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Deceptive Calm

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Deceptive Calm

By: Patricia Skipper
Narrated by: Tanya Reuter
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About this listen

Against the turbulent backdrop of declared martial law in South Carolina, a stunning light-skinned beauty, Vanessa, lives in a Catholic orphanage for Blacks. After a series of racial traumas, Vanessa obtains the birth certificate of a deceased white baby and uses this document to assume the child's identity. She moves to California and enrolls at UC Berkeley under her newly acquired name.

Vanessa marries into one of California's wealthiest families. Her charmed life abruptly ends eighteen months after the birth of her first child who is diagnosed with sickle cell trait. Discovering that the woman he married is Black, as is his toddler son, Vanessa's ruthless husband plots his revenge but they both survive. The police investigation that follows seems pretty clear-cut until a curious, young detective uncovers some clues to her private life where nothing is as it appears. The aftermath of the discovery brings down a pillar of San Francisco society.

©2023 Patricia Skipper (P)2024 Patricia Skipper Crime Thrillers Drama & Plays Fantasy Thriller & Suspense
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The book took my imagination to another level. I have no idea what the 1960s in some parts of USA was like but the auther made a very good job in explaining every detail. The main character was detailed very well and it was captivating. The only chapter I did not like was chapter 11 where the focus was diverted to another character, I did not like it. The sudden ending suprised me and I was expecting fo more. But all in all, a very good book and I could not put it down for 3days straight.

Every detail is explained well

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An interesting story with themes of racism among African Americans, identity, teenagers, friendship orphanage, romance and thrilling moments. A mix of everything makes the book intriguing. Recommend this fast paced novel to anyone interested in this genre.

Interesting story

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The audiobook's narrator brings the characters to life, making it even more engaging and immersive. Vanessa'sey to escape her past and the unexpected twists kept me hooked from the start. The atmospheric setting adds to the sense of unease, and the shocking finale is well worth the wait. While the story is gripping overall, there’s a slight lull in the middle where the pacing slows down. Some of the secondary characters could have been developed a bit more to deepen the mystery. However, these are minor issues in an otherwise compelling listen.

Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper – A Suspenseful Listen

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