Review – Web of Deceit

Award-winning author, Susan Sleeman begins her new “clean read” series, Agents Under Fire with Web of Deceit, a tale of murder, intrigue and suspense wrapped in romance. “Clean read” means a longer, more in-depth series that doesn’t offend those with a Christian worldview and this series doesn’t “contain a spiritual thread” as many of her other books have.

The story opens with an enticing touch of murderous intent that keeps the anticipation high and the pages turning as Kait Knight’s brother-in-law, Fenton Rhodes points “his 9mm Sig in her direction.” In four years of service with the FBI Kait has never been this close to death. Echoes of her FBI instructor’s voice rang in her ears. “Don’t panic. Keep working the plan. One step at a time.”

Yet, she didn’t have a plan, hadn’t expected this. Fenton’s wife Abby, her twin sister, was in the other room with their parents and Abby and Fenton’s infant daughter, Lily. Fenton had followed Kait into the other room where she’d taken the phone call from her partner, agent Nina Brandt. That’s when Kait learned Fenton had “bilked thousands of people out of their money and killed a fellow hacker.” Fenton had overheard her question Nina about him.

Her brother-in-law now faced her from across the room. His cold, hard eyes reflecting the “mental edge of his insanity” as her sister Abby rattled the door knob and knocked insistently. Kait begged Fenton not to involve her but he wouldn’t listen and unlocked the door.

Abby only knew him as a doting father and loving husband and had never seen behind the mask he wore until now.  She couldn’t know what he’d done, or what he was capable of doing. Only Kait knew. What she couldn’t know was her worst fears were about to be realized.

Thus begins a complex tale of suspense that features the dangers and evil aspects of technology in the hands of a cyber-criminal known as “Vyper.” A man expert in the use of identity theft, Internet scams, cyber-bullying and abuse who is consumed with revenge.  Kait’s relationship with homicide detective, Sam Murdock adds a subtle touch of humor and romance to Sleeman’s well-developed plot and true-to-life characterizations that comes with a high body count. “Web of Deceit” is a must read for any fan of suspense.

Book two, Web of Shadows , featuring Kait’s FBI partner, Nina Brandt releases December of 2015 and book three, Web of Lies , featuring FBI agent, Becca Lange releases April of 2016. Books are available in both print and e-format.

In addition to writing award-winning romantic suspense mysteries, Susan Sleeman also hosts The Suspense Zone devoted to “edge of your seat Christian and Clean Read Suspense.”