Book #6: - DECEPTION
On a Saturday morning near Djibouti, some unknown terrorists attacked an American Navy Fuel Tanker as it passed by in the narrow part of the Red Sea. They fired upon it but were soon defeated by the Navy’s superior return fire.
Because it was a Navy ship that was attacked, there was a strong possibility that it would be seen as an act of war. But when the NSIU was assigned to investigate, and they are a U.S. Navy unit, there would be a very detailed investigation.
The thoughts were that some country was trying to cause an embarrassment to the United States and had been responsible. However, one of the NSIU investigators thought it might have been political within one of the American parties.
The investigation was difficult because there had been a growing divide in the newly expanded United States Fuel Supply Chain between many American politicians and news broadcasters and several foreign governments trying to regain their previous dominance over the world’s supply values.
By finding how the terrorists were found, who had directed them, and the resulting actions, the questions grew in many directions.
If another country directed it, it could be a very dangerous situation, but if it was an American who had arranged it, there could be severe consequences. Either way, it was a dangerous situation.
The ideas, thoughts, and actions of the various members of the NSIU staff, both personal and professional, were very active and, although different, never in the way of any investigation.
ISBN
(International Standard Book Number)
Paperback 978-1-63945-880-6
Hardcover 978-1-63945-882-0
eBook 978-1-63945-881-3
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Book Review - by: The Moving Words
Deception
“Deception” by Richard B. Christie is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that delves into the shadowy world of government agencies, terrorism, and international intrigue. Set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., the novel begins with a seemingly routine Monday morning that quickly spirals into a high-stakes investigation. The story follows Admiral Harry Walker and his team at the Navy Special Investigation Unit (NSIU) as they unravel a complex conspiracy involving an attack on a U.S. Navy fuel tanker in East Africa. This seemingly isolated terrorist incident soon reveals deeper political undercurrents, leading the NSIU to uncover dangerous connections that threaten national security.
The plot moves swiftly from Washington to international locales, pulling readers into a web of deception, political intrigue, and military operations. One of the central strengths of the book is its attention to detail regarding military protocols and the inner workings of defense departments, offering an authentic feel to the narrative. The characters are well-drawn, particularly Admiral Walker, who leads with authority and pragmatism, and Chief Petty Officer Paul DeNice, whose personal and professional struggles add depth to the storyline. The novel also explores the dynamic between DeNice and fellow investigator Linda DeSanto, blending personal relationships with professional responsibilities, which humanizes the tense, high-octane plot.
What stands out in “Deception” is its ability to keep the reader on edge with its unpredictable twists and turns. Christie masterfully weaves together subplots involving international terrorism, internal political conflicts, and personal relationships, all converging into a gripping climax. The dialogue is sharp, and the pacing is tight, ensuring that there are no dull moments. Moreover, the book excels in its portrayal of the challenges faced by military personnel, not only on the battlefield but in navigating the murky waters of global politics and intelligence.
Another highlight is the global scope of the novel, which spans continents and involves multiple governments and agencies, creating a truly international thriller. The portrayal of the political tensions between the U.S., Europe, and Middle Eastern factions adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it more than just a simple action story. Instead, it becomes a thought-provoking commentary on the power struggles that shape global events.
Overall, “Deception” is a well-crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of military fiction and political intrigue. Its realistic portrayal of government agencies, coupled with fast-paced action and well-developed characters, makes it a compelling read. Christie succeeds in creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very end. The book’s exploration of both personal and global stakes adds depth to what could have been a straightforward military thriller, making “Deception” a standout in the genre.
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Book Review - by: Workbook Press
DECEPTION
DECEPTION opens with a dramatic act of aggression in one of the world’s most volatile regions—the Red Sea. When an American Navy fuel tanker is suddenly attacked by unknown terrorists near Djibouti, the confrontation sends shockwaves through military and political circles alike. Though the Navy’s swift response neutralizes the attackers, the implications are far from over. Was this an act of war—or something far more insidious?
The Navy Special Investigation Unit (NSIU) is immediately deployed to uncover the truth. What they find is a tangled web of motives and manipulation stretching from Washington D.C. to the world’s major energy corridors. At first glance, foreign adversaries appear responsible, seeking to humiliate the United States and destabilize its growing energy influence. But as the NSIU digs deeper, one investigator begins to suspect a more unsettling possibility: that the roots of the attack may lie within America’s own political system.
As political divisions widen and the global fuel market becomes a battlefield of influence and control, DECEPTION explores the dangerous intersection of patriotism, power, and betrayal. Each discovery only raises more questions—who truly ordered the strike, and to what end? If a foreign power is to blame, war could be imminent. If the trail leads back home, the consequences could be even more devastating.
Mr. Christie expertly blends geopolitical realism, military investigation, and sharp character insight to craft a thriller that feels both timely and alarmingly plausible. The members of the NSIU are portrayed not as superhuman operatives, but as intelligent, determined professionals navigating the blurred lines between duty, politics, and conscience.
Fast-paced and deeply layered, DECEPTION examines how truth itself becomes a casualty when nations—and individuals—wage wars of influence. It’s a taut, thought-provoking addition to NSIU’s gripping series of global thrillers that once again proves how fragile the balance of peace can be when deception becomes a weapon.