Book 1 (The Virtuosic Spy) - The Conor McBride Series

I love language and one can hear the sounds of Ireland in Conor McBride, our reluctant M16 agent. And again when he experiences India we discover with him the wonders and sounds of spoken Hindu. Kathryn Guare becomes a travel writer as she propels her thriller into foreign lands. Quite an accomplishment.

I started off with high hope because of all the good reviews. However I am sad to say that I am really disappointed with the story and cannot force myself to go on even when I have endured up to half of the book.

This was a difficult read for me. I expected a spy novel to have lots of action and intrigue, but I found myself plowing through this novel just to get to the end.
First let tell you what I thought was really great about this novel. The author has the ability to put you in a place and make you believe you are really there. Her scene setting is exceptional. I too claim the title as an author and I can honestly tell you her ability surpasses my own in that respect. I also like her characterization and the seamless flow of her prose. So why did I give the novel only two stars? Plot and story telling. I write fantasy and even with my imagination, I could not believe the story. MI6 recruits a farmer who was a talented musician but his wayward brother got the family in trouble. The brother is now involved in laundering money for gun running terrorist. So Conner McBride goes to spy school and is supposed to be the best ever to come out of this school. However despite the many times the writer reminds us of this, her character proves the exact opposite. He bumbles his way through every situation and doesn't accomplish anything. This guy doesn't even have the common sense not to steal from the mob when other options were available. He exposes himself to unnecessary risks ...somehow gets pulled by every stray wind that comes his way. I would think a master spy should be able to control the situations and be ready with a second third and even four contingency plan to accomplish his mission. When all is said and done he only manages alienate himself from every town and backwater in India. I at one time thought this might be a spy spoof novel, but I didn't find anything funny enough to carry this long and drawn out story in that direction. Another problem I found was on many occasions the author bypassed the action scenes only to tell us about them after the fact. This made the read frustrating, because I would look forward to the tension of a great scene only to be disappointed time and again. The only tense place I found was at the climax around chapters 35 or 36, but by that time I was ready for the story to end. The story just goes on and on and on, finally ending at chapter 42 with more unbelievable stuff that allows this bumbling idiot to get out of all the problems he created for himself. If you ask me everything would have been better if he stayed on the farm and left the spying to a real professional.
I think this author has a lot of pure talent, but she needs to go back and write the scenes she bypassed and then cut about 65 percent of the unrelated minutia that makes this so long. She also needs to read other spy novels to get a perspective on what is believable and what is not in this environment.
I found no significant spelling or grammatical issues so Kudos to the author on those points.

Other reviewers, like Cid Herman and DabOf Darkness, have written each their decent summary.

The tale is written in third person interspersed wth dialogue.
Conor lives in Ireland with Brigid, his fey mother, who, when a secret agent took contact, encouraged him to accept the task of finding his brother, Thomas, who had not been seen after getting involved in a fraud scheme.
Conor knew his mother was dying. He has a bit of her other-worldly senses, which come into play every now and then and he knew that he must find and rescue Thomas, so agreed to go to India.

I got to like Conor, and did not feel his supposedly excellence at things made him unbelievable. He has good instincts, the fey part of his heritage, and finds good helpers in India, but it does not prevent him from mental and physical pain, pain his mother warned him that he would suffer before he came home. He has music to help find his way. There is violence, shooting, emotional suffering and some swearing. There is a meeting set in a brothel, but no copulation in this spy versus spy novel. There was no cliffhanger; Conor had completed his task and got an offer of a new start in life.

I bought the next two books, as I liked him and wanted to see what his new life would be like. Nice surprise, he meets an attractive woman in book two and many unexplained parts from this first book get elucidated.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Kathryn Guare. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Connor McBride used to be a virtuous and successful Irish musician who now is relegated to take care of the family farm to pay the debts of his brother Thomas, a con artist, which stole grant money from other farmers and fled the country to filter it into the IRA. One day Connor receives the visit from Frank Emmons Murdoch, an agent within the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), asking Connor for help to uncover the operation in which Thomas got mixed up. In order to assist, Connor will have to become an undercover agent and travel to India, where he will make contact with Thomas and try to find the head of the organization and set a trap for them.

This was a book that got me hooked from the start. The beautiful language coupled with an almost melodic narration, and a very interesting story are the good ingredients of this novel.

The characters are pictured with great sensitivity, and one can feel the love and camaraderie among them. We do not get exhaustive information about the characters, but Gaure wove the story in a way that they became alive. None of them is perfect, and this contributes to feeling that we are dealing with real people.

We assist to Connor's drastic metamorphose. From farmer with a background in music to a very efficient undercover agent, with sharp reflexes and unique abilities which demonstrate an innate talent for the job. Something that Connor never imagined before.

There are great subjects treated in the book, being family bonds one of the most important, and how one can be deceived but not by the one who is suspected the most. There is also important character evolution to the point where I could feel the pain in Connor about how everything turned out.

This is a complex and quite convoluted story, and at times I was as lost as Connor was. I am not sure if this was due to some missing information or how it was exposed. Anyway, little by little pieces started falling into place, and I was left with the fuzzy feeling one has after falling in love with a story and its characters.

Wayne Farrell did an excellent job narrating this story and becoming Connor McBride. His musical Irish accent helped in setting at special atmosphere, and made me feel that I was watching a movie. Thanks to Guare's descriptions and Farrell narrations, I was able to see the landscapes and feel the characters' emotions from what was said and what was not. Farrell used different accents, more than a different range of voices, for the characters (there are Irish, American, Indian and Russian). The differences were very subtle and I did not feel that the accents were overdone. I noticed a couple of words with British pronunciation said by the American character, which I found odd. Something that I struggled with was differentiating between Connor and Thomas. Both brothers sounded the same to me, and as they interact a lot during the second half of the book, this complicated things a bit. Fortunately the book was very well written and the narration in general was very good, so my attention did not wander and I guessed quite fast who was talking from the two. The audio production was very professional.

Despite these little details I loved the story, and loved the characters. I felt for them and miss them now that I have finished the book. I will definitely continue with these series so I hope Guare and Farrell will not have us waiting for too long.

Home on the farm milking cows, living with his mother, when he ought to have been pursuing his career as a concert violinist - and all because he signed stuff without reading it. Conor McBrides brother Thomas had pulled a fast one by deceptively obtaining EU grants, then he just disappears leaving Conor and his mother to pay massive fines and deal with the aftermath.

A few years pass and a rather odd fellow from British Intelligence rolls up, he tells Conor that Thomas is alive and living in India. They need to find him as he may be able to provide them with information. They want to enlist Conor to go to India and help find Thomas. Conor reluctantly embarks on a British Intelligence training programme in preparation for his mission.

From the peace and quiet of rural Ireland to the hustle of the streets of Mumbai, it's quite a ride for the concert violinist turned farmer turned spy. Conor is answerable to an agent who has his own demons, can Conor trust him? The only one he feels safe with is the Indian woman he had met and helped on the journey to Mumbai. She with her Hindu faith and he with his Catholic faith make for an unlikely but very touching alliance.

This has just about everything I want from a novel, OK the plot may be a bit far fetched, but it's fiction, escapism and pure entertainment. The ending is very satisfying, I loved the book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good adventure and good writing which flows beautifully.

Narrator

This is one of those times when a narrator just lifts a good book that much higher. I don't think narrating this book, with all its characters and accents could have been an easy undertaking yet I could fault nothing. I was particularly impressed with his performance towards the end of the book, of how he conveys Conors emotions so well without going over the top. Very realistic. Wayne Farrell became Conor McBride, excellent job.

Audiobook provided by the producer, author or narrator in return for an honest, unbiased review

“Deceptive Cadence” was a very entertaining read. I captured from the first chapters, mesmerized not only by the plot that is quickly progressing, but as well by the narrator’s voice and accent. Both him and the author did a great job presenting us whit this story in the audio format.

Conor McBride has to clean the mess his brother left behind, again. After years paying his debts and in the process ruining his own reputation as a famous violinist, he received a visit from an MI6 representative who requests his help in order to find his missing brother. His quiet life next to his sick mother, trying to regain a balance is yet again pulled away. His journey will be one of self-discovery, learning and forgiving. As in any spy story, nothing is what it seams and this makes the book far from boring and very very gripping.

The main character is nothing but an ordinary man, forced to stand up for his family, same as he did when his mother got sick. He has always done the mature (best) things, so maybe just this once he does not want to get involved. Still, the family calls for him. He will learn to fire guns, follow strangers in amazing cities, all to save a reckless brother. I like how the ties between them unfold in Kathryn Guare’s chapters. Not only does she manage to create such an intense, action-packed plot, but also puts in focus the bond between brothers and how they stand up for each other.

Another aspect that must be mentioned is India’s accurate descriptions, from smells to people, streets and sounds. The colorful country is portrayed with its good and less good traits.

The narration was definitely a big plus for the audio version. Wayne Farrell and his Irish accent go very very well with the character. And the way he expressed each frustration or each insecurity of our main character was as well very well done.

All in all, I believe this was an excellent read and a great beginning for a gripping series. Hope you like it as well J

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Conor McBride is what you could call a reluctant spy. The British government wants him to go undercover and find his brother Thomas in India who has gotten himself involved in an illegal operation and they want the boss. 

Most of the book is located in India and the descriptions are vivid, both of the country and the people. 

The characters are complex and realistic for the most part. Conor goes from violin virtuoso to deadly spy in just a few short weeks when he goes to a camp to learn the skills he needs.

Deceptive Cadence is full of action and has some suspense. I like Kathryn Guare's writing although it does get a little too descriptive at times (my personal taste). The narrator, Wayne Ferrell, did a great job at narrating. He used different accents for the different characters which worked out well. 

I definitely recommend Deceptive Cadence for anyone who likes spy thrillers. If I had to choose again, though, I would read the book rather than listen to the audiobook so I could skip over some of the descriptions.

... on a real rollercoaster ride from Ireland to India.

Conor McBride struggles along on his Irish dairy farm together with his mother Bridgid, a very sensitive woman, but also very ill. The struggling has to do with her eldest son, Thomas, who "gambled away" the farm with a fraud of an EU grant.
Which had cost Conor also his career as a violinist and his fiancee, too. But Conor is given a chance by MI6, the The British Secret Intelligence Service to be recruited as an agent - trained to be a real undercover agent with all the wits and tricks and skills it takes. And the trainee will outreach his master's highest expectations...

Conor McBride's mission seems simple enough right from the beginning: Travel to Mumbai in India, find his brother, and bring him back to London in one piece. Only his brother was yet a criminal who destroyed Conor's career when he let Conor take the fall for his crimes. But now he has also become a very skilled money launderer for international terrorists and mobsters, too. So Conor's mission is soon complicated by double and triple agents and simple and less simple criminals, Russian mobsters and three-letter agencies from the U.S. of A.
And Conor's skills are tested in ways he never imagined. And to make things 'easier'for him, he captures an insidious illness, which will complicate his live and bring him near mortal danger...But in the meantime he has yet to face the possibility that certain people he trusted may want him dead.

I don't want to reveil more of the plot and the pages and pages of sheer action that kept me clued to my kindle for a whole night!
This is a pure international thriller - with all the wits and tricks and double and triple game an excellent book needs! The places in India and Kashmir we travel together with our hero are masterly described - You really imagine You are there!

I can highly recommend this really entertaining debut story written by a very talented and skilled authoress, and - Ms Kathryn Guare - I wait for more!

I won a copy of "Deceptive Cadence" (The Virtuosic Spy, #1) by Kathryn Deceptive Cadence through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest. This was a refreshing take on the mystery/thriller/spy genre. I was totally glued to the novel, and stayed up late last night as I was so captivated with the book. The title of the novel is very appropriate.

The setting for the novel switches from Dingle Peninsula,Ireland
to India.

At one time Thomas lived the life of a simple Irish farmer, on the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland, while his brother, Conor pursued a career in Dublin as a violinist. But one day, Conor was arrested as his brother's accomplice in a conspiracy to commit international fraud, for which he was falsely accused. His brother, Thomas fled the country as he had stolen grant money from the farmers to filter into the IRA. Thomas was trouble...

Five years later, Brigid McBride, calls her son Conor to tell him there is a well dressed gentleman from London to see him at the farm house. The gentleman introduced himself as Frank Emmons Murdoch, an agent with the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). He filled Conor in on the details, that his missing brother needs his help. Thomas is in India and is involved in something more dangerous than fraud. And Conor is then recruited by MI6 to find him...and bring him home.It is his last chance for redemption.

Conor's assignment is to find Thomas and convince him into helping MI6 disclose the person running a global money laundering operation. For that they will help Thomas.

But Conor had no knowledge of what is to be a spy! He had to receive extensive training and discipline, before he could make the trip to India. He must learn to operate on instinct, and travel under an alias.

