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Dak Harper Thriller #7
Strings of Deception
What do you get the super villain who has it all?
Nothing. She steals whatever she wants.
That’s always been Vivian Voss’ taking what doesn’t belong to her. Over the years, she’s amassed a sprawling black-market empire, trading mostly in stolen art masterpieces for billionaire customers who care as little for provenance as they do for the law.
But like any thief, Vivian gets greedy. And when she tries to kidnap an American to cover up her crimes, she hits an unmovable object known as Dak Harper, the Relic Runner.
Dak is in Europe hunting a missing Stradivarius and foils the kidnapping almost by accident. As his good deed draws him deeper into Voss’ international scheme, Dak finds himself walking a tightrope between completing his mission, or saving a stranger’s husband.
Join the hunt in this explosive, action-fueled thriller that blends history and crime into one pulse-pounding adventure.
USA Today best-selling author Ernest Dempsey returns with the seventh installment in this fan-favorite series readers around the world are raving about.
Nothing. She steals whatever she wants.
That’s always been Vivian Voss’ taking what doesn’t belong to her. Over the years, she’s amassed a sprawling black-market empire, trading mostly in stolen art masterpieces for billionaire customers who care as little for provenance as they do for the law.
But like any thief, Vivian gets greedy. And when she tries to kidnap an American to cover up her crimes, she hits an unmovable object known as Dak Harper, the Relic Runner.
Dak is in Europe hunting a missing Stradivarius and foils the kidnapping almost by accident. As his good deed draws him deeper into Voss’ international scheme, Dak finds himself walking a tightrope between completing his mission, or saving a stranger’s husband.
Join the hunt in this explosive, action-fueled thriller that blends history and crime into one pulse-pounding adventure.
USA Today best-selling author Ernest Dempsey returns with the seventh installment in this fan-favorite series readers around the world are raving about.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2024
107 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Ernest Dempsey
51 books46 followersHost of AuthorsAccess podcast, president of Loving Healing Press Inc., author of numerous anthologies of health and healing."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 27, 2024
Action-packed Dak Harper thriller. Read it, you won’t be sorry!
Strings of Deception combines three of my favorite reading genres, History, Thrillers, and Mysteries. I’ve read all of Ernest Dempsey’s books and I’m still in awe how in the Dak Harper series he can take an actual incident of a missing/stolen item and create a plausible cause and resolution of the incident. With his latest Strings of Deception, the true part is the 1995 theft of the ex-Davidov-Morini Stradivarius. If you read about the violin and its theft you can’t help but be struck by an overwhelming number of questions. I can only assume Mr. Dempsey was struck by many of those same questions which birthed the idea of this book.
The Dak Harper books are all action-packed thrillers that seek to resolve the mystery of missing relics lost/stolen throughout history. It’s hard to admit that over time I have come to enjoy these books just a bit more than Mr. Dempsey's Sean Wyatt books. The reason for this preference is Dak has some serious character challenges yet still maintains a deep sense of morality and fairness. I must add the additional regular characters like Will provide a layer of depth to the stories that would be missing if they weren’t involved.
Lastly one of the best things about the Dak Harper series is the stand-alone nature of the stories. Sure, reading from the beginning provides an excellent backstory on Dak and his challenges from Tucker. But if you were to pick up Strings of Deception as your first Dak Harper book you would not be completely lost reading the story.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and chose to provide my review.
Strings of Deception combines three of my favorite reading genres, History, Thrillers, and Mysteries. I’ve read all of Ernest Dempsey’s books and I’m still in awe how in the Dak Harper series he can take an actual incident of a missing/stolen item and create a plausible cause and resolution of the incident. With his latest Strings of Deception, the true part is the 1995 theft of the ex-Davidov-Morini Stradivarius. If you read about the violin and its theft you can’t help but be struck by an overwhelming number of questions. I can only assume Mr. Dempsey was struck by many of those same questions which birthed the idea of this book.
