so I expected better.
Weird, choppy sentences that start like the author was in a conversation with a close friend. Bad grammar and punctuation. Some characters were wonderfully fleshed out but most were placed with not a lot of background info. Then to have this quick, magical wrap up of the story...
Not a great start to a series in my honest opinion.
Weird, choppy sentences that start like the author was in a conversation with a close friend. Bad grammar and punctuation. Some characters were wonderfully fleshed out but most were placed with not a lot of background info. Then to have this quick, magical wrap up of the story...
Not a great start to a series in my honest opinion.
May 24, 2023
Petal Morgan is twenty-eight and adrift like so many millennials. She is facing bankruptcy and is forced to move back home with her two loving gay dads. She has to find a job just to make ends meet, especially with all her student loans. Then maybe a career if she could find something she liked. It wasn’t as if she didn’t try, but regular jobs didn’t seem to be the thing for her. Determined to find a job, she awoke, grabbed her laptop, and proceeded to get some coffee at the local coffee bar and maybe drop off her resume while she is there. Come to find out, an old high school acquaintance got in line behind her, and they spent a few catching up. Her friend invited Petal to the business that she owned. Her friend left before she could accept or decline the offer, so she decided to go.
The physical world-building is done very well, and character interaction gives you a peek at the possible with the two dads and the story’s heroine. Otherwise, the character interaction was done well. Then there is the cat, and just like a cat, the description of the feline reminded me of a black cat with white paws that used to hang around the front door.
This mysterious fictional read has an amateur woman sleuth who ends up being like a private detective. If you like cozy mysteries, then read this one today. I give this read five stars out of five stars.
The physical world-building is done very well, and character interaction gives you a peek at the possible with the two dads and the story’s heroine. Otherwise, the character interaction was done well. Then there is the cat, and just like a cat, the description of the feline reminded me of a black cat with white paws that used to hang around the front door.
This mysterious fictional read has an amateur woman sleuth who ends up being like a private detective. If you like cozy mysteries, then read this one today. I give this read five stars out of five stars.
May 24, 2024
Petal finds her self deeply in debt after school and attempts to start businesses so she moves home to her fathers’ house . She doesn’t feel so bad as her younger adult brother is also living at home. She meets up with an old school friend who has a club in DC and agrees to meet for drinks. When she arrives she is mistaken for “the new girl” and a tray with drinks is shoved into her hand which she just, delivers. And gets a twenty as a tip. Well, she carries on with waitressing for a few hours til her friend sees her. She is asked to help out for a couple of days and also can she figure where her profits are going. And why she keeps getting leers from the irs suggesting she is laundering money. And Petal, after getting a full grand in one evening accepts the job. When a customer, who has been running book from the club is found dead by petal and the police arrive, Petal tells the detective what she is doing and why and the detective identifies her new profession, undercover PI. And it turns out Petal is good at it. Hopefully , her FBI agent father won’t freak out. A good read. Interesting characters and a well plotted mystery.
August 6, 2021
Not a bad start
Petal is at a crossroads in her life. In debt, no viable job and forced to move back home. Her parents love her and want the best for her, including landing back on her feet, but they did not expect where that leads her. After running into an old school friend, Reggie, Petal finds herself working as a private investigator looking into thefts and possible money laundering taking place at Debbie's night club, After Hours. Not trained for this specifically, Petal finds herself in some dangerous situations but luckily, she gets out of them unscathed. However, she does learn that maybe, just maybe, she has found her niche in life.
Petal is at a crossroads in her life. In debt, no viable job and forced to move back home. Her parents love her and want the best for her, including landing back on her feet, but they did not expect where that leads her. After running into an old school friend, Reggie, Petal finds herself working as a private investigator looking into thefts and possible money laundering taking place at Debbie's night club, After Hours. Not trained for this specifically, Petal finds herself in some dangerous situations but luckily, she gets out of them unscathed. However, she does learn that maybe, just maybe, she has found her niche in life.
