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.
SEPTEMBER 15th to SEPTEMBER 29th, 2012
MURDER TAKES TIME
by GIACOMO GIAMMATTEO
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.
THRILLING BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,
DO YOU THINK FRANKIE HONORS THE CHILDHOOD OATH?*
*NO P.O. BOXES*
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.
*GIVEAWAY ENDS SEPTEMBER 29th AT 6PM EST*
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
DISCLAIMER / RULES
the giveaway on behalf of the
above. 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.
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed
YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM
Published by: The Story Plant
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
ISBN-10: 1611880513
ISBN-13: 978-1611880519
Pages: 366
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis:
When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would have never guessed that he’d find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator that was rife with conspiracy, back-room politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help – and much more than that – from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.
From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.
My Thoughts and Opinion:
I was first introduced to Mark Gilleo when I read his debut novel, Love Thy Neighbor, back in March. You can read my review here. I was blown away with that novel on so many levels because it was not high on my list for plots, being in the espionage genre, having 400+ pages, which I read in a matter of a few days because I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and a debut novel that read as if it was written by a seasoned author.
Now comes his 2nd novel, which I couldn’t wait to read but honestly was a bit skeptical because the bar was set so high. Could it be as good or better? Would it compare? The answer is a resounding Yes!! There are so many facets of his writing style that appeal to me. The dialogue between characters are so realistic and fluid that I have the feeling that I am eavesdropping on a conversation. The action is non stop from the first page to the last word. The characters three dimensional and animated. The “espionage” is not so detailed and deep, that I have to figure out the inner workings of a department where it would get boorish. The settings vivid. The story lines are fiction imitating reality or reality could be possible with imitating fiction.The plot was a page turner and heart pounding.
Sweat takes place over a 5 week time span traveling from Seattle, WA to Saipan and ending in Washington, D.C.. with a premise ripped from the headlines. A multi cat and mouse chase at the speed of a run away train. Sweat has it all and more, unethical politicians, kidnapping, murder, greed, bribery, assassination attempts, deceit, greed, truth, police procedural investigations, betrayals, forced labor, stake outs, organized crime, friendships, love relationships and an ending that will leave the reader wanting a sequel. Another amazing, white knuckle read!! Mark Gilleo is both talented and gifted when it comes to page turning story telling. A master!! Bravo!! A book not to be passed by!! Extraordinary!!!
(2012 Challenges: JFF, FreeReads, Where Are You, Merely Mystery, I Want More, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)
I’m not participating in my usual Wednesday Meme, W.W.W. Wednesday, since I haven’t opened a book in a couple of weeks (hanging head in shame) but have been very busy sitting in front of the computer.
Over the past few weeks, there has been much work, changes and news in Partners In Crime Tours (a virtual PR tour company for authors of mystery, suspense and crime novels, which some of you may know that for the past year, I have been a partner in.
On Friday the 13th, which turned out to be a very lucky day for the “Mash” family, my son got engaged and my partner turned over the reins to me and I bought the company. Molly will still be part of the group, assisting me and booking her authors.
A couple of weeks ago, I was in the right place and the right time. I was approached by Harper Collins, having sent an email asking if I could be put on their list of reviewers. Out of that came the inquiry about Partners In Crime Tours. And a tour was booked!! Not just any tour, a LAURA LIPPMAN tour of her newest novel And When She Was Good. HUGE!!
And if that wasn’t enough, over the past couple of months, I’ve known about another group I would be teaming up with, but until it was official, I couldn’t say anything. I can now as it will be published in their August newsletter. Partners In Crime Tours is teaming up with ITW (International Thrill Writers), big names, both with authors and publishers. Again, HUGE!!!
Because of the above, we are having a recruitment for new hosts/reviewers to join our group. Would you like to join? Read some fantastic titles? If interested fill in the questionnaire below and email me at CMash@Partnersincrimetours.net. You would go on our master mailing list and when a tour is booked, I would send out the details (tour dates, synopsis, etc). You decide which tour you would like to participate in.
NAME:
EMAIL:
BLOG NAME:
BLOG URL:
EBOOK ACCESSIBLE (Y/N):
MAILING ADDRESS (if applicable):
I hope you will consider becoming part of the Partners In Crime Tours group!!!
JULY 5th to JULY 19th, 2012
TEA WITH DEATH
by JOEL ANDRE
PACKED SHORT STORY TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: PER SYNOPSIS, IF POSSIBLE,
WHAT DEAL? WOULD YOU MAKE WITH DEATH?*
**HONOR SYSTEM**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.
*GIVEAWAY ENDS JULY 19th AT 6PM EST*
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
DISCLAIMER / RULES
the giveaway on behalf of the
above. 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.
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed
YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM
Heeeeee’s back!! If you follow my blog, then you know how I feel about Vincent Zandri’s books. I have read every one that he has written to date and is my number 1 author for mystery and suspense novels. Today he is stopping by to talk about his latest novel. So please help me give a warm welcome to author and friend, Vincent Zandri !!
Vincent Zandri
Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 International Bestselling Amazon Kindle author of THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD, THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT FALLS, CONCRETE PEARL, SCREAM CATCHER and the forthcoming MOONLIGHT RISES. He is also the author of the bestselling digital shorts, PATHOLOGICAL and MOONLIGHT MAFIA. Harlan Coben has described his novels as “…gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting,” while the New York Post called THE INNOCENT, “Sensational…Masterful…Brilliant!” In March, April and May of 2011, he sold more than 100,000 Kindle E-Books editions of his novels, and is rapidly closing in on the 200K mark all totaled. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, Zandri’s work is translated into many languages including the Dutch, Russian and Japanese. An adventurer, foreign correspondent, and freelance photo-journalist for RT, Globalspec, IBTimes and more, he divides his time between New York and Florence, Italy.