The Dak Harper books are all action-packed thrillers that seek to resolve the mystery of missing relics lost/stolen throughout history. It’s hard to admit that over time I have come to enjoy these books just a bit more than Mr. Dempsey's Sean Wyatt books. The reason for this preference is Dak has some serious character challenges yet still maintains a deep sense of morality and fairness. I must add the additional regular characters like Will provide a layer of depth to the stories that would be missing if they weren’t involved.
Lastly one of the best things about the Dak Harper series is the stand-alone nature of the stories. Sure, reading from the beginning provides an excellent backstory on Dak and his challenges from Tucker. But if you were to pick up Strings of Deception as your first Dak Harper book you would not be completely lost reading the story.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and chose to provide my review.
September 9, 2024
Dak Harper has returned in another action-packed, rollercoaster of a ride in Strings of Deception. One word sums up this high octane thriller and that is:
DYN-O-MITE!
When Dak gets a call from his employer Boston to look into a stolen Stradivarius that happened back in the 1990's, which is now rumoured to go back on sale on the black-market. Dak is intrigued but even more so when Boston mentions where he thinks it might be. Vienna, Austria. Dak had visited Austria once before but he didn't get the chance to visit Vienna and with it's detailed history and architecture Dak is looking forward to the trip.
But life isn't that easy and once in Vienna Dak finds himself in a whole world of trouble and in St. Peter's church no less!
After stopping a kidnap attempt, Dak finds himself embedded into the criminal underworld of the black-market auctions and one of his most deadliest opponents to date.
Vivian Voss has it all, but that doesn't stop her from wanting more and when Dak starts to get in her way, she will use any means necessary to get rid of him.
Has Dak finally met his match? Will this be the final string in his bow?
Another heartstopping action adventure from the master of archeological thrillers, Ernest Dempsey.
DYN-O-MITE!
When Dak gets a call from his employer Boston to look into a stolen Stradivarius that happened back in the 1990's, which is now rumoured to go back on sale on the black-market. Dak is intrigued but even more so when Boston mentions where he thinks it might be. Vienna, Austria. Dak had visited Austria once before but he didn't get the chance to visit Vienna and with it's detailed history and architecture Dak is looking forward to the trip.
But life isn't that easy and once in Vienna Dak finds himself in a whole world of trouble and in St. Peter's church no less!
After stopping a kidnap attempt, Dak finds himself embedded into the criminal underworld of the black-market auctions and one of his most deadliest opponents to date.
Vivian Voss has it all, but that doesn't stop her from wanting more and when Dak starts to get in her way, she will use any means necessary to get rid of him.
Has Dak finally met his match? Will this be the final string in his bow?
Another heartstopping action adventure from the master of archeological thrillers, Ernest Dempsey.
September 25, 2024
This is a story of a “happenstance.” Dak Harker is sent to recover a priceless Stradivarius that was stolen over 30 years ago. Believing that it is probably one of his more routine recoveries, in his pursuit, he just happens to be in the right place at the right time to prevent an attempted kidnaping in progress, rescuing a lady in danger for her life. Of course, in Dak’s life, nothing is ever easy or exactly what it seems. As he continues his search for the location of the relic, and the logistics required to recover it, he finds that the attempted kidnaping has embroiled him in a plot orchestrated by the master thief, Vivian Voss, the current owner of the violin. A lady who in fact just happens to run a massive black-market empire in stolen treasures, selling them to the world’s highest bidders. Dak finds that he is now pursing two paths - one to the recovery of the relic, and another to stop the criminals who are after the lady he is protecting . Vivian Voss seems to be the center of it all. As the two paths start to converge into one, the reader is thrust into the dark depths of the mercenary world, death contracts, murder, and lots of mayhem. Just like all the previous Relic Runner stories, this is a non-stop thriller that is hard to put down.
September 22, 2024
Strings Of Deception - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Move over James Bond! Former Special Ops agent, turned specialist contractor, Dak Harper is back, in Ernest Dempsey's Relic Runners Book 7, Strings Of Deception.
Though hired for one mission, Dak acts as a friend in need to a woman in distress, that involves him in another.
A femme fatale crime boss' ambitions may put Dak's life on the line, but with friends like Will, plus IAA friends Tommy Schulz, Tara and Alex on his side, the tide is likely to turn in Dak's favour...or is it?