May 7, 2021
The author really nailed this story. She gave us a strong but troubled woman. Troubled because she was still searching for her path forward in life after many false starts. However all these experiences were part of her education. She really used those experiences as education. The author weaves a tale of this young woman searching and grabbing for those things which appeal to her. She has a huge support system in her family.
The emotions around her support system make this story a real emotion grabber. A definite read.
The emotions around her support system make this story a real emotion grabber. A definite read.
October 17, 2021
Petal finds her calling
Very good, compelling read. Very interesting, well developed characters. The initial chapters were a bit slow but once those were left behind reading was a breeze, the type that makes you become dissatisfied every time you had to take a break from the story. The plot has many twists and turns swinging from one guilty character to the next before finally settling on the ultimate culprit.
It also included a wonderful blend of family love and support and a reminder that even bad men can care for their daughters.
Well worth reading.
Very good, compelling read. Very interesting, well developed characters. The initial chapters were a bit slow but once those were left behind reading was a breeze, the type that makes you become dissatisfied every time you had to take a break from the story. The plot has many twists and turns swinging from one guilty character to the next before finally settling on the ultimate culprit.
It also included a wonderful blend of family love and support and a reminder that even bad men can care for their daughters.
Well worth reading.
June 9, 2022
Petal Morgan is in her mid twenty's, divorced, broke, deeply in debt, and once again living at her parents home in their unfinished garage apartment.
A chance encounter with an acquaintance from H.S. has her going out to enjoy herself at her friends club.
One thing leads to another and Petal is serving drinks and making more in tips than she ever thought she could.
After a conversation with said friend, Petal is working undercover to try and discover who is embezzling from her and also setting her up for money laundering charges.
Developed characters and a strong plotline.
A chance encounter with an acquaintance from H.S. has her going out to enjoy herself at her friends club.
One thing leads to another and Petal is serving drinks and making more in tips than she ever thought she could.
After a conversation with said friend, Petal is working undercover to try and discover who is embezzling from her and also setting her up for money laundering charges.
Developed characters and a strong plotline.
September 8, 2021
A enticingly heavy book for a cosy. Interesting characters, unusual premise and a really good read!
A nearly 30 year old woman, feeling a failure, having to return home to her family with debts to pay and needing a job. A fascinating story then unfolds as she starts to realise what matters to her and what she can do!
Loved this story and looking forward to the second in the series!
5 stars!
A nearly 30 year old woman, feeling a failure, having to return home to her family with debts to pay and needing a job. A fascinating story then unfolds as she starts to realise what matters to her and what she can do!
Loved this story and looking forward to the second in the series!
5 stars!
June 26, 2022
Terrific start to a series with a MC who is a little broken but much stronger than she realizes especially considering the trauma she endured as a child prior to being adopted. I look forward to her continued growth as she learns to trust herself and embraces her ability to improvise as a source of strength.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free novel from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free novel from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
June 16, 2020
A very different crime novel. A young lady, jobless with lots of student debts ends out working in a club for an old classmate. She ends getting caught up in murder, money laundering and a mob connection. Her behind-the-scenes efforts help to solve the crimes.
November 16, 2020
Coming home
After what Petal sees as another failure it was time to go home. A new job not quite what she expected. A murder and many suspects. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
After what Petal sees as another failure it was time to go home. A new job not quite what she expected. A murder and many suspects. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 24, 2020
Well written
I liked the characters in The After Hours Deception. The story line was good, but the characters sold the story. Looking forward to hearing how they are doing in the next book.
I liked the characters in The After Hours Deception. The story line was good, but the characters sold the story. Looking forward to hearing how they are doing in the next book.
May 19, 2021
Engaging story, likable characters, interesting plot. Despite some sentences being overly complicated and a bit distracting, I'm glad I read this story and look forward to the next book in the series.
