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An Apple For Zoë (The Forsaken #1)

by Thomas Amo (Goodreads Author)

3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 · rating details · 211 ratings · 61 reviews

BOOK ONE OF THREE.

Some Murders Shouldn't Be Investigated

The City of San Francisco is locked in a grip of fear. A series of occult murders has led, Inspector Thomas James, to a crime scene similar to a murder committed 90 years ago in the once grand Aleris Hotel. A place where power barons of the early 20th Century engaged in witchcraft. And silent film stars indulged in th...more

Paperback, 319 pages

Published February 28th 2011 by GothicTwist Publishing (first published February 10th 2011)

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May 06, 2011 Jayde Scott rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In present day San Francisco, Detective Thomas James is called to the crime scene of a girl, beautiful even in death. Amanda was the kind of girl every man wants, the kind of girl a killer would want but couldn't have, unless he killed her to take a part of her to keep with him forever. This killer is nothing James has ever seen, starting with the note written in a child-like voice to the fact that he seems to be stuck in the mind, behaviour and though processes of a middle-grader. So, who is th...more In present day San Francisco, Detective Thomas James is called to the crime scene of a girl, beautiful even in death. Amanda was the kind of girl every man wants, the kind of girl a killer would want but couldn't have, unless he killed her to take a part of her to keep with him forever. This killer is nothing James has ever seen, starting with the note written in a child-like voice to the fact that he seems to be stuck in the mind, behaviour and though processes of a middle-grader. So, who is this killer? A mentally under-developed man whose string of murders ripple through San Francisco? Or maybe a brilliant psychopath who knows how to pretend to be someone else in order to divert suspicion? Or is the murderer the second body found hanging from a cord inside a closet on the same crime scene?
One thing is clear, the murders seem to evolve around the supernatural, a ritual offering if you will - just like Amanda, that share similarities with a crime committed 90 years ago in a famous hotel during a time when witchcraft occupied the minds of the rich and famous, and when film stars were not as innocent as they liked to pretend on screen.
Once at the hotel, James finds everyone long deceased, or so he believes, until paranormal activities start to take place, drawing James into an occult pool so dark and twisted that his own sanity's soon at stake as he tries to make sense of the things he never thought existed.
An Apple for Zoe is a quick read, fast paced, full of action and paranormal elements that evolve around a twisted mind, dark desires and otherworldly forces. Detective Thomas James is the usual police officer with a strong investigative mind but an unwillingness to believe in anything mystic, which makes him convincing. The writing is sharp with a focus on dialogue and narration rather than description. This is a good book to read on the sofa on a weekend afternoon or rainy evening. As the plot progresses, all elements come together culminating into a strange crescendo that will make you wonder why you didn't see that one coming. It's a great storyline I thoroughly enjoyed.
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Mar 24, 2011 Belinda Frisch rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Official snapshot:

"The City of San Francisco is locked in a grip of fear. A series of occult murders has led, Inspector Thomas James, to a crime scene similar to a murder committed 90 years ago in the once grand Aleris Hotel. A place where power barons of the early 20th Century engaged in witchcraft. And silent film stars indulged in the most wicked of sins.

A place where no one questions the black smoke that rises from the hotel's incinerators in the middle of the night."

Literally, that is ju...more

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Apr 01, 2011 Natasha Larry rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Thomas Amo did two things exceptionally well in his introduction to The Forsaken series. First, he pulls the reader in with a chilling murder mystery involving a creepy serial killer suspect that thinks like a child. The second thing he does is ending the book on a cliffhanger that will make you say, “Oh, come on! Don’t end it now!” Well, maybe you’ll say something else, that’s only what I said.

