Rumors of a Secret Society - an Editorial Review of "Deception"

Book Blurb:

Rumors of a secret society. A psychologist's convictions shaken. Hypnosis: a healing tool twisted into something sinister.

For Dr. Bryce Davison, the line between reality and illusion blurs. What if the truth is more complex than he ever imagined?

A college freshman trapped in a web of secrets. A patient's case that defies logic. Bryce's world of therapy becomes a minefield of deception.

When death casts its shadow over those closest to him, the stakes become intensely personal. Bryce is drawn into a vortex of lies that extends far beyond his practice.

Can he trust his own perceptions? Or will his beliefs blind him to a truth too terrible to face?

As the body count rises, time runs out. Bryce, alongside federal agents Dean and Sciotti, must unravel the tapestry of deceit before more lives are destroyed.

In a world where nothing is as it seems, can Bryce protect those he loves without losing himself to the very deception he fights?

Read DECEPTION and discover how devastating the truth can be in a landscape of lies.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/kMjl5jI

Author Bio:

Growing up, I lived for the days when book orders arrived at school. As a young mystery fan with a fertile imagination, I devoured every story I could get my hands on. This fascination with human behavior led me to a career in clinical psychology, where I've had the privilege of working with resilient individuals who have taught me invaluable lessons.

But the writing bug never let go, and I've spent the last several years honing my craft and bringing my stories to life. In the Bryce Davison series, I combine my passion for mystery with my psychology background, creating a world where readers can follow Bryce's personal and professional growth. My basset hound, Max, serves as the inspiration for Bryce's loyal companion in the books.

When I'm not writing, you might find me out walking or trying to solve the mystery of golfing well. I'd like to try pickleball, a sport that Bryce and Lt. Dean enjoy in the series. Join me in exploring the twists and turns of Bryce Davison's world, where mystery, resilience, and a touch of humor collide.

Editorial Review:

Maegan Mitchell strolled across the soft grass of the Titan College quad, preparing herself for the college’s orientation period for freshmen. A schedule full of presentations on topics regarding college life. Around the quad, students tossed Frisbees, chatted on benches, and explored the campus with their parents.

Maegen paused to examine a bulletin board outside the science center. Roommates wanted. Lighted used textbooks. Activities in the larger New Alex community. However, what caught her eye were two flyers posted side by side. Later that night, the Hip Hypnotist was performing on campus. That sounded interesting to her, and right up her intended career alley in psychology. The second was an invitation to join fellow newbies for a freshman mixer tomorrow night, following the first day of classes. Snacks were being offered as an extra enticement. She told Dr. D she wanted to build some positive relationships, and he was all for that. Would the social gathering give her a chance to scope out other students her age, or would it be an excuse for excess?

Deception is the sixth installment in Lee Maguire's Broken Minds Thriller series, a gripping psychological thriller. Deception skillfully blends psychological depth, gripping suspense, and a hint of emotional connection. It takes us on a fascinating trip through the complexities of therapy, trauma, and a terrible web of secrets.

This is a story about how things are not always as they seem, and how troubling it can be to discern the real from the fake, the authentic from the artificial. This opening scene depicts an average college student’s first days on campus as a freshman. But it sets the stage for what will come.

The novel has many chapters, ninety-one, to be exact, and with the length of the book, I think it’s broken down perfectly to help you move through it smoothly. It has great pacing for a thriller, and the chapter breaks are perfect stopping points, although you’ll want to rush back to finish this page-turner.

A psychologist who is devoted to his patients, Dr. Bryce Davison, is enmeshed in a dark game where deceit is rampant, and trust is a luxury. Bryce has to face his own perceptions and the harsh fact that what he thinks is true might not be reality at all as he works through a patient's perplexing situation and becomes caught up in the evil operations of a hidden society.

Resilient college student Maegan Mitchell plays a crucial role in the mystery as it develops, her personal recovery process entwined with the main conflict of the book. Federal Agent Paul Dean, meantime, is still dealing with the loss of his wife, a terrible incident that strengthens his resolve to find the truth. As the trio explores the enigma surrounding the university and its sinister mysteries, the book's relentless tempo keeps readers interested.

It's very well written and there are no spelling errors or typos that pull you out of the story. The formatting is well-done and editing is spot-on. The writing style is vivid and lucid, pulling you deep into the story as if you are there while things are happening. There’s also great emotional depth to the characters, making them feel relatable and genuine.

Sometimes months feel like years.

