Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
ISBN-10: 1611880610
ISBN-13: 978-1611880618
Pages: 308
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5

As always, I am skeptical reading a second novel by an author that blew me away with his debut novel.  Will this latest book do the same?  Will the writing take me places within my mind?  Will I relate to the characters?  Will I be transported, by the authors words, into the story?  Will I enjoy it as much as I did with his book, Twelve Months?  Five (5) questions asked about Goodnight, Brian.  And five (5) very enthusiastic Yeses!!  I was bowled-over for a few reasons, one of them being that of, the parallels to my own life, were to a point, eerie. 

It has always been my policy not to include spoilers but I will provide a warning….a box or 2 of tissues, should be a prerequisite, before reading the first page.  This is a story that will tug at your heart strings, have you rooting for the “underdog”, celebrating the victories, crying both sad and happy tears and wishing you had a “Mama” in your family.

What should have been a joyous time in Joan and Frank’s life, with the arrival of a brand new baby boy, Brian, turns into a nightmare.  After being prescribed a certain formula from the pediatrician, Brian was not thriving.  After months of tests and multiple medical consults, the devastating results are delivered to the parents, Brian will never walk or talk.  However, those doctors have never dealt with the likes of Mama and her power of strength, tenacity, conviction, stubbornness, unconditional love and faith.  The author, with his fluid and descriptive writing style, allows the reader to become part of this family’s disappointments and triumphs.  An emotional read!!

I could not put this book down and felt that the author was retelling a bit of my own personal life.  Every one of my senses were triggered with this book.  The setting, even to the family’s favorite “pizza place” was easy for me to envision since the story takes place in the state that I reside.  I could smell the “gravy” that would be simmering on the stove every Sunday at Mama’s house, just like at my own Nana’s house.  I could hear the wisdom my Nana would share with the family as Mama did with her’s.  I could see the pain in Joan and Frank’s eyes as I had seen in my own parents’ faces since my only sibling is afflicted with cerebral palsy.  I remember the touch of leather seats in Uncle Sal’s red Cadillac, which was the last car my father purchased and I drove before his passing.  The parallels uncanny!

Goodnight, Brian is a tender, moving, sensitive, poignant and emotion packed story that will stay with you long after the final page.  Highly recommend to all readers!!  A 5+ read.  Kudos Mr. Manchester, you blew me away again!!!

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the

best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book

was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

ADDENDUM

 I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or

Barnes & Noble.  I am an IndieBound affliate.

I am providing link(s) solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

The Forever Year by Lou Aronica
Published by Fiction Studio Books
Publication Date: Jan. 8, 2013
ISBN-10: 193655836X
ISBN-13: 978-1936558360
Pages: 366
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: TPB
My Rating: 4

 

 

REVIEW DISCLAIMER
This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the
best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book
was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

I am thrilled, no, ecstatic, no, jumping up and down excited, YES!!!

Please indulge me with this introduction.  When I first went public with the former CMash Loves To Read, Mr. Aronica, publisher of The Story Plant contacted me to read and review one of his author’s novels, Crossing The Bridge by Michael Baron.  And the novel blew me away.  Mr Baron went on my “authors to read” list and I have read every one of his books since.

In August of this year, through The Story Plant’s Spread  The Word Initiative, I read and reviewed Mr. Baron’s latest novel, Leaves.

Some may know that I am the owner of Partners In Crime Tours, a virtual tour company for authors of mystery and suspense novels.  Even though this has always been a favorite genre, I do also enjoy other categories.  So on September 7th of this year, I launched Providence Book Promotions, for general literature.  And I am honored and humbled for this opportunity that Mr. Aronica has bestowed on me.  And that is to, kick off PBP, with one of my favorite authors, Mr. Michael Baron!!!!!   YES!!!!  I will be reposting my review from August, so without further ado, please help me give a warm welcome to Mr. Michael Baron!!

