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