This was a fast paced spy suspense thriller, that had you quickly turning the pages to see what would happen next. The characters were well developed and believable. The descriptive scenes in India, added value to the novel, and shows the author's research and passion for culture.

The depths of danger that one brother will gladly go through to save his brother, is a testament to their love for each other.

Absolutely loved this. What a character Conor McBride is. An Irish farmer turned spy! I couldn't put this book down.

All the characters came to life as did life in Mumbai, India. All so brilliantly vivid, I felt as if I knew Conor and as if I was there in Mumbai.

I loved the character of Kavita - a kind of Mother Theresa who sort of took Conor under her wing.

This was positively riveting reading. There are many twists and turns. We had double/triple agents! Who to believe? Who is what they say they are? Will Conor ever get to see his brother and what will he be like if/when they do meet? You will have to read this marvelous spy thriller to discover the answers.

I am now looking to read more from this author.

This book was recommended to me by my dearest friend, who described it as an international thriller. I was a bit skeptical, because oftentimes, internatinal thriller means nothing more than that it takes place in another country. But with "Deceptive Cadence", the author truly immerses you into each of the foreign locations where the story takes place - England, Ireland, and especially India. I've never traveled to India, but throughout the story, I felt as though I were right there, walking down an alley in Mumbai, experiencing the action alongside the hero of the story, Connor. Her writing is very descriptive and intelligent, which isn't always easily found. I immediately bonded with a couple of characters, feeling as though I've known them forever. The relationship between Connor and his brother Thomas is intriguing and complex.

The story moves along, introducing fascinating characters at every turn. There were a couple of developments that I never saw coming, but with hindsight, make perfect sense. I was very surprised to learn that this is her first novel, as the writing is so fantastic! Classical music, Indian food, the slums of Mumbai, English farming - it's as though she's an expert in them all!

I really, really loved this character-driven story and hope that both Connor and Thomas turn up again in another book. Oh, and the guy from MI6. I really loved him! And, that mystical woman he meets on the train in India. Fascinating characters! I hope she brings them all back! A truly riveting story and cast of characters. Read it!!

This book is my book club selection for next month and I can't wait to hear what my fellow readers have to say. Can't wait for Book Two!!

Could you sacrifice everything for your brother, even after his actions have cost you your career, fiancée and future?

As a successful violin player, Conor had it all, until his brother Thomas commits grant fraud and implicates Conor. With his life in pieces, Colin moves back to his family home in Dingle, Ireland where he attempts to atone for his brother's mistakes.

Conor is unable to completely move on with his life when an MI6 team recruits him to help track down Thomas in India. After undergoing weeks of intense training, Conor is ready to play the role of a spy in a foreign land. Unfortunately, playing a spy and being one are two different things, and Conor is going to need to use his wits and natural talents to get himself out trouble time and time again if he is ever going to find his brother.
Deceptive Cadence is a refreshing take on the mystery/thriller/spy genre. Author Kathryn Guare gives readers both an intense adrenaline-pumping plot with all the twists and turns you would expect from the genre and an irresistible hero. Guare has masterfully crafted a plot-driven book with a deep character study. I don't think I have ever read book that was so powerful on an emotional level and also fed my need for action at the same time. In one word: Wow.

Part of me wants to pack a bag and seek out Conor. Yes, I know it's fiction, but a girl can pretend can't she? As a hero Conor has everything a literary enthusiast would want. He is willing to sacrifice himself for his family, but at the same time battles with his need to find absolution for the deeds he commits in the name of saving his brother. Kudos to Guare for creating my new literary crush.

Another aspect of the book I really loved is the dynamics between Conor and Thomas. It's not uncommon in literature and even movies for the older brother to always rescue the younger naive brother. That is not the case in this story. Conor is the younger of the two, and I found that to be a welcomed change.

If you're a fan of thrillers and have found them to be missing something, then this book needs to be at the top of your "to be read" pile. Don't wait, get it now, you won't be sorry

Never expecting much from a freebie (except being thankful for a free read!), every one in awhile it is a large pleasure to find a well wriiten story like this one. Starting in Ireland and moving to India, with a depth of both places and characters, this is an engrossing story of family, mystery, intelligence agencies, winding up and down many roads and alleys as we follow Conor McBride to his ever changing destinations. I'm on to the next in the series. That squeaking sound is my stingy wallet, opening to find out what happens next.

Talk about a great book that you can immerse yourself into. It is over 400 pages, and is written so that you don't even notice the passing of the pages. It will take you to many countries, and oh the characters! They are built in a way that you can almost see and hear them. The sights and smells(good and bad) are there for you too.

I can't believe this is Kathryn Guare's first novel. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages, and it's written so that it appeals to both men and women. I look forward to reading more from her. I can easily see this being made into a movie with Brad Pitt and Chris O'Donnell as the McBride brothers.

It's been a long while since I've read a spy/thriller and was really impressed with Guare's book, "Deceptive Cadence." The tightly-woven plot, colorful characters and fast pace left me hungry to turn another page..and another right past my regular bedtime. Readers of books by authors like Dan Brown and Robert Ludlum will thoroughly enjoy "Deceptive Cadence."

Absolutely terrific book. Unlike most thrillers, this isn't some formulaic shallow-character toss-off of a book. The characters are grand, especially the hero. The setting of much of it in India is both convincing and appealing, and the musical metaphors are apt. It's been a long time since I've read a thriller that was intelligent and pitch perfect. Can't wait for the next one (soon, please)!

I don't care if this is her first novel or her tenth -- I don't see how it could be improved.

I fan-freaked enough on Goodreads. Here comes as serious a review as I can. (Sorry for limited vocabulary/wrong literary therms, I'm acquainting myself with them)

This book is awesome. One of the few international thrillers I absolutely love. The plot is beautifully done, I was thrown back on all of my assumptions on what was going to happen. The situations were well grounded on previous text and were not random or used as devices for more lenght. The pace is very fast and sure to leave you on your toes. The research beneath is incredible. You feel there and then, with all minimun details and not a single drop of exageration. The story really leads you by the hand and before you know it, it has taken hold of your brain and you can't stop thinking about it and what, just what it's going to happen? It still has me, waiting and thinking what wil be of our lead on book 2.

I won't say much on Conor because the unravel of his personality is heaps of fun. No plot revelations also as that would very much literarily, spoil the book.

What I shall say, though, is that I greatly admire the author and her creation. This lady knows her writing and made me want to travel to Ireland even more so, and to India too. I thank fate that made Kathryn offer me her book for review because it would be a shame not reading this. READ THIS!

