"X" is for X-tra Great Thriller...My Review of Depth of Deceit by Betty Briggs

Synopsis:

Blonde and beautiful, fledging attorney Stephanie Saunders vows to protect the innocent even though as indigent defense attorney her clients rarely are. Does that include Josh Durrant who seems to be following her? Stephanie is dismayed when her peers begin calling her “Prom Queen” as her boyfriend, Todd Saxton, often does. Desperately trying to prove her worth, she falls prey to those who steal her innocence. Although she plans to forgive Todd for his ultimate betrayal, she is never given the chance. Her boss, Attorney Charles Connelly, offers solace, but is Stephanie’s welfare, or his own, top priority? The only thing that keeps Stephanie sane in her insane world are the horses she loves but does not own, especially the abused mare, Riskie Business, whose example helps Stephanie make the most difficult decision of her life. Relying on wit and courage, Stephanie must save herself and another during the final showdown where she proves a loyalty of which she never knew herself capable.

First off, this book was the 2010 Winner of the Silver Quill for second place in the Fiction category for the League of Utah Writers Publication Awards. You can see why after you read this novel. It is fast paced and so engaging you have to keep turning the pages. I especially loved the fact that you did not realize who was behind everything until the last few chapters.

The main character is likable, and she is written so you have great empathy for her. Sometimes, you want to shake her and tell her not to do something stupid. I always feel when a reader reacts this way to a character, kudos to the writer. There are many male characters in this book, and you are not sure who Stephanie can trust. My favorite male in the book is Josh Durrant. He gets under Stephanie's skin as well as yours. There is something about him that you want to know, but can you trust him? Actually, you feel this way about all of the men in this book. Who can Stephanie really trust? There is a huge puzzle to piece together and Betty leaves so many clues along the way. I know my friend Mindy could possibly figure out the real bad guys sooner than I did. After she reads this book, I will let you know if she did.

One central story line in the book does makes you so disgusted. I found it even hard to read about it. It involves date rape. No clear details are given, but be warned. Without this story line arc though, there would be no story. It is handled and written well. You still want to smack everyone who was involved in it.

This book will keep you on edge while you read it. Leave open a large amount of your time to read this novel. I can promise you, you will not want to stop reading. I gave this book 4 stars on goodreads.com.

If you would like to know more about Betty and her books here is the author's site: http://www.bettybriggs.com/

Here is the purchase link for the book: http://www.amazon.com/Depth-Deceit-Betty-Briggs/dp/0965630757/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1301331128&sr=1-1

I received a review copy of this book. In no way did this influence the review that was given.