MICHAEL BARON

I grew up in the New York area and I’ve lived there my entire life. I worked in retail and taught high school English before I got my first book contract. I have gotten several additional book contracts since then, which is fortunate because I didn’t have the patience to work in retail and, while I quite enjoyed teaching, my approach was a bit too unconventional for most school systems. One school administrator told me that, “there are more important things than being a dynamic teacher.” Since I couldn’t name any of those things (at least in the context of school), I figured I didn’t have a long-term future in the profession. Hence, I became a writer, where I believe people appreciate a certain level of dynamism.

Though I started with nonfiction, I have always loved fiction and I have always wanted to write it. Since I can remember, I’ve had a particular affection for love stories. In fact, the very first book-length thing I ever wrote, when I was thirteen, was a love story. Mind you, it was the kind of love story that a thirteen-year-old boy would write, but it was a love story nonetheless. I have a deep passion for writing about relationships – family relationships, working relationships, friendships, and, of course, romantic relationships – and I can only truly explore this by writing fiction. These novels have given me a way to voice the millions of things running through my head.

My wife and kids are the center of my life. My wife is the inspiration for all of my love stories and my children enthrall me, challenge me, and keep me moving (and have served as the inspiration for several of the kids I’ve written about). One of the primary reasons I wrote my first novel,When You Went Away was that I wanted to write about being a father. Aside from my family, I have a few other burning passions. I’m a pop culture junkie with an especially strong interest in music, I love fine food (as well as any restaurant shaped like a hot dog), and I read far too many sports blogs for my own good.

You might have noticed that I haven’t published a photo of myself. This isn’t because I’m involved in the Witness Protection program or because I have an innate fear of cameras. It’s because Michael Baron is a pseudonym. I’m writing these novels “undercover” because they’re not entirely compatible with the nonfiction books I write, and I didn’t want to confuse readers. We’re all different people sometimes, right? I just decided to give my alter ego another name.

You can reach me at michael@michaelbaronbooks.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Welcome to Oldham, CT, a small town rich in Colonial heritage while being utterly contemporary. Situated along the Connecticut River Valley, Oldham bursts with color every fall, as the leaves on its trees evolve into an unmatched palette of scarlet, orange, purple, yellow, and bronze. For more than three decades, the Gold family has been a central part of Oldham in the fall, its Sugar Maple Inn a destination for “leaf-peepers” from all over the country, and its annual Halloween party a stirring way to punctuate the town’s most active month.
But this year, more than just the leaves are changing. With the death of their parents, the Gold siblings, Maria, Maxwell, Deborah, Corrina, and Tyler, have decided to sell the Sugar Maple Inn, and this year’s Halloween party will be the last. As October begins, the Golds contend with the finality that faces them, and the implications it has for a family that has always been so close. For some, it means embracing new challenges and new love. For others, it means taking on unimagined roles. And for others, it means considering the inconceivable. Complicating it all is a series of “hauntings” that touch each of the Gold siblings, a series of benign interventions that will remain a mystery until October draws to a close.
Filled with romance, tension, and unforgettable family drama, LEAVES is the first in a series of novels about a world and a family that readers will want to make their own.

Purchase links:    Amazon     B&N     IndieBound

My review, originally posted August 29th, 2012

My Thoughts and Opinion:
Michael Baron has been compared to Nicholas Sparks, but since I have not read any of Mr. Sparks books I can’t compare, but what I do know is that when I first went public with my blog, Mr. Baron’s publisher contacted me to read the author’s book Crossing The Bridge and I instantly became a fan. However, I did recommended his books to another book blogger, Ann from  Ann’s Reading Corner who has read Mr. Sparks’ novels and she stated “personally I like Michael’s novel much better than Sparks novels” (you can see her review  here). Crossing The Bridge was a short read but written with such tenderness and emotion that it was hard to believe a male author had penned it. Since then I have read every book written by him and we have both grown. His books became full length novels, books that I would anxiously wait for and I am coming up on my 3rd blogiversary. His répertoire of books that I have read are The Journey Home, Anything, Spinning, When You Went Away, and A Winter Discovery. And now Leaves.

Leaves takes place over a period of less than a month’s time. Four siblings have decided that it is time to sell their parents Inn that they have helped with, even as children, since their parents have passed away. Their parents hosted a yearly event and would open the Inn’s door to the small and quaint town of Oldham with a big Halloween party. And this year will be bittersweet as it will be the last day before the new buyers take ownership the next day. In the days before the party, the reader is introduced to the siblings and also a look into their family dynamics.

Mr. Baron has the gift and ability to sweep you away from reality into the story like the winds of autumn sweeps the last leaves off the trees. The characters are so life like that they become one’s own family. The story felt like a real life event, whereas you are looking forward to see what happens as he counts down the days to the Halloween party but then on the other hand, you know that the story will end but don’t want it to be over. His manner of writing flows and is so realistic that it transports the reader right into the middle of the plot. This is the first time that I have read a book that every one of the senses was a vivid experience. Mr. Baron, has shared his music on Spotify to listen to and hear as you are reading, the details of Deborah’s cooking made my mouth water and could imagine the smells in the kitchen, I could create the imagery of seeing the settings, I was able to feel the emotions and tender touches of the characters. And as the days kept getting crossed off the calendar and getting close to the end, I didn’t know whether to read faster to see what happened or read slower so that I could savor this book and not have it end. The ending bittersweet, which I did not see coming (sorry but I will not include a spoiler). The ending is too special to even hint at what happens.

Knowing the style of Mr. Baron’s work, when I read the following from the prologue, I knew that this book, like his others, would tug at my heart strings, take me away and that I would have a difficult time putting it down.

For this October, certain threads would fray and certain binds would loosen. Unspoken words woud be uttered at last while things that needed to be said would be withheld. Tradition would be honored and the past would be rejected. One heart would beat for another’s for the first time, while one heart would stop beating forever. And a message would be delivered that was essential to all who heard it.

Mr. Baron’s, Leaves, is a poignant, compelling, moving, passionate, feel good read. Once the last word is read and the book closed, the characters live on in one’s heart and mind. An absolutely recommended read!!

Read an excerpt:

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Leaving The Hall Light On by Madeline Sharples
Published by Dream of Things
Publication Date: July 13, 2012
ISBN-10: 0982579489
ISBN-13: 978-0982579480
Pages: 338
Review Copy from: Dream Of Things
Edition: TPB
My Rating: 4 

Synopsis:
Leaving the Hall Light On is about living after loss: first and foremost how author Madeline Sharples chose to live and go on with life and take care of herself as a woman, wife, mother, writer. It is about the steps Sharples took in living with the loss of her son, including making use of diversions to help ease her grief and the milestones she met toward living a full life without him. She says, “to let ourselves grieve is to feel the depth of our love. For those whose children have died, that may take the rest of our lives, but we will discover the gifts of our loss in the process.”

My Thoughts and Opinion:
Over the past year or so, I have stepped out of my comfort zone, and started reading memoirs. And honestly, the ones that I have read have had a lasting impact on me.

The author shares, very candidly, her journey as, a wife and mother, coping with a son who was diagnosed with a Bipolar Disorder and then his suicide. Her pain and recovery. This book was a bit of a hard read for me because of some of the parallels in the story. A thought provoking read on many levels and for varied reasons.

One of the similarities was I am a parent of 2 sons, 2 1/2 years apart and the oldest named Paul, the same as the author. While reading of her struggle with her son Paul, I found myself asking, “what if it was my Paul? Another thing I could relate to was the Bipolar Disorder, because of my background in nursing, I am familiar with the struggles of those diagnosed with the disease, the patterns they have and the signs and symptoms.

