Nancy Mehl is one of the few authors I would mention if someone asks for recommendations on a mystery or suspense author. Somehow this title didn’t quite make the mark for me. The writing was still good. The first few chapters still captivated me, but I found myself losing interest after that. Maybe it was the storyline that dragged a bit for me.

But the author still remains a top author for me. And one whom I’ll still recommend. This review is retrospective and I’ve gone on to give a full 5 stars for her recent hard-to-put-down book.

Wow. That's about all I can say. One man will go to great lengths to protect the woman he's assigned to. He's a US Marshal and Kate is the survivor of a serial killer. But sometimes things aren't always what they seem.

Kate thought all the drama from the serial killer who killed her twin and left her for dead is over. But then he gets released from prison on a technicality and she is living in fear again. Maybe she just shoved the feelings instead of actually dealing with them.

But then Tony is back in her life trying to protect her. Things get very interesting really quickly in the town where she has been in witness protection. Can they find out who is after her before it's too late? And what about the serial killer? Are they right? Did Kate just pick the first guy she saw and blame him? Kate is sure the man who she sent to jail is the one who hurt her but why is there DNA evidence of a different killer being involved in the serial killings?

This is such a great book. So much mystery and twists and turns. I highly recommend you read the entire series and you will not be bored. They are amazing. Nancy Mehl knows how to write a suspense novel that will keep you biting your nails and wondering who done it til the end!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Nancy Mehl is one of the best Christian suspense writers out there, and Dark Deception shows why.

Kate O'Brien and her sister Kelly were attacked in their off-campus apartment mere days after moving in for freshman year. Only Kate lived to give her eye-witness testimony at the trial, and she has been in witness protection ever since.

Four years down the road, new evidence casts doubt on Kate's testimony, and the man she identified as her sister's killer is released. Deputy US Marshal, Tony DeLuca, was her protector four years ago, and he is tasked with bringing her back to St. Louis to testify at a new trial. She has thus far refused to testify again, but once Tony is on the case, she agrees. When a new development has them staying in Shelter Cove, AR, Kate's life hangs in the balance once again.

Can Tony keep her safe when her attacker seems to be more than one person? Who can they REALLY trust?

Readers of romantic suspense should add Nancy Mehl to their MUST READ lists! Her books will keep you up past your bedtime trying to discover where the danger is coming from, and who is going to be in peril next. I highly recommend!

A suspenseful and fun book that takes off running! If you like thrillers infused with romance and forensics, you certainly have a good one here. Recommended.

Dark Deception" by Nancy Mehl is the second book in the Defenders of Justice series. In this one Kate is the survivor of a serial killer who goes by the name Blue-eyed Killer. The Blue-eyed Killer targets women with long hair and blue eyes across the states of Kansas and Missouri. After testifying Kate enters the witness protection system, living under the name Emma and running a café in Arkansas. Following the accused killers release for tampered evidence, Tony, a US Marshall, goes to Arkansas to retrieve Kate to testify once again. That is when the killer goes missing and the mystery is on.
I love these books by Mehl. The mystery, the writing, the whole serial killer story line; they are great! Now in this particular novel, I know if I were Kate I wouldn't want Tony to be anything more than a love interest, cuz for a Marshall, he's got a big mouth! The story also didn't seem to want to end when it should. That being said, the love story was sweet, the serial killer investigation was good and I liked the characters. I give it 4 stars. I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Bethany House Publications.

Rating 3.5 Stars
Most people had no idea of the awful things that happened in the shadows while they ate dinner with their families and complained about their boring jobs. There was another world. A dark world based on deception. One that operated outside of civility and kindness.

Kate O'Brien is now under the witness protection program. After witnessing the death of sister and her own attack, she is trying to rebuild her life after the conviction of the Blue Angel serial Killer. A serial killer who preyed on long-haired and blue eyed young woman. After several years behind bars, it looks like the killer may be set free from unforeseen circumstances. It is a race against time as the Deputy U.S. Marshal Tony DeLuca who supported Kate in the beginning is assigned to bring Kate back to St. Louis from Arkansas where she is now living her new life. DeLuca has given himself the role of Kate's protector however, his feelings for her goes deeper. Keeping their relationship on the up and up and to avoid getting emotionally involved becomes a point of contention.

With these new circumstances, the case takes a different turn and urgency to protect Kate becomes more intense. The real plot of the Blue Angel starts to reveal itself with twists and turns and the uregency of time that becomes a matter of life and death.

