Book Review: The Paroxysm Deception

Reviewed by Jadidsa Perez

A thought-provoking thriller that delves deep into the eternal conflict of nature versus nurture

The Paroxysm Deception begins in a near biographical voice, showcasing the early stages of the relationship between Lisa and Dave, parents of the protagonist, Camille. It’s a compelling opener that sets the stage for a promising story to come.

The thrill really sets in when Lisa gives birth to Camille, their only daughter. They dote on her endlessly. Despite their constant support, Camille shows signs of anger and entitlement, blaming her parents for every failure. 

Lisa and Dave, undeterred by Camille’s mistreatment, continue to root for her as she moves away to Benton from Mountain View and becomes a manager at a local restaurant. They believe their daughter may finally be on the right path, not knowing that Camille has strayed and is plotting to commit the ultimate betrayal. 

She, her lover Shane Summers, and an acquaintance, Eric Larson, have their eyes set on Camille’s inheritance, willing to do whatever it takes to pry it from her defenseless, elderly parents. 

As an in-depth commentary and dissection of the legal system, The Paroxysm Deception works extremely well. It presents a realistic case, an atmospheric small town, and characters with diverse personalities. Every small aspect is accounted for— from the smaller conversations with the judge to the detailed process behind charging an individual for a crime. 

The inclusion of the smaller characters, like some of the local police, make for a rich novel. Although brief, they are introduced with their own background stories and baggage. It highlights how everyone, no matter how successful, has their burden in life and will either have to rise above it or sink beneath it. The Paroxysm Deception is a smart thriller chock-full of engaging specifics—those who like to learn with their fiction will get what they came for with this novel.

The characters who shine the most are the defense attorneys. Che Lopez, Eric’s attorney, is more of a chess-minded attorney compared to her colleagues. She and the others are faced with the most difficult parts of the justice system, the state of untreated mental health, and poverty. Their thoughts and actions provide a unique insight that makes the novel stand out. I longed for more from our leading characters though, especially involving their fear of the situation at hand. The thriller aspects are present, but some back-end proceedings take away from the suspense.  

This is an enjoyable thriller I’d gladly recommend, especially to true crime readers who want the facts alongside the action.

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