Race of Deception

For fans of Stacey Abrams and Blake Crouch, this engrossing psychological suspense novel of deception and power follows a fearless journalist whose search for truth collides with the rise of AI, political corruption, and family secrets too dark to remain buried.

“An intriguing, fast-paced mystery.” —S.A. Cosby, Anthony Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author

When investigative journalist Imani Cole  uncovers a series of disturbing deepfake videos implicating high-profile politicians, she believes she’s found her next career-making exposé. But the closer she gets to uncovering the source, the more she realizes that someone—or something—is rewriting reality itself.

What starts as a routine investigation spirals into a labyrinth of corrupt politics, AI manipulation, and buried family secrets. Each lead draws Imani deeper into a conspiracy controlled by a tech company with global reach and limitless resources, forcing her to confront the possibility that her own past may be the key to the entire deception.

As digital truth and human morality collide, Imani must decide whether exposing the system will save the world’s last shred of truth . . . or destroy everything she loves.Praise for Race of Deception

“An intriguing, fast-paced mystery.” —S.A. Cosby, Anthony Award-winning and New York Times bestselling authorMaurice Draine writes gripping thrillers that center Black characters in unexpected worlds. Based in Minneapolis, he works as a senior copywriter at a leading financial institution and holds a B.A. in Professional Writing with a focus in Journalism. Over his career, he’s written everything from policies and procedures to sports and technical copy, but fiction is where his voice comes alive.