You can visit Vin at his website, Facebook, Twitter and blog.
Click on above titles to read my reviews.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Based upon Vincent Zandri’s most anthologized Pushcart Prize-nominated short story of the same title, Permanence, is the “Hitchcockian” story of Mary Kismet, a travel agent and grieving mother of a toddler who suffered an apparent accidental drowning. Now, all alone in the world, she attempts to ease the pain of her suffering by immersing herself, body and soul, into a love affair with her psychiatrist, a man haunted by his own demons. A tragic novel of obsession, dark compulsions, and madness, Permanence transports the ill-fated lovers from New York to Venice, Italy, and back again.
Check out the feature at The Big Thrill
Read my review here.
Book details:
Genre:Adult Suspense, Mystery, Thriller
Publisher: Bear Media
Publication Date: May 4 2012
Purchase: Amazon
THANKS TO AUTHOR, VINCENT ZANDRI, I HAVE
TWO (2) OF HIS PREVIOUS NOVELS TO GIVEAWAY.
TWO WINNERS, ONE FOR EACH BOOK.
CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.
Published by: Bear Media
Publication Date: May 4, 2012
AISN: B0080PZ6XI
Pages: 143
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: Digital galley
My Rating: 5
Synopsis (from author):
Based upon Vincent Zandri’s most anthologized Pushcart Prize-nominated short story of the same title, Permanence, is the story of Mary Kismet, a travel agent and former mother to a toddler who suffered an accidental drowning. Now, all alone in the world, she attempts to ease the pain of her suffering by immersing herself, body and soul, into a love affair with her psychiatrist, a man who is being haunted by his own demons. A tragic novella of obsession, dark compulsions, and madness, Permanence transports the ill-fated lovers from New York to Venice, Italy, and back again.
My Thoughts and Opinion: This talented and gifted author has done it again!!! If you follow my blog, you know that I am a huge fan of Vincent Zandri, having read all of his books. In my opinion, he is a genius at his craft, writing novels that will catch you off guard. His writing is extraordinary, so much so, that with each book read, it seems that you are reading books by different authors. His writing style is unprecedented, whereas each stand alone novel, has a different and unique blueprint and delivery. Permanence was a thunderbolt !! I can’t stress enough how this masterful author, has the ability, creativity and accomplishment with words to bring the reader on a wild ride with each book he writes. Knowing and being familiar with his work, he still has me shaking my head at the end of each book that I read, due to the talent he possesses. Each book unmatched and unparalleled to his other novels. Brilliant!!!
With Permanence, from the first sentence, his words grabbed me like a vise and I knew there was going to be no escape. With this book, unlike his others, was written in a first person narrative of a very troubled female, Mary. Another surprise, just 2 very profound characters. The prose dark and haunting. Eerie! The author, with his ability and extraordinary use of words, allowed me to create the actual speech pattern of Mary. I imagined it to be as if someone was talking in a drug induced psychotic state. Powerful!! I could also vividly envision the characters and settings with his detailed and descriptive writing style. Ingenious!! I actually felt the emotional state of the main character. Terrifying!!!
Without a doubt, and in my opinion, Permanence has proved that Vincent Zandri is now the #1 Best Selling mystery/suspense author with his capacity and command of story telling. And will continue to be with his remarkable execution and diversity of writing. His creativity and originality is penetrating. Permanence, I feel is his best work yet, at least for now, as we wait for this artist to paint his next masterpiece!!!
(2012 Challenges: Romantic/Suspense, EBooks, Off The Self, FreeReads, Where Are You, A-Z, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)
JUNE 1st to JUNE 15th, 2012
MOONLIGHT FALLS and
SCREAM CATCHER
by VINCENT ZANDRI
Albany, New York, is the setting of Zandri’s paranoid thriller (in the Hitchcock tradition) about Richard “Dick” Moonlight, former APD detective turned private investigator/massage therapist, who believes he killed Scarlet Montana, his illicit lover and wife of his ex-boss Chief of Detectives Jake Montana. The dilemma … Moonlight doesn’t remember what happened!
Jude Parish is a former violent crimes cop turned bestselling true crime author. Now, in the wake of his literary success, Jude is hoping to lead a quiet, peaceful life in the idyllic Adirondack vacation town of Lake George, New York along with his pregnant wife, Rosie, and Jack, his young son from a previous marriage.
But when the ex-cop becomes the accidental witness to a bizarre murder in which the killer, video game designer and master of disguise, Hector “the Black Dragon” Lennox, insists on recording the screams of his victim prior to shooting him dead, the Jude’s life is turned upside down.
When Lennox is arrested by the L.G.P.D. and Jude is asked to act as the state’s “star witness,” he has no choice but to take on the role. But what he doesn’t realize is that the killer’s arrest is actually the first level in what will be a carefully scripted 1st person video kill game that will involve his entire family as “players” and “victims.”
How will the kill game end?
Like all violent video games, it will end in death. But it won’t be “Game Over” until Hector Lennox tries to catch the screams of his tortured victims.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: (DOUBLE COMMENT)
*NO P.O. BOXES*
**HONOR SYSTEM**ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.
*GIVEAWAY ENDS JUNE 15th AT 6PM EST*
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
DISCLAIMER / RULES
the giveaway on behalf of the
above. 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.
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed
YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM
