Drowning in Deception
When Lily Gallagher finally hangs up her nursing scrubs, she’s looking forward to resting, relaxing, and reading. But finding the president of the condo board floating face-down in the community pool puts an end to those plans.
But then her friend Lottie wants to put in a stairlift to help her get to her second-floor condo, and tempers flare. Even worse, the morning after a contentious meeting of the condo association, the board president is found floating face down in the community pool.
How can Lily rest and relax when danger threatens the community and her friend may be stuck in rehab forever? Will she be able to uncover the dark secrets roiling beneath the placid surface?
More Reviews. . .
This was a most captivating cozy mystery set in a retirement condo complex.
I was immediately gripped by the spite of one of the characters.
From there, I enjoyed learning about the protagonist, a retired nurse, Lily Gallagher.
Apart from the murder mystery which was very satisfying, I enjoyed all the literary references to other fictional sleuths; Nancy Drew, Maud Silver and Jane Marple, to name but a few.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
– Geraldine
Drowning in Deception is a cozy mystery for real people. Susanna Sullivan displays a keen ear for dialogue and a sympathetic understanding of human nature. The characters are this novel’s biggest asset, and they may well remind you of someone you’ve met in real life. I very much enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
– Jeannine
What an entertaining and addictive mystery! From the very first chapter, I was hooked and absolutely needed to know what happened next. Lily Gallagher has quickly become one of my favorite amateur sleuths, and I already know I need more of her in my life. The way Drowning in Deception ended left me aching to dive straight into the second book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story gave me strong Thursday Murder Club vibes, with its over-55 condo gated community setting and cast of residents who all seem to have secrets tucked away. Lily, a retired nurse, is the perfect protagonist—calm under pressure, instinctively helpful, and yet just wanting a quiet retirement. Of course, life has other plans when a body is discovered floating in the communal pool. Suddenly, Lily’s skills and sharp instincts are put to the test in a place where everyone has something to hide.
I loved how every red herring made me feel like I’d cracked the case, only to be surprised again. While I did suspect the culprit halfway through, the motive was clever, layered, and something I never could have guessed. Beyond the mystery, Sullivan weaves in deeper themes—blackmail, veteran PTSD, financial hardship, and disability inclusivity—that give the narrative real emotional weight.
One of the most poignant touches was the portrayal of Flossie, the deceased’s dog. Sullivan captured the emotions and moods of a pet grieving its master with such authenticity that it added an extra layer of heart to the story. It was beautifully done and made the loss feel even more real.
The atmosphere was so vivid that I felt like I was right there in the condo, by the pool, watching events unfold. That immersive quality is one of my favorite things about reading, and this book delivered it in spades.
I devoured this in just two days because I simply couldn’t put it down. Drowning in Deception is a compelling, heartfelt mystery that balances intrigue with humanity, and I cannot wait to follow Lily Gallagher into her next adventure.
– Hu