Ms. Sharples shares her painful experience of living through her son’s periods of mania and depression. Her raw emotions are palpable. Then the worst nightmare that every parent fears, burying one’s child. And even worse, not knowing the whys. Does any parent have closure? No such thing. How does one go on? I can’t even imagine, having to go through something like this. She frankly and honestly describes her emotions of love, anger, worry, depression, hope, guilt, and even at times, selfishness. How she used writing poetry, which are also in the book, as a coping mechanism. And the decision to write this, which had to be very painful, memoir. As a parent, it was a heart wrenching read. But it was also a read of survival and recovery. It’s then that the hall light goes off.

A powerful and poignant read!! 

Amanda’s Story by Brian O’Grady
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: Nov. 13th, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1-61188-047-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-61188-048-9
Pages: 304
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 4

Synopsis:
In his national bestseller HYBRID, Brian O’Grady created a bracing and vividly realized tale of a virus gone out of control. At the center of that story was Amanda Flynn, a woman not killed by the EDH1 virus, but changed in frightening ways. HYBRID only hinted at the story of Amanda’s work in Honduras that led to her exposure and the ramifications when the American government sought to contain the damage. Now, that story can be told.

AMANDA’S STORY is the heart-stopping tale of a woman caught up in a storm she wanted no part of, and what happens when she refuses to be collateral damage. It is the story that readers of HYBRID have been waiting for and that new readers will find impossible to put down.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
Back in April of 2011, Dr. O’Grady was showcased on my blog for his novel Hybrid. However, at the time, I was so behind in my reading schedule that I didn’t review his book. Knowing what I know now, that was a big mistake.   Just recently, I spoke about the authors being published under the imprint of The Story Plant and how every writer has gone on my “authors to read” list.   Well, I just added one more.

As avid readers, we have that gut instinct if a book is a good match for us and something that will grab our attention, imagination, keep us entertained and transport us into the story.   That’s what happened when I read the synopsis of Amanda’s Story.   I went through my criteria check list.  Suspense, check.  Can’t put down, check.  Medical plot, being a former nurse, bonus check.   Another author under The Story Plant imprint, check.

The story starts off slow, like the stifling heat, in the Pakistan caves where it all begins.  The author then unleashes the non stop Cat 5 hurricane-like action in Honduras where Amanda is deployed to, for her first mission as a nurse for the Red Cross.   As she is preparing to assist the hurricane victims, little does she know, what a harrowing experience awaits her in the Caribbean.   It is something much larger than she can ever fathom.   And like Amanda, the reader is holding on to “dear life” for this white knuckle read.   Chilling!!!

I do not believe in giving away any hints or spoilers so from this point on, my review and thoughts will be vague.   The author’s writing style was fluid, the cast of characters believable, the suspense page turning, palpitating action and a crescendo story line.   An ending that is eerie and leaves the reader wanting more, which I hope means a sequel. Terrifying, especially in today’s world.   Could this be possible?   What happens to Amanda, could this happen to anyone?   Frightening!!   Could this work of fiction become a sinister future reality?   Scary!!

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

The Disappearance of Grace by Vincent Zandri
Published by: StoneHouse Ink
Publication Date: September 11, 2012
ASIN: B0099C5UFU
Pages: 271
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis:
Now you see her. Now you don’t…

Captain Nick Angel has finally made a separate peace with the war in Afghanistan. Since having been ordered to bomb a Tajik village which resulted in the death of a little boy of no more than two, he’s been suffering from temporary bouts of blindness. Knowing the he needs time to rest and recover from his post traumatic stress, the US Army decides to send him to Venice along with his fiancee, the artist, Grace Blunt. Together they try and recapture their former life together. But when Grace suddenly goes missing, Nick not only finds himself suddenly alone and sightless in the ancient city of water, but also the number one suspect in her disappearance.

