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O. N. Stefan
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The Deadly Caress: An Amanda Blake thriller. Kindle Edition

by O. N. Stefan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.9 out of 5 stars 446 ratings
An Irresistible Opportunity. An Unrelenting Killer!

Amanda Blake is reeling from the shock of her mother's sudden death, a loss that triggers a relentless pursuit of hidden secrets and a quest for justice. But within the walls of a house filled with enigmatic strangers, the truth becomes a deadly game where the stakes are life and death.

In a web of deception and danger, Amanda's unwavering determination to unearth the chilling truth becomes a race against time, pushing her to the edge of her own mortality. When a barrage of bullets sends her fleeing for her life, it's crystal clear that the relentless killer will stop at nothing until Amanda is silenced.

You might think you know how terrifying things can get, but this time, you're in for a spine-tingling surprise.

What Some Early Readers Are Saying:

"Breathtaking plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat! The characters are beguiling, and the initial chapters leave you craving deeper insight into Amanda and Dorian's complex lives."

"When you think you've reached the end, the real climax is just beginning."

Book 2 Deeds of Darkness and Book 3 Hidden are out now.

Read more
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    An Amanda Blake thriller
  2. Print length
    308 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 23, 2014
  5. File size
    3.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Many readers have asked me why I wrote The Deadly Caress. A newspaper article captured my attention and I started to thinking...
  • What if you discovered that the woman you thought was your mother wasn't.
  • How would you feel?
  • What if this mother was murdered?
  • What would you do?
  • Would you be compelled to find the killer no matter if you were putting your life in danger?
  • What sort of a person would take another life?
  • What would motivate a person to kill? 
These questions demanded to be answered and I couldn't help but take this journey to its conclusion. Come for the ride and read my story.

About the Author

I am often asked where I find my characters. I find them everywhere and nowhere. Sometimes, a newspaper tragedy captures my attention, sometimes it's a stranger walking down the street. From this spark I imagine this stranger in that newspaper article to begin weave a story from this.

My interests are Tai Chi, Tai Chi sword, Formula 1 racing, watching movies, reading, gardening and travelling.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00I0DI0MY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Payella Pty Ltd
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 23, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ An Amanda Blake thriller
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 out of 5 stars 446 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
O. N. Stefan

O. N. Stefan

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I'm an author and reader from Australia. I love creating something from the world around me. My characters are from everywhere and nowhere.

I read thrillers by M.A. Comley, Mark Dawson, James Patterson, Lee Child, Harlan Coben, John Grisham, Clive Cussler, Jack Higgins and mysteries by Ruth Rendell, Minette Walters, and Sue Grafton. However, I will read anything that captures my interest. If there is a good story out there, I want to read it!

I enjoy practicing Tai Chi. I love to watch soccer, tennis and Formula 1 Racing. I enjoy going to shows and movies. I love traveling around the world. At last count, I've visited seventeen countries.

I am currently working on a new nine book detective series set in the UK. I can't wait to introduce DS Kat Snowden to you. If you want to be included in a preview or any special offers, please contact me at:

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
446 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this thriller fast-paced and exciting, with one review highlighting its California setting. Moreover, the book is easy to read and well-written, with one customer noting its sure-footed prose. Additionally, the pacing keeps readers engaged, with one review mentioning it keeps them on their toes throughout. However, opinions about character development are mixed, with some customers finding them great while others say they're not likable.

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32 customers mention "Plot development"28 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the plot development of the book, describing it as a fast-paced thriller with great suspense and interesting twists.

"...There are so many twists and turns the reader is kept wondering what will happen next...." Read more

"...The touch of romance adds to the story line and spices things up. I very much enjoyed this book!..." Read more

"I enjoyed the book. The mystery, suspense, and the twists and turns were timely. However, I became frustrated with Amanda's character...." Read more

"...In general I found this book flowed start to finish. The plot well developed, and the characters are deep enough to grow on you...." Read more

30 customers mention "Readability"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book extremely interesting and entertaining, with one describing it as a suspense-thriller worth reading.

