Fifth Avenue: A Thriller - book REVIEW by Nolan
340052
Excellent story!  Explosive from the beginning, this story ingeniously portrays a lustful greed for power, control, money, and dominance - but, who really wins in the end, and at what cost?
* The insane billionaire out for revenge of his wife's thirty-one-year- old murder?
* The rich tycoon and his dysfunctional family that's targeted for death from this lunatic's vengeance?
* Another power player who sneaks in to grab everything for himself?
* The wealthy, beautiful people that work for the prestigious conglomerates?
* Or, the mafia family and paid assassins who are intricately involved in this story, too?
This novel contains an intriguing plot that keeps the reader guessing at what will happen next.  As the story moves you forward at a breathtaking, steady pace without slowing down or slacking off - not even during the tense, dramatic and explicit scenes of domestic violence, abuse, homosexuality, and heterosexuality - it brings the very realistically described characters to life in a way that gets you involved and makes you care what happens to them.  You also get a very real sense of what New York looks like through the author's description.  And, the ending is certainly not disappointing.
I enjoyed this story immensely, would definitely recommend it, and would classify it as a MUST READ - especially if you love mysteries, romance, action, and serious drama.  With its crime-outside-every-window depiction, it certainly re-affirms my belief that I'll never want to visit New York, much less live there.
297390
Nolan's premier novel, "Dead Lawyers Don't Lie, is a real turner.  This fast paced novel reads like a thrilling roller coaster ride full of twists and turns.  As a voracious reader of murder mysteries myself,  his writing style rivals that of even Grisham's . This book caused me a few sleepless nights, unable to put the book down, unwilling to wait to see how the twists and turns would  end up!  This book will make you laugh one minute, cry the next and then want to throw it across the room.  I can see this  novel as a first-rate block-buster made for TV movie or even a series on HBO,  if Nolan continues on and writes more.  This can't end yet BRAVO, !! Keep writing as we want more!!
1079593
If you are seeking an all-inclusive crime thriller novel, Kerry Donovan's "The DCI Jones Casebook" is a must read. The uniqueness of this book is in the details of the twisty-turny roller coaster ride of a plot. I'm marking it as my favorite crime thriller in years.

The story's premise involves Hollie, a beautiful, young 14 year old, who goes missing on her way home from school. Right from the beginning, there is evidence that she may have been groomed by a pedophile. The reader gets a first person POV from pervert as he gains Hollie's confidence. The dialogue was extremely disturbing, and frighteningly realistic.

The reader is propelled through the minutiae of an investigation over a 9 day period. Heading up the investigation is David Jones, Detective Chief Inspector. He is a seasoned detective, but a loner with demons.

This thriller was very convoluted, with many layers. The reader is presented with Hollie's disappearance, a crooked cop who is leaking investigative details, and an international ring that profits on the unspeakable.

The author grabs the reader from the first page, and doesn't let up until the last few pages. Every time I thought I knew where things were going, I got punched in the gut. I picked up the book, read it through a Memorial Day barbecue, and late into the night. "Couldn't put it down" sounds so trite, but certainly describes this thriller.
2744476
Could not put this down. Read this in half a day! This may have been one of his best. Another Fifth Ave masterpiece. I want more!
922499
Cyril Landry is dead.

Sort of.

Forced to go underground after making the wrong enemies, Landry watches over his high school-age daughter every day - anonymously, of course - as she leaves school. When a seemingly random school shooter comes within a hair's breadth of murdering Landry's daughter, the ex-Navy SEAL and assassin eliminates the threat but begins to suspect that someone knows he's alive.

And that someone will not stop until Landry is flushed out into the open.

Author J. Carson Black takes the unfortunately all-to-familiar school shooting scenario and adds a diabolical twist, weaving a tale that is by turns gripping, pulse-pounding and heartbreaking. One of the top thriller authors working today, Black peppers the story with witty, believable dialogue and a backstory that will keep you guessing right to the end.

In THE SHOP and now in HARD RETURN, J. Carson Black has constructed a deceptively complex antihero: a stone-cold, utterly professional assassin who cares about nothing more than his wife and daughter, both of whom believe him dead. HARD RETURN also features a spellbinding appearance by Jolie Burke, the female counterpoint to Cyril Landry and a riveting character in her own right.

HARD RETURN offers everything I look for in a thriller: murder, deception, believable action, outstanding dialogue, and political intrigue. It's almost a cliche to make this statement, but I'll do it anyway - if you're going to read just one thriller this summer, it should be HARD RETURN.
1633255
Two shocking deaths are the catalyst for Glynn's riveting thriller. A small-time drug dealer with a big ego, Noel Rafferty, is gunned down in a local beer garden; hours later, his uncle, also Noel Rafferty, is killed in a car accident. The Rafferty family is reeling from the double tragedy, but none is more distressed than Gina Rafferty, aunt of one, sister to the other. Gina cannot accept the supposed coincidence of the deaths, especially after the last words her brother spoke to her the night before. Riddled with questions, she investigates on her own, a David in search of Goliath, a young woman with no power or resources, but plenty of courage. Although she has no proof, Gina's instincts lead her to the halls of power and men she has revered, all of whom have feet of clay.

