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Detective Elliot #1
Twisted Perception
Porter, Oklahoma, holds a dark secret-and troublesome dreams plague Tulsa Police Detective, Kenny Elliot, who grew up in the small town. When a bizarre murder catapults Elliot into his past, he's brought face-to-face with the fabric of his nightmares. A shiny necklace dangles from the rearview mirror of the vehicle where Lagayle Zimmerman, the victim, is discovered. Nine years earlier, in Porter, a similar necklace swung from the mirror of a Mustang that harbored the mutilated bodies of Elliot's friends, Jonathan Alexander (Johnnie Boy), and Marcia Barnes. Most of the town believed Elliot killed his classmates, but no arrest was ever made. Risking his job and his sanity, Elliot digs into his past to solve the murders and expose the truth.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2005
279 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 28, 2024
I liked the hard boiled style, but some elements fell short. The police detective protagonist leaves a burning building without reporting the fire, and shoots someone in a bar then walks away. Do these things really happen among police officers? Also, there are no female officers, all the women are love interests or motherly, or both. I feel like at least some of the transgender portrayals are out of date and inaccurate.
July 11, 2014
I try to read books in a series in order, so when Beneath a Buried House , was offered on Kindle and I found it was the second in the series, I bought Twisted Perception. It makes no sense, the characters in the 2nd book for instance, one is a chief in the first but in the second he is a detective and partner, but sense our hero works alone he doesn't have a partner, has this guy been demoted? In the first he finds he has a son, and finds a long lost love, never mentioned in the second. And he immediately falls in love at first sight with someone he sees across the room in a bar . One officer is killed in the first but still alive in the second. His girlfriend is kidnapped and then not mentioned again until she shows up in a park 2 weeks later and not even a where were you , etc. . Things like this will keep me from ever buying another of this author's books.
December 27, 2021
Read as part of Oklahoma Humanities Let’s Talk About it Book Club - Mysteries set in Oklahoma. Lots of recognizable Tulsa and surrounding area made it easy to visualize the story.
Fast Paced. Read in one sitting because I wanted to know what happens.
Definitely falls into The Hero's Journey Narative - Loner sets out to right a wrong. All the women in the story are secondary characters that are either victims or girlfriends. I don't remember any women police officers in a book set in modern day Tulsa Oklahoma. Although book was published in 2005 this made it feel dated.
*SPOILERS!!!
While there are no derogatory terms used, a Transgender Woman was a used just for a misleading plot point. Given the amount of violence the Transgender community faces I felt it was inappropriate.
Fast Paced. Read in one sitting because I wanted to know what happens.
Definitely falls into The Hero's Journey Narative - Loner sets out to right a wrong. All the women in the story are secondary characters that are either victims or girlfriends. I don't remember any women police officers in a book set in modern day Tulsa Oklahoma. Although book was published in 2005 this made it feel dated.
*SPOILERS!!!
While there are no derogatory terms used, a Transgender Woman was a used just for a misleading plot point. Given the amount of violence the Transgender community faces I felt it was inappropriate.
November 9, 2018
Bob Avey hits the ground running with his solo debut into the mystery-suspense genre. Twisted Perception is filled with brilliantly written characters that are as believable as they are entertaining. Kenny Elliot had a tumultuous childhood, growing up in the small town of Porter, Oklahoma. Never knowing his father and with little guidance from his troubled mother, Kenny found a friend and mentor in Sheriff Charlie Johnson. When the mutilated bodies of his friends, Johnnie Boy, and Marcia Barnes are found, in a car, with Kenny’s class ring swinging on a necklace from the rear-view mirror, suspicion and town gossip pointed to the hot-tempered teen. The case was officially closed when the deaths have classified a murder-suicide. However, doubts persisted within the community about Kenny’s involvement. Unable to shake the suspicions and unsure of the findings himself, he took Sheriff Johnson’s advice and left town, with no intentions of ever returning.
Nine years have passed, and Kenny Elliot is working for the Tulsa, Oklahoma Police Department. When Lagayle Zimmerman’s murdered body is discovered in her car, it’s the shiny necklace dangling from the rear-view mirror that catapults the detective into the spotlight. As the clues mount, the crooked finger of blame seems to be aiming once again at Kenny. Plagued by nightmares and haunted by unanswered questions, he finally realized it was impossible to escape the past. Risking everything, including his own sanity, he returns to Porter determined to uncover the truth that would stop the killings, find justice for his murdered friends and clear both his name and conscientious.
