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Showing posts with label mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mystery. Show all posts

Friday, September 6, 2024

REVIEW OF THE DROWNED BY JOHN BANVILLE (#thriller,#mystery)

I want to introduce you to John Banville's newest novel, The Drowned, which will be released on 10/1/2024. Let me tell you about the novel.

 About the Book:


 From the renowned Booker Prize winner and nationally bestselling author of Snow comes a richly atmospheric new mystery about a woman’s sudden disappearance in a small coastal town in Ireland, where nothing is as it seems “He had seen drowned people. A sight not to be forgotten.” 1950s, rural Ireland. A loner comes across a mysteriously empty car in a field. Knowing he shouldn’t approach but unable to hold back, he soon finds himself embroiled in a troubling missing person case, as a husband claims his wife may have thrown herself into the sea. Called in from Dublin to investigate is Detective Inspector Strafford, who soon turns to his old ally—the flawed but brilliant pathologist Quirke—a man he is linked to in increasingly complicated ways. But as the case unfolds, events from the past resurface that may have life-altering ramifications for all involved. At once a searing mystery and a profound meditation on the hidden worlds we all inhabit, The Drowned is the next great Strafford and Quirke novel from a beloved writer at the top of his game.

 

My Thoughts:

When I was asked to review "The Drowned" this was the first book by the author that I had read. Initially, I found understanding the characters' relationships and the storyline challenging. Had I read the previous books in the series, I would have better understood the dynamics between Quirke and Stratford, both of whom have evident problems in the novel. Although the novel's beginning was slow, the plot started to make more sense as I continued reading. The story is filled with mystery, deceit, affairs, and various characters that kept me engaged. Banville's writing is captivating, and I look forward to reading his other books.

 


 

Disclaimer: The publisher gave me a copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review. 

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Review of the Inhabitants by Beth Castrodale

I want to welcome Beth Castrodale to Books R Us. Beth is the author of The Inhabitants. The novel will be available on Sept 10th. Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

About the Book:

After a run of misfortune, portrait artist Nilda Ricci could use a stroke of luck. She seems to get just that when she inherits a shadowy Victorian, designed by an architect whose works were said to influence the mind— supposedly, in beneficial ways. At first, Nilda’ s new home delivers multiple gifts, including the unexpected appearance of a housekeeper who’ d helped maintain the home for years. Also, Nilda finds herself falling for a handsome neighbor, a chemist whose herbal tonics boost her creativity to new heights. But as Nilda seeks revenge-by-painting against a contempt-worthy portrait subject, she begins having strange experiences in the house, making her wonder whether the place is haunted or whether its architect’ s intentions were less than benevolent. She also begins to suspect that her neighbor, and his gifts of tonics, aren’ t what they seem. All along, the housekeeper seems to be looking out for Nilda. But in time she reveals needs of her own, which may prove more powerful than anything in the house … or beyond it.

 

My Thoughts:

I loved this novel and even stayed up late to finish it. The story revolves around the main character, Nilda, and her daughter who inherit a Victorian house with unique architecture and a dark history. As the plot develops, Nilda starts to notice strange occurrences within the home. Her unease grows when she finds eerie models of the house, and her daughter, Sydney, begins talking to an imaginary friend named Alex. Each character plays a crucial role in the story-line, adding to the sense of anticipation. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I highly recommend getting a copy and experiencing the book for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Connect with the Author:

Website 

Facebook.

X.com

Goodreads

 

Books by the Author: 

Gold River- Get your free copy here

I Mean You No Harm. 

In This Ground. 

Marion Hatley. 

 


 

 

Disclaimer: The author gave me a free ARC of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

REVIEW OF THE NOVEL APRIL STORM BY LEILA MEACHAM

I want to introduce you to a fantastic mystery novel: April Storm. Thanks for stopping by.


About the Book:

 

Kathryn Walker enjoys an enviable life. Her husband is an accomplished doctor, her children are bright and successful, and she devotes herself to charity work that uplifts her Suburban Colorado community. Settling into a new year, her life couldn’t be better. . .

Until April.

For Kathryn, April has always rained trouble—but this time may be even stormier than the fraught past she’s trying to overcome. Already distraught over the child she miscarried in this same cursed month many years ago, the emotionally fragile woman isn’t ready to consider the overwhelming evidence that someone may be trying to take her husband—and her life.

 

My Thoughts:

This is a fast-paced novel with a twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The protagonist, Katherine, and her family have had their share of problems, but it reached a turning point in April. At first, it took me a while to figure out what April had to do with the story, but as the story progressed, I was drawn into the mystery. A private detective is following Katherine, and with the help of a stranger, she figured out who hired the PI and why she is being followed. This is a fantastic posthumous novel that kept me engaged, and I plan to read the other books by the author.

 



 

Disclaimer:

The publisher gave me a free copy of the book for my honest review, and I was not compensated for my review.

Friday, August 23, 2024

REVIEW OF HEXES AND HOOLIGANS (Magical Mystery Book Club #5.5) BY ELIZABETH PANTLEY

The Magical Mystery Book Club is a group of adventurous people who travel into books and become amateur sleuths. Every time they enter a book a new adventure begins. I want to welcome Elizabeth Pantley to Books R Us. Thanks for stopping by.

 

About the Book:

 

Hexes and Hooligans takes the club into a charming and idyllic world of gnome-like people who love the earth, celebrating, and honey. What they don’t like is the mysterious ailment that is turning students at the local college into hideous versions of themselves.

The timing is terrible, as it coincides with the upcoming Honeybee Moon Festival, the community’s biggest celebration of the year.

The event is only a week away. Can the motley group determine what’s causing the students’ transformations, stop it from spreading, and get them back to normal? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home to Colorado



My Thoughts:

This novel is a delightful blend of fun, charm, and adventure. It's the first book in the series I have read, and I fell in love with the cat Frank and the ghost Molly. The author's creativity is evident; all the characters, including these two, contribute to an interesting and engaging story line. I am already excited about the next book in the series and eager to see where the Book Club takes us next.




Disclaimer:

The author and Voracious Readers gave me a free copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.


 

 

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Review of They Will Kill You Next by Tim Kizer and James Rice

I want to welcome Tim Kizer and James Rice to Books R Us. Tim and James are the authors of the thriller They Will Kill You Next. This is the third book in the Detective David Hudson series. Thanks for stopping by


About the Book:

Four years ago, a plane disappeared without a trace. Now someone is killing those who know what happened to it.
As David Hudson investigates the murder of suspected CIA assassin Charles Harris, he finds that the killing might be connected to the mysterious disappearance of a passenger jet that occurred four years before.

Harris had a hit list with five names in his wallet when his body was found. Days before he was murdered, he tried to warn the targets that a very powerful man wanted them dead.

As David tries to figure out how the people on the hit list are connected, he comes to suspect that someone is killing those who know what happened to the missing plane.


Digging deeper, David uncovers a conspiracy involving some of the most powerful men in America.

About the Authors:

Tim Kizer:

Mr. Kizer is an author of suspense and mystery fiction. He resides in Southern California. He is currently working on his new suspense novel.

James Rice:

 Mr Rice is an American author that writes suspense thrillers with twisted plots. He loves to travel and discover new cultures. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife.

My thoughts:

I had trouble keeping track of all the characters in the story due to choppy dialogue that distracted me. While I usually can determine who the killer is, it took me a while to figure it out. Nonetheless, the many twists and turns kept me engaged, and I was able to finish the book. However, I wish the author had developed the characters more to add depth to the plot. I have not read any of the other books in the series; perhaps if I had, I would have been able to relate to the characters better.


Books in the series:

Book 1: I know who Killed Your Daughter

Book 2: Don't Tell Them I am Alive 

 


 

 

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book through Voracious Readers only for my honest opinion and I was not compensated for my review

Thursday, August 8, 2024

REVIEW OF DECEPTIVE CALM BY PATRICIA SKIPPER (BARNES AND NOBLE EDITION)



 
ABOUT THE BOOK:

Against the turbulent backdrop of declared martial law in South Carolina, a stunning light-skinned beauty, Vanessa, lives in a Catholic orphanage for Blacks. After a series of racial traumas, Vanessa obtains the birth certificate of a deceased white baby and uses this document to assume the child's identity. She moves to California and enrolls at UC Berkeley under her newly acquired name.

Vanessa marries into one of California's wealthiest families. Her charmed life abruptly ends eighteen months after the birth of her first child who is diagnosed with sickle cell trait. Discovering that the woman he married is Black, as is his toddler son, Vanessa's ruthless husband plots his revenge but they both survive. The police investigation that follows seems pretty clear-cut until a curious, young detective uncovers some clues to her private life where nothing is as it appears. The aftermath of the discovery brings down a pillar of San Francisco society.


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Patricia Skipper's life journey began on a California Marine Corps base. After fighting in World War 11 and Korea, her father retired in South Carolina. Patricia was only 9 years old in 1961 when she saw her first "Colored Only" bathroom and water fountain signs in downtown Charleston at the Sears Roebuck. That sign scarred Patricia because on Marine Corps bases everyone ate at the same clubs, swam in the same pools and used the same bathrooms. That sign would have a major influence on her writing career as Patricia obtained a master degree in Broadcast Journalism. She reported internationally for the Charleston Evening Post from Leningrad and Moscow. Playing a key role, she supported a a brand new "Mothers Against Drunk Driving" and helped them get PSA (public service announcements) on every television station in the country. Earning accolades for her television commercial writing, Patricia has won numerous Addy Awards.

My Thought: 

I found the book very informative, well-written, and engaging. The themes included politics, racism, civil rights, and romance. The main character, Vanessa, is naive but very intelligent. She was a light-skinned black woman who was mistaken for a white woman in a very turbulent society. She lived in an all-black orphanage and had the support of her friends Trisha and Sister Rosalie. Sister Rosalie was like a mother to Vanessa and helped her while she was living in the orphanage. She obtained the identity of a deceased white baby and took it as her own so she could move on with her life. She traveled from South Carolina with her new identity to attend college in California with her friend Trisha.

Trisha, a character I deeply connected with, played a significant role in the novel. She was Vanessa's pillar of strength, providing her with the emotional support and guidance she needed. Their journey together, filled with trials and triumphs, will resonate with readers.

Post-graduation, Vanessa ventured into the broadcasting industry, where she met her husband, Tod. His family was affluent and esteemed, but when her son was diagnosed with Sickle Cell disease, her life took a drastic turn. She had to endure numerous hardships, including the societal challenges of the time and the wrath of her husband, who felt deceived by her actions. Tod's reaction, a reflection of the societal norms of the time, adds a layer of complexity to the story, making Vanessa's struggles even more poignant and relatable.

The book's narrative is driven by the characters' development, particularly Vanessa's, as she navigates the societal challenges of her time. While the book contains sexual content that may not be suitable for all readers, it is integral to the character development and the story's progression. The author's meticulous research and incorporation of historical details bring the period to life, creating a compelling read.

Purchase the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

 


Disclaimer: I will be compensated for my honest review of the book by the sponsor.

 
 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

REVIEW OF MIDNIGHT AT THE TAJ MAHAL (THE OUT OF SCHOOL ADVENTURES # 1 ) BY B. SUGERMAN


Title: Midnight at the Taj Mahal: The Out of School Adventures #1
Author: Brynn Olenberg Sugerman
Publisher: Create space
Date Published: July 31, 2012
Purchase Book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble


About the Book:

Hailey and Zach are out of school on a year long adventure. First stop: India! The excitement begins the moment they step off the plane. Hailey and Zach are entrusted with the magical diary of Shah Jahan, legendary builder of the Taj Mahal, and are whisked off on their first real adventure. The Taj pool shimmers in the full moon, and suddenly the twins are not just traveling the world but traveling back in time, sent on a mission to free the shah and his princess daughter from their prison tower. With the help of their ingenious friend, Sushil, anything seems possible. Can they help the shah win back his rightful place on the throne? Will they change India's history forever? Time is running out! Will they succeed before their parents' work in India is done, and it's time for them to move on?

About the Author: 

Brynn Olenberg Sugarman graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a BA in Creative Writing and from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem with an MA in English Literature. Midnight at the Taj Mahal is her first novel and reflects her lifelong love of travel and fascination with time travel. In addition, she is the author of the award-winning picture book Rebecca’s Journey Home. Brynn lives with her husband and three children in Ra’anana, Israel, close to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.  


My Thoughts:

This is a mystical, magical, educational and interesting novel that every one should enjoy especially children. Full of memorable characters that will entertain and educate you. Her description of India and it's people was fantastic and I felt that I was right there with the characters interacting with them. Many historical novels have bored me but Brynn has written a novel that kept me engaged, and interested.  I finished the book rather quickly and I stayed up late to finish it.  I definitely recommend that you read this book and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to be set in Jerusalem.

Read an Excerpt Now 

Connect with the Author:

Facebook






Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.
  

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

REVIEW OF THE NEIGHBORS BY ANIA AHLBORN

Title: The Neighbors
Authors:  Ania Ahlborn
Publisher:
Thomas & Mercer

Date Published: 
November 27, 2012
Purchase Book:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble


About the Book:


Everything—his childhood, his education, and the girl of his dreams—to look after his alcoholic mother. But enough is enough, and now he’s determined to get out and live his life. That means trading the home he grew up in for a rented room in the house of an old childhood friend— both of which are in sorry shape.
The only thing worse than Drew’s squalid new digs and sullen new roommate is the envy he feels for the house next door: a picture-perfect suburban domicile straight out of Norman Rockwell, with a couple of happy householders to match. But the better acquainted he gets with his new neighbors—especially the sweet and sexy Harlow Ward—the more he suspects unspeakable darkness beyond the white picket fence.

About the Author: 


Born in Ciechanów, Poland, Ania Ahlborn is also the author of the supernatural thriller Seed, and is currently working on her third novel. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of New Mexico, enjoys gourmet cooking, baking, drawing, traveling, movies, and exploring the darkest depths of the human (and sometimes inhuman) condition. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband and two dogs.


Connect with the Author:

http://www.aniaahlborn.com/
Facebook.
Twitter.
 

My Thoughts:


What a great psychological thriller. It was full of characters who were twisted, disturbed and they kept me engaged and interested. The main character Harlow was unpredictable showing up when you never expected it and the other characters complimented her personality well. This is one of the best books that I have read this year and I definitely will read her next book The Shuddering due out early 2013. A great read and highly recommended.






Disclaimer:

I received a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review. 

 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

INTERVIEW OF ROY SEGAL AUTHOR OF THE DEVIL'S DREAM

I Would like to welcome Roy Segal to Books R Us. Roy is the author of The Devil's Dream. Thanks for stopping by.

 Interview
 

What was your inspiration for writing “The Devil’s Dream?”
I am always amazed by documentaries about psychics solving crimes.  There seems to be some truth to the fact that psychics can give information to police detectives that could not be obtained in any other way.  I also like to write stories about characters that are upset by the injustices of this world.  Combine those two ideas and you get the narrator of my story, a man who has dreams about crimes yet to take place, who must struggle to find ways to prevent those crimes from taking place.  Thus, he can act to protect a victim, not just find the bad guy.
Do you ever have writer’s block?
I find when I am writing well there is a sense of action and movement, and drama.  When I get stuck I think that maybe I am just bored because I haven’t created enough suspense in my story.  I then try to think what twists will draw the reader in by creating more suspense.  There is an element of creativity to writing, but also an element of logic.  I want my novels to make sense.  Whatever kind of universe is created in the story, it should have consistent rules so that the readers always know what to expect.  In “Superman” for example, we know that he can’t be hurt by bullets from a gun, but that Kryptonite will weaken him and make him lose all his power.  Thus, the reader knows that if the bad guy has Kryptonite Superman is in trouble.  Whatever world is created in a novel, it should have consistent rules, even if there is magic or supernatural elements.
What advice would you give a writer starting out?
I would tell new writers to find the story that is burning inside them that wants to come out.  If a writer is inspired the reader will feel the energy and commitment the writer had when he wrote the story.  If the story is simply invented by a gimmick, however showy, the writing will suffer.  I think this is the key to good writing.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Caroline Cash, the police officer, who is not sure if her boyfriend is a good guy or a villain.  She has the courage to offer her love completely, which many people can’t do.
Where can we buy your book?
It is available on Amazon.com for kindle and smashwords.com for kindle and ePub and nook and other formats.


AUTHOR BIO

          I am a private math tutor in New York City.  I help high school and college students pass their math courses, and I also tutor the SAT.  I have been writing fiction for nine years, and I have taken a dozen writing workshops at The New School and studied with Fran Gordon.  I write mystery and mainstream fiction.  I have recently attended the Book Expo America writing conference, and also the Philadelphia Writer’s Conference. 


Wednesday, February 29, 2012

BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW OF VOICES OF THE DEAD




I want to welcome Peter Leonard to Books R Us. Peter is touring the blogosphere with his suspense novel Voices of the Dead . Thanks for stopping by.



AUTHOR: Peter Leonard
PUBLISHER:
The Story Plant
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/17/12.
PAGES: 320




 Synopsis:

The year is 1971. The place is Detroit. Harry Levin, a scrap metal dealer and Holocaust survivor, has just learned that his daughter was killed in a car accident. Traveling to Washington, DC to claim the body, he learns that the accident was caused by a German diplomat who was driving drunk. This is only the beginning of the horror for Harry, though, as he discovers that the diplomat will never face charges – he has already been released and granted immunity. Enraged and aggrieved, Harry discovers the identity of his daughter’s killer, follows him to Munich, and hunts him down. What Harry finds out about the diplomat and his plans will explode his life and the lives of everyone around him.

Brimming with action and dark humor,
Voices of the Dead, firmly positions Peter Leonard as a writer ever suspense fan needs to read.



Read an Excerpt: 
 
Hess found out the woman lived on P Street in Georgetown, not far from the consulate. He told the ambassador he was having dinner with potential clients, and wanted to drive himself. It was unorthodox, but plausible. He had been issued one of the embassy’s Mercedes sedans. He stopped at a bookstore and bought a map of the area, and located P Street. He drove there and saw the Goldman residence, a federal-style brick townhouse.

Hess went to a restaurant and had dinner and a couple drinks. At ten o’clock he drove back, parked around the corner on 32nd Street between two other vehicles so the license plate was not visible to anyone driving by. He walked to the Goldmans’, stood next to a tree in front of the three-story townhouse. There were lights on the first floor. He walked to the front door and rang the buzzer. He could hear footsteps and voices inside. A light over the door went on. Hess stood in the open so whoever it was would see he was well dressed. The door opened, a man standing there, assumed he was Dr. Mitchell Goldman, dark hair, big nose, mid-forties, top of the shirt unbuttoned, exposing a gold chain and a five-pointed star.

Hess smiled. “My car is on the fritz. May I use your phone to call a tow truck?”

 Dr. Goldman stared at him with concern. “I am staying just down the street at the consulate,” Hess said, smiling. Now the door opened and he stepped into the elegant foyer, chandelier overhead, marble floor.

“Mitch, who is it?” a woman said from a big open room to his right.

Dr. Goldman looked in her direction. “Guy’s having car trouble, wants to use the phone.”
 “It’s ten o’clock at night.”
 “He’ll just be a minute,” the dentist said.

Hess could see the woman sitting on a couch, watching television.

“The phone’s in here.” The dentist started to move.

Hess drew the Luger from the pocket of his suit jacket,and aimed it at Goldman.

The dentist put his hands up. “Whoa. Easy.”
 “Who is in the house?”

 “Just the two of us.”

 “Are you expecting anyone?” He shook his head.

 “Tell her to come in here,” Hess said.

 “What do you want? You want money?” He took his wallet out and handed it to him. “There’s eight hundred dollars in there.”

 “Call her,” Hess said. “Hon, come here, will you?”

 “I’m watching ‘All in the Family.’ Can you wait till the commercial?”

 Hess could hear people laughing on the television.

 “Just for a minute,” the dentist said.

Hess saw her stand up and step around a low table in front of the couch, moving across the room, still looking back at the television. She turned her head as she entered the foyer and saw him holding the gun. Her hair looked darker in the dim light but he had only seen her briefly that day.

 “Oh-my-god,” she said, hands going up to her face.

 “We’re reasonable people,” the dentist said. “Tell us what you want.”

About the Author:

Peter Leonard’s debut novel, QUIVER, was published to international acclaim in 2008 (“A spectacular debut...you will be holding your breath until the final page.”– The New York Sun). It was followed by TRUST ME in 2009 (“TRUST ME is fast, sly and full of twists.” – Carl Hiaasen, New York Times bestselling author). The Story Plant will publish Leonard’s newest novel, ALL HE SAW WAS THE GIRL, in the spring of 2012.


My Thoughts: 

I have to admit that I am not a fan of espionage thrillers but this book was fantastic. I was drawn in from the first page and finished the story rather quickly. There was action, suspense, humor and a cast of characters that made the book interesting. Throughout the book there are times when we find ourselves in Nazi Germany with scenes that were very realistic and well researched. The Main character, Harry, was a child during those horrific times and escapes death. When his daughter was killed by a diplomat, he travels to Munich to track the killer down. The killer looks familiar to him and he finally figures out who he is. All of the supporting characters interacted well. I especially liked Cordell who was Harry's sidekick. He was funny, charming and added energy to the story. If you like suspense and historical novels this is the book for you. 










Disclaimer: I was given a free book by the author and Partners in Crime Tours for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

REVIEW AND BLOG TOUR OF GODS AND FATHERS BY J. LEPORE (GIVEAWAY)


I want to welcome James LePore to Books R us. James is the author of numerous suspense novels and is touring the blogosphere with his newest novel Gods and Fathers being released today. Thanks for stopping by.

Book Details:

Title: Gods and Fathers
Publisher: The Story Plant.
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Purchase: Amazon|Barnes & Noble.


About the Book:

Nationally bestselling author James LePore has established a reputation as a writer whose vividly drawn characters and morally complex plots have kept readers up to all hours turning pages. His new novel promises more sleepless nights and more nonstop thrills.

Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he's known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy's girlfriend.

Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle.

GODS AND FATHERS is at once a powerful mystery and a provocative international thriller, all of it presented with LePore's signature fascinating characters placed in dire circumstances where every choice poses new and potentially fatal challenges.


About the Author: 


James LePore is an attorney who has practiced law for more than two decades, and an accomplished photographer. He is the author of three previous novels, A WORLD I NEVER MADE, BLOOD OF MY BROTHER, and SONS AND PRINCES, as well as the story collection, ANYONE CAN DIE. He lives in Westchester County, NY with his wife, artist Karen Chandler. Please visit the author's site www.jamesleporefiction.com

 
Read an Excerpt:

