Duped: A Story of Deception and Betrayal

Where did she come from? It was never quite clear.Zach Dale is a young doctor and favored son in a nouveau riche Jewish-American family. His parents, who still show traces of immigrant striving, have made it their life's endeavor to secure him a golden future, complete with a love match as strong and blessed as their own. In walks the bewitching Lennox, fresh off a Florida tennis court. It's 1978, and she's a game-changer. High maintenance in a way that turns Zach on, and compelling enough to convince Ruth and David Dale that their son is finally on his way to the life he deserves. In a whirlwind, Zach and Lennox start building that life together - amid some disquieting signs that slide past everyone but Gail, the dutiful daughter cast long ago into the role of helper and observer. From first doubts to barely contained disbelief - and from a Chicago apartment to a Scottish castle to a Costa Rica escape - Gail is witness to all of her sister-in-law's increasingly bold transformations. Meanwhile, the rest of her family traipses along for the ride, oblivious to cost or consequence. Even when Lennox's luck finally runs out. "One of the best thriller based on true events I've ever read. Exquisite elements such as complexity, tension, intrigue, Chicago as a background, vast of scenarios around the world have spiced it up, have made this book a jewel of contemporary literature which took me in a journey of mixed emotions and reflections in a reminiscent of film noir. What is illusion, what is reality, it seems to be up to each of us and never forget our human weaknesses as the thread to reflect on for everyone who reads the book".-Thais Nadales, Artist, VenezuelaHallee Patterson's debut novel captivates the reader as she delves into family relationships and characters who have a warped sense of values. Their skewed perspective of ideals depicts how families, even victimized, create a superficial world for themselves. The author of Duped realizes all these shortcomings in a cathartic outpouring. Her heartbreak pours out in this emotional journey with an unexpected ending. Patterson shows us we believe what we think is right, but we should rethink our own values. -Cory Crock Evanston, Illinois Educator and avid readerA fascinating glimpse into a very unlikely chapter in a family's history. Truly supports the old adage that truth IS stranger than fiction.-Shari Ollendorff MSWA A riveting family intrigue exploring through its members the many different relationships interwoven in a lifetime and doing so with suspense and mystery. Incredible to see how varied people in a family can perceive an event in a completely different way even though they have the same DNA running through them. One human being can wreak havoc on an otherwise no nonsense family when you let them in.Beware!!!-Diana FitzGerald - Massachusetts / France / EnglandThis is one of the best books I've read this year. The Pattersons draw you in to this true tale of deception and greed. Duped is a page turner with a lesson of "the greedy get needy!"-R.L. Smith Academic Language TherapistTulsa, OK