Deception Underway is a gripping debut novel by Patrick Riley, blending suspense, romance, and the complexities of human relationships in the high-stakes environment of life in the U.S. Navy. Set during the 1990s, the novel follows Richard, a dedicated sailor navigating the challenges of duty, camaraderie, and the emotional turbulence of love and betrayal.

Richard’s journey begins with his rise through the ranks in the Navy, a testament to his determination and technical expertise in the field of Electronic Warfare. Despite excelling professionally, his personal life is marked by heartbreak and longing. His connection with Sachiko, a woman he deeply loves but is separated from due to his transfer from Japan, leaves a void he struggles to fill. While stationed aboard the USS Mount Whitney, Richard finds himself surrounded by a mix of personalities and alliances, including his new roommate Stewart, whose charm masks a web of deception that will unravel throughout the story.

Stewart’s tangled personal life becomes a focal point of the novel. Married but harboring secrets, Stewart begins a relationship with Tara, a young and sophisticated woman from Long Island. His lies and manipulations create a toxic environment, pulling Richard into the chaos. As Richard grows close to Jennifer, Tara’s best friend, he finds himself caught between his burgeoning feelings for her and his frustration with Stewart’s destructive behavior.