In the small town of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, in 1967, Eli Fletcher is a standout high school quarterback. He’s an attractive eighteen-year-old who has caught the attention of every mother in town as a potential husband for their daughters. Eli never knew his father, who passed away when he was an infant, and his older family member stayed out of his life.
The town’s residents look forward to an abundant harvest and Friday night football. Eli dreams of playing college football and marrying his girlfriend, Ellen Borne. They talked about their future marriage, children, a home with a white picket fence, and a friendly dog waiting.
Fran Fletcher aspired for her son Eli to carry on the legacy of Father Robicheaux, who had guided him through childhood. Seeing Eli’s lack of enthusiasm for the same career path, she was forced to reconsider her plans.
Ponchatoula is a small town with hidden secrets. When uncovered, it becomes apparent that many injustices are occurring, but nobody will speak up. Eli’s life story is more intricate and concerning than his peers, and he must overcome his inner turmoil as he struggles to keep on the right path.
Famed author Vito Zuppardo returns with a heart-stopping psychological thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish. His latest book, the first installment of a new series, will keep you up all night anxiously trying to discover how it ends.
Vito Zuppardo started collecting pieces of information in 1986 from each trip to Las Vegas, Bahamas, Monte Carlo, and the other many casinos he represented. His main job was keeping his clients happy which was a full-time job while they were vacationing at luxury casino resorts.
Vito is the author of 5 novels and started writing in 1996. His fist novel Alluring Lady Luck was based on true events from his 25 years in the casino business operating high limit gaming customers to various casinos around the world. Nevada Gaming Control said Vito Zuppardo was one of the most successful casino representatives in Nevada producing over 60 million dollars in revenue in three years. It’s his life adventures that make his books fun to read, and characters stand out.
Vito was born and raised in New Orleans and moved to Baton Rouge, after Hurricane Katrina.
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this excellent Southern-to-the-Bone novel from the author, Vito Zuppardo. Thank you, kind sir, for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Finding Fletcher of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am always happy to recommend Vito Zippardo to friends and family. He writes a refreshing New Orleans tale with personable folks and the voodoo-woo-woo atmosphere that makes the South and especially New Orleans come alive.
And Finding Fletcher is no exception - taking place in the late 1960s in the NO bedroom community of the small town of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Ponchatoula is a classic setup for building traditional southern families, and high school sweethearts Eli and Ellen have plans. If he gets a football scholarship college is in their future, if not he will join the Air Force. In her case, Ellen will work and save for the next few years before they start a family. And 35-year-old Policeman Johnny Troups is already living his dream, of solving small-town crimes. He can't seem to get a second date, so his work is his life, but it is a content life for the most part.
And then comes into their little world a hot red convertible Ford Mustang. And all bets are off. Pub Date August 8, 2023
Reviewed on July 22, 2023, at Goodreads. Not available at AmazonSmile, etc. Reviewed on August 7, 2023, at Barnes&Noble and BookBub. Listed at Kobo but not able to review yet. Still not available at Amazon, though the 3 chapter freebee is, but it cannot be reviewed. August 10 reviewed Kobo today, and it is still not available except in vella at Amazon. NOte from Vito, review finally available on Amazon. Done.
Vito Zuppardo captures small-town life and attitudes in this good-fortune-bad-luck story. The manipulations of a ‘respectable’ law firm and the influence of a criminal organisation ensure Eli Fletcher won't enjoy a fair trial. Damned by a professional witness, 18-year old Eli, exciting prospects ahead of him, is charged with murder. The odds work against him and, jailed, gangland culture shrouds him. A shocking revelation undermines his life. I found this a little slow initially – I’d have liked more action, less setting up – but it evolves into a good, solid read, with unexpected pitfalls and connections. And plenty of action. It will make a good series.
First off. I have read and reviewed every one of Vito's True Blue Detective and Tupelo Lucy Series'. So I thought I'd give it a go. Even though it was about a high school football player....
It was suspenseful and well written with lots of excitement, drama, and twists.
And it ended on a cliffhanger. Normally not a problem for me. Except that there's just too much out of my wheelhouse that I actually don't care how it turns out.
But I know that It's going to be another great series for Vito. It's just not for me...
I reviewed an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Finding Fletcher is an amazing, thought provoking read. Vito Zuppardo packs so much into this heart-wrenching tale. Interesting characters and a great storyline. Life is often tragic and how we react can define who we become. This is the beginning of Fletcher's journey. It doesn't start well. Action packed. Captivating from the first page.
I received an advance copy for free and leave my voluntary review.
What a great thought provoking read. It’s an amazing story full of action and mystery. I love the books that are set in Louisiana. This is the story of two high school sweethearts, Eli and Ellen. It’s a must-read. **this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review **