A novel that projects Hitchcockian suspense onto a backdrop of love and war, The Disappearance of Grace is a rich, literary thriller of fear, loss, love, and revenge. From the war in the Afghan mountains to the canals of romantic Venice, this is a story that proves 20/20 eyesight might not always be so perfect and seeing is not always believing.

Caveat:  If you visit often, then you know Vincent Zandri has been a favorite author of mine, since I read his first book Moonlight Falls back in May of 2010.  Since then I have read most of his books and enjoyed each and every one.  One thing I want to stress is, that just because it is a Vincent Zandri novel, I will always write an honest review as to what my thoughts are on any particular book.

This book wasn’t just a romance.  This book wasn’t just a psychological thriller.  This book wasn’t just a suspenseful mystery.  It was all those and more!  Riveting!!!  As in all of Vincent Zandri’s books, he grabs the reader within the first few paragraphs and literally does not let go until the final word.  The chapters short with little cliff hangers whereas you HAVE to read a couple more chapters, and then find yourself with half the book read.  The suspense mounted and the pages just kept turning.

Because I have read most of his books, other than the Moonlight series, I can see slight differences in his stand alone novels.  His writing is just a bit difference, which makes for a new reading experience with every story.  For me, that is a talent and gift of master story telling.  The difference in this book was the subplot of a romance.  I feel I also experienced one other change.  Even though I was reading a psychological thriller, I felt that the author was also “playing the reader”.  I found myself wondering, if the story that I was reading, was at “face value” or something different, which led to reading this book in 2 sittings. Heart pounding!!!

The plot was intense!!  Nick and Grace sitting in an outside cafe in Venice, trying to accept Nick’s blindness after being affected by PTSD during the war.  And the love of your life disappears right in front of you.  But you don’t see a thing.  Neither do those also sitting at the cafe.  How does Nick, with his blindness, begin to look for her?  The police nor the Embassy seem to believe him.  Did she just leave?  Or was she kidnapped?  A white knuckle read!!

Zandri delivers another knock out novel.  And in the first round!!!  Thrilling and chilling!!!

(2012 Challenges:  JFF, FR, Where are you, A-Z, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or

Barnes & Noble.  I am an IndieBound affliate.

I am providing link(s) solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Share this:

• Facebook
• X

 Posted in Book Review, The Story Plant

Review THE PROPHET by Ethan Cross

 CMash  October 16, 2012  6 Comments on Review THE PROPHET by Ethan Cross

The Prophet by Ethan Cross
Published by: The Story Plant
Publication Date: October 16, 2012
ISBN-10: 1611880459
ISBN-13: 978-1611880458
Pages: 400
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis:
OLD ENEMIES…
Francis Ackerman Jr. is one of America’s most prolific serial killers. Having kept a low profile for the past year, he is ready to return to work – and he’s more brutal, cunning, and dangerous than ever.

NEW THREATS…
Scarred from their past battles, Special Agent Marcus Williams cannot shake Ackerman from his mind. But now Marcus must focus on catching the Anarchist, a new killer who drugs and kidnaps women before burning them alive.

HIDDEN TERRORS…
Marcus knows the Anarchist will strike again soon. And Ackerman is still free. But worse than this is a mysterious figure, unknown to the authorities, who controls the actions of the Anarchist and many like him. He is the Prophet – and his plans are more terrible than even his own disciples can imagine.

With attacks coming from every side, Marcus faces a race against time to save the lives of a group of innocent people chosen as sacrifices in the Prophet’s final dark ritual.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
WOW! Chilling and fast paced!! A couple of caveats. This is the 2nd in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. The author did an amazing job of inserting information from the previous novel, The Shepherd, where needed with no interruption of the story. This author is now on my “authors to read” list, this book was that good!! I would also like to give credit to the publisher, The Story Plant. For the past three (3) years, I have been reading and reviewing books from The Story Plant’s catalogue and have put every author under this imprint, on the same list.