An Apple for Zoë tells the frightening tale of a series of occult murders in the city of San Francisco...more

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Mar 27, 2011 Jean Booth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Intense.
*Warning, there may be spoilers*
I started this book not having a clue as to what it was about. (I like to do that on occasion, makes things interesting;)) Anyway, I had a bit of a problem keeping all the characters in order in the beginning. I don't know if it was just lots of people, or a few people known by different monikers, or the fact that I was reading it at work and having to get up every 5 minutes to check on my peeps, but it was a bit tangled for me for a minute. The story star...more

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May 07, 2011 Penelope Fletcher rated it 5 of 5 stars

Five stars epic!

My video review is here; http://indiebookreview.blogspot.com/2...

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May 23, 2011 Missy (Two Readers Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook

This book is unlike anything that I have read before. I am not even sure where to start with my review of it. It was such a suspenseful, mind blowing read I will do my best to explain my thoughts on it.

The story starts with Inspector Thomas James from the San Francisco PD, entering a murder scene at, of all places, a funeral home. While gathering evidence, he comes upon a clue that is specifically meant for him. This totally freaks him out. Along with all the evidence found from this murder wer...more This book is unlike anything that I have read before. I am not even sure where to start with my review of it. It was such a suspenseful, mind blowing read I will do my best to explain my thoughts on it.

The story starts with Inspector Thomas James from the San Francisco PD, entering a murder scene at, of all places, a funeral home. While gathering evidence, he comes upon a clue that is specifically meant for him. This totally freaks him out. Along with all the evidence found from this murder were are thrown into a hunt for murderer who is being a copycat. All of these murders that are taking place have things to do with The Zodiac killer and Charles Manson. There are so many references to past murders. It was quite fascinating how the author intertwined them together.

The storyline takes us all over the place. There is a lot happening with every single chapter. There were times that I got slightly confused because of everything that was going on at one time. While at the time it seemed overwhelming, all of it was necessary to the story. There was a lot of information to gather, but at the end it all comes together nicely and you begin to understand how everything fits together.

I really liked the characters. All of them were written with very realistic qualities and dialogue. There is a paranormal touch to the story and our lead, Thomas James, doubts all of the paranormal aspects. This makes him very real to me because a lot of people wouldn't believe the case has anything to do with the paranormal.

Overall, I was really surprised where the story went. It was all so unexpected. This book was not at all what I thought that it was going to be. Quite honestly a lot of the book totally creeped me out, but I really like that in a book! It is a lot of fun for a story to take you in a place to never expect it to go! This is also the year of cliffhangers because, oh my goodness, this one leaves us with quite the cliffhanger! I can't wait to read the next one in the series! (less)

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Apr 03, 2012 Gabriel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror-thriller-series

I didn't know what to make of this book. The cover screams cheesy YA novel and the title invokes snow white, neither of which are particularly appealing to me. The reviews however kept piling up on the positive side and none of them revealed any of the previously mentioned concerns so I decided to give it a shot. I've been on a mind candy binge lately and this seemed to fit what I was craving. This book really hit the spot... like only a possessed murderer that doesn't let being on fire get in t...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Suzanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked. A real cliffhanger of an ending and I can't wait for the next one to come out.

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Jul 21, 2012 Marsha rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: No One

When I first read the summary for "An Apple for Zoe" I could not wait to read this book. What's not to like when you have a plot that includes murder, old Hollywood movie star scandals and an ace detective? As I began reading, I was mesmerized by the writing and the initial suspense. All was great for the first 40% of the book. Then, as the body count began to skyrocket, every unsolved murder in history was incorporated into the storyline (Zodiac, Manson, Fatty Arbuckle,Black Dahlia, Hitler's mi...more When I first read the summary for "An Apple for Zoe" I could not wait to read this book. What's not to like when you have a plot that includes murder, old Hollywood movie star scandals and an ace detective? As I began reading, I was mesmerized by the writing and the initial suspense. All was great for the first 40% of the book. Then, as the body count began to skyrocket, every unsolved murder in history was incorporated into the storyline (Zodiac, Manson, Fatty Arbuckle,Black Dahlia, Hitler's minions), and the gore began to escalate to the point of nauseum, I found I could no longer stand to read this book. I found myself asking, "What in the world just happened?"

