The Last Grift

Subtle Deceptions, Book 1

De: Elle Keaton

Narrado por: Christian Leatherman

Jaded confidence man Gabriel Karne is on the run. A literal snarling, slobbering guard dog nips at his heels. If he makes it over the chain-link fence, he vows to skip town for friendlier climes. Somewhere no one knows his name.

It will be fine. Everything will be fine. Less than twenty-four hours on the island and Gabriel's had a nasty confrontation with two local good ol’ boys, earned a trespassing citation from an infuriating but compelling forest ranger, and offered to search for a missing person. So much for lying low. Being off his game only partially explains why Gabe would rather focus on a stranger’s bad luck than his own. Fact is, he's always had a soft spot for losers and maybe, just maybe, he's tired of the game.

The Last Grift is the first installment in the Subtle Deceptions series, a small town mystery with romantic elements. The series, part of the Piedras Island and Veiled Intentions universe, is written in the third person and follows the unplanned adventures in the life and love of the disreputable Gabriel Karne.

©2025 Dirty Dog Press LCC (P)2025 Dirty Dog Press LLC

Great start

I am already living this new series and can't wait for the next one to come out.

Fantastic listen!!

I loved the storyline. I also was thrilled to see characters from other series. That always ties things together like real life in my opinion! I look forward to the next book in the series!

Wonderful story.

After having read and loving the book the narrator brought more life to the story. I really enjoyed the mystery of figuring out what was happening and by whom. I can’t wait to hear what happens next and I definitely recommend this narrator for all other stories. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm murder mystery stories and finding who done it.

Grift

Subtle Deceptions is another Elle Keaton series set in the islands of the Pacific Northwest. They're all related, but you don't have to read/listen to them to enjoy this book. But you won't enjoy the epilogue as much if you haven't! I read the ebook of The Last Grift in May. At the time I liked, but didn't love the story. The book seemed to radiate hopelessness, and Tuesday was a dragging 12 chapters long.
What a difference having a good narrator. Christian Leatherman is a new voice for me, and apparently Grift is the first book of Elle Keaton's he has narrated. I hope they have a long relationship. His narration really brought the story to life. And I really enjoyed the characters more.
Gabriel was still a grifter, still on the run. And still a bit down on himself. But he's trying and working towards a future where he doesn't have to keep one eye over his shoulder. He's loyal to these new friends, while also amazed that he HAS friends, He's a good man. No thanks or credit to Heidi Carne.
Our grumpy Park Ranger, Casey, was still my favorite. He 'hates' people, yet every person he interacts with is treated with respect. I loved his relationship with Elton.
The story has it's negatives, it's too short and ends on a cliffhanger. And though there's an attraction, there's not one sizzling moment. Maybe in book two or three.
A low. low angst story. A very relaxing narration. Thoroughly enjoyed.

"Maybe that should be his next bumper sticker, stupidly determined."

This is the opener for a brand new series, Subtle Deceptions by Elle Keaton. I loved this audiobook narrated by a new to me narrator, Christian Leatherman. Elle's writing, with this narration, made it almost impossible to hit the stop play button. Who doesn't like a mystery and a murder with a grifter thrown in!?! Stories that include grifters, count me in.

Cliffhanger alert!!! I hate when this happens. The next book is not due out until October and I don't know when the audiobook will be released. I'm one of those who hate to wait.

There is zero romance in this book which I didn't mind because the story was that good. I can't wait to see what happens next and how the romance unfolds.

lots of action

Audio update.
I really loved the narration. The pacing is good and I love how i felt the action and emotion... good to read much more fun to listen. I highly recommend the audio.
This is the first book in a new series and follows the same characters.
It starts out with action then slows down a bit with Gabriel on the run from a grift gone wrong. His mom recently passed away and left him an inherentance. So he goes to find it and see if he can hide there.
He meets an overworked park ranger with his own problems , a gas station clerk that ends up causing problems and probably best character in book..old man Elton the glue that outs them all together. There's more than one plot, twists and turns and lots of action. No romance in this one.

Really interesting plot

I enjoyed this audiobook. The plot is fast paced & exciting. The narration is clear & concise. I enjoyed the characters & tension between Gabe & Casey. Looking forward to book 2.
Thank you to the author for the free copy.

Can't wait for book 2

MM
Multiple POV
Third Person
Mystery
Age gap
Slow burn
Enemies to still enemies
Grumpy/sunshine
A loveable side character
Winter time read

Rating: 3/5 - I enjoyed this book but it isn't one that I will reread. I will definitely continue with the series.
🌶️: 0/5 - they MCs still don't like each other at the end of this book

TLDR: Good mystery, good characters, good plot. Book two now please!

I enjoyed this book. I've been branching into genres I don't normally read recently so this one had the chance to not land. I've enjoyed mysteries in the past but only read those where the romance is the main focus. That was not the case with this book and that was well advertised. This is a slow burn so slow that the MCs still don't like each other at the end of book one. The storyline and characters were all interesting and I am impatiently awaiting book two.

The audiobook performance was very good. I was always able to keep up with POV. There were no distracting accents or gendered voices.

Ultimately, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a multibook mystery. I also recommend reading it in the winter. It has very wintery vibes.