Secrets and lies are uncovered, the characters engaging and the breakneck action is always dangerously riveting.
Get your hands on Strings Of Deception today and prepare to be gripped firmly by the imagination from start to finish!
Move over James Bond! Former Special Ops agent, turned specialist contractor, Dak Harper is back, in Ernest Dempsey's Relic Runners Book 7, Strings Of Deception.
Though hired for one mission, Dak acts as a friend in need to a woman in distress, that involves him in another.
A femme fatale crime boss' ambitions may put Dak's life on the line, but with friends like Will, plus IAA friends Tommy Schulz, Tara and Alex on his side, the tide is likely to turn in Dak's favour...or is it?
Secrets and lies are uncovered, the characters engaging and the breakneck action is always dangerously riveting.
Get your hands on Strings Of Deception today and prepare to be gripped firmly by the imagination from start to finish!
October 20, 2024
Another Fantastic Story you will want to read!
Dak comes to the rescue and stumbles into something big.
Dak is hunting a missing Stradivarius, when he sees a woman about to be kidnaped and intervenes.
The hunt for the stolen violin goes on hold.
There are a lot of twists and turns in trying to help and protect this woman that Dak needs a friends help.
Read this story to find out how Dak pulls this rabbit out of the hat and if the Stradivarius is recovered.
It will keep you turning pages.
This adventure is a wild ride that I am sure you will enjoy.
I know that I did!
Dak comes to the rescue and stumbles into something big.
Dak is hunting a missing Stradivarius, when he sees a woman about to be kidnaped and intervenes.
The hunt for the stolen violin goes on hold.
There are a lot of twists and turns in trying to help and protect this woman that Dak needs a friends help.
Read this story to find out how Dak pulls this rabbit out of the hat and if the Stradivarius is recovered.
It will keep you turning pages.
This adventure is a wild ride that I am sure you will enjoy.
I know that I did!
October 31, 2024
Another Great and Exciting, Edge Of Your Seat Ernest Dempsey Thrill Ride!!!
Once I started reading this new Dak Harper Adventure, I couldn't put it down!! Every page was A breathtaking and excellent ADVENTURE THAT I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED!!? THANK YOU Ernest Dempsey!!! YOUR STORIES ARE ALWAYS FILLED WITH NON STOP ACTiON AND VERY EXCITING TWISTS and TURNS RIGHT UP TO THE LAST WORDS!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE WHO LOVES AN AMAZING FAST PACED, ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE!!! GREAT READ AND I ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT OF READING THIS BOOK!!!!
Once I started reading this new Dak Harper Adventure, I couldn't put it down!! Every page was A breathtaking and excellent ADVENTURE THAT I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED!!? THANK YOU Ernest Dempsey!!! YOUR STORIES ARE ALWAYS FILLED WITH NON STOP ACTiON AND VERY EXCITING TWISTS and TURNS RIGHT UP TO THE LAST WORDS!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE WHO LOVES AN AMAZING FAST PACED, ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE!!! GREAT READ AND I ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT OF READING THIS BOOK!!!!
March 30, 2025
The Relic Runner is at it again
This book takes Dak to Vienna to track down a Stradivarius, a rare and priceless violin. While sightseeing a church Dak notices something out of place with a woman and two guys in suits.
Dak follows them and interrupts a kidnapping. There is a new villain, the colonel isn't involved, not to give away to much of the story, but it's different from the previous books.
If you've read the previous six relic runner books, you may or may not like this one, my suggestion is, give it a try.
This book takes Dak to Vienna to track down a Stradivarius, a rare and priceless violin. While sightseeing a church Dak notices something out of place with a woman and two guys in suits.
Dak follows them and interrupts a kidnapping. There is a new villain, the colonel isn't involved, not to give away to much of the story, but it's different from the previous books.
If you've read the previous six relic runner books, you may or may not like this one, my suggestion is, give it a try.