"What an interesting novel! This is the debut novel by the artist ON Stefan. Honestly for a first-time writer I am extremely impressed...." Read more

"...The many macabre twists and turns make this novel a real page turner. The touch of romance adds to the story line and spices things up...." Read more

"I enjoyed the book. The mystery, suspense, and the twists and turns were timely. However, I became frustrated with Amanda's character...." Read more

"...In my opinion this novel is really good. And as a first time novelist it's excellent. I recommend you read it and let the author know what you think...." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read.

"...I must say I was surprised how good the book was: tight writing, good descriptions, and believable characters...." Read more

"...The author's sure-footed prose and careful characterization promise that this will be only the first of a series of ripping yarns. I enjoyed it...." Read more

"...meek character who later does out-of-character things and uses out-of-character language, etc...." Read more

"...novel is anywhere as good as this one O.N. Stefan has a good career ahead in writing. I recommend this book to any Mystery fan." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one mentioning it keeps them turning pages and another noting it keeps them on their toes throughout.

"...She has authored a novel with a unique premise, which will keep you on your toes...." Read more

"The Deadly Caress is a fast paced thriller that'll grab and pull you in...." Read more

"Being a fan of mysteries and suspense novels this one sucked me right in...." Read more

"...Mix all together and add plenty of twists and narrow escapes. Keeps you turning pages right to the end. Recommended entertainment. Well done." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"8 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the characters in the book, with some finding them great while others find them not likable.

"...The author creates strong characters in Amanda (photographer), the mother she never knew (Jean), her step-brother, and a twin brother she never..." Read more

"...However, I became frustrated with Amanda's character...." Read more

"...how good the book was: tight writing, good descriptions, and believable characters...." Read more

"...First time Author O.N.Stefan did a great job with the character development that made you actually care for the characters...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • PAR
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! Debut Author!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    What an interesting novel! This is the debut novel by the artist ON Stefan. Honestly for a first-time writer I am extremely impressed. She has authored a novel with a unique premise, which will keep you on your toes. There are so many twists and turns the reader is kept wondering what will happen next. There is a suicide leading the reading to suspect it might actually be a murder. Nice job, I am looking forward to the second novel in this series. I am looking forward to the plot of the next novel, but also to see the growth of the author. A real joy. This is my true and honest review.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dolores Ayotte
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mystery Thriller!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The Deadly Caress: An Amanda Blake thriller (Book 1.) by Author O. N. Stefan

    If you are looking for mayhem, murder, and mystery, you are sure to find it in this fast paced thriller.

    The protagonist, Amanda Blake recently discovers that she has been misled her entire life. She had no idea that she was given up at birth by her teenage mother and feels totally led astray. Summoned by her birth mother after all these years has piqued her curiosity. Why now... has Jean Campbell a wealthy heiress, contacted her?

    Amanda, who at the young age of twelve, loses the only mother she has ever has known to suicide is eager to meet her biological mother. Unbeknownst to her she soon finds out that she has a twin brother. The plot quickly thickens upon her arrival at the Campbell estate. The many macabre twists and turns make this novel a real page turner. The touch of romance adds to the story line and spices things up. I very much
    enjoyed this book!

    Inspirational Author ~ Dolores Ayotte
    I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay: Thirteen Steps to a Happier Self
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Speedy
    3.0 out of 5 stars The Deadly Caress
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the book. The mystery, suspense, and the twists and turns were timely. However, I became frustrated with Amanda's character. Realistically, a person, meeting someone for the first time, does not become so emotional over their death that they cry every time the person's name is mentioned. Her emotions went up and down like a roller coaster ride. She didn't appear to be very bright. For example, when someone strongly objects to having their pictures taken, there is a reason. But as clues were being revealed, she never seemed to be able to connect the dots.

    Another thing, when your job requires you to be on call 24/7, or your life is in danger, your phone is with you and turned on at all times.

