Formula of Deception

I did enjoy the book but there were times I was a little lost. I think it is because there were so many characters, I couldn't keep up with them. The story is good though and kept my interest throughout. I loved that it was set in Alaska. I hear that it is beautiful there, but I don't think I could handle the cold weather.

Murphy is a complex character and I tried to connect with her. Her need to hide out in a town that no one knows her really intrigued me. She has encountered a dark past that has traumatized her. Her fear is that the person who she thought would stay in prison forever just might be on the loose. That would certainly have me on edge. She is a bright woman and fits in well in the town until she starts to lie about her show more background. The title of the book is perfect, because the story is full of deceptions.

I loved how the author seamlessly included history from WWII. That just enhances the mystery more when unexplained deaths start occurring during a murder investigation. No one is safe who has anything to do with investigating the crime, and bodies start to drop. Murphy must use her wits and survival instincts to stay ahead of danger. The ending will catch you off guard. It's another hit for this gifted author.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion. show less

Carrie Stuart Parks has given her wonderful character Gwen Marcey a break from mayhem and has written a novel with a totally different feel, characters, and setting, yet with all the wonderful suspense that readers have come to expect from Parks. Formula of Deception takes the reader on a wild ride into remote Alaska. So strap on your seatbelt, you will never know where this trip is going to take you. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Kodiak, Alaska is the setting for Formula of Deception. I’ve never been, but Parks descriptions of the town and its environs and the uninhabited islands nearby vividly filled my imagination. Main character Murphy Andersen is a wounded soul searching for her missing sister while dodging a serial show more killer. She finds herself in the middle of a crime investigation when she lies about her experience as a forensic artist. And she continues to lie her way through all the attacks and murders that cross her path. It’s not a coincident that deception is part of the book’s title. This novel confronts the reader with lies others tell us, lies we tell others, and lies we tell ourselves. While I loved the action and danger of the twisting plot, I was intrigued with the inner workings of Murphy’s mind. Be prepared to question every characters’ words and motives. Things are definitely not what they seem. But don’t worry about figuring it all out — this one provided surprise after surprise, even up to the end. I loved that! Parks incorporates Alaskan culture and history into the book to great effect. Her references to little known events from the WWII-era will have you scrambling for Google. The combination of historical fact and fictional conspiracy works very well.

While Formula of Deception is described as a standalone novel, I really hope Parks will revisit Kodiak along with Murphy. This could be the start of a great, great series. Sorry, Gwen! 😉

Highly recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

Formula of Deception is a book that hooked me from the start. I love how the present crime story has a connection to WW2. Also, the setting Kodiak, Alaska really worked great for me. I love stories set in remote towns or islands. And, a crime novel set in Alaska worked well with me since I don't read many books set in that state.

I was engrossed with the story. I found Murphy Anderson to be an interesting character. She's a person I felt I connected with. Her losses in life really moved me. I liked the characters she met in the book and Carrie Stuart Parks managed to add some really nice surprising twists to the story. All and all is this a great book and I hope this is the first book in a series!

I have previously read Portrait of show more Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks that I enjoyed and I'm glad to say that this one was just as good as Portrait of Vengeance (from the Gwen Marcey series) and that I definitely want to read more books by her.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! show less

Wow! What just happened? This book went from interesting and intriguing to mind-blowing excitement and shock! I’m still breathless after finishing this book. I was slow in reading the first half and had many distractions, that’s why I say to “pay attention” because there’s lots of people and information that you will need to be familiar with later on.

The author has not disappointed me yet with her ability to write a story that totally captures my imagination and blows my mind! This book is a must- read for someone who likes to feel like they are on a roller coaster with a blindfold on. Hold on tight...there’s lots of twists and turns.

3.5 Stars

At first, I thought it might be because I was listening to the audiobook, but other reviewers have mentioned the same thing, so that may not be it. There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this book. And at least a couple times, someone is introduced only to become part of the ever-rising body count.

I was not at all expecting the twist toward the end of the book and would have liked a few more clues leading up to it. It felt a little contrived to me at the time of the big reveal.

That said, Carrie Stuart Parks knows how to draw a reader into the story and keep their attention.
There’s a lot happening—Murphy searching for her sister, a serial killer escaped from prison, the WWII plot, and more.

While I didn’t enjoy show more this as much as I did the Gwen Marcey series, Formula of Deception is an entertaining read for those who enjoy a fast-paced and intense mystery and suspense with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. show less

The amount of detail Carrie Stuart Parks puts in her novels continues to astound me. This was absolutely fantastic!

I also totally want to visit the Aleutian Islands now ... a great and terrible thing since I read this during the covid-19 pandemic and travel is not what it used to be. :D LOL!

An excellent read with layer upon layer of mystery. Loved it.

This was an interesting book. It kept me captivated and intrigued from beginning to end. I would find myself zooming ahead only to realize that I needed to pause and re-read a section. Then the twist at the end of the book was truly unexpected. Up until that point I was hanging on, trying to keep up with the smaller twists the book was tossing out to me. But, this last twist threw me for a loop. I was confused. I was fascinated. Did I like where the story went? To be honest, I’m not sure. And even now, having just set the book aside, I’m still puzzled as to my stance on the book.

That said, I would definitely consider this a book to read. For the next reader to get their own opinion on it. There are enough scheming that you will be show more having to pay attention to the various players within the book. As it is, I look forward to passing this book to my sister for her to read.

There was one section that I found truly fascinated, and that was the talk of the start of Lyme disease and it’s potential in being biological warfare. The first time I came upon this theory was on Reddit on a conspiracy thread, so to read it here, in published Christian fiction book was a bit interesting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. show less