Customer Reviews

Suspicion of Deceit

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Gail and Anthony are about to be married but not without problems and doubts. When a case comes along involving Thomas Nolan, trouble is on the rise. Nolan is a big opera star, and everyone in Miami wants to kick him out. That is simply because of terrorism from Cubans in the past. And when Gail begins the filing of a lawsuit, bad things begin to happen. Gail is badly hurt and nearly killed a few times when she tries to find out what is going on behind these killing sprees. She has her eye on Felix Castillo, Thomas's bodyguard, but that changes when other clues to the mystery come up, and near the end a bombing occurs in a building where Gail is, and Felix is hurt right along with her.

There was a lot of politics in the book, and since I am not a fan of politics, it bored me a bit though I managed to find parts of it interesting enough to finish the book.

Attorneys Gail Connor and Anthony Quintana are back in Barbara Parker's third mystery thriller about law, crime, politics and complex community, family and love relationships in Miami. This latest offering by Ms. Parker, highlighted by the culture and politics of Miami's Cuban exile community, is her best novel to date.

Gail and Anthony are now engaged to be married. As they become more involved with each other's families, she learns much about Anthony's past, and the very different person he was twenty years ago. Gail has left the prestigious law firm, where she worked for eight years, and has opened her own office. Among her clients is the Miami Opera, which she now represents. Talented opera singer Thomas Nolan, an old classmate, is to star in the opera's new production of Don Giovanni. However, his past visit to Cuba, and his potential connections to that island's government, can cause serious problems between the City Opera and Miami's Cuban exile community. Gail gains more insight into community tensions when she becomes better acquainted with Anthony's grandfather, who is a staunch supporter of the movement to overthrow the Castro regime. Gail, while searching for a way to continue with the opera's production without firing the star, discovers that the present political problem is intertwined with a violent incident from Anthony's past - when as a rebellious youth he went to Nicaragua with two friends and his young lover to work with the Sandinistas. As the facts emerge, she questions the validity of her relationship, and once again risks her life in her quest for answers. The usual murders and violence that are the flesh and bones of most mystery thrillers are present here. I find that the added information and plot twists involving Miami's Cuban exiles are fascinating and really provide an interesting glimpse into a little known subculture in America. As always, Ms. Parker's knowledge of the law adds much depth to the narrative.

The characters, Gail, Anthony, her daughter Karen, her mother and Anthony's family are all very well crafted figures and continue to grow and change with each book. Gail, as always, juggles her roles and responsibilities as mother, lover, daughter, friend, as well as her demanding career. The characters are what brings me back to this series, much more than the plots, which are relatively good. The characters are so compelling and so realistic that I can't help but care about what happens to them all. I highly recommend this entire series.
JANA

This was my first Barbara Parker book. Maybe if I'd read the earlier entries in the series I'd have felt some affection for the main couple, but none developed during "Suspicion of Deceit." They, along with a large cast of unappealing characters, never tell the same story twice, so it's hard to know where the truth lies - or to care. I was simply bored through most of it, and by the time the action picked up it didn't matter much who did what to whom.

Parker's books have always had that tight, screeching around corners pace to them. I just couldn't put it down!!! Also, one major problem I have with most comtemporary writers is that they leave loose ends throughout the story, Parker does not. Each character becomes completely real within the text, even when they are fleeting. This allows one to become completely immersed in the world which she creates. Bravo Mrs. Parker, Bravo!

Hi, after reading some bad reviews about this book -- and, as an author myself who has received a few bad reviews -- I wish to say that the book was a fun, romantic mystery read! Barbara's command of the English language and Spanish language were OK! Most Mass Markets are done this way! Since I read Spanish well, I found no flaws in the text! However, I did find fault with some of the characters' political beliefs and motives -- but, then again, everyone has different political opinions! As a fan of the Gail and Anthony series, I am anxious to read the next book! Thanks!

I am so glad this author decided to go back to writing about Gail and Anthony, the two lawyers she introduced several years ago. I like Parker's style of writing: she keeps the suspense going full speed yet manages to squeeze in a little romance - not too much, but just enough to keep it interesting. I hope she will continue with this series. Dorothy Owen, Richmond, Va.

All is going well in the life of Miami lawyer Gail Connor after her recent debacles (see SUSPICION OF INNOCENCE and SUSPICION OF GUILT). She has opened up a private practice and is engaged to high powered defense attorney Anthony Quintana. Gail has recently been hired as the council to the Miami Opera House, a plum assignment until it is learned that the star once performed in Cuba. This is considered a grave insult to South Florida's Cuban exiles. A negative media campaign begins and anonymous threats of violence towards anyone associated with the opera house occurs.

When one of the directors of the opera house plans to debate a fervently anti-Castro talk show host, Gail tries to stop him. While the board member and Gail argue in the parking lot outside the studio, a sniper fires, killing the director and wounding Gail. As the tension escalates, more deaths occur. The murders seem to lead back to Anthony and the time he and some friends(now on the Miami Opera Board) served as volunteers in Nicaragua. Gail asks her fiancé pointed questions about the link, but he refuses to respond. This pushes Gail to seek other sources for her answers, thereby placing her life in danger.

SUSPICION OF DECEIT is Barbara Parker's best work in a string of bestsellers. This time the focus is on Gail's relationship with her fiancé, whose angst is caused by the conflict between his heritage and his assimilation into America culture. The well crafted murder mystery includes varying scenarios that make it nearly impossible to identify the killer even though the clues are laid out for the reader to find. This book has cross-over appeal that should widen Ms. Parker's audience as well as gain her numerous kudos.

Harriet Klausner

Another wonderful story by Barbara Parker. Extremely good writing and difficult to put down! Although the author's newer book, Suspicion of Betrayal was a bit better and more varied with more emotion between Anthony and Gail, this book truly deserves a thumbs up! Keep up the great story line Barbara!

Just when I thought Barbara Parker couldn't get any better, she writes this book! ALthough I loved Suspicion of Innocence and Suspicion of Guilt, this book has kept me hooked since page one! I read this book in three days (and yes, I do work and have a life!) I just looked forward to sitting down at night to read this book! It focuses more on the relationship of Anthony and Gail, but that's what makes it so good! Not too much romance and there's a good mix of mystery and suspense as well. Parker gets better every time! It is a fantastic read! Treat yourself and buy this book!

As a huge Barbara Parker fan, I was slightly disappointed by this book; it is my least favorite of her novels for the following reasons: 1. The discussion of Anthony's militant past in his college years -- his radical youth was hardly interesting and was in such great contrast to his present, suave exterior that I found it difficult to reconcile the two. 2. The amount of detail about Cuban politics; I frankly found it confusing and difficult to follow after a while. Parker obviously researched the topic extensively, but there was just so much INFORMATION! It felt like I was back in school after a while.

Believe me, I tried to like this book, because I like Barbara Parker's other books so much, but I just didn't go for it. I would recommend any of the other "Suspicion" books or my favorite, "Criminal Justice." Barbara Parker is a great writer, so don't miss her other books!