The Architect of Deception

· Gatekeeper Press
7 reviews
Ebook
376
Pages
Tools
Eligible

About this ebook

“Sharp, seductive, and impossible to untangle, this is a locked-room mystery for the modern age–perfect for fans of Riley Sager and Lucy Foley.” – – Publishers Weekly, BookLife


A cryptic invitation.

A secret society.

A billionaire’s murder

Six years after his twin brother's death, Razz James is stuck. Once poised to become the prince of Manhattan society, he spends his days in a blur of gin and denial.

Then the mysterious invitation arrives.

An offer to join Scepter & Scythe, an exclusive secret society.

The initiation challenge is a task so daring few would attempt it: steal a memento from Apollo Peck, the infamous billionaire whose fantastical mansion sits atop New York City's poshest building. It’s an impossible feat, but Razz has nothing to lose.

He thinks he's executed the perfect crime...

...then someone turns up dead.

What started as a distraction quickly spirals into a deadly plot with Razz in the crosshairs. In a world where power buys innocence, and the truth is subjective, Razz must unmask the mastermind before he becomes the next pawn sacrificed on the board.

Fans of Freida McFadden and Sandra Brown will love The Architect of Deception.


This book contains explicit consensual sexual situations and violence equivalent to that in an R-rated movie.



Book Review:

“Deliciously twisty murder mystery of secrets, revenge, and deadly power.” -- BookLife (Publishers Weekly)

“Sharp, seductive, and impossible to untangle, this is a locked-room mystery for the modern age–perfect for fans of Riley Sager and Lucy Foley.” – – Publishers Weekly, BookLife A cryptic invitation. A secret society. A billionaire’s murder Six years after his twin brother's death, Razz James is ...

Discover more

Ratings and reviews

7 reviews
jennifer Reimer
August 12, 2026
This book at first really didn't do it for me but i kept at it, for the story line, character, plot, and everything was great and well developed but i found it was a little slow at the beginning to start which i found hard to read it. but with everything that was with this book i found it intriguing enough to give it a shot, once it got going it was it was written on purpose so build up suspense and drama. The twists and turns into this story had me sinning and actually wanting to know what was
Did you find this helpful?
Megan Kimley
August 19, 2026
Give this a chance. It starts out slow but it does pick up and there are a few twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. I did enjoy this story once I got into it. It takes awhile to lay the groundwork. One thing Baldwin does well is making her characters unlikable. I really enjoyed not liking everyone...even the ones you are typically supposed to like. The plot line was well done and it definitely kept me on my toes. There are some dark parts to this book so just be weary of that.
Did you find this helpful?
Susanne Jones
August 7, 2026
What a read! It will make you think and challenge you. Surprise and suspense. Can you salve the clues? What is Scepter & Scythe, who is Apollo Peck, and will they catch Nemesis. Razz is dealing with his brothers death and not well. after a few years of rock bottom he finds a challenge in a secret society invitation his friend received. His love hate relationship with the coffee shop owner also brings some life to him. By the end you are in shock at the turn of events. Loved it and the twists
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Debbie Baldwin is a successful television and print media writer. She is the author ot the award-winning, Amazon best-selling Bishop Security Series. Debbie is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law. A native St. Louisan, she lives with her husband and their puggle, Pebbles.

Debbie Baldwin is a successful television and print media writer. She is the author ot the award-winning, Amazon best-selling Bishop Security Series. Debbie is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law. A native St. Louisan, she lives with her husband and the...

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.