PS: And it's still more serious than my GR's review. I just love it so much.

Excellent book! I could not put it down. A story of two brother and how the actions of one changes his brother's life forever. Conor McBride knows his life has drastically changed since his brother put him in debt and then disappeared. The British Secret Intelligence Service hires and trains him to go find his brother Thomas in India and bring him back. A great thriller with superior knowledge of the language and culture. I can't wait for the next Connor McBride in the series!

I was fortunate enough to receive a free e-copy of Deceptive Cadence to review. Unfortunately, my e-reader's lame battery prevented the late night marathon reading session I would have liked to indulge in. It was so hard to put the story down, even for an hour!

Conor McBride's mission seems straightforward enough at first; go to Mumbai, find his brother, and being him back to London. Only his brother is a criminal who destroyed Conor's career when he let Conor take the fall for his crimes. Plus he's become a money launderer for terrorists. Conor's mission is soon complicated by duplicitous agents and honorable criminals (among other things), and before it's over he will be tested in ways he never imagined.

Deceptive Cadence has all the action and intrigue of a spy novel combined with the emotional punch of a family drama. Ms. Guare's writing style is engaging and the action rolls along at a smart pace. The characters big and small are interesting, well drawn, and believable (though non-spiritual readers may need to suspend some disbelief).

I did wonder whether it was a good idea to clue the reader into an important part of the plot's climax so early in the story but that part, when it came, was so well written that I didn't feel my reaction had been in anyway lessened by foreknowledge of it. I was very impressed with that and highly entertained by the story in general. Ms. Guare is definitely going on my favorite authors list!

Conor McBride is an Irish farmer and musician recruited by MI6 to help track down his criminal brother. Conor winds up the reluctant spy and soon becomes embroiled in more than he can handle. The tables are turned mid way through the book and Conor ends up pursuing a different cause than the one he was originally hand picked for.

Deceptive Cadence is an exceptionally detailed, well researched novel and it is clear that the author cares or has a passion for language and culture. The book is mostly split between Ireland and India, although, I think it favours the latter.
Being Irish, I'm often harder on authors who attempt Irish-isms and use of Irish language in books, but, honestly, I could not find a single fault with what Kathryn Guare had written. I have no experience of visiting India, but I sense that anyone from there would feel the same way about how respectfully she has treated the culture.

My favourite genre is Crime and I admit this book was a little too slow for me. I don't normally read spy books but I like to give new genres a go. Having said that, the characters were well crafted, never cheesy or cliché (as can be the case with some Irish characters), and the book moved along at a steady pace. There is plenty of action in it, if that's what you're after.

I feel that spy books and crime books demand different kinds of readers but if the former is what you're after, then look no further. You won't be disappointed.

This is the Authors debut novel, and the first in a series featuring the main lead.

I like political thrillers but, if there a few things that will turn me away from reading one it's the words MI:6, MI:5 and IRA. Authors such as John Le Carre and Stella Rimington always seem to struggle to make these subjects engaging and accessible to the non-spy community, and their books are as dry as kindling. Not anymore, there is a new Author on the ups, and she's out to take her place among the greats in this genre.

The characters in this novel are real, not in the manner in which they are living breathing real, but in the fact that they smoke, swear, get drunk, and grieve but not in a condescending manner. They do all these things with the vigour of a real human being. The way this Author develops the back stories of her characters is also dealt with in a kind of real time way; we are allowed to learn more about them as the novel progresses, and the circumstances suit a particular trait to be revealed, just as we would get to know someone new in our everyday lives. The main lead for this, and the upcoming books in the series, is a strong male. Not too strong that the reader can't identify with him, and not strong in the physical way either, but his strength is more an inner state of mind for this character, and sometimes he takes stock of throughout the book. The character is allowed to show his emotions in such a way that I didn't feel like the Author was trying to make him more effeminate, but was revealing that even the strongest of people have inner turmoil. His mentor was absolutely spot on, or as I envision these types to be. He was pompous, arrogant and sported a `stiff upper lip' marvellously, while at the same time revealing snippets of his own history that made me want to know more about him, and why he had chosen to project this type of image over any other he could have chosen. If there is a stereotypical Englishman, this character would be the poster child.

Descriptively, this novel is right on the mark; whether the Author is describing the workings, sound and feel of a violin to the nuances of the way a Symphony Orchestra conducts (excuse the pun) itself, the reader is there. I mean right there listening to the music and watching the Orchestra. When we hit the road for the travelling portions, the way the airport, cities, sounds sights and smells are written made me want to pack my back, pick up my camera and head out with the main lead on his travels.

The novel moves along at a steady pace, and doesn't become bogged down in any particular place, as is the tendency with a lot of novels in this genre; the transitions are smooth and seamless. It is well written and obviously very well researched. There were, however, a couple of places in the novel that made me think `now why did you have to go and write that, and just there too?', but that's just my personal take on the book.

This is an engaging, high octane, entertaining political thriller that I would recommend to anyone that is new to the genre and those who, like me, are tired of the same old thing being regurgitated by Authors who should know better. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

Originally reviewed on: [...]

Many times while reading this book I was completely lost as to who was who, and where they were. There are name changes that confused me, plus a bit unnecessary. The author is great with description of the countries, but lost me with the reality of a farmer who goes uncover to save his lost brother, who is just hiding.
I was shocked that this was written by a woman as it reads like a masculine author.I will look at other book she has written because I'm intrigued as to what she can do.

I loved this book! The story grabbed me from the start and I couldn't put the book down. It is a spy novel, but the development of the characters makes it so much more than that. I found myself worrying about what was happening to Conor while I was at work and not reading! The author is a master of descriptive language. She describes the slums of Mumbai and the mountains of northern India so beautifully that I feel like I have been there. The book is exciting, sad, and spiritual all at the same time. Conor reminds me a little of James Bond, but with much more heart and soul.

The plot twists keep you guessing until the very end, yet once you have finished reading, it all makes perfect sense. I cannot wait for book 2! I hope it will be coming out very soon. I want to know what Conor is going to do next!

The combination of great, descriptive writing by Kathryn Guare and the hypnotic voice of Wayne Farrell that lulls you along the excellent story-line adds up to one of the best mystery books I've heard in a long time!!!

I raced through Deceptive Cadence in three evenings, at the invitation of the author -- and I'm very glad I did. It is possibly the best "first novel" that I have read since joining the store. The characters are complex and nuanced without being obscure, and the international spy action is both fast paced and highly believable. The hero Conor is deeply dimensional and human despite being an unexpectedly skilled newcomer to the field of international intelligence. Other characters around Conor are externally consistent and engaging. The author's word pictures of India are compelling and at times almost lyric.

There are a lot of authors working the international spy milieu these days. Few of them can take you to India and Ireland and make them both real. Katheryn Guare's highly competent writing places her among that select group. I await her next book with strong anticipation.

Congratulations on an excellent debut!

I have just finished reading Deceptive Cadence (e book from the store) and could not resist contacting you to congratulate on your efforts of the thriller.

I am an Indian and an avid reader of American Thrillers.
Here are a few things I really liked about the story:

1) It is indeed a page turner and creates an urge to move to the next page and chapter almost instantly.
2) The description of Mumbai and Rishikesh is very detailed and I respect you for that. The little known places such as the Parmartha Ashroam and the lanes of Mumbai in Mahim & Bandra, the Marine Drive, The underworld of Mumbai and the dance bar descroptions are so accurate and real. Even the Indian food decriptions of Dhokla and the home made midicinal concoctions are perfect, shows your depth of interactions with the Indian communities across the sections of the society.

The India reader will appreciate the most appropriate and perfect definition of "Acha" in the Indian context and its many connotations could not have been better described by anyone else.

However, as a thriller, it lacked in some places especially the development of the characters of Conor Mcbride, Walker and Kavita Kotwal, in particular.

I must apprecite that the conversations by the Irish men seemed to be very true.

Last of all, the language and use of words could be simpler as refering to the dictionary multiple times while reading marginalises the fulfilment.

Let me say first that as soon as I had finished reading « Deceptive Cadence », I ordered Kathryn Guare's new book, « The Secret Chord ». After following him in Ireland and India, I want to know if and how Conor McBride, the main character, can reconstruct himself in Vermont after all the ordeals he went through.

I was stunned by the perfection of « Deceptive Cadence », a so promising debut novel. The author has a deep sense of places, atmosphere and psychology, and she never lets the pace of her story falter. It could be said that this book crosses the adventure/mystery/espionnage categories, with an added value regarding the humanity of its characters - and, as for Conor, his deep rooted Irish culture, not to mention his talent as a violonist.

« Deceptive Cadence » is a page turner as well as a piece of true literature.

Florian Rochat is the author of The Legend of Little Eagle

Do you want "Anything Irish", or do you wish to be carried away to far off India? Even the die-hard W.E.B. Griffin fan will find something in this book. Part suspense, part thriller and part travelogue, this novel will more than satisfy many readers.

I was in love with Charlie Castillo of W.E.B. Griffins "Presidential Series" fame until I met Conor McBride in Deceptive Cadence. Musician turned undercover agent, he is lead through a series of events that leaves him wondering what is real and who to trust.

With intelligently developed characters and intricate back-drops Kathryn Geare leads the reader through a page turning tale that never fails to surprise. A mystical thread keeps the heroes sanity and gives the reader a rest from the suspense created when evil threatens in every shadow.

A proper escape from the drag of everyday life will be found in this first in a series of fast moving, thrilling fun provided by Conor McBride-Virtuosic Spy!

I was captivated by Kathryn Guare’s suspense novel, Deceptive Cadence, in which an Irish violinist is betrayed by his brother and recruited as a spy to find the brother in India. First, I was impressed by how well the author could write so convincingly from a man’s point of view, and from cultural perspectives not originally her own. Second, her language had a beauty and flow all of its own, where words were put together in an entirely new way. Third, she has a knack for character development and masterful suspense; I could barely put it down. I came to care for the characters very much. There was quite a bit of violence in the middle of the book, but it served the plot well. Ultimately, this book was about the love of family members for one another, and loss. It does not read at all as a first effort; rather, this should be a best seller. I could not wait to get the second book in the Virtuostic Spy series, and so far, it is as amazing as the first.

Deceptive Cadence had me from page one! That is not easy to do, but what a joy when it happens!
I love the way Katherine Guare writes, and I loved this story. I am so happy there are 2 more books in this series. Why she hasn't been discovered by more people is a mystery to me. Her writing is constantly exciting and holds the reader to the last page! Read this author....she is so good!!

Conor McBride is a protagonist we can all get behind. As one of the characters in the book notes, "everyone else likes the Irish." He's a young Irishman who has a gift for acquiring skills, languages, vibes, and troublesome mates. Conor has just the right amount of cynicism and humor. In short, Conor is the horse you're going to like backing.

Kathryn Guare gets a lot right, as far as I'm concerned. The characters in Deceptive Cadence aren't paper-thin good guys and bad guys. You can sense the depth in them. There are a few characters who come across as almost infallibly good, but I believe them. I have known people with the warmth displayed by Bishan Singh, and my hope for humanity is that there are people like Kavita. Even the antogonists in the book have their own complexities and ethics.

I had intended on reading Deceptive Cadence at a more deliberate and methodical pace, ordering my thoughts on the book as I went. I found myself unwittingly carried away in the melody of the book. You feel the heat of the Mumbai slums, smell the fragrances on the air, and hear the chatter the markets and rattle of traffic. You hear the somber strains of Conor's violin echoing the rolling fields in Ireland. It's a difficult task for an author to accomplish in their book, when most of the readers won't have personal experience with India or Ireland. You can have too little detail, the reader's journey more like a line drawing. You can have too much detail, your book bloated with guide book specificity. Guare found that perfect balance.

Similarly, she avoided one of my personal pet peeves of the genre. She managed to describe the equipment and tools her characters were using without sounding like a tactical equipment catalog, describing each and every item down to the picatinny rail. I only noticed these things after I had finished. It was an incredibly smooth read. I was never jarred abruptly from the rhythm of the book, which happens quite often with many other novels in the genre. Once I'd read the last word, I noticed how satisfied I felt. I couldn't help comparing Guare to her peers and finding them wanting. Deceptive Cadence has raised the bar for spy novels. Thank you Kathryn, for including that #1 at the end of the titles.

This book was written superbly. I really hated to see it end because I wanted to keep reading it. In fact I read it nonstop. After I finished reading this book, I immediately order the other two sequels and am looking forward to continually reading about the exploits of Conor and his new bride.

This is the Authors debut novel, and the first in a series featuring the main lead.

I like political thrillers but, if there a few things that will turn me away from reading one it's the words MI:6, MI:5 and IRA. Authors such as John Le Carre and Stella Rimington always seem to struggle to make these subjects engaging and accessible to the non-spy community, and their books are as dry as kindling. Not anymore, there is a new Author on the ups, and she's out to take her place among the greats in this genre.

The characters in this novel are real, not in the manner in which they are living breathing real, but in the fact that they smoke, swear, get drunk, and grieve but not in a condescending manner. They do all these things with the vigour of a real human being. The way this Author develops the back stories of her characters is also dealt with in a kind of real time way; we are allowed to learn more about them as the novel progresses, and the circumstances suit a particular trait to be revealed, just as we would get to know someone new in our everyday lives. The main lead for this, and the upcoming books in the series, is a strong male. Not too strong that the reader can't identify with him, and not strong in the physical way either, but his strength is more an inner state of mind for this character, and sometimes he takes stock of throughout the book. The character is allowed to show his emotions in such a way that I didn't feel like the Author was trying to make him more effeminate, but was revealing that even the strongest of people have inner turmoil. His mentor was absolutely spot on, or as I envision these types to be. He was pompous, arrogant and sported a `stiff upper lip' marvellously, while at the same time revealing snippets of his own history that made me want to know more about him, and why he had chosen to project this type of image over any other he could have chosen. If there is a stereotypical Englishman, this character would be the poster child.

Descriptively, this novel is right on the mark; whether the Author is describing the workings, sound and feel of a violin to the nuances of the way a Symphony Orchestra conducts (excuse the pun) itself, the reader is there. I mean right there listening to the music and watching the Orchestra. When we hit the road for the travelling portions, the way the airport, cities, sounds sights and smells are written made me want to pack my back, pick up my camera and head out with the main lead on his travels.

The novel moves along at a steady pace, and doesn't become bogged down in any particular place, as is the tendency with a lot of novels in this genre; the transitions are smooth and seamless. It is well written and obviously very well researched. There were, however, a couple of places in the novel that made me think `now why did you have to go and write that, and just there too?', but that's just my personal take on the book.

This is an engaging, high octane, entertaining political thriller that I would recommend to anyone that is new to the genre and those who, like me, are tired of the same old thing being regurgitated by Authors who should know better. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

Originally reviewed on: [...]

Many times while reading this book I was completely lost as to who was who, and where they were. There are name changes that confused me, plus a bit unnecessary. The author is great with description of the countries, but lost me with the reality of a farmer who goes uncover to save his lost brother, who is just hiding.
I was shocked that this was written by a woman as it reads like a masculine author.I will look at other book she has written because I'm intrigued as to what she can do.

I loved this book! The story grabbed me from the start and I couldn't put the book down. It is a spy novel, but the development of the characters makes it so much more than that. I found myself worrying about what was happening to Conor while I was at work and not reading! The author is a master of descriptive language. She describes the slums of Mumbai and the mountains of northern India so beautifully that I feel like I have been there. The book is exciting, sad, and spiritual all at the same time. Conor reminds me a little of James Bond, but with much more heart and soul.

The plot twists keep you guessing until the very end, yet once you have finished reading, it all makes perfect sense. I cannot wait for book 2! I hope it will be coming out very soon. I want to know what Conor is going to do next!

The combination of great, descriptive writing by Kathryn Guare and the hypnotic voice of Wayne Farrell that lulls you along the excellent story-line adds up to one of the best mystery books I've heard in a long time!!!

I raced through Deceptive Cadence in three evenings, at the invitation of the author -- and I'm very glad I did. It is possibly the best "first novel" that I have read since joining the store. The characters are complex and nuanced without being obscure, and the international spy action is both fast paced and highly believable. The hero Conor is deeply dimensional and human despite being an unexpectedly skilled newcomer to the field of international intelligence. Other characters around Conor are externally consistent and engaging. The author's word pictures of India are compelling and at times almost lyric.

There are a lot of authors working the international spy milieu these days. Few of them can take you to India and Ireland and make them both real. Katheryn Guare's highly competent writing places her among that select group. I await her next book with strong anticipation.

Congratulations on an excellent debut!

I have just finished reading Deceptive Cadence (e book from the store) and could not resist contacting you to congratulate on your efforts of the thriller.

I am an Indian and an avid reader of American Thrillers.
Here are a few things I really liked about the story:

1) It is indeed a page turner and creates an urge to move to the next page and chapter almost instantly.
2) The description of Mumbai and Rishikesh is very detailed and I respect you for that. The little known places such as the Parmartha Ashroam and the lanes of Mumbai in Mahim & Bandra, the Marine Drive, The underworld of Mumbai and the dance bar descroptions are so accurate and real. Even the Indian food decriptions of Dhokla and the home made midicinal concoctions are perfect, shows your depth of interactions with the Indian communities across the sections of the society.

The India reader will appreciate the most appropriate and perfect definition of "Acha" in the Indian context and its many connotations could not have been better described by anyone else.

However, as a thriller, it lacked in some places especially the development of the characters of Conor Mcbride, Walker and Kavita Kotwal, in particular.

I must apprecite that the conversations by the Irish men seemed to be very true.

Last of all, the language and use of words could be simpler as refering to the dictionary multiple times while reading marginalises the fulfilment.

Let me say first that as soon as I had finished reading « Deceptive Cadence », I ordered Kathryn Guare's new book, « The Secret Chord ». After following him in Ireland and India, I want to know if and how Conor McBride, the main character, can reconstruct himself in Vermont after all the ordeals he went through.

I was stunned by the perfection of « Deceptive Cadence », a so promising debut novel. The author has a deep sense of places, atmosphere and psychology, and she never lets the pace of her story falter. It could be said that this book crosses the adventure/mystery/espionnage categories, with an added value regarding the humanity of its characters - and, as for Conor, his deep rooted Irish culture, not to mention his talent as a violonist.

« Deceptive Cadence » is a page turner as well as a piece of true literature.

Florian Rochat is the author of The Legend of Little Eagle

Absolutely charming, beguiling and soothing, for a somewhat adventure/spy/crime novel. After a steady diet of Jack Reacher and Mitch Rapp novels for most of January and February, this Irish-flavored shot of tale-telling was a welcome change. On to book two.

Do you want "Anything Irish", or do you wish to be carried away to far off India? Even the die-hard W.E.B. Griffin fan will find something in this book. Part suspense, part thriller and part travelogue, this novel will more than satisfy many readers.

I was in love with Charlie Castillo of W.E.B. Griffins "Presidential Series" fame until I met Conor McBride in Deceptive Cadence. Musician turned undercover agent, he is lead through a series of events that leaves him wondering what is real and who to trust.

