Frances di Plino's Blog, page 16

Piwko’s Proof - Review

Piwko’s Proof is so very close to being a five star read, but the opening chapter, instead of providing a hook that drags the reader into the story, is actually its weak point. The novel opens in a distant point of view as we follow two unknown men breaking into a home and kidnapping Conrad Carlson, an assistant director of the FBI. The two men in question are bit part players. We never again return to their point of view, so are left wondering why most of chapter one was written from their perspective.
Had the book opened in Conrad Carlson’s point of view at the moment the kidnappers enter his marital bedroom, we could have been right there in the moment.
We next discover (during a long section which introduces more people we will never see again) that Carlson’s release is dependent on a stay of execution for Tom Austin, convicted paedophile and child killer. If we had been in Carlson’s head during the kidnapping and so identifying with him, this information would have put fear into our hearts, knowing there was no way the state could comply.
However, once we get over chapter one the book takes off and becomes a really enjoyable read with plenty of drama, violence, intrigue and plot twists to keep any thriller fan turning the pages.
In chapter two we get to meet the main character of the novel, Harry Meurant, a small town lawyer who represents the eponymous Piwko. Piwko, incarcerated in a maximum security prison, claims he has evidence that will exonerate Austin of murder, meaning the death penalty can be overturned.
Meurant takes the information Piwko has given him to the FBI, who aren’t inclined to take the claim seriously. From this point onwards, Meurant’s life is in danger, but we only discover who is trying to kill him right at the end of the book.
There are a few subplots running alongside the main thread which give the novel added interest while throwing the reader off the scent.
I thoroughly enjoyed Piwko’s Proof and can’t help wishing it had come to me for critique, rather than for review. I would have advised the author to scrap chapter one and rewrite it, putting us in the head of the kidnapped man. With that change, I’d be rating this five stars all the way. As it is, it’s still a good read and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
                       

 

Great reviews of Bad Moon Rising

This is a book review site, so it’s great to be able to post some five star reviews my own novel has received. I am thrilled that Bad Moon Rising has garnered five star ratings across the board, not only from experienced reviewers, but also from readers who have bought the book because their friends and family have read and recommended it.
As an author, there is nothing better than knowing what you’ve written is being enjoyed by others.
I’ve updated the Bad Moon Rising Review page (see tab above) but here are two of the most recent reviews – one from a reviewer and the other from a reader.
“... anyone who enjoys a good crime novel should find this thriller an absorbing read. I sincerely hope there will be another novel featuring Paolo and this cast of characters.”
Read full review from The Little Reader Library
"The conclusion is harrowing. The twist is unanticipated, the characters are realistic, the story is original and the next one is eagerly awaited."
Read full review on Goodreads
Bad Moon Rising is published by Crooked Cat Publishing

Review of Don't Look Down

Don't Look Down by Barbara Scott-Emmett
Don't Look Downopens with a scene which is only resolved at the end of the novel, giving us animmediate hook. We have to keep reading to find who, what and why.
Lauren Keane flies to Germany to visit an old friend, KattiHauer. But Katti is missing and her brother, Wolf, with whom Lauren shares apast blighted by a broken love affair, meets Lauren's flight in Katti's place.Lauren and Katti look very much alike, especially when Lauren is wearing Katti'sclothes. As a result, she is mistaken for Katti and kidnapped in her place. Laurenmust fight for her life and sanity, while also trying to find and save hermissing friend.
The plot has many layers, leaving Lauren not knowing who isfriend and who is foe. Revenge, the sex trade, drugs and people trafficking allcombine to give us a complex plot and plenty of reasons for the characters to producetwist after twist.
The story is set against a bitter winter backdrop and Scott-Emmettbrings Nuremberg and the surrounding area vividly to life. From the moment theheroine, Lauren Keane, leaves the airport on her arrival the settings areflawless. Not once did the descriptions of town and country feel intrusive,they simply added depth to the storytelling.
The characterisation is good and the hero, Wolf Hauer, isgorgeous enough for fall for, but not so overwhelmingly handsome that he doesn'tseem real. Let's put it this way, I wouldn't mind riding pillion on his bike asLauren does at the beginning of the novel.

The book was marred (very) slightly for me by guessingcorrectly early on who the mole was, but this didn't spoil my overallenjoyment of what was a very entertaining read.
            

An Easter Treat

From Good Friday to Easter Monday Crooked Cat Publishing are offering all their titles (with the exception of today's release) at a special price – exclusively on Amazon! This includes Bad Moon Rising - but why not visit Crooked Cat Publishing to see all the great titles on offer at the ridiculously low price of £1.54?
 

How I became a serial killer

Over the last few weeks I've been guest posting on various blogs on subjects of interest to crime/thriller writers and readers. One of the most popular was at the Crime Scene section of writing.ie.

Find out how I became a killer: Getting Inside the Killer's Head

Diary of a Small Fish - review

The small fish in question, Paul Forte, is a quick-witted masterof the funny line. He is also, like the author, a lawyer. Recently divorced, andstill grieving over the sudden death of his parents, his life takes anunexpectedly sinister turn when he finds himself facing criminal charges over afew (okay, more than a few) games of golf with friends who happen to belobbyists. Forte loves golf, it's his passion, but it's about to bring him downbecause prosecutor Bernard Kilroy has the Attorney General post in his sightsand intends to use Forte's trial as his vehicle to gaining the position.
Running through the storyline as a secondary thread is Forte's attempt to love again, but this brings still more difficulties into hisalready overcomplicated life.
As the book progresses, we find out that Forte has beendeliberately targeted and why, all of which adds to the complexity of the tale.
The first few pages didn't hook me as much as the rest ofthe novel. For me, Morin overloads the opening with too much legal jargon andpolitical scene setting. Fortunately, he soon moves into the heart of thestory, which is a great read.
The characters are well drawn and credible. Paul Forte, thenarrator of the story, is inherently likeable, so much so that I was rootingfor him to find a way out of his legal troubles, get the girl and live happilyever after. Did he? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Recommended.
Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com

The Filey Connection

The Filey Connection by David Robinson

The Filey Connection is set in the fictional town of Sanford, West Yorkshire, and follows the adventures of Joe (who runs the Sanford Third Age Club), and his two employee/friends, Sheila and Brenda. The tale kicks off with a murder, always a good way to start crime novel, and Joe (an amateur sleuth) is on the case from the word go because the victim is a member of STAC.

The Sanford Third Age Club set off for a weekend in Filey and the mystery deepens as another club member disappears, believed to have committed suicide, but Joe doesn't believe the evidence and sets out to prove the missing man has been murdered.

Without including any spoilers, it's impossible to write more, other than to say this is a cosy crime story, with lots of humour and witty repartee between Joe, Sheila and Brenda.

If I had a fault to find it would be the author's insistence on telling us how great Joe is at being a sleuth, instead of leaving us to make up our own minds. In fact, it would be easier to believe in his powers if they had been mentioned just a little less often. But that is a minor gripe and it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this delightful tale.

The Filey Connection

Looking for books to review

If you have a crime or thriller you'd like reviewed, please have a look at the submission guidelines above. Looking forward to reading and reviewing.

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