They say politics makes strange bedfellows and a recent deal brokered in London is no exception. A new skyscraper complex, Richmond Plaza, has attracted funding from an American equity firm, thanks to the careful shepherding of property developer Paddy Norton and endorsed by soon-to-be Prime Minister Larry Bolger. Norton and Bolger have a long working history, as well as ties to Gina's brother, the now-deceased Noel Rafferty. Unfortunately, Gina's questions pose a threat to the Richmond project, to Paddy's grand plans and possibly to Bolger's future as Taoisech (prime minister). When Gina contacts Mark Griffin, a young man deeply affected by a family tragedy in his childhood, the dark secrets of the past are unleashed to the detriment of the power brokers, politicians and investors in Richmond Plaza.

Glynn's plot never lets up, from the two deaths at the beginning of the story to a shocking example of gangland violence in a confrontation in a warehouse, from the accident that took the lives of Griffin's family to a stand-off in the glass-walled Richmond Plaza, where Gina holds a gun as the SWAT team gathers. Dreams of power and fortune are run aground in a drug-fueled haze of one greedy man, while another faces the consequences of his family's activities on his behalf. Dublin is on the cusp of greatness with its new complex until Gina takes aim and brings the pretenders to their knees. Prescient in his choice of topic, Glynn has written a stunning modern thriller that addresses the moral ambiguities of the times and the acquisitive ambitions of the wealthy. Luan Gaines/2010.
4408409
The Silence is a high energy, very complex thriller that traverses the urban metropolis of New York City and Israel with great fluidity. The main character is searching for a plethora of things, not the least of which is his identity on many different levels. The book is also a combination of genres. There are paranormal occurrences and emotional nuances that kept me engaged throughout the book. I hope that the author continues the story in future books. I highly recommend it.
4482699
LOUIE MORELLI'S DAUGHTER by Patricia Bellomo is an interesting thriller set in Palm Beach,and travels from Detroit to Acapulco and New Orleans. It is the second in the "Louie Morelli" series,but can be read as a stand alone. Book 1 "Stella Di Mare".It is a fast paced thriller from beginning to end with characters who are engaging,challenging and have nothing if not for determination. When Stella's husband Johnny,gambles with unsavory characters he not only loses money,their mini-mansion but also causes Stella to be kidnapped by these unsavory creditors. After Stella is kidnapped her father,Louie,steps in to rescue her with the help of a friend. This story is action packed with murder,power,sex,money,violence,and the mob. It is a roller coaster of a ride that will have you coming back for more. It is filled with twists and turns. A must read for any thriller/suspense readers. This book was received for the purpose of review from Newman Communications,Inc. and the publisher and details can be found at Liberia Publications and My Book Addiction Reviews.
97366
5 Stars 
Linwood Barclay's THE ACCIDENT is a taut, compelling story about  people who get sucked into real tragedy. Set in small-town America, the novel focuses on a building contractor Glen Garber, whose wife, Sheila, dies unexpectedly in a drunk-driving accident. To make matters worse, the police inform Glen that Sheila was the drunk driver, and that she killed two people in the accident that also claimed her life. Although Glen has trouble believing that Sheila would ever drink-and-drive, he's also dealing with a crumbling business, friends on the verge of bankruptcy, a mother n law who blames him for her daughters death , an 8-year-old daughter who is being bullied at school because one of the boys killed in the accident was a popular student at her school, and so much more.

My Review :
I only discovered Linwood Barclay a few weeks ago. This book was give to me in a Book Buddy box from my new best friend. This was my first time reading this author, and I will definitely look for more from him! The Accident was a great thriller with too many twists & turns to even count. Didn't figure out who the main murderer was till the end. What a mystery it was !! You need to pay close attention cause there are many characters througout the book and each one plays an important role. Certainly did not anticipate the twist at the end. That was a shocker for sure !  His characters are well developed, and he is so good at drawing out your empathy or your dislike of each one. This book is full of surprises, so, brace yourself. Loved it! Best of all, it is not totally predictable. I Highly recommend this thriller for those that think they can out think an author!
1585433
Shutter Island is about Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal sent to Shutter Island to investigate a missing woman. Things look suspicious right off the bat, and Teddy (and his partner Chuck) start to realize that things aren't what they seem.

I thought this book was well-written; and the hugest selling point for me was the twist in the ending. In fact, I'd advise you not to read ahead in the other reviews (some which contain spoilers), so the ending is a surprise. A very entertaining book!
4905413
I read lots of thrillers perhaps 100 books a year . This is one of the best thrillers I've read in several years and as soon as I finish doing this review I'm going to plug-in the name Mark Nolan to see if he's written anything else and download it to be read immediately
1289816
An intricate, involved thriller.

This novel was a little more wordy than the style I normally read. Each and every item that was written about was described in great detail.

The thought "He walked down the tree lined street, perfectly designed for danger." was turned into  "He slowly made his way toward his goal. The road had many trees, perfect places for an ambush, much like the ambush he experienced those many years ago on a similar street, several worlds away. Each car he passed provided an opportunity for an enemy to hide. His senses at a fever pitch, he passed an old sidewalk bench, littered with newspapers, trash and what appeared to be a homeless guy. Off to the West, a dog barked. As he made his way ever closer, he passed under a burned out street light, made all the darker because of the moonless sky. As he closed on his destination, a turn of the century, a nouveau rich establishment that had seen its better days, he thought back to the mother he never knew. "Enough of that, focus on the prize!" he thought. Oh what he wouldn't give for some sleep. As he..."

You get the idea. I enjoy fleshing out a character or filling in a story, but when NONE of the filler pertains to the story, theme or intrigue, it's just noise.

Having said that, I did read the whole book, interested and curious enough to look forward to reading it regularly.
766975
Red Right Hand by Chris Holm breaks new ground in the action/thriller genre.  And it is something to behold.  Michael Hendricks is a hitman.  But with a difference.  His mission is to eliminate other contract killers who have run afoul of a governing body called The Council.  In Red Right Hand Hendricks has been forced to turn on the council.  He wants to destroy them and end the councils reign of criminality.
This time, Hendricks is enlisted by the F.B.I. to protect a federal witness who is going to testify against the council.  After video surfaces of a terrorist attack in San Francisco revealing the existence of the long thought dead witness, the council decides to take action.  The story moves swiftly from location to location, unwinding like a non-stop action movie. Hendricks is assisted by a female tech guru who gives the story a nice added dimension.
Red Right Hand is a book that should be savored and thoroughly enjoyed. The author does what all great writers do  he makes you look forward to his next book.  Buy this for the weekend upcoming.
4766701
I love this series. It has all of the action, drama and suspense needed for a thrilling ride. I was intrigued by the way each book linked the characters of the social setting of Fifth Avenue to their own scandals.

A very good read. I'm looking for more.
1522144
Connors first novel is an exciting thriller with a smashing new twistthe good guys, who are regular folks like you and me (slightly better looking), are under the gun to find and develop their own superhuman powers in time to save the US from critical disaster.

How they do this, in specific detail, adds fascination to classic thriller elements that keep you turning pages like mad.  The hero is everywomans dream of a damaged, tender vigilanteyou know you can count on him to cut through both evil and bureaucracy like a Gordian knot, no matter what hate-crazed villains or conventional thinkers throw at him.  Plus hes gorgeous and accessible. Strong women abound.  Connors plot uncovers frightening weaknesses in the world we all inhabit that the villains home in on, intending to unleash devastation on millions of innocent people.  The radically refreshing aspect of the Superyogi Scenario is that missiles, rocket launchers, and AK47s (so pass) are not in evidenceboth sides use the crushingly powerful abilities of the human mind, developed to the nth degree, to wrest the advantage in this raging battle between good and evil.

Connor does not bore us with lectures or goody-goody people.  Theres plenty of glamorous, juicy detail about evening gowns, gourmet meals, sex, and exotic locales. The scene where the heroine learns to fly, and its not in a plane by the way, is hilarious. Marvel Comics philosophy made manifest and taken seriously plus all the newest technology adds interest and freshness.  This is not your grandfathers thrillermake way for the twenty-first century!  Someone gave me a copy, then I bought my own.  And gifted it.  Read this book.  Youll love it.
455101
If you're a fan of police fiction, mob fiction, serial killer fiction or just plain good fiction, you'll like this book! Connie Gianelli is the main character in this action-packed thriller. Raised by a woman not her mother and "adopted" by a mobster, it's surprising that she chooses to become a police officer in New York. When a drug bust goes bad, Connie knows that she will need to fight to clear her name - a challenge that takes her from the streets of New York to the homicide department in Houston. Here, she's involved in trying to solve a murder with connections to Brooklyn - and in Houston, she may be able to track down the mobster who was responsible for two Brooklyn police officers deaths and resolve her own investigation being conducted by Internal Affairs.

The plot is complex and character development is excellent. We learn enough about Connie to like her and to be able to identify with her, but not so much that we aren't still curious about some of her past personal life - and this is why I'm happy to hear that this book, which stands very well on its own - is the first of a series featuring Connie Gianelli, Carlos and la famiglia. It is very well written, the plot is tight and I liked how it ended. A five-star read!

I had the honor of being given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for agreeing to provide a fair and honest review. Thank you!
2380744
Mystery, suspense, and pace - City of Glass has it all when it comes to a thrilling read. At first thinking that the random phone calls were mistakes, the protagonist Daniel Quinn, a writer, rethinks the nuisance of the calls to be an opportunity.  Posing as a detective, he discovers the complications, threats, and the unsettling upbringing of his new client. As he follows his target, he wanders through New York City with a purpose of protecting his client by deciphering his targets objectives. With danger, anxiety, confusion, and a hint of romance, City of Glass embodies all of the necessities of a page-turner.