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.

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opposites attract to the nth degree

Entire review @Joyfully Jay

4.25⭐️
Audio: 4.5⭐️

The story is engaging and kept me invested, though it’s predominately set-up. However, the mystery fades into the background a bit. . . There is a romantic element between Charming F^cker and Hot Ranger Man, but at this point, it’s a begrudging acknowledgement of each other’s attractiveness buried under a boatload of antipathy. . .

The nomadic con man life wasn’t Gabe’s first choice of vocation, but he's good at what he does. He’s always wanted roots, but his extroversion and inability to remain distant is a weakness in his profession. . . Casey is Gabe’s opposite in almost every way. Casey’s curmudgeonly, extremely forthright, and a stickler for following rules. He’s very loyal to those close to him and protective of his fellow islanders but can smell Gabe’s BS from across an ocean so their interactions raise their hackles and bring out the most uncooperative and extreme versions of their personalities. . .

Christian Leatherman taps into their animosity wonderfully in his narration, and their orneriness shines through. Casey’s husky tone and gruff impatience and Gabe’s combativeness and sarcasm ring very true. All the voices for the characters fit well. Elton sounds like a no-nonsense, but kind elder, and I love Heidi’s acerbic asides. In general, I like Leatherman’s cadence, but the pace is a little slow in places because of slightly too long or odd pauses.

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!

Great start

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

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.