I was surprised with the urgency of this thriller and it being a Christian theme even made it that much better. Avoiding the ugly evil details in some books in the same genre, was a pleasant change from being bombarded with evil details. Kate struggled with her Christianity and who would not with all that she had been through but in her struggle she discovered some truth to who God is and her relationship to the one who holds all things. One of her struggles was with fear and how her fear blocked her ability to connect to God. As a victim, she survived and her sister was killed and to reconcile God to that was a painful process. Tony character with his strong faith helped along that process as well. Tony keeping Kate safe he had to remember the character of God and his own limitations. As a Christian, there is something here for any heart that desires to trust in the sovereignty of God.

A Special Thank You to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Interesting read, step into a young woman's journey through pain and facing the demon's of her past that threaten to destroy her. Full of plot twists, mysteries and the hope that only a relationship with Christ can bring. Received this book from the publisher for our honest review.

Another great read from this series. Excited about the next book in the series as well.

Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl was a gripping story from the first page! We start off the story with a short prologue where Kate O'Brien is playing dead after her twin sister was murdered just two hours earlier.

We are transported from then to a chilling courtroom as icy rain pelts the courtroom windows. In a scene that takes a surprising twist and hypes up the intensity of this book, I was quickly drawn into this story.

Kate has been in the witness protection program ever since she was largely responsible for the conviction of the suspect in her sister’s case. However, new evidence suggests the man who was convicted wasn’t actually the murder. Now Kate is asked to relive the murder of her twin sister again.

While this book had a good amount of suspense to keep me engaged, it also had an emotional moment that I am glad the author included. There is a conversation that happened where two of the characters are talking about someone close to them committing suicide. This section pulled at my heartstrings as I hurt for their loss. It also gave a glimpse into the struggle some who commit suicide face. While this part was hard to read because of the weightiness of the subject, it made for a tender piece in the story.

I’m really enjoying Mehl’s Defender of Justice Series. I found this to be a great addition to the series and I’m highly anticipating the next one, Blind Betrayal to release.

Each one of the authors books get more intriguing and has more high octane action then the previous book. I loved this one because the characters were very strong and kept me so involved in the story that I couldn't put it down. Kate has had a very hard road after her twin sister is murdered. To keep Kate safe she must go into witness protection. Can you imagine walking away from everything including family, friends and work ? How do you start over and not keep looking over your shoulder?

I liked the chemistry between Kate and Tony, the U. S. Marshall. Kate has some major trust issues which I completely understand. After all her world has been turned upside down. What is great about Tony is his faith. I loved how his faith kept him strong. The story centers around Kate having to come out of hiding to testify against the killer of her sister. The sheer terror of seeing this person would be enough for me to run as fast as possible. Kate shows great control knowing she has a chance to put this killer away. Oh my the chills ran up and down my arms the further I got into the book. The author is a master at telling a story with great detail and twists that leave shivers down your spine. Will Kate stay save until the trial? Can Tony get Kate to trust him? I am very happy to recommend this book because the author delivers a story that is of the caliber of a well written thrill ride and action packed story that doesn't stop till the heart pounding ending.

I received a copy of this book from the author . The review is my own opinion.

What an incredibly fascinating, engrossing suspense this story by Nancy Mehl is! Dark Deception will draw you in immediately and refuse to release its icy hold until the last words have been read. What I intended to be "just a few minutes" turned into a mini reading marathon as I stayed up late to devour the book before terror consumed me.

The lone witness to a botched murder, Kate O'Brien is brought out of Witness Protection in order to retry the "Blue-Eyed Killer" who got off 2 times on different technicalities. Maybe because the suspect admitted to being said serial killer, yet another trial would begin. The question is, of course, whether Deputy Marshall Tony DeLuca can keep Kate safe long enough to testify.

Two concepts make this such a great book. One is the infusion of faith into dreadful situations. Conversations are natural, believable, and real. The second tactic that makes this book shine is the roller-coaster-like twists and turns of action; as well as the ping-pong information,misinformation, scuttling and reformation of knowledge base about the murder.
Totally believable, absolutely chilling, and addictive until the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This did not influence the opinions in my review, freely given, and totally my own.

Dark Deception
Defenders of Justice #2
By Nancy Mehl

Kate O'Brien's life hasn't been the same since her twin sister was murdered before her very eyes and the murderer left her for dead beside her. After two trials she thought it was behind her as she lived out her life in WITSEC. But someone has raised questions about whether or not the man convicted on her testimony was truly the killer. And Kate is being subpoenaed for a new trial - a trial she wants no part of.

But Kate has conditions of her own if she is going to loose the demons in her life - she wants the Deputy Marshall who was there for her before to again protect her - she wants Tony DeLuca because she trusts him.

But someone is determined to silence Kate and Tony may not be able to stop them. And the evidence against Kate's would-be-killer is all based solely on her testimony, which if she is unable to provide will free a killer who may even now be after her.

This book will leave the reader wondering just who is guilty of what as a number of potential suspects comes to light. Can Tony and his team keep Kate alive long enough for the truth come to light? Or will a killer be allowed to walk free and target a new victim?

This is the second book in the Defenders of Justice series and fans of Nancy Mehl will not be disappointed in the suspense level. Nancy will definitely keep the reader guessing as to who is guilty of what as the story progresses. As one potential suspect is raised another seems even more likely. A perfect read if you want to be kept wondering into the wee hours of the night. This book is also the perfect reason to plead just one more chapter. If you haven't read the first book in the series don't worry as this book can easily be read and followed as a different set of characters is the main focus than those of the first book Fatal Frost. Get ready for some intense heart-pounding reading from the first page!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Dark Deception is the second in the "Defenders of Justice" series. I can definitely say that it works well as a stand alone. Even though there seemed to be characters from the first book in the story, I didn't feel like I needed to know their story to read this one.

There were things I liked and things I didn't like about this book. I liked that it was fast paced and kept me guessing. There are quite a few twists. A couple I figured out and a couple I didn't. That is always a win. The plot was interesting enough to compel me to keep reading until the end. I also really liked the main characters. Tony was exactly the type of guy I pictured when I thought US Marshall..out to protect his charge at any cost. That he had a deeper caring for Kate was just a bonus. I also thought that Kate's reactions to her situation came across as very real. I liked that she was still flawed and was fighting to take her life back, even years later.

Having said all of that,there were a few problems I had with the book. There were a couple of weird time jumps in the beginning that had me going back because I thought I missed something. A title with the year or even a "4 years later..." would have been helpful. I also wasn't a fan of the abrupt scene jumps mid chapter. They took some getting used to. The romance was non-existent. I'm not even sure where the "I Love Yous" came from. The reader is told Kate had a crush on Tony back during the first trial, then they're declaring I love yous at the end. It was weird and really didn't need to be a part of the story. Finally, the ending was rushed and a little unsatisfying. What was in that note?

It is a faith based suspense, but I didn't feel it was overly preachy. I thought the author found a nice balance in that regard. I ultimately liked that mystery and action. I did recommend giving this one a try

As a long time fan of Nancy Mehl’s and just finishing Fatal Frost from the library, I couldn’t wait to dive into this beauty. I was definitely not disappointed! She is a seasoned author who knows just what to bring her readers. 

I loved the edge of your seat suspense in this novel. From page one, I was wrapped up in Kate’s story. She was chiseled perfectly and really came to life while I followed her on this whirl wind journey. Her journey was not an easy one, that’s for sure. In the witness protection program, she has dealt with so much in her life already. But, when she finds out she may have to retestify against the attacker that left her in the wfieitness program to begin with, the story line intensifies and I was pulled even deeper into the story. 

Tony Deluca’s character was also well chiseled and I loved watching him trying to get a grip on his feelings for Kate once again. The sparks between were evident and when the plot turns to a whole new surprise, those feelings might have to be on the back burner in order to save Kate, and himself, once again. 

This book is definitely going on my top 10 2017 list! It’s full of the perfect amount of romance, twists and turns, all while weaving in God’s mercy and faith. More often than not, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering just what was going to happen next. This 5 star worthy, heart pounding, nail biting goodness is highly recommended! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us readers next.

Playing dead was harder than she ever could have imagined.

Well, the first line certainly drew me in. Unfortunately, the rest of the novel didn’t live up to that early promise. After that gripping first scene, the story jumps forward several years. The first few chapters of the novel were mostly backstory and setup, explaining what happened between the prologue and the present. This meant the novel didn’t really start until around the 10% mark—which felt slow and not at all suspenseful.

Long story short, Kate survived the attack from a serial murderer which killed her twin sister. She’s now part of the witness protection programme, living in the middle of nowhere. New evidence says the man her testimony put in jail can’t have been the killer, which means a new trial ...which places her in danger as she’s the sole living witness.

Then things get complicated as too many characters are introduced, too many of which seem to have little or nothing to do with the central plot line. This is romantic suspense, so you know they are related, and that got frustrating as well, when I worked out the linkages long before the police, the FBI, and the Marshals did. I didn’t enjoy their lack of joined-up thinking, which came off looking like incompetence.

Overall, the plot was best described by Kate:

This whole thing is so convoluted it almost hurts my brain.

I enjoyed the part of the novel which was straight chase-suspense, as Deputy Marshal Tony DeLuca tries to protect Kate. (Handsome Tony, who blonde with green eyes, despite the Italian name and heritage.) There were some odd scene breaks with no change in formatting, which made it somewhat confusing to read (hopefully that’s just an issue with my ebook version). The romance was okay, but definitely took second place to the suspense.

I read Fatal Frost, the first book in this series, and thought it was excellent. I’m disappointed Dark Deception didn’t measure up, and hope the next is better.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

This is book two in the Defenders of Justice Series, however it is a stand alone book.

This novel is full of mystery, murder, suspense and a dash of romance. If you like FBI/Marshal mysteries you will enjoy this one. There is more than one scene taking place and it jumps from one place to another quickly, however you catch on pretty quick and it all comes together eventually. There are many twist and turns, some things you may not figure out before it is actually revealed.

Kate O'Brien is just trying to forget the past and move toward the future, but that does not seem to be possible.Tony DuLuca want to protect Kate and keep his feelings for her professional. When his "easy" task to escort her back to St. Louse turns into anything but "easy" will they be able to survive, find a killer and have a chance at love?

Dark Deception is the second book in the Defender of Justice series, but it can be read as a stand alone novel. Kate O'Brian has lived a superficial life as a part of witness protection in recent years as she is set to testify against the serial killer who murdered her twin sister. As the trial approaches, new evidence comes to light that calls the identity of the serial killer into question and turns Kate's life upside down. Get ready for plot twists and turns that will have you flipping pages furiously to find out what happens to Kate and the identity of the serial killer(s). Definitely worth re-reading!

My thoughts: DARK DECEPTION is Ms. Mehl's latest, and the second in the
Defenders of Justice series. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first, though
the action and suspense were still top notch and engaging. Kate is a hurting woman,
hidden in the witness protection program, or so she thinks. When her sister's killer
is released from prison, he denies he did it and that the real killer is dead. But some
one is still out there and her life is in danger.

I did like Tony, he was real, but also hurting, like Kate. He was also confused. Torn
between attraction to Kate, the truth, and direct orders, plus under attack from an
unknown assailant, he didn't know where to turn.

If you like romantic suspense, pick up a copy of DARK DECEPTION. You'll be kept
up late reading until the end...

There are a lot of unanswered questions causing this reader to wonder what's in
store in Ms. Mehl's next book.

I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 3.5 stars

Kate O’Brien should have died with her twin sister—but she didn’t. She’s called on as an eyewitness in the trial of the man who attacked her and her sister—twice. Tony DeLuca, U.S. Marshall, protects her through the trials. Six years later, he travels to Shelter Cove, where Kate lives as part of the Witness Protection Program, to convince her to testify once again. When tampered-with evidence comes to light, her attacker walks free.

A host of characters work tirelessly to unravel the mystery of the Blue Eyed-Killer. Is it one man, as everyone first suspected? Or is something far more sinister lurking just out of law enforcement’s reach?

Suspense and mystery readers will enjoy this book—the author does a great job of not going into gory detail but at the same time allowing the reader to understand the depravity of humans.

Dark Deception was an amazing thriller - one that would grab you by the nape of the neck and put you down and say "now don't move til you are done". Kate is alive after someone tried to kill her, and succeeded in killing her sister. She gave testimony and put the man in jail, but he has been released and now she has to give her testimony again to put him back - Will she do it again? Tony is a U.S. Marshall sent to watch over her - to keep her safe, but while doing so he has fallen for her. The most important thing in this whole situation is that GOD is involved - you can't go wrong if GOD is involved now can you ya'll? Amen? HE is relied on, trusted in and loved. Now, did Tony catch the killer that was after Kate or was he a little too late? Did anything happen with Kate and Tony? I tell you this you will be shocked and you will hate one thing about this book.....when it is finished.and there is no more.