Inspector Thomas James is called to a local funeral home in San Franciso. It seems the owner came in to open for the day and found a girl's body in a casket, beautifully outfitted with make up ready for viewing. When the inspector arrives not only does he find this victim with a childish note in her hands, he finds an elderly man's body hanging from the ceiling in a storage closet.

During the autopsy, James discovers that the man's body is none other than a Nazi war criminal responsible for the sadistic rapes of many young girls. The female victim had a credit card and the war criminal's penis in her purse. The name on the credit card is that of Virginia Rappe, the victim of a horrendous rape and murder some 50 years prior blamed on the actor and comedien, Fatty Arbuckle. The murder occured in the famous Aleris Hotel and James in convinced another body maybe awaiting him if he goes there.

Upon arrival at the hotel, Inspector James discovers the hotel locked. What hotel is locked? So, once the manager is called he comes down to the hotel and after some persuading by Inspector James, he allows them into the hotel. What they find is body after body on the floor, sitting in chairs, in the elevators, just plain everywhere. When they venture up to the 12 floor to the rooms (1219, 1220, 1221) originally rented by Arbuckle and his gang of Hollywood deviants, he discovers the body of another girl killed in the exact manor of Virginia Rappe. I will spare you the details.

As I stated earlier, this book began with such promised but then, took a detour into crazy, demented, bizarro town. To put it bluntly, it was just plain old overkill and as the body count grew the more convoluted the story line became. The perversity of the murders, rapes and mayhem was just plain old too much for me; so, I did what I hardly ever do, I did not finish this book! Now, let me confess. When I looked over the reviews for this book, many people both men and women gave it 4-5 stars so it appears I may be in the minority in terms of how I felt about it. The writing is excellent but the gore and rehashing of old hate filled crimes was just too much for me. As with anything, I recommend that you read reviews carefully and decide what is appropriate for you. This just was not my cup of tea and I know when to quit!(less)

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Jun 08, 2011 Fictional Bookshelf rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: thrillers-and-mysteries

It’s not easy to describe a book or share a review on a book that leaves you breathless and in awe of the artistry that it took to create such a tale that’s in An Apple For Zoe.

As I read Thomas Amo’s story, An Apple For Zoe, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I didn’t know what to expect. Of course, I read the back cover but that was written in a way that it didn’t give away any spoilers.

The opening scene starts with one murder and leads to so much more. So many little surprises and big on...more

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Apr 08, 2011 Iben rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, own-ebook, file-missing-location-unknown

I have a habit of not reading the back of a book too carefully. Mostly because I don't like having the book spoiled, which the back cover sometimes does. As such I didn't actually quite know what I was reading when I got started on An Apple for Zoë.

Initially it is just a crime story. Quite macabre, but also very interesting. It then turned... weird, for a lack of better word. Holy Cow - weird. Crime, horror, a dash of fantasy, superstition and action - they're all there.
About halfway through the...more I have a habit of not reading the back of a book too carefully. Mostly because I don't like having the book spoiled, which the back cover sometimes does. As such I didn't actually quite know what I was reading when I got started on An Apple for Zoë.

Initially it is just a crime story. Quite macabre, but also very interesting. It then turned... weird, for a lack of better word. Holy Cow - weird. Crime, horror, a dash of fantasy, superstition and action - they're all there.
About halfway through the book I looked up and confessed to my mother I had no idea what on earth just happened to the story. I can't tell you much without spoiling it, but I can tell you this: Once I read on and accepted that this was something very different from my usual choice of book, and the story kept going in this track, I got used to it and I found that I liked it. It's somehow so far out that you at some point accept it and are able to see past the surface and into the deeper pits and intentions of the story and its characters.

