Depths of Deceit

Jamie Rush Mystery #2

by Laura Oles

Two sisters.

One deadly secret.

No time to lose.

PI Jamie Rush has her hands full with small-time skip-tracing and surveillance jobs in Port Alene, Texas. The work is steady, though she still struggles to make ends meet. But when her partner, Cookie, brings in a low-paying and potentially time-consuming case, Jamie takes it on out of loyalty.

Cookie’s childhood friend, Renata, needs to find her younger sister, Leah. As Jamie digs into Leah’s past, it becomes clear that the missing woman’s life was shrouded in secrets, the kind that could jeopardize those involved in the case.

To complicate matters, PI Alastair Finn has returned, and he’s willing to reclaim his town by any means necessary. Jamie has never been one to retreat, and Alastair enjoys a good fight. Sparks will fly.

A missing woman. Felonies. Finn’s return. Every twist reminds Jamie that she’s still an outsider in this town. Jamie must prove herself all over again, and the stakes have never been higher.

Genres: Mystery

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2022

About the author

Laura Oles is a photo industry journalist who spent twenty years covering tech and trends before turning to crime fiction. She has been widely published in numerous photography magazines and has served as a columnist for several trade and consumer publications.

Growing up in a military family, Laura discovered the frequent travels were made more enjoyable with the company of Nancy Drew. She has been an avid reader and writer of mysteries ever since.

Laura is a Writers’ League of Texas Award Finalist, Killer Nashville Claymore Finalist and is a member of Sisters in Crime and Austin Mystery Writers .She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband, daughter, and twin sons.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

DEPTHS OF DECEIT (A Jamie Rush Mystery Book #2) by Laura Oles is a character focused and driven mystery in this series featuring P.I. Jamie Rush and her sidekick Cookie Hinojosa set in the coastal town of Port Alene, Texas. While this mystery can be read as a standalone, I feel it would be more enjoyable if “Daughters of Bad Men” were read first due to evolving character arcs.

P.I. Jamie Rush agrees to take on a case for Cookie even though there is no guarantee of payment for time involved. Cookie’s childhood friend, Renata needs to find her younger sister, Leah but as they begin to investigate, they discover more secrets than they anticipated.

To complicate Jamie’s life even more, P.I. Alastair Finn has returned to Port Alene.

I enjoy this type of P.I. mystery which is character forward and not step-by-step procedural investigation if done right, and this one is. The plot is a steady pace throughout except for the faster paced climax. The dialogue and banter between the characters is entertaining and believable. The coastal town of Port Alene, Texas comes to life in this story and adds to the immersive feeling while reading the story.

This is an entertaining cast of characters that I am looking forward to following in the future.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Depths Of Deceit, the second book in the Jamie Rush Mystery Series, author Laura Oles transports the reader back to the island coastal town of Port Alene, Texas, for Jamie Rush and Cookie Hinojosa's latest investigative adventure.

Jamie and Cookie's private investigation business has been slow and not very lucrative, they're back to skip tracing, divorce, and surveillance cases. But when Cookie gets a text from Renata Sandoval, a childhood friend, telling him that she's worried about her younger sister, Leah, who's gone quiet. Renata went to the police department, but they said that adults are allowed to disappear, especially if there is no evidence of foul play. Not knowing who else to turn to and unable to pay, Renata asks them to look into her missing sister's case.

As Jamie and Cookie search for the truth behind Leah's disappearance, the further they dig, the more they realize that Leah's secret lifestyle has gotten herself in trouble with some dangerous people, and someone is determined to recover what Kristen took, and stop Jamie and Cookie from getting involved at all costs. Can Jamie and Cookie put the pieces of the puzzle together and solve the disappearance of Leah, before they find themselves in danger? And if that isn't enough, Jamie is still dealing with family issues, and Alastair Finn, a rival private investigator has come back to town and is muscling in on their business.

Author Laura Olves weaves a slow-building and suspenseful tale written in the third person narrative that follows Jamie and Cookie's investigative journey in search of the truth behind the disappearance of Leah Sandoval. Their investigation will take a lot of digging and dangerous situations, and uncovering dark secrets to find the truth. And if that's not enough, Jamie has to come to terms with her ongoing family issues, while Jamie and Cookie have to deal with the rival private investigator who keeps showing up and threatening to take away their business.

The reader will be easily drawn into this intriguing story with its richly descriptive plot and idyllic coastal town setting. Depths Of Deceit has intriguing characters, and enough drama, tension, action, flashbacks, secrets, clues from the past, and unexpected twists and turns that kept me thoroughly engaged and guessing what would happen next, it will definitely take the reader on one heck of a thrilling roller coaster ride.