May 23, 2021
I've become a bit of a Patti Larsen junkie (first with Fiona Flemming, then the Hayle Coven novels) but I'm having a harder time getting into Petal's books. They're good but after binging the Hayle Coven novels I have less of a "can't put them down" feeling with Masquerade Inc.
May 25, 2021
What’s a millennial to do?
This was a cute story. Not great. The main character has a tendency to do way too much inner voices and monologues. But the plot was okay. Some stuff way telegraphed, some was not. I think the author has talent. Let’s see if it develops.
This was a cute story. Not great. The main character has a tendency to do way too much inner voices and monologues. But the plot was okay. Some stuff way telegraphed, some was not. I think the author has talent. Let’s see if it develops.
July 25, 2021
Patti Larsen need to learn how to write a sentence. There were so many long convoluted sentences that often did not make sense, too many bracketed asides, and a lot of choppy sentence fragments. It was a struggle to get through.
December 22, 2021
ok
An Ok read to pass the time of day if needed. Nothing hard hitting, or special about it really, ho hum characters. Started reading it months ago, just finished it now and skipped a fair bit of it. I think that explains a lot.
An Ok read to pass the time of day if needed. Nothing hard hitting, or special about it really, ho hum characters. Started reading it months ago, just finished it now and skipped a fair bit of it. I think that explains a lot.
January 6, 2022
Com uma crise identitária complexa, a protagonista se envolve em tanta confusão que fica difícil de mergulhar na história. Considerando que é uma narrativa de detetives focada no tempo contemporâneo e na realidade, achei pouco verossímil.
January 25, 2022
I am so impressed with this book!! I love the storyline and the back stories and the characters and the action. I just really like this book! I wish it was in Kendall unlimited so I can read the rest of the series!!!
February 4, 2023
Petal needs a job - pretty much any job. She goes to meet her friend at the friend's bar and suddenly finds herself investigating missing money and other issues.
Patti Larsen always writes great books
Patti Larsen always writes great books
July 27, 2023
mildly amusing
There is very little mystery in this book and almost all of the answers fall in the heroine’s lap. There is very little investigation. It spends a great deal of time on angst.
There is very little mystery in this book and almost all of the answers fall in the heroine’s lap. There is very little investigation. It spends a great deal of time on angst.
February 7, 2024
Cute Cozy Mystery
This was a cute, cozy mystery. I really enjoyed it. I mean, what's not to like about discovering who murdered a man in a burlesque club when the sleuth is a 5'5" blonde?
This was a cute, cozy mystery. I really enjoyed it. I mean, what's not to like about discovering who murdered a man in a burlesque club when the sleuth is a 5'5" blonde?
April 6, 2024
I enjoyed the plot and the characters, but there were parts of the story that I wish were fleshed out a little bit more. The story felt like it was rushed, and could've benefited from some more pages.
Read
June 20, 2020Mystery
A cute murder mystery, the heroine is so likable, beautiful but not perfect. She struggles to find her way, is not brilliant, just trying to find happiness.
A cute murder mystery, the heroine is so likable, beautiful but not perfect. She struggles to find her way, is not brilliant, just trying to find happiness.
Read
March 20, 2021Cute
Love main character. Her job is right in front of her nose but she needs to get out of the way of her own past.
Love main character. Her job is right in front of her nose but she needs to get out of the way of her own past.
March 27, 2021
Exciting and dynamic mystery, a pleasure to read.
May 10, 2021
A good read
Another good read by Patti Larsen. She kept me guessing. A believable character. I will be interested to follow her.
Another good read by Patti Larsen. She kept me guessing. A believable character. I will be interested to follow her.
May 12, 2021
Very modern fun read
The characters in the situation are very modern and up-to-date, the mystery is a fun read, nothing unexpected but still a good story
The characters in the situation are very modern and up-to-date, the mystery is a fun read, nothing unexpected but still a good story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews