Shadows of Deception

Rating:
Summary: Fast and Furious
Review: Detective Brian Fogarty is depressed. His tight finances are stressing his fragile marriage. His job is sucking him dry. Perhaps his wife Christine is right- Brian needs a new, more lucrative career, one that doesn't leave her worried every night. He submits his resignation and heads for his cabin, hoping to rekindle the fire in his marriage.

But Brian's immediate future is anything but clear. Internal Affairs has targeted Brian and his partner for an investigation. It seems Brian owns an apartment inhabited by a 28 year-old woman. Does his wife know? Rumor has it that Brian's been involved with a female detective as well. And his partner Gabe has an awfully nice car.

Then there's the matter of the professional killer who shows up at Brian's cabin. . .

"Shadows of Deception" is a fast, furious thriller with a with compelling characters and a genuinely surprising conclusion. The author delivers his tale with clean prose and a sense of humor.

The protagonist, Detective Fogarty, is particularly well-drawn. When asked how someone with so many years on the force could still be an idealist, he replies, "I'm a slow learner." Don't believe him. Fogarty is believably heroic, no longer sure he can make a difference, stubbornly clinging to his own rules and values. And when he finds that he's crossed his own lines, he's genuinely distressed.

"Shadows of Deception" is Gary Carmody's first novel. I look forward to reading his next offering.