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[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from start to finish and is a fabulous follow up to the first book. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Laura Oles’ writing style is authentic, and I truly enjoyed the witty banter and snarky jokes. There were several times I laughed out loud in public and drew a few looks from others. Totally worth it!

In the second book, we find Jamie dealing with complicated family issues and taking a job (along with Cookie) that appears straightforward. All, of course, was not as it appears. The more they delve in, the more complicated it gets. I love this series and look forward to what book three brings!

Having lived in southeast Texas for several years, I appreciated the references and remembering things I miss about Texas.

I received an advance review copy for free am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Depths of Deceit by Laura Oles is an entertaining PI read. The lead is a female private investigator who takes on a pro bono case because of a friend. From there, Laura Oles drives her book on the interactions and dialogue from her characters. These characters are great. There is depth to them. I was able to feel connected by her characters. There are themes of loyalty, family, and secrets. This is more of a cozy mystery than a suspenseful mystery. Intrigue was visible throughout the book. But it was not a Sandra Brown type of suspense. However, I thoroughly enjoyed following along as Jamie took on every obstacle. She is a tough, independent, and smart woman. Cookie was my other favorite character. Smart and funny, Cookie always makes the scenes better. Overall, I loved this detective mystery with its risks, drama, and complicated case.

4.5-stars

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novel for readers who like the focus on characters rather than action or suspense. There is basically no suspense in the novel except for one quick scene near the end. Jamie, and her sidekick Cookie, do some investigating but more of the narrative deals with their personal interactions than work on the case. There is also a bit about the adversarial relationship Jamie has with her parents. My favorite aspect of this novel was the setting of Port Alene, Texas. Oles has done a good job of immersing the reader in the atmosphere of that location.

While I prefer a PI novel including more action and suspense, I did like the loyalty Jamie had for her friends. She was willing to pursue a missing person even when there would be no pay. I also appreciated the support characters, including Deuce. This is a good novel for those who like character driven ones.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[M.E. Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for great characters, and Laura Oles’ latest release, Depths of Deceit brings back two of my favorites with PI Jamie Rush and her partner Cookie. What makes this second outing of the Jamie Rush Mysteries even better is the author crafts a a smartly paced, compelling storyline that does her characters justice. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Depths of Deceit" is the second novel by Laura Oles featuring PI/skiptracer Jamie Rush and her business partner, Cookie. In this adventure, Rush and Cookie look for a missing woman who may have connections to local organized crime in the Port Alene, Texas, area. Along the way, they encounter some stiff competition from another PI, Alistair Finn

While it's not necessary to read the first in the series - "Daughters of Bad Men" - it is helpful to understand for background. For example, it may seem unnecessarily harsh that Jamie wants nothing to do with her con-artist parents but it's understandable once you know the full story. It also explains Jamie's outsider status and redemptive arc.

If you enjoy fast-paced detective stories, "Depths of Deceit" doesn't disappoint. The only quibble I have is the dialog is continuously quippy and snarky. In some places, just plain talking would have been fine.

[Ritter Ames]

Nicely done

The only thing better than a new Jamie Rush mystery is being able to tell others about it. Terrific series and a nicely done follow-up to the first-in-series. The titles can be read as standalones, but do yourself a favor and read them in order to get a full sketch of the characters. Now I'm going to go iron a Hawaiian shirt--you'll understand why when you read the book.

[Sara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for the next one!!!

I really enjoyed the first book of this series (Daughyers of Bad Men) as these characters were introduced and drew me in...but WOW! If that first one was 5 stars, this one is 10 stars!! I thoroughly enjoyed this one so very much and wish it wasn't over. The main characters really need to be my friends. Seriously. I need that quick wit in my life. I can't count how many times I literally laughed out loud at their snarky comments back and forth...but I was also intrigued by the suspense of a such a great mystery...while also being warmed by the depth of the characters. Being from south Texas myself, I loved the references and found them to be very true to life. It's a special place.
I really can't wait for the next one and hope they this is a series that continues for decades.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its engaging characters and fast-moving plot, this is an excellent follow-up to the series’ debut.