The book, The Prophet, pulls you in within the first few pages. The reader gets introduced to the cast of characters, all believable but unsure of how they are connected. This story has so many twists and turns that the pages just kept turning. The settings vivid. The author’s writing style is extraordinary at how he weaves and interweaves the plot and characters together. The story tense and intense.
A white knuckle read!! About 3/4 into the book, the author ramps up the suspense to warp speed pulling everything together. I found myself wishing I could read faster to keep up with the heart pounding thrill ride. I could not put this book down until I read the very last word. The ending, a huge cliff hanger, which I hope means there will be a subsequent novel. I highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a thrilling, accelerating plot with a surprising intricate puzzle to try and piece together, you will not be disappointed. An electrifying read!!!!

(2012 Challenges: JFF, Serial Killers, FreeReads, Where Are You, A-Z, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

Share this:

• Facebook
• X

 Posted in Author, Book Review, Partners In Crime Tours

Review “Murder Takes Time” by Giacomo Giammatteo

 CMash  September 15, 2012  9 Comments on Review “Murder Takes Time” by Giacomo Giammatteo

Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo
Published by: Inferno Publishing Company
Publication Date: April 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 0985030208
ISBN-13: 978-0985030209
Pages: 438
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (from author):
A string of brutal murders has bodies piling up in Brooklyn, and Detective Frankie Donovan knows what is going on. Clues left at the crime scenes point to someone from the old neighborhood, and that isn’t good.

Frankie has taken two oaths in his life–the one he took to uphold the law when he became a cop, and the one he took with his two best friends when they were eight years old and inseparable. Those relationships have forced Frankie to make many tough decisions, but now he faces the toughest one of his life; he has five murders to solve and one of those two friends is responsible. If Frankie lets him go, he breaks the oath he took as a cop and risks losing his job. But if he tries to bring him in, he breaks the oath he kept for twenty-five years–and risks losing his life.

In the neighborhood where Frankie Donovan grew up, you never broke an oath.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
I hope you will indulge me as I feel that I need to add a caveat to this review. Prior to three (3) years ago I was an avid reader and consumer. Since that time I have added a few more titles, such as blogger, reviewer and tour coordinator. Since finding this book blogging community, I have had the opportunity to read and review many titles that I wouldn’t have read, due to other bloggers’ reviews, review requests, and through my new venture, Partners In Crime Tours. When I first started reviewing, because I valued and relied on other bloggers’ thoughts as a meter to read a certain book or not, I have always, no matter who, how and/or where a certain book was obtained from, written a review based on my honest opinion for those that relied on my POV. And as I have stated in many of my reviews, I am always a bit skeptical when I first pick up a book knowing that it is a debut novel. With all that being said, I will now give you my honest impression of Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo, a debut author and book that, starting today, is kicking off his virtual tour with Partners In Crime Tours.

An author once told me, that a reader should be hooked by a book, within the first 15 pages. This book pulled me in within the first few paragraphs and never gave me the chance to get away. I had to keep turning the pages. The story alternates between the past and the present day with two (2) of the main protagonists’ narratives. The writing flowed and was descriptive. The characters came alive. The plot believable. The suspense and action non stop. This novel had all the elements whereas I was able to create vivid imagery as if I was watching a movie in my mind, engrossing to the point that time got away from me, compelling and thrilling to the point I had a hard time putting it down. It is a debut novel that was written as if it was penned by a seasoned author. A writer, that can make the reader question, why at times you would root for the “bad guy”.

There are some explicit scenes that contain graphic descriptions of violence and strong language, however, and this is my opinion only, that it made the story more realistic. I would not recommend it to those who find those factors offensive. But as an overall mafia-like, calculating, suspenseful, dynamic and dramatic story, it was a knock out entertaining reading experience by a debut author. A debut writer that I am sure you will be hearing more about. If you enjoyed The Godfather and Goodfellas, you will definitely want to read Murder Takes Time. It was tense and intense!! I am looking forward to the next book in this series!!

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

Share this:

• Facebook
• X