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Book Details

House of Croft, Book 4
Historical Mystery / Thriller / Romance
Date Published: 06-17-2025
An unexpected menace threatens their newfound freedom…
Acquitted of the crime he was accused of, Adrian Croft begins an investigation that could link a duke to his sister’s death. But with a fresh series of murders leading straight to Saint George’s Hospital, Adrian is torn between his quest for revenge and the need to catch an active killer. For though he may have sworn to yield his power in order to gain a pardon, all bets are off when villains threaten his city.
Having proven her unfailing loyalty to her husband, Samantha Croft settles into married life – an idyl that quickly crumbles when she and Adrian get caught up in a new series of murders. As they follow a trail that leads them through subterranean tunnels and to a secret organization, they face another threat too: a ghost from Adrian’s past who’s about to bring war to their doorstep.
Author Details

USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
Contact Links
Website: https://www.sophiebarnes.com/sb/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophieBarnes/
Twitter: https://x.com/BarnesSophie
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5400052.Sophie_Barnes
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sophiebarnes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiebarnesromancewriter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sophie-barnes
Purchase Links
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lt9Urx
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-deceptive-game-ensues-sophie-barnes/1146621504
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ro/en/ebook/a-deceptive-game-ensues
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-deceptive-game-ensues/id6738911158
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1657501
Giveaway
eBook Copy
Excerpt
Footsteps approached and a soft glow spilled over Chief Constable Peter
Kendrick’s left shoulder, flooding the woman’s face. It was clear now, judging
from her appearance, that she’d been in the water a while. At least a couple of
days, Peter reckoned.
He glanced up at Jackson, who’d brought the lantern over, then shifted his
gaze to the men still gathered behind him. “Which one of you found her?”
There was a long pause before Jones chose to speak up. “Clarence and me.
We was preparing the boat we use to ferry goods across the river when we saw her
floatin’ nearby.”
“A possible case of self-murder then,” Jackson murmured while Peter
returned his attention to the dead woman.
The Runner wasn’t wrong to suppose such a thing. These types of deaths
happened from time to time, especially on the river where those who wanted a way
out of life would jump from one of the bridges. Victims of foul play were rarely
found in the Thames, most likely because those guilty of murder were wise enough
to weigh the bodies down. Make sure they were never discovered.
Peter pulled the sackcloth back farther. The body appeared to be intact, so
Jackson could be right. Were it not for a tiny detail that snared Peter’s attention. He
lifted the woman’s right wrist, turned it slightly, and waved Jackson closer with the
light.
Sure enough, the skin in one spot looked raw, with a purplish bruise directly
beneath. Like something or someone had gripped her.
Of course, it could be nothing – no more than an accident of the woman’s
own doing. Peter had no intention of making assumptions. But he’d been at this job
long enough to know that this finding could be proof of foul play.
As such, it warranted further investigation.
Tour Schedule
July 7 – RABT Book Tours – Kick Off
July 7 – Book Junkiez – Excerpt
July 8 – Book Corner News and Reviews – Spotlight
July 9 – Always Reading – Guest Post
July 10 – Texas Book Nook – Review
July 11 – Nana’s Book Reviews – Spotlight
July 12 – Iron Canuck Reviews – Excerpt
July 13 – The Faerie Review – Spotlight
July 14 – Sarandipity’s – Excerpt
July 14 – The Avid Reader – Interview
July 15 – Tea Time and Books – Spotlight
July 16 – On a Reading Bender – Review
July 17 – Candlelight Reading – Interview
July 18 – The Indie Express – Review
July 18 – RABT Reviews – Wrap Up