The book could have used one last look through as I spotted a few mix-ups between your and you're, some missing punctuation marks, as well as some sentences that could have used a bit of rephrasing. However, it is only a scattered handful and nothing that seriously disrupts the flow of the book.
At the beginning of the book a few of the characters seem a bit stiff and their actions and dialogue seem a bit forced. It loosens up throughout the book though, and although we're not given much background information about many of the characters I found I quite liked them. I also loved all the historical elements and twists of these.

Overall the book is well written and engaging. It was to me a fairly quick read as it possesses one of my most favourite qualities in a book - I couldn't put it down. Even when I thought it most absurd and way off, I read on because I was hooked. I wanted to know where Amo was headed with all of this, but I also wanted to learn more about the murders and the story.

My review (less)

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Jul 31, 2011 Shirley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An Apple for Zoe was not like any book that I have read for a while, but that is a good thing. I've been reading paranormal romance and YA novels for a while now. Not that I'm in a rut or anything, but if I was, this book definitely pulled me out of it.
Thomas Amo takes you on a wild journey filled with serial killers, mystery, intrigue mixed with a lot of supernatural and occult experiences. Once the action slows down and you think you can breath a little you're suddenly whipped back into the ac...more An Apple for Zoe was not like any book that I have read for a while, but that is a good thing. I've been reading paranormal romance and YA novels for a while now. Not that I'm in a rut or anything, but if I was, this book definitely pulled me out of it.
Thomas Amo takes you on a wild journey filled with serial killers, mystery, intrigue mixed with a lot of supernatural and occult experiences. Once the action slows down and you think you can breath a little you're suddenly whipped back into the action and danger with a vengeance.
You are introduced to the main character, Thomas James, as he begins his investigation of a murder. Unfortunately, it's the first murder of many in this book. How many, I honestly lost track. I guess it depends on whether you count the current murders along with the murders of the past because they all play a major part in the plot of book. The way that Thomas weaves all of these present, past and even future tales together keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This story isn't for everyone I am sure and because of the violence and violent sexual references it doesn't fall into the YA genre at all. If you like a good action filled mystery with a lot of twists and turns, you are sure to enjoy An Apple For Zoe. It is part of a series, which is evident by the ending. It isn't exactly a cliff hanger, but you will definitely want more when you are done.
The only reason I didn't give it a rating of 5 is because there were times that I got a little lost. I'm not blaming the writing. There is a lot going on in this book and if you become even the least little bit distracted you are sure to miss something. There are also a few places with some editing issues, but I'm picky when it comes to that, so I try not to be too critical. There's not enough there to distract from the plot and action. By the time you get to the next bomb shell that is dropped or the next 'run for your life' scene happens, any editing issues are long forgotten.
When you start reading An Apple for Zoe, find a nice quiet spot with no chance of being interrupted. I wouldn't suggest doing it at night alone though - don't say I didn't warn you. :)(less)

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Jun 13, 2011 Christine Butler rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story! It is truly unlike anything else out there right now. The author, Thomas Amo, has woven history with present day paranormal mystery in a superb thrill ride that keeps you guessing right up till the end and then beyond.

The story follows Inspector Thomas James from his first romance at age 14 through a series of bizarre murders that seem to be copy cats of some of the most notorious murders committed through history. At every turn in the case things seem to go from strange to...more

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Feb 16, 2011 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, legendary

Completely Amazing!!! I wish I could give it more stars.
The story centers around a detective in San Francisco (present day) who is investigating a series of murders that are occult related. The detective, Thomas James, is led to a hotel during his investigation, and that's when things really start to heat up in this book!!! =) I won't say much more, but the author, Thomas Amo, really takes the reader on an adventure with An Apple For Zoe! The twists and turns in the book are awesome, unexpected...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Emma Meade rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror

It was the eerie book cover that led me to pick up a Kindle copy of An Apple for Zoe. Very disturbing read! Throughout the book I was wondering who Zoe is and how the title had anything to do with the story. The scenes of violence were horrific and unsettling, and the reader is taken to hell and back. I did get confused a little; this is a story that requires constant concentration in order to keep up. This is an action packed horror/paranormal thriller leaving no room to be bored. Overall, I en...more

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Jun 10, 2012 Helen rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: in-english

Инспектор Томас Джеймс с напарником прибывают на место преступления - в похоронное бюро, где жертва уже подготовлена и выставлена для прощания с родственниками. Семь часов назад Аманда Карлайл была еще жива, а теперь лежит со странной запиской в руке, в комнатке рядом обнаружен труп повешенного пожилого мужчины (с еще более таинственной запиской), который в итоге оказывается бывшим нацистом, разыскиваемым - кто там их разыскивает?
визитка из сумочки Аманды отсылает к убийству актрисы немого кино...more Инспектор Томас Джеймс с напарником прибывают на место преступления - в похоронное бюро, где жертва уже подготовлена и выставлена для прощания с родственниками. Семь часов назад Аманда Карлайл была еще жива, а теперь лежит со странной запиской в руке, в комнатке рядом обнаружен труп повешенного пожилого мужчины (с еще более таинственной запиской), который в итоге оказывается бывшим нацистом, разыскиваемым - кто там их разыскивает?
визитка из сумочки Аманды отсылает к убийству актрисы немого кино многолетней давности...
И понеслось!
*иронично* В книге есть все!

(view spoiler)[Нацисты? Есть! Маньяки? Есть! Имитация знаменитых убийств? Есть! Отрезанные гениталии, языки, самосожжение? Есть! Мертвые птички? Есть! Странные и загадочные надписи на стенках? Есть! Жуткие маленькие девочки? Есть! Странные галлюцинации? Ад? Дьявол (чуть ли не во плоти)? Секс и изнасилования? Разговор о боге? Великая любовь? Бывший кгбшник? Чикатило? Мэнсон? Непонятные и мистические послания? Перестрелка, гонки на машинах?... Есть! Есть! Есть! Есть! Есть! Есть!...
Создается впечатление, что у автора был список того, что должно быть в страшной книжке. И он усердно вычеркивал пункты. А вот связать между собой отдельные сцены и куски вышло не очень. Меня так усердно пугали, пытались запутать и напустить туману, что где-то к главе 10-той мне стало очень смешно. Дальше читала я чисто из спортивного интереса - что же еще автор сможет всунуть в книгу.

Не нашла я только яблок, Зои и отверженных (или покинутых). Если быть точной, то Зоя все-такие есть - одной строчкой в последей главе о ней кое-что сообщается.

Детектив? ничего там не расследуют, события несутся со скоростью вышедшей из-под контроля машины. Хоррор? Совершенно не страшно, а с определенного момента жутко смешно. Мистика? ну если смесь мертвых птичек, странных надписей и "жутких" видений называть мистикой... Раскрывание характеров персонажей? Не смешите, какое тут раскрывание, когда то в лоб, то по лбу... Развитие сюжета? а что, тут есть осмысленный сюжет? Я надеялась, что хотя бы часть почему и зачем будет разгадана, но автор решил оставить все на потом.

Книга похожа на суп у нерадивой хозяйки - побросали в воду ВСЕ, что было на полках, приправили и заправили ВСЕМ, и подали эту бурду ко столу. (hide spoiler)](less)

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Jun 28, 2011 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a really great novel and will be an amazing series. It is unlike anything i have ever read and left me looking behind my shoulder for killers and turning pages like they were going to disappear. You will be left with a jaw-dropping cliff hanger and tons and tons of questions. I would recommend this to everyone i know, but i do feel that you need to be a very mature audience to handle some of the events and horrific details about certain things. Also there are a lot of f-bombs, but i hon...more

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May 26, 2011 Allie Burke rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW. Um... wow.

What a phenomenal book. Concept. Story.

What a phenomenal author.

