Grand Deceptions. G. S. Willmott

Grand Deceptions is a historical novel centred predominantly around Melbourne and Ballarat in Victoria Australia. England, Scotland and San Marino also play a part of this captivating story. The timeline begins in the 1850s and ends in the 1960s. Three well to do young men immigrate to Victoria; their reasons are all different but their ambitions are the same – make their fortune in the antipodes. The circumstances that drove their futures were deception. Two of the three men became victims of fraud and lost their fortunes. They hatched a plan to recover their newly developed wealth by becoming bushrangers. They disguised themselves in women's clothing, calling themselves "The Banshees". Grand Deceptions follows the lives of the three men all of whom experience exciting and sometimes dangerous lives. I found this book a great read, I was impressed by the author's knowledge of early Victorian history and his introduction of characters from English settlers of the day. Given the ending, one would guess there might be a sequel in the wind! – Bill Simpson I think this is Garry's best book so far. I would have no hesitation in recommending this read to anybody who loves history, thrilling storylines and a book you can't put down. – Ian Jones I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. What I got was a page turning great read. I won't spoil the ending for those of you yet to read Grand Deceptions, I will just say be sure to put aside a few hours as you won't want to put it down until you see how it ends. – Kim Krarup Garry has outdone himself with this story. He has blended a great mix of fact and fiction and I found myself enthralled. I read Grand Deceptions in an afternoon which I very rarely manage to do with a book. I cannot recommend this book highly enough – do yourself a favour and get a copy, I guarantee you will not be disappointed – Tony Pittard As with Garry Willmott's Serendipity – A Gallipoli Love Story, which I read a while ago, Grand Deceptions is a fascinating blend of fact and fiction. I enjoyed the deft way the author weaves the men's stories, bringing in other characters and sometimes bringing the reader up to date on what happened to someone I assumed had been forgotten. For example, Anna's friend Jane was mentioned in passing… and then her story is revealed later in the book. Grand Deceptions is a fine historical tapestry giving a picture of a hundred years of turbulent history as a backdrop for the stories of some remarkable people. – Sally Odgers, author/editor