    Bottom line, if Amanda's character was stronger, I would have given this book 5 stars.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Cathy Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Deadly Caress - An Intense Suspense in All the Right Places!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The Deadly Caress is a fast paced thriller that'll grab and pull you in. The author creates strong characters in Amanda (photographer), the mother she never knew (Jean), her step-brother, and a twin brother she never knew.

    Talk about setting the audience up for some action!

    Through an little murder mystery into that and you've got a suspense-thriller worth reading!

    In general I found this book flowed start to finish. The plot well developed, and the characters are deep enough to grow on you.

    In my opinion this novel is really good. And as a first time novelist it's excellent. I recommend you read it and let the author know what you think. Looking forward to the next one!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dennis Koller
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Debut Novel
    Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is a terrific debut novel by O.N. Stefan. I came to it through a recommendation. I must say I was surprised how good the book was: tight writing, good descriptions, and believable characters. I’m not one who believes reviews should give away the story line, but suffice it to say that because the characters are never quite who they pretend to be, the author keeps you turning those pages right to the satisfying end.

    It’s a five star novel that I rated as four stars only because I found the format to be a problem on my reader, making it somewhat difficult for me to follow. I contacted the author and was assured that fixes were in the works.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Sherrye Pope
    2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Did like, plot was goofy, characters were not interesting, & immature, too melodramatic, not plausible
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Thom Stark
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fast-paced, suspenseful, and interesting read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    O. N. Stefan's The Deadly Caress is, as the title makes clear, a murder mystery. It's also a story about identity, family, and surprise - multiple surprises, in fact.

    Amanda Blake, a young, Australian woman building a career as a professional photographer is summoned to a California mansion. There, she learns that she is adopted, that she has a fraternal twin brother and a half-brother. She also learns that their birth mother is wealthy. Soon enough, she is also dead, and Amanda's hunt for her mother's killer begins.

    The Deadly Caress is a fast-paced, suspenseful, and interesting read. The author's sure-footed prose and careful characterization promise that this will be only the first of a series of ripping yarns. I enjoyed it. So will you.

    Recommended.
    11 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Carol Mixer
    3.0 out of 5 stars The story/plot started off exciting (long-lost birth mother gets in ...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The story/plot started off exciting (long-lost birth mother gets in touch with adopted twins) but gets off track with too many outside details. The female twin/main character first appears a meek character who later does out-of-character things and uses out-of-character language, etc. Had to read through too much extraneous episodes to get to the end of the story and then there were too many pages of extra non-related story.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Sue Todkill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enthralled by the Deadly Caress
    Reviewed in Australia on September 13, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Enthralling. Once I started reading I was hooked and could not put it down until I had finished. Many twists to the plot and the characters convincing. Thoroughly enjoyable.
    Report
  • Mystery Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great mystery
    Reviewed in France on September 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Photographer, Amanda Blake leaves Australia and travels to the States to meet the woman who gave her up at birth. Amanda's emotions are in turmoil when she lays eyes on her mother. Within days she is introduced to further family members who include her twin brother Brian who welcomes her when other relatives refuse to.

    Her mother Jean is found dead in her family home and this is where the intrigue in this fast moving, exciting plot begins.

    A murder mystery with a long list of suspects that would rival any Agatha Christie novel.

    With Amanda acting as chief investigator in her mother's murder her life is put in danger several times during the novel.

    Great characters and a thoroughly gripping read, one that I would have no trouble recommending.
    Report
  • Wilma Lettings
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced and twisted
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The book starts off strongly with the revelation that Amanda’s parents are not her biological ones. She travels from Australia to California to meet her mother, trying to find answers. When the mother is killed and foul play is suspected, the plot really takes off.
    It’s a classic murder mystery with plenty of suspects, motives, twists and surprises but it has also action and great drama. The added complication of the complex family situation brings extra spice to the mix. I found this to be a real page turner that moved at a fast pace and kept me surprised until the end.
    Report
  • John Holt
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Page Turner
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A fast paced murder mystery with well crafted characters, a complex plot, and enough twists, and turns to keep you guessing.
    Report
  • Ian Luke
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on November 29, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A quick paced "who done it", thoroughly enjoyable.
    Report

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