Thomas Amo is a gorgeous writer. Truly, his writing implants a vivid image between the lines of his story. It is beautiful when the story calls for beauty, ugly as his characters face inhumanity and terror, effectively touching the heart of the reader throughout.

He's funny. This quality is so refreshing, especially in an intense novel such as this.

"It sure is, what's even more disturbing is, why are all the dead bi...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Raven added it

This may very well be one of the strangest books I have ever read. Very intriguing and can't wait to read the rest! Makes you think.

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May 24, 2011 Kelly/yllektra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really have to write a review, but due to some personal issues it took me longer than expected.

Coming soon though.

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May 15, 2012 Elizabeth Jara rated it 1 of 5 stars

While I loved the concept of exploring old Hollywood crimes, I felt the author rushed through these expecting his readers to already have the background stories. Character development was very weak and I could never get a feel for who might be talking without being told who was speaking. No one had any depth and I never got the sense of, "oh, that's James' tone and style." To be honest, I have so many books to read that I only read 1/2 way through this before giving up. I came to the conclusion...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An Apple for Zoë by Thomas Amo engages its reader from the very beginning. It’s a true crime novel with some terrifying concepts developing the more you delve into the text. You’re thrown directly into a crime scene to start, and it only grows from there. Thomas Amo does wonders building connections upon connections between a wide variety of inspectors and serial killers. You won’t want to put this one down. You’ll face the depths of hell and the cruelest murders a serial killer can think up. Ju...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Megan rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: no one.

The premise of this book was good and I was interested by the overall story, HOWEVER, everything else just annoyed to the point of putting this down (which doesn't happen often).

BADNESS*:
Grammar: Then/Than, etc; basic elementary-my-dear stuff.
Improbable character knowledge: Author writes as though a common investigator knows more than he should without explaining how or why or giving any credentials. This may be solved later, but in order for the reader to believe an author, give some background...more

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Feb 25, 2012 Bia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks-i-have, kindle-amazon

My goodness!! That is the first thought that keeps running through my mind. Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? This was a free book at the Kindle Store at Amazon.com some time ago and since it was in my TBR list I couldn’t pass the chance to read it. :)

So, what is this book about?

Once upon a time, there were some crimes that couldn’t be completely solved by the police or were really cruel at its core that you couldn’t stand to be near it or read about it. That is precisely the case about th...more

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Oct 01, 2011 TL Jeffcoat rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, horror

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. There are several negatives for me in this book and a couple positives. I’ll start with the positives, I felt the story itself was creative, imaginative and mind boggling. I really enjoyed much of the storyline itself as it unfolded and I enjoyed the way a chapter ended and the next continued. It was almost like a serial. At first I was a bit put off by this, but once I read the “about the author” in the back of the book, I realized that Thomas Amo is a playwright. That explained a lot on how th...more There are several negatives for me in this book and a couple positives. I’ll start with the positives, I felt the story itself was creative, imaginative and mind boggling. I really enjoyed much of the storyline itself as it unfolded and I enjoyed the way a chapter ended and the next continued. It was almost like a serial. At first I was a bit put off by this, but once I read the “about the author” in the back of the book, I realized that Thomas Amo is a playwright. That explained a lot on how the story was designed, as if it was a movie playing through his mind. Writing a novel like you would a movie script however is a double edged sword. It can make for an exciting book, but just like in Hollywood, it could end up with a lot of unbelievable special effects and little depth.

One of the things I disliked about this book, but I won't hold against it, is the poor editing. There are a lot of grammatical errors and typos (no misspellings, but a lot of incorrect word usage or words in the wrong place). There was some bad formatting on the e-book version I purchased. I try not to rate my stars based on these errors though as long as the story is well done. Not everyone is an English major or a tech head, including myself. I feel I should point out these issues though in hopes that other Indie writers will try to put in serious time to clean their work up. These kinds of things will make your future sales a lot harder if enough people don't take you as a serious professional.