With intelligently developed characters and intricate back-drops Kathryn Geare leads the reader through a page turning tale that never fails to surprise. A mystical thread keeps the heroes sanity and gives the reader a rest from the suspense created when evil threatens in every shadow.

A proper escape from the drag of everyday life will be found in this first in a series of fast moving, thrilling fun provided by Conor McBride-Virtuosic Spy!

I was captivated by Kathryn Guare’s suspense novel, Deceptive Cadence, in which an Irish violinist is betrayed by his brother and recruited as a spy to find the brother in India. First, I was impressed by how well the author could write so convincingly from a man’s point of view, and from cultural perspectives not originally her own. Second, her language had a beauty and flow all of its own, where words were put together in an entirely new way. Third, she has a knack for character development and masterful suspense; I could barely put it down. I came to care for the characters very much. There was quite a bit of violence in the middle of the book, but it served the plot well. Ultimately, this book was about the love of family members for one another, and loss. It does not read at all as a first effort; rather, this should be a best seller. I could not wait to get the second book in the Virtuostic Spy series, and so far, it is as amazing as the first.

Deceptive Cadence had me from page one! That is not easy to do, but what a joy when it happens!
I love the way Katherine Guare writes, and I loved this story. I am so happy there are 2 more books in this series. Why she hasn't been discovered by more people is a mystery to me. Her writing is constantly exciting and holds the reader to the last page! Read this author....she is so good!!

Conor McBride is a protagonist we can all get behind. As one of the characters in the book notes, "everyone else likes the Irish." He's a young Irishman who has a gift for acquiring skills, languages, vibes, and troublesome mates. Conor has just the right amount of cynicism and humor. In short, Conor is the horse you're going to like backing.

Kathryn Guare gets a lot right, as far as I'm concerned. The characters in Deceptive Cadence aren't paper-thin good guys and bad guys. You can sense the depth in them. There are a few characters who come across as almost infallibly good, but I believe them. I have known people with the warmth displayed by Bishan Singh, and my hope for humanity is that there are people like Kavita. Even the antogonists in the book have their own complexities and ethics.

I had intended on reading Deceptive Cadence at a more deliberate and methodical pace, ordering my thoughts on the book as I went. I found myself unwittingly carried away in the melody of the book. You feel the heat of the Mumbai slums, smell the fragrances on the air, and hear the chatter the markets and rattle of traffic. You hear the somber strains of Conor's violin echoing the rolling fields in Ireland. It's a difficult task for an author to accomplish in their book, when most of the readers won't have personal experience with India or Ireland. You can have too little detail, the reader's journey more like a line drawing. You can have too much detail, your book bloated with guide book specificity. Guare found that perfect balance.

Similarly, she avoided one of my personal pet peeves of the genre. She managed to describe the equipment and tools her characters were using without sounding like a tactical equipment catalog, describing each and every item down to the picatinny rail. I only noticed these things after I had finished. It was an incredibly smooth read. I was never jarred abruptly from the rhythm of the book, which happens quite often with many other novels in the genre. Once I'd read the last word, I noticed how satisfied I felt. I couldn't help comparing Guare to her peers and finding them wanting. Deceptive Cadence has raised the bar for spy novels. Thank you Kathryn, for including that #1 at the end of the titles.

This book was written superbly. I really hated to see it end because I wanted to keep reading it. In fact I read it nonstop. After I finished reading this book, I immediately order the other two sequels and am looking forward to continually reading about the exploits of Conor and his new bride.

Terrific writing, both dialog and descriptions of places and situations. I enjoyed the book far more than other kindle suspense tales I have read. I recommend it to anyone who likes adventure and suspense. (Note, this book is NOT about a murder and the search for the murderer, which many books described as suspenseful are.)

Spectacular, I stayed up all night reading it and I could not put it down. I can close my eyes and see each vibrant character, smell the aromas of India and taste the exotic foods.

An explosive story that never stops. You will be hooked right from the first page. If you enjoy murder, mystery, deception, misdirection and intrigue this book is for you. The only downside for me was that it had to come to an end.

I am now waiting with baited breath for the next instalment of the Virtuosic Spy.

I did like the characters but also got rather lost in exactly what was going on, who was betraying whom. Conor does make a good spy and I liked his handler Frank. I will be anxious to read the next adventure to see if Guare gives him a better mission, one not quite so convoluted or hard to catch on to..

It was impossible for me to put this book down. As a full time nanny and a college student taking classes online, I find myself with little to no spare time. However once I picked up this book I found myself making spare time. It is the most addicting book I have read in years, every minute I wasn't reading it (which wasn't many) I was wondering what would happen next. I was so glad to have found such an astoundingly well written, action packed, emotional journey of a story. It inspired an excitement for reading I haven't felt in years. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

An intriguing story told remarkably well, Deceptive Cadence takes the reader on a harrowing journey both geographically and emotionally. Our hero, Conor, is a man of soft heart and startling skills, and he must explore the limits of each in order to carry out his mission.
I appreciated the steady plot pacing, the unique and memorable characters, the wealth of detail, and the way both India and Ireland, two distinctively different worlds, come to life in this novel. Altogether a fascinating read, and I look forward to the next installment!

Deceptive Cadence is a joy to read. The novel offers complex characters facing interesting problems, unexpected plot twists, and a narrative thread that pulls you headlong into the turbulent world of Conor McBride from page one. From a bucolic farm in Ireland to India's criminal underworld, Guare paints her novel's settings in vibrant detail. Deceptive Cadence is engaging and beautifully written. A winning debut.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which introduces Connor McBride as a man caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Several plot twists keep the reader guessing and the wonderful descriptions of the various settings evoke a longing to follow in Connor's footsteps. Ms. Guare deserves kudos for her well-written, well-paced first novel. I'm looking forward to Book Two!

I am not usually drawn to mystery/suspense novels, but this one caught my attention. I'm not sure if it was because the main character is Irish, a musician, or because he is an Irish musician. Nevertheless, I decided to read this spy novel and see what would unfold.

I must admit that I was rather impressed with Guare's first book. Though suspense is not my favorite, I enjoyed this book. I found Connor to be an intriguing character. I would recommend this for fans of suspense, and for those who don't favor the genre- you may find yourself intrigued in spite of yourself

See the review at [...]

I bought this book almost as a courtesy (from friends who own a bookstore and for the author who wrote it...)
But I was truly enthralled with the story from start to finish. The characters were diverse and the travels unexpected.
Along with the story, I learned about Ireland (a favorite for me) and India (another favorite due to my yoga teaching and experience). And then there is a thread of inference to music - fabulous.
I honestly was drawn in right from the start, but found that I absolutely had to sit down and finish the last 80 pages non-stop.
I've now bought a copy for a friend and am recommending this read to everyone.
I can't wait for Kathryn's next book.

I really enjoyed this book! It was well-written and with the short chapters the story moved quickly and came to life and I was hooked. Loved the descriptions of Ireland and India, and unlike a lot of suspense/thrillers I've read, the characters were really complex and vivid. Conor McBride is an especially great character and I hated to have the book end because I wanted to spend more time with him. Can't wait for the next book to see what happens to him next!

You really get a good feel for India and Ireland in this book. Overall a good read, but I could easily put it down. I've been more concerned for characters in other books. I'm going to move on to something else.

Deceptive Cadence was a great book!! The story itself moved along quickly which is good for me as I get distracted easily. Its pace kept me interested and wanting more. I could not put the book down!!

After reading the book I really had felt that I had been there alongside Connor and the many colorful characters he encountered on his most unexpected journey. I have been to Ireland so that part of the story was easy for me to visualize. The well-expressed manner in which the author described all the locations, especially India, made me feel as though I have now travelled there as well.

I echo the sentiments of the other reviewers here and I too cannot wait for the next book!!

This book is worth 5 stars, and more! Not the type of book I would have chosen by myself to read, it was recommended to me, I bought it, and was captivated from page one to the very end! Bravo to the author for keeping me so interested that I never wanted to put it down and couldn't wait until the next night to dive right back into the story! And, for the adventurous, action packed, and suspenseful type of book this was, the ending was just as much of a surprise as each and every page leading up to it! Deceptive Cadence is a wonderful read!!

For Kathryn Guare's first novel she did an outstanding job. What a story teller! The story flowed so well that I thought I was right along side Conor McBride in Ireland, England and most of all India. I can't wait for the second novel and many more to come.

This book was nearly impossible to put down. The author made me believe that all the spy and international undertones were reality. I was moved to learn more about MI6 and what that is all about. Well written, well researched and well presented. I also can't wait for book 2. Also, thanks for the little reference to Vermont... glad Conor headed there! Inn in Vermont sounds like a great base to bounce back from! Thanks Kathryn Guare!

I had a hard time in the beginning of this book, it just didn't grab me, but I never like to stop a book and don't know if I ever did. I was very glad that I stayed with this one it got better and better. I love the characters..Conor and Thomas, Sedgwick and Kavita. I loved the ending and can't wait for #2.

I kept going back and forth on this book. I’ll be blunt up front — it was an enjoyable book that was a little long-winded. Guare wrote a story that was really full of detail and didn’t dart from topic to topic like a lot of first-time authors will. But instead, she may have spent a little bit too much time explaining some of the backstories of the main character(s).

Deceptive Cadence is a story about mistaken identities, unexpected secret agents, and family bonds. There is a lot more going on, but those are the main totems for this book, and most of the story fits within at least one of these.

Guare was able to tell an interesting story here, and one that I did enjoy reading. The characters were fun and different and the title of the book along with the backstory of its main character revolved around music. That was a different touch.

The story itself, other than being a little long-winded, had a nice story arc to it. I did find myself lost in the details from time to time, but maybe I’m just used to reading more developed stories and characters. Every story has to start somewhere.

If/when Guare continues this series, I would definitely be interested in continuing it, especially now that she’s gotten most of the introductions out of the way. That should lend itself to being what it was meant to be — a mix between a Bourne Identity and almost an old “gumshoe” or detective story.

I will add though, Farell’s narration of this was excellent. He was able to lend voices to so many characters and made them all so believable. His narration really helped move this story forward. I can honestly say that due to his narration alone this went from being a 3 or 3.5 to a 4-star book.

Deceptive Cadence was a thrilling well-written story. There were many twists and turns that formed a believable plot. Some of them you didn’t see coming. There just enough action and suspense to keep my interest. The characters were well develop. You can tell that the author did her research, which added credibility to the story. Kathryn did a splendid job in immersing the reader into the different countries that she writes about. You will that you are really there in that country with the characters.

Wayne Farrell did a great job with the narration. He had a clear and crisp voice that was easy to follow. He did a great job with the voice inflections and many accents. His narration sounded more like real storytelling than simply reading a book.

This is the first book that I have read by Kathryn Guare. I recommend Deceptive Cadence to anyone that enjoys reading a thrilling espionage suspense novel.

This book is filled with the mystique of Ireland and it's people. Even though most of the story takes place in India the main characters never leave Ireland but take it with them wherever they travel. The suspense is as strong as any I've read, the characters are as mysteriously interesting as any I've read, the lore and love of Ireland is the thread that ties it all together, and the ending while melancholy in nevertheless perfect. This is a masterpiece of fiction that all should read.

I really enjoyed this story I enjoyed listening and reading.
along on the kindle app all the different things
Connor had to indure was exciting and
Heartbreaking but I recommend this to everyone
I thought the narrator you chose was great
Thank you

Suspense and mystery are on practically every page of this novel. It is a very unusual story of some very unusual people who manage to get into numerous dangerous situations where some come back alive and some don't. Not knowing who will survive to the end of the story and how their lives will be changed is what keeps the reader hurrying to the next page all the way to the end of the book. Very enjoyable read.

Conor, Brigid and Thomas together in this novel are an illusive, twisting and ever changing read. Espionage is taken to a new level and even at the end I am not sure who the good guys were. Cannot wait to read the next book.

I, like many others, love the author/narrator combination, very well done and I loved it! Great story! Lots of complex characters and relationships, suspense, and intrigue. Love the family bond, it's a beautiful thing, despite the complications. Awesome all around, it kept my attention and I found myself going a tiny bit slower in my commute to listen to more, which I guess is a good thing ;) Would definitely recommend it :)

Absolutely charming, beguiling and soothing, for a somewhat adventure/spy/crime novel. After a steady diet of Jack Reacher and Mitch Rapp novels for most of January and February, this Irish-flavored shot of tale-telling was a welcome change. On to book two.

Spectacular, I stayed up all night reading it and I could not put it down. I can close my eyes and see each vibrant character, smell the aromas of India and taste the exotic foods.

An explosive story that never stops. You will be hooked right from the first page. If you enjoy murder, mystery, deception, misdirection and intrigue this book is for you. The only downside for me was that it had to come to an end.

I am now waiting with baited breath for the next instalment of the Virtuosic Spy.