Valley of Deception

Jake Mathews, Book 1

By: T.H. Michael

Narrated by: Tom Lennon

United States Marshal Jake Mathews is devastated after two of his partners are gunned down. Fleeing to his farm, in Northeast Iowa, he wants nothing more than a little peace and quiet.

Tucked away in the woods of Northeast Iowa, Zebadiah Caldwell's family has led a community of followers for the past 100 years. Their communal way of life has led to many stories and speculation over the years. Marshal Mathews has stumbled onto a secret that could destroy their way of life. How far is Zebadiah willing to go to preserve his community?

When their two worlds collide, something has to give. Each fights for what he believes in, but will either make it out of this adventure alive when a tormented local sheriff gets thrown into the mix? This is the first in a series of US Marshal Jake Mathews adventures.

©2013 Tobin Michael (P)2016 Tobin Michael

Great Story - Great to build a series on!

What did you love best about Valley of Deception?

I was very intrigued by the development of the main Character - Jake Matthews. His morality and thought patterns were interesting throughout the whole story.

What did you like best about this story?

The plot of this thriller was great. I found myself really hating the bad guys.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narration was tough to listen to for prolonged periods of time, more tone difference and inflection would have helped to keep me interested in the different characters more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

As per above it was tough to stay listening for prolonged periods, however was great for quick 20-45 minute sessions.

Any additional comments?

I was gifted this audio book for an honest review by the author on Audio Book Blast.

This was a great read

I enjoyed this book. The story was good & great characters. a definite thumbs up.

Real Evil Presented Credibly

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely Yes!

What did you like best about this story?

There are really some nasty bad guys in this book. Not just violent but really evil in a very credible way.

What about Tom Lennon’s performance did you like?

Tom was everyone here. As the narrator he was easy to listen too. Laid back and not overly hyper. As the older wife of a villain or her you young daughter however, he acted each role to perfection. A great ability to be each character realistically.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Don't remember laughing except there is no doubt a great satisfaction that brings a smile to your face at the conclusion (won't spoil it for you).

There is a lot sad here. The story is actually a tragedy in many ways for some of the characters.

Any additional comments?

This plot is a genuine thriller primarily because of the very well developed personalities of the bad guys. The author is an ex-Marshal it seems and no doubt his experiences really contributed to the realism of the plot. Will look for more in this series.

There is a whole lot of evil in the Valley

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the kids. Horrible father. Repressed development, yet still basically good kids. Nice!

Which scene was your favorite?

Showdown at the cave

Any additional comments?

Very well written. The author is an ex-US Marshal and the entire book comes across as very credible I am sure because of his experiences. I like the narrator as well. Really scary voice when it needs to be.

Overall a good book.

If you could sum up Valley of Deception in three words, what would they be?

Well developed characters.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

There were many suspenseful moments.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

A great book turns you into a slouth and gives you just enough clues to suspect the person "who dun it." A good book gives you clues to figure out who dun it. A bad book attempts to be suspenseful by giving all false clues. This was a good book. Some of the clues came a little too early

Any additional comments?

This book would have been a lot better with a different narrator. The narrator wasn't horrible but he wasn't great either.