Suspicion of Deceit (Hardcover)

Gail and Anthony are now engaged to be married. As they become more involved with each other's families, she learns much about Anthony's past, and the very different person he was twenty years ago. Gail has left the prestigious law firm, where she worked for eight years, and has opened her own office. Among her clients is the Miami Opera, which she now represents. Talented opera singer Thomas Nolan, an old classmate, is to star in the opera's new production of Don Giovanni. However, his past visit to Cuba, and his potential connections to that island's government, can cause serious problems between the City Opera and Miami's Cuban exile community. Gail gains more insight into community tensions when she becomes better acquainted with Anthony's grandfather, who is a staunch supporter of the movement to overthrow the Castro regime. Gail, while searching for a way to continue with the opera's production without firing the star, discovers that the present political problem is intertwined with a violent incident from Anthony's past - when as a rebellious youth he went to Nicaragua with two friends and his young lover to work with the Sandinistas. As the facts emerge, she questions the validity of her relationship, and once again risks her life in her quest for answers. The usual murders and violence that are the flesh and bones of most mystery thrillers are present here. I find that the added information and plot twists involving Miami's Cuban exiles are fascinating and really provide an interesting glimpse into a little known subculture in America. As always, Ms. Parker's knowledge of the law adds much depth to the narrative.

The characters, Gail, Anthony, her daughter Karen, her mother and Anthony's family are all very well crafted figures and continue to grow and change with each book. Gail, as always, juggles her roles and responsibilities as mother, lover, daughter, friend, as well as her demanding career. The characters are what brings me back to this series, much more than the plots, which are relatively good. The characters are so compelling and so realistic that I can't help but care about what happens to them all. I highly recommend this entire series.
JANA

Believe me, I tried to like this book, because I like Barbara Parker's other books so much, but I just didn't go for it. I would recommend any of the other "Suspicion" books or my favorite, "Criminal Justice." Barbara Parker is a great writer, so don't miss her other books!