September 27, 2024
Dak finds himself on the hunt for a long lost violin but what he doesn't know is that his act of being a good Samaritan by protecting a woman puts him in a world full of danger, possibly more danger than his former Colonel put him in. As he works his way out of the danger he also finds himself in a world filled with deception and the powerful elites. Can he keep the woman safe and get the violin or will all this danger and deception be the end of Dak Harper??
November 19, 2024
A thrill ride with a twist
Dempsey strikes again. I’ve read all of Ernie’s books and I can say for sure that he has exceeded expectations with this story. Dak and Will are working together again to recover a priceless violin. Unfortunately a crime syndicate lead by an evil, ruthless woman stands in their way. You won’t believe the twists and turns Dak must negotiate to complete his mission. Hopefully you’ll enjoy this story as much as I did.
Dempsey strikes again. I’ve read all of Ernie’s books and I can say for sure that he has exceeded expectations with this story. Dak and Will are working together again to recover a priceless violin. Unfortunately a crime syndicate lead by an evil, ruthless woman stands in their way. You won’t believe the twists and turns Dak must negotiate to complete his mission. Hopefully you’ll enjoy this story as much as I did.
October 2, 2024
Dempsey did it again!
This was another great book from Ernest Dempsey. It's the journey and adventure that makes the story a great one. I've read all of the Relic Runner books and I hope to read more in the future. Actually I've read all of Ernest Dempsey's books and I can hardly wait for the next one!
This was another great book from Ernest Dempsey. It's the journey and adventure that makes the story a great one. I've read all of the Relic Runner books and I hope to read more in the future. Actually I've read all of Ernest Dempsey's books and I can hardly wait for the next one!
October 15, 2024
Dempsey did it again. This is an excellent read. Dak is no stranger to getting in trouble while searching items for his young employer, but you wouldn’t think that something not involving his search would bring so much trouble. This book has a lot of twist and turns and made for a read that you wanted to keep reading. I give it a 5 stars for a good book. Keep up the work Ernest
October 17, 2024
Where there’s a Wii, there’s a way! Another stunning Dak Harper Relic Runner book by Ernest Dempsey, the 7tn in the series, and the best yet. The villains are superb, the action is non-stop, and the climax is outstanding. The description of many scenes makes me long to travel once again. The scenery is is so vividly described.
December 19, 2024
Absolutely mesmerizing
The unknowns in the thriller keeps you enthralled with anticipation of what happens next. The more you get into the web of deceit the more thrilling the game unfolds with just a touch of humor in the most dangerous of circumstances, truly most gratifying and great read.
The unknowns in the thriller keeps you enthralled with anticipation of what happens next. The more you get into the web of deceit the more thrilling the game unfolds with just a touch of humor in the most dangerous of circumstances, truly most gratifying and great read.
September 30, 2024
More! More! More!
You didn't again! Dak Harper doesn't intend to get into trouble, but h
e's always ready when it comes. He's the chivalrous hero I love and he has the bad boy vibe,too!
You didn't again! Dak Harper doesn't intend to get into trouble, but h
e's always ready when it comes. He's the chivalrous hero I love and he has the bad boy vibe,too!
October 3, 2024
Good action thriller
This is another good action story with great descriptive passages and good character building. I actually full like I have seen the beautiful villas described in this book.
I recommend any of the series of books by Ernest Dempsey as simply fun, good reads
This is another good action story with great descriptive passages and good character building. I actually full like I have seen the beautiful villas described in this book.
I recommend any of the series of books by Ernest Dempsey as simply fun, good reads
October 5, 2024
Love, Dempsey
He captures all of his favorites, Goonies , Indiana Jones and much more with the righteousness of military service in the effect of doing what is right. Can't wait for the next one!
He captures all of his favorites, Goonies , Indiana Jones and much more with the righteousness of military service in the effect of doing what is right. Can't wait for the next one!
October 5, 2024
Strings of Deception
Another great entry in Dak’s saga. The original characters have been developed nicely and the new characters were fleshed out well. The story was good. Nice twists and turns with enough surprises to keep you guessing. Plenty of action also. Recommended.
Another great entry in Dak’s saga. The original characters have been developed nicely and the new characters were fleshed out well. The story was good. Nice twists and turns with enough surprises to keep you guessing. Plenty of action also. Recommended.
October 20, 2024
Dak Does It Again!
A fast-paced, exciting, nail-biting adventure takes Dak to Vienna for another escapade. This tale of adventure takes the reader along - not wishing to put it down until the last page.
Missing Dak already for another ride along adventure!
A fast-paced, exciting, nail-biting adventure takes Dak to Vienna for another escapade. This tale of adventure takes the reader along - not wishing to put it down until the last page.
Missing Dak already for another ride along adventure!
Read
October 21, 2024Strings of Deception
Another brilliant episode in Dak Harpers life , retrieving another priceless article and saving another’s life and making a couple of new and valuable friends along the way , absolute page turner
Another brilliant episode in Dak Harpers life , retrieving another priceless article and saving another’s life and making a couple of new and valuable friends along the way , absolute page turner
November 6, 2024
Twists and turns
Dempsey has done it again with a great story. Harper is an entertaining character with a shady past, and this search for the missing violin was a great read.
A good series for anyone who loves a good adventure.
Dempsey has done it again with a great story. Harper is an entertaining character with a shady past, and this search for the missing violin was a great read.
A good series for anyone who loves a good adventure.
December 3, 2024
Strings of Deception
Another amazing book by Ernest Dempsey. The book is filled with danger, deceit and deception-and a surprising twist! The Dak Harper series is not to be missed!
Another amazing book by Ernest Dempsey. The book is filled with danger, deceit and deception-and a surprising twist! The Dak Harper series is not to be missed!
March 2, 2025
Clean and Good
It is rare to find a thriller that has lots of action, characters that are developed and unique, but lack the profanity and sex that other authors throw in thinking it is required. It’s not. Dempsey had a great character who is moral (kind of), smart, and capable.
It is rare to find a thriller that has lots of action, characters that are developed and unique, but lack the profanity and sex that other authors throw in thinking it is required. It’s not. Dempsey had a great character who is moral (kind of), smart, and capable.
May 8, 2025
Loved this fast paced, well written adventure!!!
Almost non-stop, yet mostly believable action and really good character development. All of thpp series has kept me coming back for more!
Almost non-stop, yet mostly believable action and really good character development. All of thpp series has kept me coming back for more!
August 16, 2025
Awesome
Great story that seems so real. Maybe something like this actually happened with the stolen Stradivarius... As usual Dak is an exceptional hero, a good sammaritan always helping the weak.
Great story that seems so real. Maybe something like this actually happened with the stolen Stradivarius... As usual Dak is an exceptional hero, a good sammaritan always helping the weak.
October 2, 2024
Great Read
As usual Ernest Dempsey delivers a complex, fast moving story with great characters. Love this series! Can't wait for the next one!
As usual Ernest Dempsey delivers a complex, fast moving story with great characters. Love this series! Can't wait for the next one!
October 7, 2024
Awesome!!!!!!
I read the book totally. Dak is cool like him totally!!!! Great book I enjoyed totally! I think demsty writes a great book
I read the book totally. Dak is cool like him totally!!!! Great book I enjoyed totally! I think demsty writes a great book
October 15, 2024
I throughly enjoyed this book. It kept me interested throughout the entire story. I recommend this book for reading.
October 19, 2024
Thrill ride
I could not put it down. Its an action packed adventure! I loved it! Dak Harper never disappoints his readers. Kudos to Ernest Dempsey!
I could not put it down. Its an action packed adventure! I loved it! Dak Harper never disappoints his readers. Kudos to Ernest Dempsey!
October 23, 2024
what a twist!
Great read. Don’t cheat and get ahead of yourself. Did not disappoint, as always. Read all Ernest Dempsey’s books. Thanks
Great read. Don’t cheat and get ahead of yourself. Did not disappoint, as always. Read all Ernest Dempsey’s books. Thanks
November 10, 2024
Dak Harper answers his phone &..........
If Dak Harper was even slightly bored when his in rang, it sets him up for a truly wild ride!
If Dak Harper was even slightly bored when his in rang, it sets him up for a truly wild ride!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews