Deadly Ruse by Tina Saxon is a gripping crime thriller set within a complex labyrinth of deceit, danger, and discovery. The novel masterfully interlaces elements of suspense, action, and romance, offering readers an exhilarating journey from start to finish. With sharp prose, compelling characterization, and meticulously-plotted twists, Saxon's work is a must-read for fans of the genre.

The novel follows the journey of Detective Ava James, a fiercely intelligent and resilient police officer in a male-dominated world. After a prominent businessman is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Ava is thrown into the depths of the city’s dark underbelly as she unravels a case that could cost her more than just her career. Ava’s pursuit is complicated by her tangled past, which comes back to haunt her in unpredictable ways, testing her professional integrity and personal resilience.

Saxon’s portrayal of Ava as both vulnerable and tenacious provides a refreshing complexity to the female protagonist, defying the typical clichés often associated with female detectives in crime thrillers. Ava’s emotional depth is skilfully articulated through flashbacks and introspections that reveal scars from her past, providing a substantial weight to her motivations and decisions throughout the narrative.

The strength of Deadly Ruse lies not only in its well-crafted main character but also in the robust supporting cast. Each character Ava interacts with is vividly drawn and distinct, from her skeptical partner Detective Jeff Richards to the enigmatic and dangerous figure from her past, Michael Sorenson. These relationships are painted with a fine brush, delving into nuances that add layers to the plot and push the narrative forward in tense, unexpected ways.

Tina Saxon employs a tight, paced style that propels the story forward relentlessly. Her ability to craft vivid scenes—ranging from high-stakes confrontations to intimate vulnerabilities—is impeccable. The narrative tension is a constant undercurrent that builds masterfully, maintaining suspense to practically the last page. The settings, too, are rendered in rich detail, whether depicting the grimy, rain-slicked streets of the city or the stifling interiors where much of the drama unfolds. The author's description of environments not only enhances the mood but also mirrors the inner turmoil of the characters in a symbolic manner.

The plot of Deadly Ruse is tightly woven, featuring several twists that are both surprising and satisfying. Saxon carefully lays out clues and red herrings, allowing readers to engage in the mystery, though she preserves the final revelation for a truly explosive conclusion. This balance of disclosure and secrecy is well managed and will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Themes of betrayal, loyalty, and redemption are explored deeply in the book, asking big questions about the nature of truth and the extent to which past deeds can define us. Saxon doesn’t shy away from the murkier moral waters, forcing both her characters and her readers to consider the complexities of justice and personal morality in a world that is rarely black and white. Furthermore, the romantic subplot between Ava and a figure from her past enriches the personal stakes of the narrative and humanizes Ava’s otherwise tough exterior, though it never detracts from the urgency of the crime-solving storyline.

Perhaps one minor criticism could be directed towards the occasionally overly technical descriptions of police procedures, which, while lending authenticity, can sometimes slow down the narrative's flow. However, this does not significantly detract from the novel’s overall gripping allure.

In conclusion, Deadly Ruse by Tina Saxon is a formidable entry into the crime thriller genre, offering an intense, twisty, and character-driven saga that delves deep into the heart of darkness lurking beneath the surface of daily life. It’s a bold, heart-pounding read that will appeal to those who thrive on high-octane narratives mixed with emotional complexity. Saxon promises an absorbing, tumultuous ride and delivers just that, cementing her place as a noteworthy author in modern crime fiction.