The Deceived

By: Brett Battles

Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

“Unputdownable.” (Tess Gerritsen)

“Brilliant and heart-pounding.” (Jeffery Deaver)

“A tightly written page-turner.” (Booklist)

Brett Battles won rave reviews for his debut novel, The Cleaner, which introduced hero Jonathan Quinn. A freelance operative and professional "cleaner", Quinn knows better than to get emotionally involved in any of his jobs. But in this superb powerhouse of suspense, Quinn's latest job is different. A friend and old colleague has been murdered. A woman has gone missing. And for Jonathan Quinn, this time it's personal.

Anonymity. Trust. Professionalism. In his world, Jonathan Quinn has a few rules. He'll get rid of bodies that have to disappear; nothing ever gets traced back to him. But when Quinn is called to a busy Los Angeles port where a shipping container has just come in from the sea, it's clear his rules have been violated. Inside the crate is a dead man - a man who once saved Quinn's life. And while no one knows how CIA agent Steven Markoff died, Quinn has to do more than clean. He has to find Markoff's girlfriend, Jenny. To tell her that Markoff is dead. To find out why someone sent Markoff's body to him.

Until a week ago, Jenny Fuentes was an assistant to an ambitious congressman. Now Jenny is missing, too, and a lot of man power is making sure she isn't found. But Quinn has his own man power. He has tools that can pry into secrets held anywhere in the world. He has the skill to trade blows with killers and spies. And he has covert weapons: his eager and smart apprentice, Nate, and brilliant Orlando, his closest friend, who's saved his life more than once.

Racing from the corridors of power in Washington to the bustling streets of Singapore, Quinn won't stop until he uncovers the truth behind his friend's violent death, the astounding reason Jenny has vanished - and what she knows about the most explosive deception of all.

©2008 Brett Battles (P)2008 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

Winner, Barry Award for Best Thriller, 2009

Tedious plus whiney women

I really tried to finish. Even came within an hour and a half of finishing. Just couldn't do it. Have enjoyed Brett Battles before. I think I came this close because I'm at home recovering from knee surgery and have drugs on hand.
Please don't tell me you are dealing with strong female characters and the make me wonder where you're hiding them.
I'll listen to more of this author's books I know he can write. Please don't disappoint me again.

Good but...

The story was enjoyable and Quinns voice was good but the narrator made Nate sound too immature and the female characters too needy and weak.

Story Is Fantastic!

Somehow, Nate and Peter were voiced quite effeminate in book 2. Horrible artist interpretation of the characters.
The story was once again, captivating.

Awful narration!

I could barely listen to this audiobook. I almost stopped listening a couple of times. Not that I could do any better but the narrator was awful. The narrator made every character sound whiny and pissed off.

Good story but suffers for the narration

After thoroughly enjoying The Cleaner with Scott Brick as narrator I was looking forward to this one. The story was great but the narrator was disappointing. All the female voices sound whiny and the narrator can make suspenseful scenes seem dull. Glad to see Mr. Brick is back for the next one. 5 stars for the story but loses 2 for the narration.

Great story bad reader

It is hard to listen the reader doesn't control his voice volume well. For me listening through car speakers it requires constant volume adjustment.

Loved it!!!

What did you love best about The Deceived?

I enjoyed very much the story and the naration. The variation in voices and tone added interest, illustrated and punctuated the story quite well.

can't wait to listen to the next one.

I really enjoyed this one. although I wont lie, I missed Scott brick narration and I see why he does all of the others. awesome plot twist

another amazing novel

loved it Hubby and I listened while we traveled. Getting him hooked on your books Brett.

Good story , narrator needs another job

Good story , narrator went to the William shatner school of acting apparently , like the plot and results however