Fast paced and realistic, Twisted Perception is a character-driven novel, laced with intricate plot lines that could easily be part of the hushed history of any small town in America. With clinical precision, Avey has delivered a suspense-filled mystery that reaches far beyond surface entertainment, to expose the deep, often hidden psychological scars left on the souls of child abuse survivors. Avey indulges Kenny’s ruminations about the old traumas that fuel his nightmares, successfully using his personal history to propel the story, instead of swallowing it whole. The palpable tension in the novel is heightened with each chapter as Avey takes the reader on a full-circle journey, reminding everyone, no matter how far or fast, you can’t outrun your past.
Happy Reading!
RJ xx
Nine years have passed, and Kenny Elliot is working for the Tulsa, Oklahoma Police Department. When Lagayle Zimmerman’s murdered body is discovered in her car, it’s the shiny necklace dangling from the rear-view mirror that catapults the detective into the spotlight. As the clues mount, the crooked finger of blame seems to be aiming once again at Kenny. Plagued by nightmares and haunted by unanswered questions, he finally realized it was impossible to escape the past. Risking everything, including his own sanity, he returns to Porter determined to uncover the truth that would stop the killings, find justice for his murdered friends and clear both his name and conscientious.
Fast paced and realistic, Twisted Perception is a character-driven novel, laced with intricate plot lines that could easily be part of the hushed history of any small town in America. With clinical precision, Avey has delivered a suspense-filled mystery that reaches far beyond surface entertainment, to expose the deep, often hidden psychological scars left on the souls of child abuse survivors. Avey indulges Kenny’s ruminations about the old traumas that fuel his nightmares, successfully using his personal history to propel the story, instead of swallowing it whole. The palpable tension in the novel is heightened with each chapter as Avey takes the reader on a full-circle journey, reminding everyone, no matter how far or fast, you can’t outrun your past.
Happy Reading!
RJ xx
April 12, 2015
Hmmm.
I really did want to like this book and was actually enjoying it until halfway in. The plot about why the killer was killing was not the issue, it was the protagonist. The first half had me glued to the pages and then after the aftermath of the car chase it went boom. His Captain not believing it occurred because of no witnesses, but the getaway car rammed two other cars off the road of a crowded highway? Shoot someone in a bar after identifying himself as a detective and walks out planning on not reporting it? I will leave it at that. But I will read the second part of the series. I have read good series that went bad so may this is a bad series that goes good.
I really did want to like this book and was actually enjoying it until halfway in. The plot about why the killer was killing was not the issue, it was the protagonist. The first half had me glued to the pages and then after the aftermath of the car chase it went boom. His Captain not believing it occurred because of no witnesses, but the getaway car rammed two other cars off the road of a crowded highway? Shoot someone in a bar after identifying himself as a detective and walks out planning on not reporting it? I will leave it at that. But I will read the second part of the series. I have read good series that went bad so may this is a bad series that goes good.
February 7, 2008
Twisted Perception left me with whiplash!
April 14, 2015
Crime novel with an interesting plot, but I felt it lacked clarity in places and had an old fashioned feel.
May 11, 2018
Some things are not what they seem.
I had a hard time getting into this book, and I did something I never do and skipped several charts just to get to read the ending. While I didn't like the book I think it has good characters.
I had a hard time getting into this book, and I did something I never do and skipped several charts just to get to read the ending. While I didn't like the book I think it has good characters.
March 15, 2018
very good
June 2, 2017
A bit strange but a good plot that kept you wondering. Did feel as if I had read this before but still was fine
February 17, 2018
Twisted perception
Twisted Perception by Bob Avery definitely has twists and turns that keep you guessing. Even Detective Elliott doesn't know which way to go at times.
Twisted Perception by Bob Avery definitely has twists and turns that keep you guessing. Even Detective Elliott doesn't know which way to go at times.
July 9, 2018
i enjoyed this book and plan on reading the other books in the series
July 23, 2018
Heavy with psycholigical issues.
I liked the book. It had two viewpoints going on and it was had to follow the second one. That one was too ambiguous.
I liked the book. It had two viewpoints going on and it was had to follow the second one. That one was too ambiguous.
July 14, 2019
Excellent
What a great read. From the first page I was hooked. I already have book 2 and am looking forward to it. Avey know how to write.
What a great read. From the first page I was hooked. I already have book 2 and am looking forward to it. Avey know how to write.
August 7, 2025
Full of suspense, and a thrilling ride of emotions. I enjoyed the read, and plan on reading more in the series.
October 5, 2016
Review
Enjoyed this book! Lots of twists and author surprises reader with these twists. I would recommend this book to anyone locking for an interesting book that is very hard to put down.
Enjoyed this book! Lots of twists and author surprises reader with these twists. I would recommend this book to anyone locking for an interesting book that is very hard to put down.
May 12, 2013
Have you ever read a book with its title misspelled (not intentionally!) 150 times? Bob Avey's "Twisted Perception" offers this unique feature! The headers of odd-numbered pages are all titled "Twisted Perseption". This sloppily produced paperback also occasionally offers differently sized fonts on the same page. These extras are provided courtesy of Deadly Niche Press of Denton, Texas.
As to the novel itself, I have a feeling that I have read it before. Many times, in fact. The main premise of the plot is so archetypal that it has often been used by various authors. Recent serial murders are linked to serial murders from the past. Madness, revenge, skeletons in family closets. Same old, same old. The only atypical feature is that the detective, who is the main character in the story, used to be a suspect in one of the old killings, before he joined the police force. Of course, the past events deeply influence the detective's perceptions of the present ones. Or should I say "perSeptions"?
To me, the plot loses plausibility soon past the midpoint of the novel. I have been unable to believe the particular turns of the plot, and the motives and behaviors of the novel's characters feel contrived, and artificial. It is hard to focus on the plot when the author is faking it.
The writing, initially competent, gets worse as well. Chapter 17 has some of the most ridiculous dialogue; for instance, two characters talk to each other using the following sentences: "Even among strangers I'm a stranger. My sanity has cost me my insanity, for no longer can I hide in it." If this is some subtle literary device used by the author, then I am clearly not getting it. The plot takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and locations nearby. The author manages to convey some of the local flavor in his writing.
One and a half stars.
As to the novel itself, I have a feeling that I have read it before. Many times, in fact. The main premise of the plot is so archetypal that it has often been used by various authors. Recent serial murders are linked to serial murders from the past. Madness, revenge, skeletons in family closets. Same old, same old. The only atypical feature is that the detective, who is the main character in the story, used to be a suspect in one of the old killings, before he joined the police force. Of course, the past events deeply influence the detective's perceptions of the present ones. Or should I say "perSeptions"?
To me, the plot loses plausibility soon past the midpoint of the novel. I have been unable to believe the particular turns of the plot, and the motives and behaviors of the novel's characters feel contrived, and artificial. It is hard to focus on the plot when the author is faking it.
The writing, initially competent, gets worse as well. Chapter 17 has some of the most ridiculous dialogue; for instance, two characters talk to each other using the following sentences: "Even among strangers I'm a stranger. My sanity has cost me my insanity, for no longer can I hide in it." If this is some subtle literary device used by the author, then I am clearly not getting it. The plot takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and locations nearby. The author manages to convey some of the local flavor in his writing.
One and a half stars.
October 24, 2014
A rather bizarre murder mystery set in Tulsa, OK and in small-town OK. There is more than one murder, in fact. Ken Elliot is the book's main character. A high school football star, he grows up to become a Tulsa cop. A Tulsa murder - signified by a shiny necklace dangling from the rearview mirror - leads Elliot back to his hometown in which another murder was so signified. Ken Elliot was on the scene of that earlier crime. Many of the townsfolk thought he'd committed that murder but he was never charged. Did Elliott do it? He doesn't think he would - but he can't remember.
The reader might think that a return visit to his old hometown to reinvestigate a stale long-ago murder might yield few consequences. Instead, things happen fast, but Elliott has trouble putting it all together. An interesting read as the reader, himself (or herself), tries to make sense of the events as they unfold.
The reader might think that a return visit to his old hometown to reinvestigate a stale long-ago murder might yield few consequences. Instead, things happen fast, but Elliott has trouble putting it all together. An interesting read as the reader, himself (or herself), tries to make sense of the events as they unfold.
