The Tortoise Shell Code

by V. Frank Asaro

Off the coast of Southern California, the Sea Diva, a tuna boat, sinks. Members of the crew are missing and what happened remains a mystery. Anthony Darren, a renowned and wealthy lawyer at the top of his game, knows the boat’s owner and soon becomes involved in the case. As the case goes to trial, a missing crew member is believed to be at fault, but new evidence comes to light and the finger of guilt points in a completely unanticipated direction.

Now Anthony must pull together all his resources to find the truth in what has happened and free a wrongly accused man—as well as untangle himself. Fighting despair, he finds that the recent events have called much larger issues into question. As he struggles to right this terrible wrong, Anthony makes new and enlightening discoveries in his own life-long battle for personal and global justice.
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Genres: Mystery

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2012

About the author

V Frank Asaro is a lawyer, musician, composer, inventor and philosopher who authored the non-fiction book, Universal Co-opetition, published Oct. 2011. He began developing the theory of co-opetition not long after he was selected out of law school as lawyer-clerk to the California Courts of Appeal. He went on to receive the highest-category law career peer review, Martindale Hubbell rating, and appeared in Who's Who in American Law, and Who's Who in the World.
Engaged in litigation most of his career, he honed skills proving or disproving facts and stories--a handy talent for a novelist. Moreover as a patent holder, he shows a creative knack. This he calls upon in weaving this most exciting tale of The Tortoise Shell Code, a fiction work in Admiralty--one of his fields. In those early days when he was an Appellate court law clerk, his creativity became a major component in developing the theory of the products liability holding of Greenman v Yuba Power Products--further expanded by the California Supreme court. A major part of the Greenman opinion is now the law in the English speaking and European Union countries of the world.
To contact: vfasaro@rr.com

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gripping, one of the few that kept me up late reading it. Only the most engaging books can do that without my needing toothpicks to keep my eyes open. The initial location is Southern California and Anthony Darren is a young lawyer with what appears to be a very bright future. He has a beautiful fiancé, a dynamic and profitable law practice and has recently been elected as president of the county bar association, the youngest one ever.
His childhood friend Joe is the owner of a tuna fishing business and he is in the process of completing a large and very sophisticated fishing boat. The banker that financed the construction is pressing Joe hard regarding his financial situation and even suggests that the best solution is to have a financially beneficial accident at sea.
In a last desperate act, Joe pretends to agree and sends the boat out on the maiden voyage with the hope of a bountiful catch that will pay the bills. He makes an agreement with the chief mechanic on board the ship for a sink/no sink code but tells the mechanic that under no circumstances will he damage the boat. Darren is Joe’s attorney and right before the launch Joe signs the paperwork to cover the new vessel.
The ship suffers an explosion and fire, sinking rapidly with loss of life. Darren had been in the process of writing a novel where the plot was almost identical to what actually happened, so this combined with other circumstantial evidence causes Anthony and Joe to be convicted of murder. Both go to prison early in the book.
The remainder is about their battles back from this major adversity. With the help of people close to them on the outside, some significant luck and the aid of the judge and prosecutor that are more interested in seeing justice than covering up mistakes, they make progress. Anthony proves to have skills extending far beyond his legal training, he becomes a writer on politics and social justice and is able to have a positive influence on global affairs.
The quality of writing in this book is first-rate, there is very little in the way of physical action, nearly all of it is psychological. Tightly wrapped with nothing that even feels superfluous, this story moves fast, one of the best written novels I have read. And they number in the thousands.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

For over-the-top intrigue, The Tortoise Shell Code by V. Frank Asaro is a MUST read! Do you like a main plot with snaking tendrils writhing in the background like Medusa's hair? I was amazed at how, after a slow build, the plot took off like a roller coaster going downhill.

What's the story about, you ask? The Main Line, a lawyer, who has always worn the "White Hat" of justice is embroiled through deceit in an insurance scam that cost the lives of good men. He is railroaded into prison, with no parole in sight. Unable to prove his innocence, his brilliant mind stays active with by engaging in one of his secret passions, writing. Meanwhile, his friends, family and supporters work to uncover the heinous plot that landed him behind bars. His book is published under a nome de plume as a co-writer with another brilliant attorney. It becomes a "must read" for politicians, as well as the more cerebral readers. Can it actually become a tool in settling political unrest in a small war-torn country? Might it also become his ticket out of prison?

Sound a little far-fetched? Not after you read how brilliantly V. Frank Asaro has woven his plot! I could not put this book down! I was transported from the past, and into the present with a collage of snippets from Anthony Darren's life. From there, as each sub-plot was revealed, and the characters played over-lapping roles in each, I was in a guerrilla shoot out, fled a sinking boat, sat in on Grand Jury investigations, back room deals, and vital debates designed to end an ongoing political war! I am forever grateful not to have experienced the garbage truck ride! Mr. Asaro's pen never slowed down, never stopped holding me captive! And the ending? I admit it, I was doing fist pumps! Definitely add this to your "Gotta Read This One" list!

A review copy was provided by NetGalley and Bettie Youngs Book Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: August 15, 2012
Publisher: Bettie Youngs Book Publishers
ISBN: 9781936332601
Genre: Thriller/Political Intrigue/Adult
Age Recommendation: Adult
Rating: 5 stars
Available at: Barnes & Noble / Amazon
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/02/indie-book-review-tortoise-shell-code.html

The Tortoise Shell Code is a story about a lawyer named Anthony and his friend Joe. His friend is in a lot of trouble with his bank. He got a loan to pay for his brand new boat, but is running dry on paying it back. But Joe has a set up that can make it look like the boat sank and get the bank, well bank owner, off his back. But things do not go according to plan and people die. Joe gets Anthony on the case to help him, but through forces unknown to them, Anthony too is put in the hot seat. Anthony is now on the search to find who has framed him and Joe.

Wow! This read took me by surprise. What a thrilling read. I really loved our characters. Anthony was a super smart lawyer and he was an honest man. I love the flashback we got of how he and Joe met. And we also get his story with Cheryl which was quite the story. I won't give it a way, but it is heartbreaking and it is essential to the story. We also meet Joe and the hard spot he has been put into about the boat. He doesn't know that the banker who involved has a few tricks up his sleeve, He sends someone to spy on Joe's boat while it goes out to sea. While the spy is on the boat, tragedy strikes and that tragedy is placed on Joe's shoulders. Everyone thinks he had the boat blown up to get the insurance money since he was in such debt. I love how the story goes and how it connects everything between Anthony, Joe and the people around them.

I am going to try my best not to give you guys too much info because this is a story that will be very easy to spoil. I honestly don't know what to tell you that won't give the story away, it is that big of a thriller. I love the idea of framing Anthony. He is working on a novel that literally came to life and that little story gets him into major trouble. I love how Asaro tied that in. It was so simple but had major repercussions. It was brilliant. Anthony does get enlightened along the way and comes up with something that not only keeps him sane, but could help the world around them. It was an amazing part in the second half of the book.

As I said, I can't spoil this. It is just too good. The characters were great and well developed. You will be rooting for them until the end. This read was very mysterious and thrilling. After the first couple of chapters, it really picks up. I love all the layers we uncover with each chapter. It was such a thrilling ride. I was so engrossed in this story, I finished it in 2 days. Suspenseful, mysterious, and just plain captivating. I highly recommend this read to seekers of suspense. Seriously, check this book out now. You won't be sorry.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good courtroom drama on television. Sometimes, though, reading it can be a little cerebral. But if the drama has good banter between the parties sprinkled with a little old-time jealousy between friends that ranges a lifetime, along with a love affair, some drug running, and corporate greed, then you have a pretty good book. All of this was inside Frank Asaro’s latest.

The Tortoise Shell Code had a tight story line with lots of twists and unexpected turns. For me, it was a page turner and hour burner as it was hard to put down once I started it. His experience of courtroom proceedings and the descriptions of the play between the two opposing sides made for riveting reading.

The only thing that had me scratching my head is floating throughout the book is a philosophical idea of ‘universal co-opetition’. It is hard to fathom that world leaders, current inmates, drug runners, and even South American resistance fighters all could grasp the meaning from reading the same book. It didn’t work for me entirely. Until I realized the author penned a non-fiction title of the same name; I guess there’s no harm in the author getting an idea out by weaving it in fiction.

In the end, I enjoyed the book. The scenes were well described and I had a good time reading it, start to finish. I especially enjoyed the San Diego references. My favorite character was Andrea, a surprise treat that had me rooting for her over the main character all the way until the end.

Disclosure: This book was provided by the author and this review was published on my book blog.

[Julie (Bookish.Intoxication) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this novel from NetGalley.

This novel was a great read, dense and deep in context and amazingly complex yet understandable philosophy. This book not only is a wonderful work of fiction, but it teaches the reader something about politics and about how the world works in relation to people and democracy. In that aspect this novel is a gift.

The characters created by Asaro, are multi-dimensional and real, they are all linked together in one way or another and that evkoes more emotion from the reader in that as the novel progresses, you get to know each individual, for example 'James' went to school with the protagonist and ends up on the same path as him at the end of the novel, just in a way that was deserved. This shows not only that Asaro has created a great work, but also that he understands the ways in which friendships can sometimes be based on jealousy and greed.

This novel is well written and the plot is engaging and captivating. The story line, itself made it impossible to put this fast-paced novel down, for the fear it would continue without me. It is creative and although the ending is moving and draws all loose ends together, feels a little rushed or too good to be true, that aside it is a great novel wich touches on so many subjects and aspects within the world today, shining a light on many of the different facets within todays society and political parties.

A great novel, definitely for anyone whom enjoys a political read or has a love for philosophy. Fast paced and engaging, this novel is a beauty!

[Victoria Brinius · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insurance scam, an honest lawyer being blamed, and a book that will set it all straight, even though it is written using a pseudonym. I enjoyed the drama and the friendship/ support that was given to Anthony. The beginning of the book was all background, and the author was getting me ready for a complete and surprise ending. I like court room drama, and of course I like a good mystery. The author also threw in a time clock to save an innocent man and there was also love at stake. There were so many different things going on at once that I could not wait to see how the author was going to tie it all in together. He did, and he did a great job. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from OrangeBerry Book Tours, however all opinions are my own.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard of this book because of the title I was a bit unsure if I'd like.

but soon I began turning the pages and found myself entrance in the story line that was unfolding me before me. The characters were brought to life, and there were many unexpected twist and turns throughout the book which kept things interesting.

This has become one of my favorite books of the year for me, and brought the joy of reading to me all over again.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pace of this book was too slow for me to get into and I couldn't read past the first 100 pages. I liked the concept and focus on the commercial fishing industry but the plot was taking too long to develop. This might be more of an issue with my personal preferences than the book itself. It might appeal more to an older generation who lived through the time period described in the book.

[Emily (Heinlen) Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had interesting characters and I, generally, liked the story. However, I find it highly distracting when words break across lines and pages. In addition, I saw several places that were missing commas, which always takes me out of the story.