The final book in the Kieran and Craig series. As always, it was a slow start and it didn't really seem to keep my attention for very long at one time. It took longer to get through this than it should have. It was like one of those riddles where you have to figure out how the killer did it because all the doors and windows were locked from the inside and you don't know how they got in and out. It was a great concept, but the story also got away from that with the serial killer who goes after people he thinks are "witches." Pulling everything together took some twists and turns that I'm not completely sure I understood at the end. I don't want to give away spoilers, so I won't put my questions here but I don't completely understand how the end came together on this one.

All in all, if you enjoyed the rest of the series, or are a fan of Heather Graham in general, then by all means read this. It's an okay book, just not the best I've ever read. ( )

I believe this is the last book in the New York Confidential Series. Kieran and Craig are back at it again chasing a murder suspect called The Fireman. Finnegan’s Pub is part of this story as the folks there get involved as well. I am sorry to see this series end but hopefully a new series will be out soon. I can't get a enough of Heather Graham. ( )

Kieran, a criminal psychologist, has been called to interview The Fireman. The Fireman is a serial killer. He hears voices telling him which person to kill and why. She just can’t shake the feeling there is more going on behind these voices.

Kieran is smart and I enjoy that in a character. She has good instincts and knows when to follow them. Craig, her FBI Special Agent boyfriend, is a perfect match for her. They really work well together and make a great team.

I have enjoyed Heather Graham’s books for years! She is an author which creates a great escape. There is danger, suspense, mystery and little bit of love scattered throughout her stories! You cannot go wrong with any of that! And this tale is full of suspense and creepiness. Plus, there is a cute, little dog!

This is the final novel in the New York Confidential series. I have not read any of the previous novels. (I will have to remedy that soon!) This is a stand alone tale. There are a few previous cases alluded to but it did not affect this story at all. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )

The Final Deception by Heather Graham
New York Confidential #5

Coming into this series on book five shouldn’t have worked but it did. I have enjoyed this author’s work before and was happy to read a new-to-me book by her again.

Craig Frasier is an FBI agent and his fiance sometimes does pysch consultations for the FBI. In this book Craig is still having nightmares about the tough case of THE FIREMAN and Kieran Finnegan, Craig’s fiance, has just interviewed The Fireman a little while before he escapes from prison. About the time he escapes another murder following the same modus operandi takes place and all of New York is soon intently watching the news to find out what will happen next. Is this a copycat murder or did The Fireman do it?

In addition to the catch-him-if-you-can thread there is the ongoing romance between Craig and Kieran and if/when they will get married, the sibling support of the Finnegan family for one another, the police procedural aspects of solving the murder, the suspense of wondering who might be following Kieran and the question of Ruff the dog and where he will end up in the future.

This was an interesting read that might have been more interesting had I come in on book one and read the four books preceding this one because I would have known the main and supporting characters better than I did going into book five. That said, I still knew them well enough to enjoy the story.

What I liked:
* Kieran: Smart, intuitive, puzzle solver, not clingy, a good sister and fiance and very likable
* Craig: Intelligent, driven, keen to solve cases, not too clingy, a good boyfriend, dependable and bit hearted.
* The relationship between Kieran and Craig – they were mature, knew what they wanted and allowed one another the independence and distance needed to accomplish the goals of their profession.
* The Finnegan brothers – I am sure there is more to each and every one of them that I would love to know.
* Ruff – a scrappy fellow that landed in clover
* Following the threads that lead to the WHO and WHY of the murders
* The twist or two at the end
* The good thwarted evil

What I did not like:
* The psychotic puppet master and those he pulled the strings of

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars ( )