“V.S. Kemanis’s layered examination of what initially appears to be a love story at the Bay Area epicenter of the flower-power era morphs into a compelling mystery that asks hard questions about race and commitment. In alternating chapters, Indelicate Deception follows Caty, from the 1990s, and her parents, from the early 1970s, until the stories merge and escalate to a chilling conclusion… Caty’s pursuit of the truth pulses with the page-turning urgency of a thriller. Characters shine with dimension and depth as Kemanis offers honest portrayals of human courage and deep flaws.” BlueInk Review (Starred Review)

“A woman’s quest for the truth unravels a web of secrets and lies that threaten everything she thought she knew about her family in Kemanis’ utterly absorbing novel… Themes of truth, perception, and deception run throughout, urging readers to question how much of our reality is shaped by what we choose to believe. The novel expertly examines how memory can serve both as a comfort and an obstacle to understanding, particularly within the emotionally charged realm of family history. A beautifully crafted and deeply moving story.” BookView Review (5 stars)

“Gripping, intense, and profound… Evocative prose and authentic dialogue enrich the emotional complexity of the narrative, blending moments of tenderness, humor, and heartbreak. Kemanis masterfully weaves emotional depth with nuanced character development… A captivating, thought-provoking exploration of family secrets and the pursuit of truth.” The Prairies Book Review

“Colorful prose full of sharply-realized dialogue [and] third-act revelations will keep readers turning pages. An involving story of intergenerational discovery.” Kirkus Reviews

“Recommended.” The U.S. Review of Books