Depths of Deceit is the second book in author Laura Oles’s Jamie Rush Mystery series, and already I feel like these characters are old friends. Even with her odd childhood and struggle to break away from her con artist parents, Jamie is a pretty well-adjusted and normal woman working in an unusual business. With his more traditional upbringing and extended family, her partner, Cookie, is a great guy, a good friend, and a perfect partner in their joint business. Their friends Erin, Marty, and Riley are likable and engaging people. The introduction of the smug, self-satisfied yet somehow charming Alastair Finn adds an interesting bit of tension to both Jamie’s and Cookie’s lives. Fun characters also abound when they visit Erin’s senior community center.

The author has created a delightful setting on the Texas Gulf Coast in the fictional Port Alene. The Corpus Christi area has been an annual destination for me for over 30 years, so I enjoyed trying to match up the disguised locations with the actual ones. Descriptions are so well done that I felt like I was there, even for the cold snap the characters were initially experiencing.

The story may lean toward the cozy end of the mystery spectrum, but it definitely has its grittier moments. The plot takes some exciting and unexpected twists and turns, and I honestly didn’t want to put this book down until the final page had been read. The setting continues to be a very moody and atmospheric version of what is typically a sunny and touristy beach destination. The action takes us to some darker locations that made my skin crawl. I enjoyed the unusual backstory for the missing sister and the dangerous men with whom she had become involved. The subplot of Jamie’s parents and her younger sister was emotional, and I felt for both her and Grace.

With very engaging characters and a fast-moving and compelling plot, this is an excellent follow-up to the first book in the series, DAUGHTERS OF BAD MEN. I recommend DEPTHS OF DECEIT to readers of mystery fiction, especially those who like strong female protagonists, bulldogs, and the Texas Gulf Coast.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

[Melissa Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.
While reading this book the character Jamie Rush seemed very familiar to me. I still haven’t figured out why, but the relationship she and Cookie have is one of respect and friendship. Those two things are important considering they are business partners. They are in the business of tracing down skips for repossession. Skips are those folks who have … wait for it … skipped out on payments of one sort or another. This book centers around Renata’s request of Cookie, Renata being a friend to Cookie. Her sister, Leah, has been ghosting her and she thinks something is wrong as Leah at least keeps in touch with Renata and it is unlike her to not so much as answer a text. To add to this mix is Alastair Finn who is back in the town of Port Alene where this tale is set (Texas). Alastair is no stranger to Cookie and is a rival in the skip business, having dusted Jamie and Cookie on a couple of their cases. While Renata’s case doesn’t generate any income for Jamie and Cookie, something they desperately need as their pockets are running on empty, the take it on. This case gets more and more interesting the more Jamie and Cookie uncover and, much to their dismay, they need Alastair’s help to bring this case to resolution.
This is quite an entertaining read. While there is a case involved that Jamie and Cookie need to solve, there are issues with Jamie and her mom and dad (Alex and Stella), her sister Grace, and Cookie’s family has quite a drama club going on as well, though that is not explored in great depth. There is the animosity between Alastair, Jamie, and Cookie, though there is also a mutual respect in the end. And, then there is Deuce. Deuce is Jamie’s bulldog; he makes for a delightful character addition. Marty is the bartender who watches Deuce during the daytime while Jamie is out solving crimes; he is also Jamie’s landlord, having rented the loft above his bar to Jamie.
This is an entertaining read. It will be interesting to follow this series to see what other cases Jamie and Cookie get involved in. I’m sure Alastair will be right there with them, ready to scoop up their bounty! And Deuce, the bulldog, will be soaking up more attention than he could possibly imagine.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review…Depths of Deceit by Laura Oles

Two sisters. One deadly secret. No time to lose.

PI Jamie Rush childhood friend, Renata, needs her help to find her younger sister, Leah. As Jamie digs into Leah’s past, it becomes clear that the missing woman’s life was shrouded in secrets, the kind that could jeopardize those involved in the case. To complicate matters, PI Alastair Finn has returned, and he’s willing to reclaim his town by any means necessary. Jamie has never been one to retreat, and Alastair enjoys a good fight. Sparks will fly.

A missing woman. Felonies. Finn’s return. Every twist reminds Jamie that she’s still an outsider in this town. Jamie must prove herself all over again, and the stakes have never been higher.

It was so easy to get trapped by this story! It's a slow build up, suspenseful story with rich details and an intriguing plot! The story is full of drama, secrets, tension, action and a few surprising twists! I didn't read the first book so the book stands great on its own but it's a character driven series so I do recommend reading them in order. This was an entertaining read! It will be interesting to see where this series will go! Thank you Partners in Crime Tours for sharing this book with me!

[Lone Star Literary Life]

Reviewed by Lone Star Literary Life for Lone Star Literary Life

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

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