This book felt quite lazy in that it relied on stereotypes and you could see the flaws in each character even before they were painstakingly pointed out. I particularly disliked the fat-shaming. I guessed who the killer was early on and was really hoping that I’d be proved wrong. It would have been a much bigger twist if the most wonderful man in existence (I won’t name him as it’s a spoiler but if you’ve read it, you know who I mean) had somehow found his dark side and was the real murderer! He was a most irritating character who was completely unrealistic. But Mabel fears her gift may be a terrible curse as it becomes ever harder to hide from the truth about who she once was - and the tragic life she left behind.

Lesley has a reputation for writing gritty, confronting stories that don’t shy away from distressing issues. Deception is a book that I didn't want to put down. I raced through it, finding it so easy to read but also gritty and gripping. I liked the social aspects of down-at-heel London, to Bristol and Devon, over the course of 40 or so years. Sally had quite a life and it made for fascinating reading. Lesley Pearse has, as always, created some wonderful characters, put them in desperate situations and made me believe their stories with all my heart. Mabel has to face some truly terrible awful events yet for every dreadful person she meets there is another who is wonderful. I was rapt in her story from start to finish, and when she finds someone else to love who is cruelly taken from her in a dreadful way I thought she was destined to be alone forever. I am a huge fan of Lesley Pearse, her books never disappoint. The book is easy to read as its so well written. The story covers Mabel's new life and the people who befriend her along the way. There is a lot of sadness and joy along the way. Lesley once again has written a fabulous story that fans old and new will love. I highly recommend this book.Eve is a battered wife who lives in constant fear of her violent husband Don. She eventually finds the courage to leave him, taking their two children, Olly and Tabitha, with her. In due course she gains the legal right to return to the marital home with her kids. Don now lives elsewhere with his new girlfriend. However, Eve hasn't seen the last of him. He keeps retuning to his garden shed in the dead of night to sleep off a drunken stupor. Eve finally snaps and makes a terrible decision that has repercussions for everyone. Full of deep secrets and drama, it’s engrossing to read and is very strong in its characterisation, so the reader gets to know all the residents through the individuals' perspectives and also the opinions of their neighbours. Filled with mistrust, blame and many questions, the author cleverly blurs lines and casts doubt all over with turns and unexpected reveals. Suspects is definitely worth a look. Pretty much they all have dodgy stuff going on. Many unhappy marriages (which seems to be because they all married after barely knowing each other). Nina, a florist and care worker, Conrad Best have found their dream home - 3 Willow Close. The Bests move in but on the same day, a body is found. The subsequent police investigation centres on the neighbours and uncovers more secrets than the residents would wish for. The only thing she could be absolutely certain about was her own self. But that was a lonely, chilling thought."

For me, Sally's tale was one of harshness, harrow and sorrow. There's little wonder why Sally continually reinvented herself to chase away those unbearable situations she found herself trapped in time and time again. It also becomes quite clear why she also chose to remain a closed book with her children and second husband. I actually preferred Sally's encounters to Alice's, whose were a bit too brief for my liking. You are in the story within minutes of opening the book . . . A brilliant story full of twists and turns' 5***** Reader ReviewWhile at this employ she meets and falls in love with a German pow who is murdered in front of her before the two of them can do anything about their mutal attraction. Got to say I don’t think I am the target audience for this book, generally I read a lot of what is classed ‘women’s fiction’ and love it but this for me actually did feel it was correctly labelled, a bit Mills and Boon ish in large swathes of it Mabel is the main character, she wasn’t always called “Mabel” and you will see how and why almost right at the beginning.