I was a little put off by the characters and the story structure and flow. The story felt more like a swirling mass of patterns that all tied together eventually but without any real purpose, in which the ending did not help end that chaos at all. I felt there was also a lack of research done in the policies and practices of actual law enforcement and how agencies would interact with each other and their security measures. There are too many incidents in the book where the security measures and policies were completely ignored and it made the story feel rushed. As I read, I couldn’t help but think all these lapses in actual protocol by the law enforcement were more than likely that they were just not very bright characters, which I don’t believe was the author’s intentions.

As the story continued on I had trouble really engaging with the characters and their almost bipolar interactions towards each other. Their dialogue and their development was chaotic, unorganized and at several points really irrelevant to the progression of the story.

I don’t know if Thomas Amo will see this review, but we talk to a few of the same people on Twitter and I read this book after reading their reviews and a few recommendations. I am hoping that Mr. Amo has grown as a writer before he has completed the sequel. If Mr. Amo sees this review, I mean no offense by my negatives, and if you would like to discuss these with me, I am more than willing to chat via Twitter DM’s. @TLJeffcoat

EDIT: Upon speaking briefly with Thomas Amo, I must admit he is charming and has a great attitude which can only mean that he will improve with time. Good luck on your journey Mr. Amo.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 19, 2011 Evie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: upcomming-reviews, e-books, favorites

** review originally posted to Bookish Blog

An Apple for Zoe by Thomas Amo is a breath of fresh air in the paranormal department. This fantastic novel is a perfect blend of murder mystery, action and supernatural horror. Dark and engrossing, it’s most definitely one of my top favorite reads so far this year.

The story takes off with Inspector Thomas James being called to investigate a mysterious murder case. The body of a young, beautiful woman has been found in a funeral house. Her corpse has be...more ** review originally posted to Bookish Blog

An Apple for Zoe by Thomas Amo is a breath of fresh air in the paranormal department. This fantastic novel is a perfect blend of murder mystery, action and supernatural horror. Dark and engrossing, it’s most definitely one of my top favorite reads so far this year.

The story takes off with Inspector Thomas James being called to investigate a mysterious murder case. The body of a young, beautiful woman has been found in a funeral house. Her corpse has been placed in a coffin and the murderer took care of all the preparations to her funeral, including combing her hair and applying make-up. The bizarre crime is only the beginning of a series of freakish events. The deeper we go into the story, the more surreal the whole thing gets. There’s just so much going on that at times it’s really hard to keep up with the plot. With dead bodies popping up everywhere and a crazy Nazi killed on the loose, Inspector James is about to face the most dangerous case in his career.

An Apple for Zoe is a mind-blowing read. It has everything you’d expect from a solid horror/thriller: the unknown, the unexpected, the unbelievable and the unstoppable! Once you start reading you won’t be able to put it down and when you finish it, you’ll find it impossible to get it out of your head.

The subtle descriptions bring both the characters and the locations to life. I liked the protagonists. Thomas and Ashton had realistic qualities and it was easy to get emotionally involved in their stories. I definitely liked how normal and down to earth they seemed, not some idealized, know-it-all people who act like CSI superstars. These are the kind of characters the reader can easily identify with.

Storyline-wise, Thomas Amo builds the momentum well throughout the whole novel, slipping in plenty of unexpected twists along the way to keep the reader captivated on the way to an explosive conclusion. It’s an edgy, disquieting and absolutely mesmerizing story that tears along at a breakneck speed. With every chapter comes a powerful blow and by the time you reach the last page you feel like you’ve been completely KO’ed. This is hands down one of the craziest (in a good way!) stories ever!

Amo has crafted a cracking page-turner, masterfully building tension throughout the whole novel to a crescendo finish; and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave readers stunned and wanting more. I’m really, really looking forward to Thomas Amo’s next installment in The Forsaken series! (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 15, 2011 Devon Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: indie-authors, reviewed-on-blog

A chaotic and twisted thriller of occult murders that'll have your head spinning like that creepy girl in the Exorcist.

What starts out as a murder soon leads to a never-ending path of paranormal destruction. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but about half way through the book the story was so far out in left field of my expectations that I just shrugged and went with it. It's not that any part of the story was bad, it was just completely unexpected. Like, 'wow...that's freakin' weird,...more

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 23, 2012 Scott Cherney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Back in the Prehistoric Era, tickets were required for each of the attractions and rides at Disneyland. The ticket books were alphabetized from A to E, indicating the level and/or appeal in ascending order. A was reserved for most kiddie rides or something a bit duller like the People Mover. But E tickets were the top of the line, guaranteeing thrills and chills for the most coveted of attractions like the bobsledding spectacle known as the Matterhorn.
This little history lesson will explain why...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 15, 2011 Kara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: priority-to-acquire, favorites, horror, review-sent-to-author

I finished this hours ago, but my computer was in the other room and I didn't feel like getting up. I ended up sleeping and I'm awake now so I can mark it as finished.

Umm this book was like being inside a crazy person's effed up dreams. I don't even know where to begin. Part of me wants to sit on it and stew for awhile and figure out where I want to go with this review, because I just can't imagine coming up with everything I want to say at this point.

I'd have to say the author probably has som...more I finished this hours ago, but my computer was in the other room and I didn't feel like getting up. I ended up sleeping and I'm awake now so I can mark it as finished.

Umm this book was like being inside a crazy person's effed up dreams. I don't even know where to begin. Part of me wants to sit on it and stew for awhile and figure out where I want to go with this review, because I just can't imagine coming up with everything I want to say at this point.

I'd have to say the author probably has some pretty deep-seeded issues to write this book the way he did. I mean, seriously. It was totally not what I thought it was going to be. I mean, look at the title! Look at the cover! I was thinking paranormal ghost story written for teens when I started reading. Ummmmm no! Not even close. I met some Nazis, members of the Manson family, a really creepy hotel manager and more. There was just such a strange and loony cast of characters that I don't even know where to begin talking about them.

At times it felt like I was reading inside a pinball machine! One minute one thing happened and then boing you hit the other side of the machine and something else happened. I couldn't put the damn thing down though. I found it fascinating. There were really some creepy parts of this book where I could honestly say I was pretty much terrified. Especially when they found the hidden Nazi crawlspace and encountered Mr. Kookoo for Cocoa Puffs. I'm trying to stay as spoiler free as possible. Stop laughing at me.

An Apple For Zoe was one crazy book. I thought I was going to wait to review it but then the stuff I wanted to say just started pouring out and now I'm pretty satisfied. I really really liked this book. There were more than enough WTF moments, but I was kind of okay with that. Cliffhanger ending which pissed me off, but I'm sort of feeling immune to that right now. Almost every book these days ends with one of those.

This was seriously the craziest plot in any book I have read so far this year. But it also may be one of the craziest plots I have read..ever. I can't wait to see what happens next. Seriously. WTF. Thomas you are insane. I had no idea how messed up in the head you really were. Nice.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jun 12, 2012 Lu Ann rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was very well-written with a steady flow. However, the author could use his
talent much more effectively if he would direct his skills to a less sadistic thought pattern.
This was so sadistic and evil it looses the readers interest about half way through the story.
It continues to get more sadistic, evil and bizarre. The language only adds to the negativity
of the whole plot.
I don't understand why Goodreads supports this author if this is what his writing is like.

like · see review

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About Thomas Amo

Thomas Amo has been writing since he was a boy. His dream was always to write for the movies, television, theatre. In the late 1990's he began a career as a full time theatrical producer and while running his own theatre company began writing plays for the stage. In 2000 his first novel was published. It would be another decade before he published again. In August of 2012 he finished epic YA novel...more

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“Some Murders Shouldn't Be Investigated.” — 1 person liked it

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An Apple For Zoë (The Forsaken #1)

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