Foreign Deceit by Jeff Carson is a gripping start to the David Wolf series, blending a rural Western setting with international intrigue. The protagonist, ex-army Ranger turned cop David Wolf, is a compelling character—smart, justice-driven, and deeply relatable. His journey to Italy to investigate his brother's murder, despite language barriers and a web of crime cartels, is both thrilling and emotionally charged.

The book's fast pace and rough-and-tumble atmosphere give it an authentic, unpolished edge that adds to its immediacy. While some sentences feel awkward (like the oddly comedic 'three pairs of shoes pointing up the trail'), the overall narrative is engaging enough to overlook these minor flaws. The dual-plot structure—Wolf's Colorado investigation and the Italian subplot—works brilliantly, even if the timeline stretches believability.

Carson's vivid descriptions of Colorado and the Italian Alps showcase his firsthand knowledge, immersing readers in the settings. However, the book isn't without its quirks: repetitive word choices ('property' instead of 'grounds') and punctuation hiccups ('No dad' vs. 'No, Dad') occasionally distract. Yet, the story's momentum and Wolf's charisma make it easy to forgive these stumbles.

Fans of James Patterson's tough-guy style will appreciate this escape fiction. The cliffhanger ending and surprising conclusion—clues expertly woven throughout—left me eager to dive into Book 2. If you're craving a series with clever villains, relentless pacing, and a hero who'd shine on TV, Foreign Deceit delivers.