“Tonight is about finally having some damn fun!” That’s what Vanessa Paige thought on her way out the door after an argument with her fifteen-year-old niece, Simone. Vanessa took her niece in a few months ago after the sudden death of her half-sister, Monique. The transition from single life to parental guardian is beyond difficult. They share a small apartment above the bookstore she co-owns with her best friend, Whitney Brown, and butt heads and bump into each other daily. Vanessa has been looking forward to the Hope Ridge High Twenty Year Class Reunion for weeks, mainly because her best friend’s older brother, Will Brown, is picking her up. The night of her dreams turns into a nightmare when she returns home and discovers Simone has gone. There’s not a trace of her left in the apartment. It’s as if she vanished into thin air. While the good folks of Hope Ridge come together to search for Simone, Vanessa is distraught. Simone’s disappearance leaves her with more questions than answers. Someone is lying. Someone knows where Simone is, and what happened the night of the reunion. Someone has committed the ultimate deception. PUBLISHER A Small-Town Murder Mystery containing adult language, violence, and sexual themes. 71,000 words.
Rosemary is an actress, turned fitness instructor, turned author of romantic suspense.
She's told stories and entertained people her entire life. Writing is her favorite because she doesn't have to leave the house or put on pants! Plus, the voices in her head do what she says, for the most part!
She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Bill and their adopted senior pooch, Brownie. She still teaches cycling classes. She claims they keep her sane-ish!
If you pick up one of her books you're in for a ride full of suspense, humor and page turning drama. Also, there will be a rescue dog for some extra tail wagging fun.
Rosemary Willhide has given us another page turner with her newest thriller! So many twists and turns!
Vanessa Paige has taken in her niece, Simone, and while the adjustment hasn’t been easy, she’s trying to make it work. But throw in a teenager, some jealousy, some creepiness, and a little romance, and you don’t know what to expect.
Ok just when I think this author can't top book 1 she blows me away with book 2!
I was on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. Just when I thought I'd figured something out Rosemary would throw another twist at my head and knock me for a loop.
She had me quessing at every turn and when the ending finally came my jaw was on the floor, I would have never imagined that's how things would go.
OMG! The hits just keep on coming for Vanessa, and not in a good way. Secrets always come to light, and while the first one was bad, she may have been to move past it had it not been compounded upon. A tear-jerker, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next book, and a glimpse at how Vanessa proceeds.
Vanessa Paige heads off out to a Reunion - after having yet another disagreement with her niece Simone who is 15. Their relationship has been tumultuous from the time Simone moved in with Vanessa. Their small apartment above a book store run by Vanessa and Whitney makes it difficult for them to have their own space.
Vanessa is excited about the Reunion as her best friend's brother Will is picking her up (therefore it must be a date, right?) Plus, she's had a thing for him for years.
When Vanessa returns home, Simone (and her suitcase) are gone. Where is she? Vanessa feels guilty about their fight and going out. Everyone in Hope Ridge unites to help find Simone and eventually, they do.
Something sinister is definitely going on, someone knows something about Simone's disappearance and what really happened that night.
Who can Vanessa trust?
Incredible book - Part 2 in the Hope Ridge Series and an absolute blinder of a story.
Fast-paced with plenty of unhinged and suss character's. Rosemary weaved a suspenseful story FULL of twists and turns.
I really loved Caroline from the first book (Killer Fiction) and her blossoming friendship with Vanessa - that was really special. Jamie and Amanda's journey pulled at my heart too.
THAT TWIST THOUGH near the end... 😱.
I loved my theory, it was valid, believable, and.....absolute RUBBISH 🙄. You got me real good there 😁.
I highly recommend this excellent book. Thanks Rosemary, I am excited to start part 3 - Killer Revenge - very soon! 🥰
Killer Deception, A Hope Ridge Mystery, by Rosemary Willhide is book two in a trilogy. I recommend reading Killer Fiction before reading this book.
"One thing I've realized is that evil comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors...and so does kindness and decency."
Vanessa has taken in her 15-year-old niece, Simone, after the sudden death of her mother. Both of them are trying to adjust to life as a new family, but it's difficult and hard on both of them. They share a small apartment above a bookstore that's too small for an adult and a teenager, but Vanessa is trying her best to make it work because it's what she has. Simone is unhappy and wants her former life back and Vanessa just doesn't know what to do.
Vanessa has been excited for the Hope Ridge High Twentieth Class Reunion where she's hoping to find out where she stands with her friend and crush, Will. She's ready for more, but she's not sure if they're going to move forward and become a couple or just be friends. Before she leaves with Will, she and Simone do not see eye to eye. But this is nothing unusual for them.
When Vanessa returns home from the reunion, there's no sign of Simone in their apartment. Even her suitcase is gone. Vanessa rightfully goes into panic mode. What has happened to Simone? Where did she go? Vanessa is scared and worried and full of guilt.
This story is quite fast paced and kept me reading. There were a lot of twists and turns in this story to keep me wondering what was going to happen next. I would think that I knew what was going to happen and then I was taken by complete surprise!
Even though this is mystery that makes me never want to live in Hope Ridge (because I'm nervous that something bad will happen to me) it is an intriguing and enjoyable storyline that kept me thinking and questioning about what would happen next to these characters! This story also has humor that made for a good balance while reading. There are some very heavy moments while reading, so it was nice to have a lighter side to parts of this story too.
"When I was young, I'd tell my mom rainbows meant good luck was coming our way. She'd counter with, "Rainbows are signs of hope."
Each character has very distinct character traits that make you think one way about them and then you find out even more about them and it would completely throw me for a loop. Every character was an intricate part of the story. You may think you know these characters, but you find out that you really don't. I love Caroline from the first book, and I still love her in this book. She is a great friend to Vanessa, and I enjoyed watching their friendship grow.
This book is a true mystery that keeps you guessing until you find out what really happens and why. Then you get hit with another shock at the very end of the book! Oh my! I can't wait for the final book in this series to see how this all wraps up!
Vanessa was frazzled trying to get ready for Brian's twentieth class reunion. Brian had invited her and her best friend Whitney to attend with his best friend and business partner Will. Will was Whitney's older brother and Vanessa has had a crush on him for fifteen years when she first set eyes on him in college.
But, Will had only seen her as his sister's best friend, but he and Brian had been spending a massive amount of time at All Booked Up the bookstore that she and Whitney shared ownership of and both she and Whitney were hoping that Brian and Will were actually going as their dates.
As she rushes out of the bathroom she catches herself before she face-plants after tripping over Simone's suitcase. Living in the space over the bookstore was cramped for one person let alone adding in her fifteen-year-old niece whom she had met for the first time a few months ago after Vanessa's half-sister had passed away.
After having yet another argument with Simone she finally made it out the door. Will and she left the reunion early as he had to be on a job site early in the morning, but not after telling her that he wanted to take her out on a real date.
With her head in the clouds, she entered her pitch-dark apartment and it wasn't until she flipped the lights that she realized Simone was not home. But the worst part was that the suitcase that she had tripped over earlier and all of Simone's belongings were gone.
I loved this story!!! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Although this book could be read on it's own, I highly suggest that you start with book one Killer Fiction as the characters are recurring and you get a better feel for this small town and its citizens.
What a heart-wrenching story! If you thought that book one was full of suspense and intrigue hold on to your pants because this story has so many twists and turns you feel like you are on a rollercoaster. Talking about no one being who they seem!
In book one we have a major twist, but the deception in Vanessa's story goes so much deeper. I was heartbroken when I thought this story was leading in a certain direction, but the truth totally blew me away.
This book is action-packed from page one. It is full of danger, suspense and major twists and turns! Highly recommend this complete series!
Published: June 24, 2022 Small Town Mysteries Pages: 280 Genre: Thriller KKECReads Rating: 5/5 I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Rosemary Willhide is an actress, turned fitness instructor, and turned author of romantic suspense. She's told stories and entertained people her entire life. Writing is her favorite because she doesn't have to leave the house or put on pants! Plus, the voices in her head do what she says, for the most part! She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Bill, and their adopted senior pooch, Brownie. She still teaches cycling classes. She claims they keep her sane-ish!
“Maybe it’s Hope Ridge. This charming, quiet town has a way of bringing out the softer side in all of us.”
Vanessa is still trying to adjust to life as a parent. Taking her niece was the easy and obvious choice, but 15 year of girls are a lot. Simone is full is attitude and sass, and every time Vanessa feels like they have taken a step forward- they take three back. When Simone goes missing, seemingly without a trace, the word runaway is tossed around. But Vanessa knows in her bones that is not the case. And she is determined to find the truth, no matter the cost.
First, I have to shout- THE TWIST. This was such a fast-paced read. I could not put this book down.
The gang is all back, and just when things seem to be settling into a routine, Simone disappears. Vanessa is a wreck, wracked with guilt and fear.
But she also carries the weight of the relationship shifts with her longtime crush. A lot has happened, and the emotions are high.
I loved the humor intertwined with this terror. There was a nice balance between the chaos and the charm. We get to know Vanessa a lot more in this book.
The character development is fantastic in this book. We start to see who each character is on a deep level. And certain characters shine.
And I love the friendship between Caroline and Vanessa. The sisterhood is strong! This book will grab you by the throat and hold you captive until the shocking ending.
Rosemary will have you screaming for the next book in this series. The countdown is on!
My 1,000 STAR REVIEWKiller Deception! WOW! I've read every book Rosemary Willhide has out and I'm claiming number one fan. Wow, here I thought Killer Fiction was the best book ever but I was so wrong. This is the by far the best book I have read. Rosemary, you have a true gift of writing don't ever stop. Killer Deception has so many twist and turns that there's something lurking around the corner of every chapter that literally captures you. I fell in love with Vanessa's character she's loyal and has a huge heart. She's had a hard life but never gives up. She takes in her fifteen year old half sister Simone who she had never met after Simones Mother passes away. Whitney Brown has been Vanessa's best friend for 15 years and they opened up a book store in a the cute little town of Hope Ridge.
Vanessa always had a crush on Whitney's brother Will who happens to look like Alexander Skarsgård. May I say how happy I am to see Rosemary's muse come back.
Caroline Carter a best selling author returns to Killer Deception with her brother Jamie and Bolt the Wonder Dog. (I honestly love Bolts love and affection in time of need). I love Caroline.
After the of Hope Ridge High 20th reunion Vanessa life turns upside down. Sheriff Brady enters the roller-coaster and boy is it one doozy.
This book kept me glued to the pages and had me freaking out at minutes and full blown tears. I laughed and fell in love with most the characters and boy was I shocked when the person or persons were found out about. This will keep you wanting more and more and i didn't want it to end. If this ever ended up a movie this would be one hell of a mystery movie and be a movie of the year. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a phenomenal read. group would like this
This book left me the way Vanessa's ending left her. Rosemary Willhide always writes great, emotion filled stories with twists and turns. The first twist of the story I told myself it wouldn't be true... but it was. The second group of twists I told myself not to trust Will...he couldn't be trusted. Wrong again... He loved Vanessa. Final twist, well, if you've read the book you know. I feel just as heartbroken as Vanessa. Such a great love story...such a great mystery and Rosemary you played with my emotions like no one else has. Oh, and the ending?? Hot dog!!
Brilliant! Book 2 in the series did not disappoint. I stayed up until the wee hours of the night to finish this riveting, suspense-filled story. Another captivating read. Every element is meticulously thought out. Wow! As in book 1, I thought I had the killer figured out. I was stunned to find out I did not. Not even close. I became invested in the characters from book 1 and wanted to read and learn more about them. The author delivered! The plot is well-developed, and entertaining, with drama, twists, suspense, deceit, intrigue, love, and insecurities. Highly recommend!
Vanessa takes on her teenage niece and finds it difficult. When the girl goes missing, she questions her ability to parent. The guilt and shame haunts her other relationships too. As with book one of this series, red herrings and misdirection keep the reader on their toes. Clever plotting and great characters make this very enjoyable.
Wow—Hope Ridge really goes through it! Book 2 in the Hope Ridge Mystery Series is just as gripping as the first. “Killer Deception” is packed with lies, secrets, and shocking twists that kept me hooked from start to finish. Every time I thought I had things figured out, Willhide proved me wrong. A thrilling, addictive read I couldn’t put down!
Whoa. Well, I didn’t see that coming. I had suspicions about other stuff because characters felt off to me, so it was definitely not expected. And that ending? Seriously? Like that? Whyyyyyyy? I want to read more about Hope Ridge and to see what happens/who gets killed next. I’m ready for more!
What a great read! So many twists and turns and just when you think you have it figured out another twist you didn’t see coming to set you back to square 1. This had all the feels, happiness, joy, heartbreak, and above all an Epic murder mystery. Bravo! Such a good read! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just enough mystery to keep you guessing. Great story of friendship and family with humor and suspense! Well written as always from Rosemary Willhide .Love this series
This book didn't have me as emotional until the end where I became I crybaby lol I don't want to put spoilers so I'll leave it at that. Vanessa is very sweet and I hated to see her suffering. I really liked Will and Max in the first book so I was torn about who I preferred Vanessa to end up with. I can't wait to see what takes place in book 3
Anytime I get the chance to read a book by Rosemary Willhide I know it's going to be amazing. And Killer Deception was everything and more. Rosemary can grab the reader's attention in the first chapter and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. After Simone's mom passes, she is sent to live with her Aunt Vanessa. Vanessa is trying the best she can, but raising a 15 year old is hard, even under the best circumstances. While they don't exactly butt heads, Simone is unhappy and feels like she's in the way, not to mention the secrets she's keeping. When Vanessa returns after a night out, Simone and her suitcase are gone. Has she finally run away, or has something bad happened? This book is full of twists and turns, lies and deceit, and so much more. The storyline is brilliant, the characters are solid, making this a fantastic read. And that ending. I sure didn't see that one coming. Make this your next read today.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's a quick read. You are sucked into the mystery of Vanessa's missing niece and it never lets up. There is one curve ball after another. I was crying through part of it and got a good chuckle at the end. It's well worth reading.
JAW ON THE FLOOR!! This book is the second of the Hope Ridge Series. This time, we follow Vanessa as she tries to figure out who the killer is! Soon, she finds out the exact meaning of deception! With so many twists and turns, your head will be spinning!! I can't wait to read book 3!! 😍 😍😍😍😍
Killer Deception is definitely full of surprises. I enjoyed how the author included the characters stories from Killer Fiction along with the main storyline of Killer Deception. The twists and turns keep you guessing of what’s going to happen next. If you like thriller mysteries, this book is for you.
Wow this book was fantastic. I love the twist and did not see it coming. I was able to predict Vanessa being pregnant at the end but I love this was added to the story and the story will hopefully continue with it. I’m very torn on how to feel about Whitney and Brian and can’t wait to read the 3rd book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Really 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the story line. It was interesting and a fast read. I don't like how the author phrased some of the conversations. There was too much information in run on sentences, that I feel should have been written outside of quote marks. Additionally I got hung up on the lack of realism in some of the scenes in comparison to how situations would have actually been handled in the real world.
This one wasn’t nearly as good as the first one. It kind of felt like “scooby and the gang” for me. Almost like a YA book. (It’s not there’s a sex scene in it.) Hopefully book 3 will be better.
Finally writing my review! After reading Killer Fiction I was eagerly waiting for the second book to come out. It did not disappoint! Killer Deception has even more twists and turns that will blow your mind! Hope Ridge never even knew what was going to hit them until it did. Without giving away any spoilers, I highly recommend this book. You will get to know Vanessa and all of the other characters of Hope Ridge a little more but be warned, do you really know your neighbors? Just brilliant writing by Rosemary, again! Cannot wait for the third book!