September 1, 2011
Anyone who loves a good detective story with plenty twists and turns needs to buy a copy of Twisted Perception. Bob Avey grips you from the start. Main man Detective Kenny Elliot is called in to investigate the brutal murder of an upper-crust woman. (all isn't as it seems) Gut instincts lead him on a journey back in time that he isn't comfortable with for a number of reason (have to read it to find out!) More murders come and deepen the investigation that Elliot can't seem to leave to another. Not only is this story a great murder/mystery it is also one that will broaden your mind and open you up to Twisted Perception......
March 3, 2015
A whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end
"Twisted" is a very good descriptive for this dark read. Your own perceptions may still be in doubt even as you turn the last pages. Unique in that regard, but don't be surprised if you find yourself re-reading many pages or chapters. Even more so, don't be surprised if you find your perceptions still a bit uncomfortable, and your sympathies divided.
"Twisted" is a very good descriptive for this dark read. Your own perceptions may still be in doubt even as you turn the last pages. Unique in that regard, but don't be surprised if you find yourself re-reading many pages or chapters. Even more so, don't be surprised if you find your perceptions still a bit uncomfortable, and your sympathies divided.
May 21, 2016
Weird
I picked this book because I had read a later Detective Elliot Mystery and liked it. Thinking I'd like to read the series I downloaded this book, but found it completely confusing Faulkner's "Sound and the Fury" has nothing over this book for confounding the reader. I didn't finish it. I finally gave up about a third of the way through. Try as I may I couldn't make any sense of what was going on. Not even enough to summarize what I read.
I picked this book because I had read a later Detective Elliot Mystery and liked it. Thinking I'd like to read the series I downloaded this book, but found it completely confusing Faulkner's "Sound and the Fury" has nothing over this book for confounding the reader. I didn't finish it. I finally gave up about a third of the way through. Try as I may I couldn't make any sense of what was going on. Not even enough to summarize what I read.
July 15, 2014
This is titled as the first book in the "Detective Elliot Mystery" series and is actually the second. It's a murder mystery and was a little too graphic for my taste. But I tend to be quite conservative in that area. It wrapped way too quickly and left wondering about several things. It was interesting following Detective Elliot as he unraveled all that was happening though.
October 31, 2014
Fun book about things in and around my hometown.
I've never read a book where I knew or could picture actual places in my mind until I started reading the Detective Elliot mysteries.
it was fun to be part of a car chase on streets I knew; to visit local hangouts and be reminded of places I used to know so well.
I've never read a book where I knew or could picture actual places in my mind until I started reading the Detective Elliot mysteries.
it was fun to be part of a car chase on streets I knew; to visit local hangouts and be reminded of places I used to know so well.
March 24, 2013
This book was kind of a slow starter. It was hard to engage for the first 50 pages or so. The plot was a bit predictable but the writing and the characterizations were very good. Overall a fairly enjoyable read...
June 24, 2018
Twisted Perception -Book One
Excellent crime novel about unsolved murders that are explored again years later when recent murders seem to match. Just who committed these murders is a complete mystery and there are multiple suspects. Great reading for mystery lovers.
Excellent crime novel about unsolved murders that are explored again years later when recent murders seem to match. Just who committed these murders is a complete mystery and there are multiple suspects. Great reading for mystery lovers.
January 21, 2012
Great book. Read cover to cover in one sitting. Looking forward reading another by Avey.
November 8, 2012
I really like this old fashioned police detective murder mystery with plenty of plot twists and turns. I would try another of his books.
March 28, 2013
This book had so many twists that it kept me intrigued throughout. Just when I thought I had it figured out something else would happen. Reading book two in the series now.
October 22, 2016
Twist and turns with every page
Enjoyable read. Excellent mystery. Didn't know who or why until the end. Keeping everyone straight was a little tough for me tho
Enjoyable read. Excellent mystery. Didn't know who or why until the end. Keeping everyone straight was a little tough for me tho
December 16, 2016
Incredible book
The book is full of twist and turns. I never dreamed it would end as it did. Characters come to life with ever page you turn.
The book is full of twist and turns. I never dreamed it would end as it did. Characters come to life with ever page you turn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews