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Dangerous Illusions
In a beguiling tale of deception and murder, desire and theft, seduction and betrayal—where nothing is what it appears to be—a man is murdered and an iconic musical instrument is stolen during a gathering at Eliot Sexton’s Park Avenue apartment. The stolen item—an object of desire worshipped by millions—is the key to solving the crime, or so the detective brought in to investigate believes. The murder, however, is not nearly as straightforward as it seems—nor is the theft.
Though the island of Manhattan presents no shortage of suspects—many of them capable of killing to satisfy their appetites—Eliot, a young economic historian and writer, soon becomes the prime suspect. As he draws closer to the truth behind the theft and murder, he also becomes the killer’s next target.
Irreverent, provocative, and utterly unpredictable, Dangerous Illusions is a weeklong polyrhythmic journey into contemporary New York that will keep readers guessing right up to its thrilling conclusion.
Though the island of Manhattan presents no shortage of suspects—many of them capable of killing to satisfy their appetites—Eliot, a young economic historian and writer, soon becomes the prime suspect. As he draws closer to the truth behind the theft and murder, he also becomes the killer’s next target.
Irreverent, provocative, and utterly unpredictable, Dangerous Illusions is a weeklong polyrhythmic journey into contemporary New York that will keep readers guessing right up to its thrilling conclusion.
268 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2014
8 people are currently reading
6361 people want to read
About the author
Joseph J. Gabriele
2 books29 followersJoseph J. Gabriele is a graduate of Boston University, where he studied English Language and Literature. His publishing career includes experience at a number of leading New York trade publishers, including Doubleday & Company, John Wiley & Sons, and Simon & Schuster. He is a member of the Authors Guild and resides in Manhattan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 7, 2016
The rhythm of DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS felt off to me. Like I was the one playing the drums, instead of Phil Collins up on stage pounding away in front of thousands, bringing The Garden to its knees. The style felt a bit formal, a bit stilted, like Joseph J. Gabriele understands the rules of writing, but he left all of his passion and sensation back at his former place of residence. And when I finished the novel, I found myself shrugging my shoulders and saying, “So what?”
Don’t get me wrong. The man can write. He breathed life into Eliot and Blaire and Yvette and Laura and other individuals that flitted across the stage of this three act play, but I found myself never really fully invested in the outcome. I found myself dropping my eyes in the cheap seats and listening with only one ear. I stared out into the great abyss, and then I promptly averted my gaze.
Even the story felt a bit off at times. Like we’d hit more than a few potholes on some backcountry road and now my wheels were out of alignment. A new set of shocks wasn’t entirely out of the question either. But I kept pressing, kept moving forward in the hope that I was wrong. In the end, though, I don’t think I am.
I wanted to believe in this tale, but I lost my faith somewhere along the road, and I couldn’t figure out a way to bring it back.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
Don’t get me wrong. The man can write. He breathed life into Eliot and Blaire and Yvette and Laura and other individuals that flitted across the stage of this three act play, but I found myself never really fully invested in the outcome. I found myself dropping my eyes in the cheap seats and listening with only one ear. I stared out into the great abyss, and then I promptly averted my gaze.
Even the story felt a bit off at times. Like we’d hit more than a few potholes on some backcountry road and now my wheels were out of alignment. A new set of shocks wasn’t entirely out of the question either. But I kept pressing, kept moving forward in the hope that I was wrong. In the end, though, I don’t think I am.
I wanted to believe in this tale, but I lost my faith somewhere along the road, and I couldn’t figure out a way to bring it back.
I received this book for free through NetGalley.
Cross-posted at Robert's Reads
November 30, 2013
This book is so much more than a mystery. I admired the quality of the writing—it has a certain musicality to it, managing to be both lyrical and rhythmic—which, given the subject matter, is quite appropriate. The writing was extraordinarily evocative and I loved the local color throughout. I really felt that I was in the locations—the apartment house, the hotel, Music Row, the carriage house, the trip to SoHo, the speakeasy. The author perfectly captures the sights and sounds of New York City. I recognized some of the locations, but not all, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they are based on real places. I also thought the same about many of the characters, as Gabriele draws them with a knowing insight and wit. And like all of the best crime fiction, this is about so much more than a murder, it’s about the world we live in now.
February 18, 2014
What an excellent book that Joseph J. Gabriele as given us! Right from the start I was drawn in and loved the book. I love to read about intrigue, crime, and murder in NYC where everything just seems more exotic and privileged to me. The author really indulges us in some beautiful descriptions of the Big Apple. I loved the imagery.
This is a murder mystery that you can't entirely figure out before it's revealed to you and I love that. There are a lot of questions along the way and towards the end all is revealed in a realistic way. The author didn't ask us to believe anything that is too far fetched or insult us by writing only with the point of sensationalism.
I enjoyed this book and you will too if you love a good murder mystery and solving the puzzle of a murder in little bits and pieces.
This is a murder mystery that you can't entirely figure out before it's revealed to you and I love that. There are a lot of questions along the way and towards the end all is revealed in a realistic way. The author didn't ask us to believe anything that is too far fetched or insult us by writing only with the point of sensationalism.
I enjoyed this book and you will too if you love a good murder mystery and solving the puzzle of a murder in little bits and pieces.
November 3, 2016
2.5 stars.
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads. The extra .5 stars are for the fab printing of this book (although, I do not understand the *ahem* naked lady on the cover. It was because of her that I guessed the ending. Not cool) and also because the author did not just sign the copy he also wrote a nice personalized note which I thought was really sweet =)
The quality of writing was top notch. Personally, I like simplicity in writing. I don't want to feel like I am sitting in a class with dictionary in hand wondering what so and so word means. It's not a bad thing it's just tedious. But that doesn't mean that it isn't well written. The mystery itself is decent but it ended too abruptly. The killer is revealed and then just like that book ends in the next paragraph. Wait.. WHAT?
The ONLY bad thing was the unnecessary details. On and on and on about streets and food and clothes and restaurants that had absolutely NOTHING to do with the plot. I really wish the editing was crisp. But if you just ignore the details (like I did) and focus on the mystery it is somewhat enjoyable.
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads. The extra .5 stars are for the fab printing of this book (although, I do not understand the *ahem* naked lady on the cover. It was because of her that I guessed the ending. Not cool) and also because the author did not just sign the copy he also wrote a nice personalized note which I thought was really sweet =)
The quality of writing was top notch. Personally, I like simplicity in writing. I don't want to feel like I am sitting in a class with dictionary in hand wondering what so and so word means. It's not a bad thing it's just tedious. But that doesn't mean that it isn't well written. The mystery itself is decent but it ended too abruptly. The killer is revealed and then just like that book ends in the next paragraph. Wait.. WHAT?
The ONLY bad thing was the unnecessary details. On and on and on about streets and food and clothes and restaurants that had absolutely NOTHING to do with the plot. I really wish the editing was crisp. But if you just ignore the details (like I did) and focus on the mystery it is somewhat enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2014
A remarkably fine new author arrives!
Joseph J. Gabriele debuts as an author with a literate, sophisticated and enthralling mystery novel DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS (the title suggests the depth of Gabriele's emersion in literature as a recall of `Les liaisons dangereuses' or `Dangerous Liaisons' - many such reflections of arts and literature pepper this book). As the biographical data on the Internet reveals, `Dangerous Illusions, Joseph J. Gabriele's first work of fiction, is the result of two lifelong passions--writing and music. The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Anne Sexton encouraged his writing while he was still in his teens and suggested he attend Boston University where she was affiliated with the English Department. At a time when Helen Vendler chaired the department, he studied English Language and Literature, launched and edited the "Poetry Page" of the Daily Free Press, and graduated with honors and distinction after writing his senior thesis, "Narrative Technique: Angle of Vision and Point of View." His love of music was fueled, as a child, by classical snare and tympani studies with William Gussak who recorded with Louis Armstrong and Bill Haley, among others. In his teen years, he also studied jazz technique with the legendary drummer and teacher Joe Morello of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, before turning down a recording contract with John Hammond at Columbia Records to pursue an even greater passion for literature at Boston University. Nonetheless, he remains an active member of the Percussive Arts Society. His publishing career includes experience at a number of leading New York trade publishers, including Doubleday & Company, John Wiley & Sons, and Simon & Schuster. He is a member of the Authors Guild and resides in Manhattan.' Is that data pertinent to a review? Yes, when the book under scrutiny gives evidence of such a gifted writer in a debut novel! He deserves our attention.
The book is a murder mystery set in contemporary Manhattan where we meet our narrator, writer and economic historian Eliot Sexton in medias res relating a murder of Eugene Livingston, an act that involves a mystery surrounding a stolen musical instrument of significance. Through the investigation Eliot becomes a suspect and the intricacies of the crimes unravel as we encounter a stunning array of memorable characters. The story is strong and strongly related, but for this reader the true magic is in Gabriele's writing style. The manner in which he mixes all the aspects of his own profound understanding of music and psychology and the English language is best demonstrated by a few excerpts: `As I walked toward them, the ensemble played against the rising sound of the storm in an ostinato pattern filled with uncertainty and irregularity. There were touches of darkness to the chords and flourishes of the piano. The guitarist fretted along unable to maintain his usual level of pensive concentration. The bassist frenetically stroked and plucked the strings of her instrument, struggling to keep pace with the storm.
And a surprisingly terse character description such as the following reveals his skill: `a squad of six uniformed officers descended upon the gathering, aggressively pushing their way through black suits and saffron, vermillion, and indigo dresses. The men were uniform in their official blue attire, in their weaponry, in their substantial bulk, and in the geometry of their shaved round heads. Only the irregular protuberances of the cranium and varying vascular patterns beneath their bare scalps distinguished one officer from another. This shorn uniformity, so often associated with the fascist, the mercenary, the convict, or the psychiatric inmate, seemed to confirm a fraternal order.'
This is smart writing by a welcome new face on the American literary scene. He is young, movie star handsome, and has that special gift with words that assures staying power. Highly Recommended.
Joseph J. Gabriele debuts as an author with a literate, sophisticated and enthralling mystery novel DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS (the title suggests the depth of Gabriele's emersion in literature as a recall of `Les liaisons dangereuses' or `Dangerous Liaisons' - many such reflections of arts and literature pepper this book). As the biographical data on the Internet reveals, `Dangerous Illusions, Joseph J. Gabriele's first work of fiction, is the result of two lifelong passions--writing and music. The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Anne Sexton encouraged his writing while he was still in his teens and suggested he attend Boston University where she was affiliated with the English Department. At a time when Helen Vendler chaired the department, he studied English Language and Literature, launched and edited the "Poetry Page" of the Daily Free Press, and graduated with honors and distinction after writing his senior thesis, "Narrative Technique: Angle of Vision and Point of View." His love of music was fueled, as a child, by classical snare and tympani studies with William Gussak who recorded with Louis Armstrong and Bill Haley, among others. In his teen years, he also studied jazz technique with the legendary drummer and teacher Joe Morello of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, before turning down a recording contract with John Hammond at Columbia Records to pursue an even greater passion for literature at Boston University. Nonetheless, he remains an active member of the Percussive Arts Society. His publishing career includes experience at a number of leading New York trade publishers, including Doubleday & Company, John Wiley & Sons, and Simon & Schuster. He is a member of the Authors Guild and resides in Manhattan.' Is that data pertinent to a review? Yes, when the book under scrutiny gives evidence of such a gifted writer in a debut novel! He deserves our attention.
The book is a murder mystery set in contemporary Manhattan where we meet our narrator, writer and economic historian Eliot Sexton in medias res relating a murder of Eugene Livingston, an act that involves a mystery surrounding a stolen musical instrument of significance. Through the investigation Eliot becomes a suspect and the intricacies of the crimes unravel as we encounter a stunning array of memorable characters. The story is strong and strongly related, but for this reader the true magic is in Gabriele's writing style. The manner in which he mixes all the aspects of his own profound understanding of music and psychology and the English language is best demonstrated by a few excerpts: `As I walked toward them, the ensemble played against the rising sound of the storm in an ostinato pattern filled with uncertainty and irregularity. There were touches of darkness to the chords and flourishes of the piano. The guitarist fretted along unable to maintain his usual level of pensive concentration. The bassist frenetically stroked and plucked the strings of her instrument, struggling to keep pace with the storm.
And a surprisingly terse character description such as the following reveals his skill: `a squad of six uniformed officers descended upon the gathering, aggressively pushing their way through black suits and saffron, vermillion, and indigo dresses. The men were uniform in their official blue attire, in their weaponry, in their substantial bulk, and in the geometry of their shaved round heads. Only the irregular protuberances of the cranium and varying vascular patterns beneath their bare scalps distinguished one officer from another. This shorn uniformity, so often associated with the fascist, the mercenary, the convict, or the psychiatric inmate, seemed to confirm a fraternal order.'
This is smart writing by a welcome new face on the American literary scene. He is young, movie star handsome, and has that special gift with words that assures staying power. Highly Recommended.
January 20, 2018
It is truly very hard for me to write this opinion, because it´s not a good one. As it was an offer from the author and his first novel, it makes it even harder, and perhaps that is the reason I took so long to write it.
After reading the first pages of the book I was fascinated, and thought: "This is going be great!". But then I just don´t know what happen. Instead of continuing the story line, it goes off to telling us so many unrelated side stories that I just lost track. A tedious reading of many extras like sex and his many sexual adventures, or about musical instruments, that have nothing to do with the story and that messes up the story structure in a way that at some point I had forgot what it was all about. It is obvious that the author knows a lot about music and musical instruments, and about all other stuff, but this does not mean that he has to write it all down in one book...
And then the conclusion, the ending... just off again. I really don´t know what happened with this book, because it´s not a bad story, but all the timings seem to be wrong. It´s really a pitty because this author can definitely write, there´s no doubt about that. His writing is spot on. Then how come, a good writer with a good story can write a bad book? I really don´t know, but I think is has to do with the sequence of the story telling, the structure of the book, the pace, and maybe having to much "fillers" that make the story boring and uninteresting, with none of the queue moments or twists a mystery novel should have. Really dissapointing. A book I don´t reccomend to anyone.
For the complete blog post about this book, please visit http://linkedbooks.blogspot.pt/2018/0...
After reading the first pages of the book I was fascinated, and thought: "This is going be great!". But then I just don´t know what happen. Instead of continuing the story line, it goes off to telling us so many unrelated side stories that I just lost track. A tedious reading of many extras like sex and his many sexual adventures, or about musical instruments, that have nothing to do with the story and that messes up the story structure in a way that at some point I had forgot what it was all about. It is obvious that the author knows a lot about music and musical instruments, and about all other stuff, but this does not mean that he has to write it all down in one book...
And then the conclusion, the ending... just off again. I really don´t know what happened with this book, because it´s not a bad story, but all the timings seem to be wrong. It´s really a pitty because this author can definitely write, there´s no doubt about that. His writing is spot on. Then how come, a good writer with a good story can write a bad book? I really don´t know, but I think is has to do with the sequence of the story telling, the structure of the book, the pace, and maybe having to much "fillers" that make the story boring and uninteresting, with none of the queue moments or twists a mystery novel should have. Really dissapointing. A book I don´t reccomend to anyone.
For the complete blog post about this book, please visit http://linkedbooks.blogspot.pt/2018/0...
March 19, 2014
Seduction, mystery, murder…
I enjoyed reading this book, but I didn't love it. I have to say the descriptions are quite well done, I could feel the emotions, the flavors, and the author took me to New York City. I have never been there, but I could see each detail. So, it was pretty amazing. The writing is intriguing, but there are many unnecessary descriptions throughout the book (why I didn’t love it).
I could never imagine the end; although the killer was one of the characters I thought it could be, I didn't figure out the motive for the murder until the end. I couldn’t stop reading; I needed to know the end, which was unpredictable! I believe if the publisher had cut some details out of the book (that is great) it would be excellent.
I have never read Joseph J. Gabrielle, and I want to read more. Joseph, your book is fascinating! You give us mystery, history, romance, and your writing sparks a desire to keep reading. Congrats!
By the way, chapter XI makes my mouth water. When I visit NYC, the Oyster Bar will be my first choice, for sure! Brazilian Kisses :-)
I enjoyed reading this book, but I didn't love it. I have to say the descriptions are quite well done, I could feel the emotions, the flavors, and the author took me to New York City. I have never been there, but I could see each detail. So, it was pretty amazing. The writing is intriguing, but there are many unnecessary descriptions throughout the book (why I didn’t love it).
I could never imagine the end; although the killer was one of the characters I thought it could be, I didn't figure out the motive for the murder until the end. I couldn’t stop reading; I needed to know the end, which was unpredictable! I believe if the publisher had cut some details out of the book (that is great) it would be excellent.
I have never read Joseph J. Gabrielle, and I want to read more. Joseph, your book is fascinating! You give us mystery, history, romance, and your writing sparks a desire to keep reading. Congrats!
By the way, chapter XI makes my mouth water. When I visit NYC, the Oyster Bar will be my first choice, for sure! Brazilian Kisses :-)
September 10, 2016
Seductive and Compelling......
“Dangerous Illusions,” the first novel by Joseph J. Gabriele, has a sensuous seductive pull that draws you into the story, slowly narrowing the fascinating cast of characters and suspects until you find you’re furiously reading the last few pages to find out who and why. I found myself mesmerized by these people and their lives and I sincerely hope the author see fit to create more stories around some or all of these unique individuals.
As a particular fan of noir, I found this novel to embody more of the atmosphere and language of that genre than novels that are actually billed as such. New York City became its own character and I found myself wrapped in her embrace as I walked the streets along with the protagonist. From the glitz and glamour of the upper echelon to the grimy underbelly lurking just beneath the surface, this story will take you on a ride you won’t want to miss.
“Dangerous Illusions,” the first novel by Joseph J. Gabriele, has a sensuous seductive pull that draws you into the story, slowly narrowing the fascinating cast of characters and suspects until you find you’re furiously reading the last few pages to find out who and why. I found myself mesmerized by these people and their lives and I sincerely hope the author see fit to create more stories around some or all of these unique individuals.
As a particular fan of noir, I found this novel to embody more of the atmosphere and language of that genre than novels that are actually billed as such. New York City became its own character and I found myself wrapped in her embrace as I walked the streets along with the protagonist. From the glitz and glamour of the upper echelon to the grimy underbelly lurking just beneath the surface, this story will take you on a ride you won’t want to miss.
February 23, 2014
A fascinating read filled with vivid and exciting characters that have their own eccentricities. I loved the way that the mystery was developed, and all the complexities that surrounded the mystery of the murder.
Many crime books develop characters that are very predictable and behave in much the same way as in other books. This is far from the case in Dangerous Illusions, and the characters that the author develops are truly unique, which makes the book even more interesting to read and turns it into an in-depth novel that goes beyond other novels in the genre.
Although some people complain about it, I personally loved the level of description in Dangerous Illusions. It added important character to the story and made the events seem more realistic and exciting.
Many crime books develop characters that are very predictable and behave in much the same way as in other books. This is far from the case in Dangerous Illusions, and the characters that the author develops are truly unique, which makes the book even more interesting to read and turns it into an in-depth novel that goes beyond other novels in the genre.
Although some people complain about it, I personally loved the level of description in Dangerous Illusions. It added important character to the story and made the events seem more realistic and exciting.
February 25, 2014
I’ve read this book in two days, completely hooked by the story. It’s a mystery book but I agree with Barbara another reader, it’s more than that: the characters are great, with a real psychology and the atmosphere really amazing and vivid. I liked the way the author introduced the characters and their constant evolution through the novel. I learned a lot of things about drums, about music, about how you can be found “guilty” even if you’re not and the way the author developed this point of view all along the story. I like that nothing is predictable and I didn’t find the murderer before the end, so for me it was a good mystery book and I’ve really enjoyed my reading.
Un très bon roman, que je conseille à tous ceux qui aiment le mystère et une bonne intrigue avec des personnages à la psychologie travaillée. J’ai été complètement happée par l’histoire et j’ai lu ce livre en un week-end. C’est un roman qui va bien au-delà d’un simple policier grâce à une écriture particulièrement vivante et énergique, à des personnages vraiment intéressants et à une intrigue complètement maîtrisée. Je ne me suis pas ennuyée un seul moment, j’ai appris plein de choses sur les percussions, sur la music… et je me suis aussi souvent amusée à la lecture de certaines scènes, dont quelques-unes plutôt sexy qui dédramatisent un peu l’ambiance du moment. C’est un livre plein de surprises et de rebondissements, à chaque fois que je pensais avoir trouvé le coupable un nouveau fait venait contredire mon raisonnement et j’ai été complètement bluffée jusqu’au bout de l’histoire. J’ai vraiment apprécié les personnages, que ce soit les personnages principaux ou secondaires, c’est une vraie galerie de portraits que nous présente l’auteur avec une préférence pour toutes les femmes qui gravitent autour du personnage principal. Une très bonne lecture que je conseille vraiment. Le seul point négatif, la couverture qui ne représente pas du tout le propos du livre et qui donne à penser que l’on est dans une histoire de femme kidnappée et détenue dans le noir… ce qui n’a rien à voir avec le roman. Mais c’est peut-être une couverture provisoire ?
Un très bon roman, que je conseille à tous ceux qui aiment le mystère et une bonne intrigue avec des personnages à la psychologie travaillée. J’ai été complètement happée par l’histoire et j’ai lu ce livre en un week-end. C’est un roman qui va bien au-delà d’un simple policier grâce à une écriture particulièrement vivante et énergique, à des personnages vraiment intéressants et à une intrigue complètement maîtrisée. Je ne me suis pas ennuyée un seul moment, j’ai appris plein de choses sur les percussions, sur la music… et je me suis aussi souvent amusée à la lecture de certaines scènes, dont quelques-unes plutôt sexy qui dédramatisent un peu l’ambiance du moment. C’est un livre plein de surprises et de rebondissements, à chaque fois que je pensais avoir trouvé le coupable un nouveau fait venait contredire mon raisonnement et j’ai été complètement bluffée jusqu’au bout de l’histoire. J’ai vraiment apprécié les personnages, que ce soit les personnages principaux ou secondaires, c’est une vraie galerie de portraits que nous présente l’auteur avec une préférence pour toutes les femmes qui gravitent autour du personnage principal. Une très bonne lecture que je conseille vraiment. Le seul point négatif, la couverture qui ne représente pas du tout le propos du livre et qui donne à penser que l’on est dans une histoire de femme kidnappée et détenue dans le noir… ce qui n’a rien à voir avec le roman. Mais c’est peut-être une couverture provisoire ?
February 28, 2014
I was disappointed with the direction of Gabriele's first novel. It starts out with a murder of a former diplomat at the home of a wealthy author and publisher. Sexton writes economic books, sort of a dry subject for most. But he is also an expert on drums, a fun topic for certain musicians.
Enter Detective Graelik, one of the NYPD's best, yeah, not really. This police detective is one of the worst I have ever read about. He never looked into the murder. He instead looked into the theft of a set of priceless drums that happened at the same time.
You would think that the murder of a former U.S. Diplomat would bring in the FBI or some other Federal Agency. It for sure should get the attention of the NYPD. But no, Detective Graelik is more concerned with the loss of drums, the sex life of Sexton, the wealth of those involved and many other mundane things.
The book hardly ever returns to the murder of the diplomat until the end. Instead it takes us through a history of drums. It takes us through what different drum sets are. It takes us through who the best drummers were. And, it takes us through the whims of a neurotic millionaire sister-in-law of the dead diplomat.
Why not solve the murder? Instead we read mundane trivia about a police detective, lost drums and the shattered lives of over indulgent people.
Sorry, I didn't get it. Should have called it a book about the history of drums instead of a book about a murder mystery.
The writing was over indulgent. It went on and on and on (almost like my review) to the point where you are sick of reading and just push through to the next chapter hopeful that we will return to the murder mystery.
Well, sorry, I just didn't like it. I doubt I will be inclined to read another novel by Gabriele.
Enter Detective Graelik, one of the NYPD's best, yeah, not really. This police detective is one of the worst I have ever read about. He never looked into the murder. He instead looked into the theft of a set of priceless drums that happened at the same time.
You would think that the murder of a former U.S. Diplomat would bring in the FBI or some other Federal Agency. It for sure should get the attention of the NYPD. But no, Detective Graelik is more concerned with the loss of drums, the sex life of Sexton, the wealth of those involved and many other mundane things.
The book hardly ever returns to the murder of the diplomat until the end. Instead it takes us through a history of drums. It takes us through what different drum sets are. It takes us through who the best drummers were. And, it takes us through the whims of a neurotic millionaire sister-in-law of the dead diplomat.
Why not solve the murder? Instead we read mundane trivia about a police detective, lost drums and the shattered lives of over indulgent people.
Sorry, I didn't get it. Should have called it a book about the history of drums instead of a book about a murder mystery.
The writing was over indulgent. It went on and on and on (almost like my review) to the point where you are sick of reading and just push through to the next chapter hopeful that we will return to the murder mystery.
Well, sorry, I just didn't like it. I doubt I will be inclined to read another novel by Gabriele.
September 4, 2014
Truly enternaining, a great read without too many pages.
Eliot, a high society new-yorker finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation after one guest is killed in a party he was holding - and a collection of cymbals stolen. As police officers are more likely to persue the witnesses then the criminal, Eliot goes through difficult times with unusual coolness, but the real murderer is out there...
The whole story is filled with information that shows or a great deal of research, or that the author has many interests in history, music and architecture as his character. The manner of writing was adequate to the gender, not too prolixious or too concise, just the necessary.
Got the advanced review copy in the giveaway section, Mr. Gabriele was kind enough to sign my book.
Sorry for any misspells.
Eliot, a high society new-yorker finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation after one guest is killed in a party he was holding - and a collection of cymbals stolen. As police officers are more likely to persue the witnesses then the criminal, Eliot goes through difficult times with unusual coolness, but the real murderer is out there...
The whole story is filled with information that shows or a great deal of research, or that the author has many interests in history, music and architecture as his character. The manner of writing was adequate to the gender, not too prolixious or too concise, just the necessary.
Got the advanced review copy in the giveaway section, Mr. Gabriele was kind enough to sign my book.
Sorry for any misspells.
August 10, 2016
Dangerous Illusions by Joseph J. Gabriele is a differently crafted story which is beyond the realm of crime and mystery. As a debutant novelist, Joseph J. Gabriele is refreshingly different, and offers the reader a totally different take on crime and mystery through expressive writing which is a rarity in this genre. This will be a great delight and surprise to many readers.
The story is intense, captivating and believable, and the characters are fascinating. It is a well-written story with unexpected twists and turns which has the strength to pull you in. Though the story revolves around a murder mystery, Joseph J. Gabriele has the courage to paint a stark picture of the world we live in today through Dangerous Illusions. Try it out!
The story is intense, captivating and believable, and the characters are fascinating. It is a well-written story with unexpected twists and turns which has the strength to pull you in. Though the story revolves around a murder mystery, Joseph J. Gabriele has the courage to paint a stark picture of the world we live in today through Dangerous Illusions. Try it out!
July 12, 2014
This is definitely one of the best modern crime novels I've ever read. It was entirely unpredictable and the narration was so wickedly cheeky and dark and irreverent that I would have to say it has more in common with Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler and Patricia Highsmith than with the average meat-and-potatoes mystery cranked out today. There was a refreshing intelligence to the novel that reminded me of the best Scandinavian Noir by Mankell, Nesbo, or Larsson, an intelligence so often lacking in American mysteries. This is certainly the best American crime novel I've read since Gone Girl. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2014
Yes I got the book I won in the mail today. It was signed and had a card in it with a lovely message from the author. Thank you mr. Joseph J. Gabrielle for picking me as one of the winners of your beautiful book. I can't wait to start reading!!
Wow what a great book. I couldn't stop reading this morning and I'm actually a little sad because I finished it. But what a great read!! Thank you Joseph Gabrielle for picking me to read your wonderful and mysterious book. Please keep writing and I will read them. Thank you.
Wow what a great book. I couldn't stop reading this morning and I'm actually a little sad because I finished it. But what a great read!! Thank you Joseph Gabrielle for picking me to read your wonderful and mysterious book. Please keep writing and I will read them. Thank you.
January 6, 2014
Great mystery. Very intense. Very atmospheric. Very noir. Thanks to the snow storm, I read this in as close to one sitting as you can get. It’s a fast read that starts in a dark place and picks up speed like a locomotive.
Never once expected what was coming next. Just when I thought I knew, something entirely different would happen, not the opposite either, but something outrageously different that I never would have imagined in a million years, but that was perfect. And I certainly never expected the final twist.
Very tasty! Loved it. Can’t wait for more.
Never once expected what was coming next. Just when I thought I knew, something entirely different would happen, not the opposite either, but something outrageously different that I never would have imagined in a million years, but that was perfect. And I certainly never expected the final twist.
Very tasty! Loved it. Can’t wait for more.
November 20, 2013
This is a well-crafted Manhattan murder mystery that both celebrates and subverts the genre. As such, I think it surprises and delights by both giving you what you want, but giving it to you in a way that you don’t expect. This was not only a good mystery, this was a very well written novel. There are no explosions or car chases, just a fascinating set of characters cut loose in a refreshingly original and believable story. And when I say cut loose, I really mean cut loose.
February 12, 2014
I loved this book by Joseph J. Gabriele. I thought it was amazing, a beautifully written mystery filled with suspense and intrigue.
It wasn't a book that drops you right in the middle of the action but a book that leads you to it. A rare gem in a genre where it is sure to stand out. Undeniably entertaining, Dangerous Illusions quickly will move to the top of your favorites pile.
It wasn't a book that drops you right in the middle of the action but a book that leads you to it. A rare gem in a genre where it is sure to stand out. Undeniably entertaining, Dangerous Illusions quickly will move to the top of your favorites pile.
November 8, 2014
The story Interesting and have a good pace. Its very good read for me.
August 6, 2017
I received an Advance Review Copy (for free) from the author through Goodreads’ First Reads.
This novel is quite different from other thrillers.Usually, we experience the action through the eyes of a detective but this novel is different because we follow the prime suspect.
Eliot is an accomplished journalist currently working on the history of the banking system in the US, but his world turns upside down when his friend is found brutally murdered and expensive drums stolen in his apartment during a party.The authorities are perplexed not because of the murder but also because there is not a motive behind the criminal act.
The novel has a characteristic that makes it both good and bad at the same time. Unlike other thrillers that I have read, that have (many a times) paper-thin characters, Dangerous Illusions has a rich characterization. Much thought has been given to the histories and personalities of the different characters that allow the reader to know them to a likable extent.
The author describes every scene in great detail. The descriptions are so vivid that one actually feels that he/she is at the described location. Moreover, the emotions and feel that accompany the different places are rich and ‘tangible’. To some extent, this enriches the narrative but I found some descriptions superfluous and unnecessary. At one point, the author gives a 2-PAGE description of a musical instruments shop.I don’t think many people would know about the instruments; that is why I skipped such descriptions.
Perhaps as a reviewer has said, the USP of this novel is that it is not only about a murder case but it also talks about the world, capitalism, and lifestyles. The discussion will probably make you think about the author’s views at least once.
The ending was quite a shock; I loved it.It was quite unexpected.The author deserves commendation for creating such a surprising end to the story.
If you are looking for a thriller that is different, this is the right story for you, but if you are looking for a fast-paced one you should read some other book.
This novel is quite different from other thrillers.Usually, we experience the action through the eyes of a detective but this novel is different because we follow the prime suspect.
Eliot is an accomplished journalist currently working on the history of the banking system in the US, but his world turns upside down when his friend is found brutally murdered and expensive drums stolen in his apartment during a party.The authorities are perplexed not because of the murder but also because there is not a motive behind the criminal act.
The novel has a characteristic that makes it both good and bad at the same time. Unlike other thrillers that I have read, that have (many a times) paper-thin characters, Dangerous Illusions has a rich characterization. Much thought has been given to the histories and personalities of the different characters that allow the reader to know them to a likable extent.
The author describes every scene in great detail. The descriptions are so vivid that one actually feels that he/she is at the described location. Moreover, the emotions and feel that accompany the different places are rich and ‘tangible’. To some extent, this enriches the narrative but I found some descriptions superfluous and unnecessary. At one point, the author gives a 2-PAGE description of a musical instruments shop.I don’t think many people would know about the instruments; that is why I skipped such descriptions.
Perhaps as a reviewer has said, the USP of this novel is that it is not only about a murder case but it also talks about the world, capitalism, and lifestyles. The discussion will probably make you think about the author’s views at least once.
The ending was quite a shock; I loved it.It was quite unexpected.The author deserves commendation for creating such a surprising end to the story.
If you are looking for a thriller that is different, this is the right story for you, but if you are looking for a fast-paced one you should read some other book.
October 30, 2016
The first time I read book from Joseph J. Gabrielle. The writing was good, but in the end that’s revealed something not make me surprised and bit felt off. When it revelaed who is the murder and what the motivation to killed. The writing is intriguing, but there are many unnecessary descriptions throughout the book. However but, topic of murder, history, thriller, mystery, and sensual fit enough blended in this book.
I received this book for free through Goodreads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads.
May 18, 2014
In his first fiction work, Joseph Gabriele, a veteran of the publishing industry, shows himself to be quite an author with his novel "Dangerous Illusions."
Tautly written, "Dangerous Illusions" has plenty to keep you guessing exactly "whodunnit" and why. Briefly, the novel revolves around award-winning economist Eliot Secton's latest work, where he describes the failure of the current banking system. At the pre-launch book release party two things go horribly wrong:
* The first is the murder of Eugene Livingston, brother of key character, Charles and key to the vast Livingston holdings.
* Then there is Charles' greedy gold-digging wife Kate, wife, also a lawyer like her husband, who has decided that she deserves the Livingston holdings.
Though the family decided where everything should go:
* Giving the family manse to The National Historic Trust, for example
* Donating a $75 million load of first edition books to the right spots (father Livingston was a library curator and book-lover and wanted to make sure the books ended up in the public domain).
* A $50 million cellar full of fine wines.
Kate decides she deserves everything. Tough she is being given a seven-figure living, she finds a new concept called luxury penury. (Because she is rich, she not only deserves her millions, but everyone else's, as well her own so she will inevitably try to break the will).
Meanwhile, our hero, Eliot is told she is going of this plan to break the will, written before Eugene's untimely demise in Eliot's office.
Eliot has been chosen as executor of the megamillion dollar empire that includes first editions of rare books, rare musical instruments, property and more. He is also considered a suspect Eugene's murder, though, at the time of the murder he was hosting a party and then later he was living out every man's fantasy, working with his mistresses and having fun. His alibi seems air-tight.
If you've seen any TV murder mysteries, you know there has to be a motive, so what is Eliot's? He has more money, it seems than Croesus and though his taste in women runs to beauty, current marriages notwithstanding, why would he do in his friend? So, just what was the reason for Eugene's demise?
Did Eliot have it in for Eugene, though he was named executor of the estate? That seems unlikely as the executor must be someone trusted and above reproach. So, if it isn't Eliot, even as the police seem to be trying to prove that it is (why let the facts stand in the way of a good arrest?)!
Was it the last-minute codicil changing the beneficiary list?
Kate thought it was aimed at her, but it was actually to be a wedding gift for Eugene's fiancée, whom he was going to name at the party.
Then, of course, the single Eliot is having multiple affairs - all very above board, as the mistresses know each other and their family troubles.
(The police detective doesn't look kindly on a man having affairs with married women, single women, his editor (Blair) and others.
That would be Detective Garelik, often the subject of DA and other probes because there are times he has more confessions than he has suspects, who is out to prove two things, Eliot stole a very valuable set of drums from himself to collect the insurance money (although logic would dictate otherwise! Since Eliot is also wealthy why would he do both deeds? There was no need, but in Det. Garelik's tunnelized view of the world, Eliot was the chief suspect, even with all the mitigating facts and an air-tight alibi (he was hosting a party).
Det. Garelik, who has a spy among the building doormen, has a real problem with proper procedure and tramples peoples' rights. He doesn't care as long he gets results.
There are so many possible perps in this book that you need a score sheet to keep track of who the "suspect of the hour" may be.
Gabriele's talent is enough to do two things:
1. Keep you reading until you've reached the end of the book.
2. Drive yourself batty trying to figure out who did it (we do find out in the end, but you'll have to read this work to find out).
For a first work, Gabriele has written a taut, suspense-filled murder/theft mystery with more suspects than a Sherlock Holmes classic. You would never know that he has never written a fiction work before, as he is a natural, although we suspect it took him lots of effort to make the book so good. It always takes lots of work to make things look easy.
His characters are fully formed and the characterization and dialogue are excellent. Yes, a guy living every man's fantasy life is a bit much, but he can be forgiven that because this is just one good novel.
We suspect we'll continue to hear good things about Gabriele and hope there are other works in him that are just as good as this one.
April 12, 2015
I can honestly say that I don’t like the noir genre and although this book is listed as a mystery & thriller it has noir elements – incompetent and corrupt cops, femme fetales, high society, a dark underbelly just below the surface, and the ubiquitous hero who in this case is also a victim and the narrator who reveals the plot oh so gradually.
For a first time novelist this author had produced a fairly gripping book. The characters are well formed and unique. The writing is also good but on the whole the novel is let down by the fact that the murder is not investigated to its fullest being mentioned briefly and then returned to at the end of the novel in a rather rushed ending leaving too many unanswered questions and loose ends.
Plus the author does tend to stop the action for pages long descriptions of rooms and musical instruments, reminiscent of HG Wells. Yes I can understand scene setting but the depth to which this author went describing a drum shop was excruciating and then the music room – we all get that you know your drums, the protagonist is writing a book about it, that should be enough said. We don’t need to know the ins and outs of which symbol was how old or which drum had which cover and in what colour! (The author clearly knows about drums (and music) but does he have to prove it to the reader?) These lengthy descriptions add nothing to the plot, take up the readers’ time and detract from any suspense that has already been established.
That said I continued with this novel as I am a compulsive book finisher but I did start skimming some of these descriptions. There were many twists and turns in this novel but something felt off – possibly the fact that I didn’t like the noir genre.
This debut book had loads of potential but for this reader fell short of the expectation having read the back cover blurb. This reader felt that the time spent reading this book was wasted and never able to be recouped.
Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
For a first time novelist this author had produced a fairly gripping book. The characters are well formed and unique. The writing is also good but on the whole the novel is let down by the fact that the murder is not investigated to its fullest being mentioned briefly and then returned to at the end of the novel in a rather rushed ending leaving too many unanswered questions and loose ends.
Plus the author does tend to stop the action for pages long descriptions of rooms and musical instruments, reminiscent of HG Wells. Yes I can understand scene setting but the depth to which this author went describing a drum shop was excruciating and then the music room – we all get that you know your drums, the protagonist is writing a book about it, that should be enough said. We don’t need to know the ins and outs of which symbol was how old or which drum had which cover and in what colour! (The author clearly knows about drums (and music) but does he have to prove it to the reader?) These lengthy descriptions add nothing to the plot, take up the readers’ time and detract from any suspense that has already been established.
That said I continued with this novel as I am a compulsive book finisher but I did start skimming some of these descriptions. There were many twists and turns in this novel but something felt off – possibly the fact that I didn’t like the noir genre.
This debut book had loads of potential but for this reader fell short of the expectation having read the back cover blurb. This reader felt that the time spent reading this book was wasted and never able to be recouped.
Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
May 1, 2014
This novel is about a murder that happens right in the middle of an upper-class Manhattan dinner party.
Eliot is the author of a couple of well-regarded books on economics. He lives in a fancy apartment building, with a doorman, and actual elevator operators. During the dinner party, Eugene, a member of the Mayor's administration and a former diplomat, is found dead in Eliot's office. An extremely valuable set of drums is missing (Eliot is working on writing a history of drums). Detective Garielik of the NYPD is a no-nonsense type who is convinced that everyone is guilty (not all at the same time). He asks very pointed questions of everyone involved, including the staff of the apartment building.
Charles is related to Eugene. His wife, Kate, is a lawyer and an overbearing you-know-what who loudly proclaims her anger at not being named executrix of Eugene's will, and at learning that she will get little or nothing of Eugene's considerable assets. Blair is a beautiful woman with several years of government service. She is in New York working for a jerk of a boss, and has developed a major drinking problem. There are a couple of other loveless marriages going on. A couple of times, Detective Garielik thinks that he has found the drums (they are much too valuable to go through the local pawn shop), but Eliot takes one look at them and says No.
As a murder mystery, this book does not work. The was no feeling of needing to keep reading to find out whodunit. It works better, but not much better, as a book about members of Manhattan's upper class. The reader will certainly learn more than they ever wanted to know about drums. Personally, the last quarter of the book, aside from the revelation of the killer (and thief) is the best part of the book. Ultimately, this book is not worth the time.
Eliot is the author of a couple of well-regarded books on economics. He lives in a fancy apartment building, with a doorman, and actual elevator operators. During the dinner party, Eugene, a member of the Mayor's administration and a former diplomat, is found dead in Eliot's office. An extremely valuable set of drums is missing (Eliot is working on writing a history of drums). Detective Garielik of the NYPD is a no-nonsense type who is convinced that everyone is guilty (not all at the same time). He asks very pointed questions of everyone involved, including the staff of the apartment building.
Charles is related to Eugene. His wife, Kate, is a lawyer and an overbearing you-know-what who loudly proclaims her anger at not being named executrix of Eugene's will, and at learning that she will get little or nothing of Eugene's considerable assets. Blair is a beautiful woman with several years of government service. She is in New York working for a jerk of a boss, and has developed a major drinking problem. There are a couple of other loveless marriages going on. A couple of times, Detective Garielik thinks that he has found the drums (they are much too valuable to go through the local pawn shop), but Eliot takes one look at them and says No.
As a murder mystery, this book does not work. The was no feeling of needing to keep reading to find out whodunit. It works better, but not much better, as a book about members of Manhattan's upper class. The reader will certainly learn more than they ever wanted to know about drums. Personally, the last quarter of the book, aside from the revelation of the killer (and thief) is the best part of the book. Ultimately, this book is not worth the time.
August 15, 2017
It has been a while since I read a book that gave me an intellectual response. I actually found myself trying to figure out what this book is really about. The author begins in a noir like fashion with a murder scene. Unfortunately, there is a slew of architectural depictions of New York buildings, mini history lessons and character backgrounds for seemingly minor characters.
I was forced to sit back and think about what I had just read and came to a conclusion. The book isn't a mystery, though there is a mystery in the book. The book is actually a social commentary on corruption and how people going through the process of corruption don't stand up and fight against it.
I'd like to compare the narrator to Nick Carraway from THE GREAT GATSBY (I can't believe I remember his name after close to ten years). In the GREAT GATSBY we don't really know much about the narrator unless his background is intertwined with the other characters. Which is the case with Eliot Sexton. It is in this way that the author introduces the reader into being the narrator.
Instead of having a character as the main focal in DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS, Joseph J. Gabriele introduces New York as the main character. Hence the many architectural and historical references of New York.
I never meant to write a mini book report, but this book actually inspired me to do just that. It hasn't been since college that I was actively excited about tearing apart the book and finding the meaning. If you are looking for an intellectual read, this is a book for you. But, if you've been reading pluff and are more of a pluff reader (which I do a lot of), then it's not going to hurt you if you don't bother.
I was forced to sit back and think about what I had just read and came to a conclusion. The book isn't a mystery, though there is a mystery in the book. The book is actually a social commentary on corruption and how people going through the process of corruption don't stand up and fight against it.
I'd like to compare the narrator to Nick Carraway from THE GREAT GATSBY (I can't believe I remember his name after close to ten years). In the GREAT GATSBY we don't really know much about the narrator unless his background is intertwined with the other characters. Which is the case with Eliot Sexton. It is in this way that the author introduces the reader into being the narrator.
Instead of having a character as the main focal in DANGEROUS ILLUSIONS, Joseph J. Gabriele introduces New York as the main character. Hence the many architectural and historical references of New York.
I never meant to write a mini book report, but this book actually inspired me to do just that. It hasn't been since college that I was actively excited about tearing apart the book and finding the meaning. If you are looking for an intellectual read, this is a book for you. But, if you've been reading pluff and are more of a pluff reader (which I do a lot of), then it's not going to hurt you if you don't bother.
April 13, 2014
I have no idea why all of these other readers gave this book 4 stars and 5 stars. The book is awful. For starters, it's too long due to the fact that the author's descriptions are overly wordy and go on for pages and pages of unnecessary blabber. It's not just details, it's details of details. Reminds me of the overly wordy, drone on, Twilight books only this author has a much better vocabulary.
Then there are the characters. I didn't care about any of them. I had to force myself to finish this to give it an honest review. I seriously didn't want to just abandon it but I was close many times. Detective Garelik was an awful character. Okay here's a dead guy but he's going to investigate the missing expensive drums instead? Oh and the dead guy? He's some kind of diplomat. So where's the Diplomatic Security Service of the State Department?
Then there's the ending. Not terrible but "BOOM!"…..reveal killer of dead guy.
I was really looking forward to reading this book because I'm a musician and have been my whole life. So the idea of reading a murder mystery that includes the disappearance of a cool instrument sounded really great. Instead I got a travel guide of NYC, a lot of detail about a set of drums and no real mystery writing formula. I will give kudos for vocabulary. The author is either extremely knowledgable about words in general or he has a really fabulous thesaurus.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Then there are the characters. I didn't care about any of them. I had to force myself to finish this to give it an honest review. I seriously didn't want to just abandon it but I was close many times. Detective Garelik was an awful character. Okay here's a dead guy but he's going to investigate the missing expensive drums instead? Oh and the dead guy? He's some kind of diplomat. So where's the Diplomatic Security Service of the State Department?
Then there's the ending. Not terrible but "BOOM!"…..reveal killer of dead guy.
I was really looking forward to reading this book because I'm a musician and have been my whole life. So the idea of reading a murder mystery that includes the disappearance of a cool instrument sounded really great. Instead I got a travel guide of NYC, a lot of detail about a set of drums and no real mystery writing formula. I will give kudos for vocabulary. The author is either extremely knowledgable about words in general or he has a really fabulous thesaurus.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2019
I'm not sure how I felt about this book. The mystery itself was good until the end, but I found myself zoning out at all of the long-winded lists and descriptions (i.e. every single instrument in the drum shop/warehouse, and every stick of furniture in the antique store). Also, what was the purpose of the three page tangent with the card table? I can't for the life of me figure out how that fit into the story. I feel like there were a lot of loose ends left and most of the characters were painfully one-dimensional (there was no explanation given for the attitude of the detective, and what was the deal with that sleazy doorman?). I understand having other character behave suspiciously to keep the reader guessing, but there was no explanation. Why didn't Big John show up for work? Why was Giles being such an ass? What happened with Kate and Charles? NONE of these questions were answered. Then the story just...ended. Blair seemed to do a complete 180 and go completely insane in the last few pages of the book (and I understand it's New York, but I'm pretty sure someone would be arrested or at the very least kicked out for exposing oneself on a bar, no matter how hot they are). She reveals herself as the killer, gets shot, and then the book is over. I feel that if the ridiculously detailed descriptions were replaced with things that were actually relevant to the plot, this book would have been MUCH better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2015
Dangerous Illusions is a really interesting mystery. Joseph Gabriele wastes no time in putting his readers right into the mysterious death that occurs in our main character's ritzy NY apartment. Gabriele's descriptions of New York City are worth the read alone. I am not familiar with NYC-having only been there once--but I really felt the city in the book. I enjoy mysteries where place becomes its own character and it is clear that Gabriele knows the city and enjoys writing about it. This is a short and fast-paced read, so it is a credit to Gabriele that he gives us so much place in so few, well-placed words.
There are a lot of folks to keep track of in the mystery and I don't want to give too much away, but readers are treated to a number of possible suspects. As a frequent mystery reader, I really did not see the ending coming, which pleased me. I thought I had it figured out, but was wrong and I LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS in a book.
This would be a great book to read on your way to a NYC weekend while traveling or even if you just need a mini-vacation from where you are at, which drinking a steaming cup of coffee, listening to The Beatles. (You'll know why I suggest the Beatles once you start reading.) It does not take that long to read, but still get the satisfaction of a well-written, smart mystery.
I have to tell you that my copy of Dangerous Illusions was provided to me free of charge by Goodreads FirstReads program.
There are a lot of folks to keep track of in the mystery and I don't want to give too much away, but readers are treated to a number of possible suspects. As a frequent mystery reader, I really did not see the ending coming, which pleased me. I thought I had it figured out, but was wrong and I LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS in a book.
This would be a great book to read on your way to a NYC weekend while traveling or even if you just need a mini-vacation from where you are at, which drinking a steaming cup of coffee, listening to The Beatles. (You'll know why I suggest the Beatles once you start reading.) It does not take that long to read, but still get the satisfaction of a well-written, smart mystery.
I have to tell you that my copy of Dangerous Illusions was provided to me free of charge by Goodreads FirstReads program.
November 12, 2014
I have pondered a week over my review of this book (having read it in under a day)as I want to make sure it is fair especially as I received the book from First Reads. Many other reviewers have set out the plot so I will leave that to one side.
The book is described as being "a beguiling tale of deception and murder, desire and theft, seduction and betrayal". I think it would be better to describe it as a changing pace mystery as to a theft with a murder alongside it as the theft is the driving part of the plot not the murder. I found that difficult to accept as the reader given the identity of the victim.
The book constantly changed pace (but not due to the needs of the story) and there were times when I wanted more details and times when a hell of a lot less would have been better: The reveal was just too short and I had to reread it (not in a good way) a couple of times to work out what had happened whereas taxi journeys were laboriously set out. Having said that there were moments of pure literary joy in the book such as the description of the table (I'll say nothing more so as not to ruin it.
I think Joseph Gabriele can write I just wonder if a different editor may have helped make this book a better experience for a reader. I will try another of his books as I am sure the flow of the books will improve as he develops his writing style.
The book is described as being "a beguiling tale of deception and murder, desire and theft, seduction and betrayal". I think it would be better to describe it as a changing pace mystery as to a theft with a murder alongside it as the theft is the driving part of the plot not the murder. I found that difficult to accept as the reader given the identity of the victim.
The book constantly changed pace (but not due to the needs of the story) and there were times when I wanted more details and times when a hell of a lot less would have been better: The reveal was just too short and I had to reread it (not in a good way) a couple of times to work out what had happened whereas taxi journeys were laboriously set out. Having said that there were moments of pure literary joy in the book such as the description of the table (I'll say nothing more so as not to ruin it.
I think Joseph Gabriele can write I just wonder if a different editor may have helped make this book a better experience for a reader. I will try another of his books as I am sure the flow of the books will improve as he develops his writing style.
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