I sat in the dark on the comfortable couch in the waiting room of my second-floor office suite. The only sounds I heard were from Bobbi Jo opening the coffee shop on the ground floor and getting things started in the kitchen. From my vantage point, I gazed at MacNett’s office, her furniture arranged as when I first bought the building. I remembered how she had squealed with delight when she saw her first “real” office. Her room, like the rest of the suite, was dark. Outside her space looked exactly like the other offices, save for one feature. The plaque with her name and credentials engraved on it was missing. I was holding the brass item and ran my fingers over the letters. Pan MacNett, PhD. MacNett had never occupied the space, nor would be coming.

The taste in my mouth was bitter, and my stomach churned. The possibility of this scenario had never crossed my mind. She should have been with me, preparing for a day of work together.

Maguire's skill at creating multifaceted characters that change throughout the series is among Deception's most remarkable features. Bryce Davison is an engaging protagonist that is relatable due to his intelligence, compassion, and flaws. His knowledge of psychology gives the story a certain depth that makes his internal difficulties just as interesting as the ones he encounters outside.

As Maegan faces the residual effects of her prior trauma and negotiates the challenges of college life, her character development is especially poignant. Her growth gives the narrative emotional weight, and her tenacity is admirable. In the meantime, readers may identify with Paul Dean because of his perseverance and recovery path, which gives the story depth.

Another highlight of Deception is the connections. As their relationship deepens, it shifts from a business partnership to a more intimate one. Their relationship of trust and support for one another serves as an emotionally stabilizing force among the stress in the book. Deception's universe feels completely realized since even small individuals have significant storylines.

Deception, the sixth book in the Broken Minds Thriller series, provides enough background information for new readers to grasp the plot while also preserving consistency with earlier works. Ongoing plots are further developed without seeming repetitious, and returning characters maintain their established identities. Both new readers and die-hard fans will find this book to be a satisfying read because it strikes a balance between historical allusions and modern innovations.

Maguire's in-depth examination of trauma and recovery is what distinguishes Deception from earlier psychological thrillers. Instead of ignoring his characters' psychological issues, he incorporates them into the narrative and makes them a crucial component of the plot.

Bryce's career as a psychologist is essential to the mystery itself, not merely a supporting character. Readers are forced to consider what is manufactured and what is real because of the story's intriguing and unnerving use of hypnosis as a nefarious technique.

Maguire writes with clarity, interest, and immersion. In order to create a story that is both humorous and emotionally captivating, he has a talent for creating tension and employing exact language. Action, reflection, and psychological depth are skillfully balanced to provide a well-rounded reading experience.

Maegan entered the union and lined up behind two guys, one tall and dark-haired, the other shorter and blond. They spoke in hushed tones, which enticed Maegan into eavesdropping.

“Can’t believe we had to come to this Podunk town to learn this shit,” said the taller guy.

“Doesn’t matter. Maybe even better. Who’s going to get uptight in this place?”

“True. And as upperclassmen, perhaps we’ll get more time with Master as we learn the ways of the Enraptured Circle.”

Maegan was intrigued but annoyed. She liked her town. The first place she’d been where she felt that. The rest sounded odd. She decided to butt in, and took a deliberate step and bumped into the blond.

“My bad,” she said. “I was thinking about how to get to my next class. Guess I stumbled.”

“Ah, you’re frosh,” said the tall guy. He looked her over and smile-leered at her. “We can serve as your tour guides if you want. Orient you.” He winked at her.

“Looks like you might have something in your eye,” Maegan said.

The dialogue is a real treat, well-done, and gives us insight into our characters and their personalities and motivations.

The book's plot is well-paced and features a distinct and satisfying arc. A startling and satisfying finale results from the skillful handling of the suspenseful buildup. Maguire keeps readers on edge by introducing surprising turns just when they believe they have solved the mystery. The resolution ensures that readers will be excited for the next installment by tying up the main threads while allowing room for future developments.

The conclusion of Deception is both emotionally stirring and exciting. The main tensions are handled in a way that feels deserved, even though not all the questions are addressed- just enough to provide room for more books. Readers are left wanting more while simultaneously feeling a sense of closure because of the characters' development and resiliency.

Lee Maguire has once again demonstrated his ability to write a clever and compelling psychological suspense novel. Deception expertly blends suspense, emotional storytelling, and psychological complexity. It is a notable addition to the Broken Minds Thriller series because of its interesting characters, complex plot, and provocative ideas. I end the story remembering the dedication, “We all need space to decompress. I hope this book gives you a break from your day.” And I have to say that it did exactly that.

5 stars from the Historical Fiction Company and the "Highly Recommended" award of excellence

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