“Why can’t you stay at your mother’s when they’re away?”
“I told you, Basil’s worried about security.”
Though this statement was challengeable on several levels, Matt let it pass. The marriage six years ago of Debra DeMarco, nee Rusillo, and Basil al-Hassan, a rich and handsome Syrian businessman, had marked the beginning of the end of Matt’s long and tortured fight for a place in his son’s heart. Armed with the ultimate weapon—-her new husband’s money—-Debra had made quick work of destroying the last vestiges of Matt’s hopes. A penthouse on Park Avenue, a beach house in Easthampton, a flat in Paris, a “cottage” in Bermuda, clothes and cars virtually on demand, Matt had no way of competing with all this, and no way of expressing his anger—-until tonight.
“What about Mina?” Matt asked.
“What about her?”
“Why aren’t you seeing her?”
“She’s studying.”
“Studying?”
“Yes, studying. You keep repeating what I say. She’s a student. Students study.”
This statement was delivered dismissively, not sarcastically. You’re stupid, Dad. I’m tired of you. Why am I bothering with you? are what Matt heard, and it occurred to him, with a clarity that shocked him after all these muddled and painful years of effort and rejection, effort and rejection, ad nauseum, that he could not hurt Michael, that his own son was indifferent to him, and this was a blow, and strangely a release.
“Well, your friends are assholes, and you are too, Michael. You’re an arrogant, shallow asshole. Where you came from, I don’t know. But not from me.”
“That could be. Maybe Mom had an affair–like you did--and I’m not your son. Do I care? No, I don’t. Can I go upstairs now? I’ll leave in the morning.”
In the kitchen, Matt poured himself another scotch. He took the pizza out of the refrigerator and sat down to eat it, surprised to find that he actually had an appetite. Until tonight, despite the bad cards he had drawn, he had never stopped trying to break through to his son. It’s over, he said to himself, over and done. He’s not your son. He’s Debra’s son, Basil’s son. You lost him a long time ago.
He finished the pizza and was wrapping the garbage to take out in the morning when the doorbell rang. Looking out the kitchen window he saw that it was snowing heavily. Those idiots, he thought, they’re probably stuck someplace. No choice but to let them in. But when he swung open the front door, it wasn’t Adnan and Ali, but his friends Jack McCann and Clarke Goode, homicide detectives who he had worked with for many years, standing facing him. He could see their unmarked car at the curb, and behind it, blocking his driveway, a Pound Ridge patrol car, its engine running and headlights on, two uniformed officers in the front seat. McCann, a florid Irishman whose blue eyes were usually lit by some inner secret joke, looked grim; and Goode, a gnarled black man who never failed to greet Matt with a big smile, was not smiling. Far from it.
“Come in. What’s up?” Matt said. Then, nodding toward the street where the patrol car sat: “What’s with the uniforms?”
The two detectives stepped into the foyer.
“Take your coats off,” Matt said. He could see they were dressed for work, sport jackets and ties on under their trench coats.
“Matt...,” McCann said.
“Talk, Jack,” Matt said. “Is somebody dead?”
“Is Michael home?” Goode asked. He had not taken off his coat, and neither had McCann.
“That’s his car out there,” Matt said. “You know that.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s upstairs.”
Matt looked from McCann to Goode, then back to McCann; looked in the eyes of each, and did not like what he saw. “What about Michael?” he asked.
“We’re here to arrest him,” McCann replied.
“For what?” Drugs, Matt thought, good, let the kid get a taste of the pain he’s always inflicting on others. Him and his two Arab suppliers.
“For murder, Matt,” Goode said.




My Thoughts:
I have always been a fan of suspense novels and Mr LePore's novel is full of twists and turns that kept me engaged and interested. Matt is an interesting character who has quite a temper but takes care of his family. There were times that I was a little confused by the switch of characters but I was able to follow the storyline.  All of the characters complemented each other and added to the story.  The ending was a surprise and the epilogue tied up the story well. the book was well written and I recommend it to everyone who likes a good mystery loaded with suspense.


CONTEST(USA ONLY)

Thanks to the author I am able to give away a signed copy of one of the author's earlier books called A World I Never Made. 

Contest ends on 2/16/12 @11:59pm EST. See rafflecopter for rules.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLAIMER:
Every eBook received for review on the tours for Partners In Crime are given in exchange for an honest review. The eBooks are sole property (copyrighted) of the author and should not be sold, distributed to, or exchanged among other people not part of the tours, nor should they be listed on file sharing sites