Deceit
by James Siegel
Published by Warner Books
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Reviewed by Sharron Stockhausen
Deceit--a small word that carries implications on so many levels. Memories pop up in news reporter Tom Valle's head, and we glimpse deceit--as a small boy's story to the police covers up the real reasons his younger brother suffers so many bruises and worse.
Those small seeds of deceit that saved Valle's alcoholic mother from prison grew discreetly within a young star newspaper reporter. One morning he overslept and missed the a story. Or did he? Who said the story couldn't carry some embellishment as long as it was believable?
The first fabricated story worked well, so why not try another? When you're a rising star working for the most "storied" newspaper in the country, you owe your readers your best.
After a few drinks with a colleague who wanted the reality behind Valle's tales, the truth came out. Fifty-six stories couldn't be verified and Valle and his editor both lost their jobs.
Eventually a small town rag in California gave Valle a job. He covered local news and auto wrecks. Actually, one fatal auto wreck peeked his curiosity as neither person killed marched their identification.
Valle knew he was on to something as the clues began lining up. A woman magically appeared to fix his ailing car. A Gulf veteran with mental issues escaped from the VA hospital. A newspaper colleague was shot while talking to Valle. A blue pickup followed him from California to Iowa and back. His phone line was tapped. He found an intruder in his basement.
Valle dug until he uncovered one of the biggest deceits put over on the American people. But with his history, who would believe him? Somebody had to--they just had to.
The writing is a bit uneven at times, but Siegel takes you down a path, then quickly pulls you onto another, and you go willingly for you don't know what lies ahead, but you can't wait to find out.
Sharron Stockhausen served two terms as president of Twin Cities (Minnesota) Sisters In Crime.
Armchair Interviews says: You may not like everything about Valle, but you'll find yourself rooting for him as he pushes forward to finally end the deceit and report what really happened in the California desert in 1954.