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Necessary Decisions
(Redemption #1)
by
Gino Cataldi is a man hanging on by a thread. Cancer took his wife, and drugs put his son in rehab. All he has left is his badge.
When a teenage girl is kidnapped it brings back nightmares from the worst case he ever worked—the one that tore his life to shreds and forced him out of Philadelphia.
Gino doesn't want this case but he knows he has to take it. Not just to save t ...more
When a teenage girl is kidnapped it brings back nightmares from the worst case he ever worked—the one that tore his life to shreds and forced him out of Philadelphia.
Gino doesn't want this case but he knows he has to take it. Not just to save t ...more
ebook, 375 pages
Published
December 16th 2013
by Inferno Publishing Company
(first published December 14th 2013)
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Start your review of Necessary Decisions (Redemption #1)
Dec 18, 2013
Katy
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
mystery/thriller/suspense fans
Recommended to Katy by:
Giacomo
Shelves:
ebook
Book Info: Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of suspense/thriller/mysteries with a noir feel
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, sexual assault, threat of rape, violence, drug use, mention of girl being raped in the past, murder
My Thoughts: This is actually the second book in a new series, but due to some issues that needed to be ironed out, the first book, Old Wounds, will not be released until next year. The books do not need to be read in order, so it all works out.
Th ...more
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of suspense/thriller/mysteries with a noir feel
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, sexual assault, threat of rape, violence, drug use, mention of girl being raped in the past, murder
My Thoughts: This is actually the second book in a new series, but due to some issues that needed to be ironed out, the first book, Old Wounds, will not be released until next year. The books do not need to be read in order, so it all works out.
Th ...more
I see that many reviewers give this book more stars than I do. I think maybe I would have given more stars if this wasn't the first book of this apparent series that I picked up, and I knew more about the character. I don't remember why I picked this book up, except I was looking for something new. This came recommended because of some other books I had lately read. The writing is really pretty good, and the premise of the case was fine. I guessed ahead of time who had arranged the kidnapping in
...more
Necessary Decisions, by Giacomo Giammatteo, is part of the Redemption Series, featuring Detective Gino Cataldi. The story opens with a robbery at a friendly poker game at which masked bandits, identifying one another only by number, rob the attendees of their money and jewelry. Included in their take is a watch Detective Cataldi wore, a watch given him by his wife in her dying days. Cataldi vows to find the culprits.
Necessary Decisions is a fast paced mystery that, while included within the Red ...more
Necessary Decisions is a fast paced mystery that, while included within the Red ...more
Necessary Decisions; A Gino Cataldi Mystery
By Giacomo Giammatteo
4 7/8 out of 5 stars
You know what I hated most about this book? The one tiny, little thing that kept it from being a full-on 5-star? The introduction!
Seriously, DO NOT tell me that it “starts out a little slow.” DO NOT tell me that the first book in the series got sidelined because you “didn't like the way it played out.” NEVER tell me that shit. It's like Tom Cruise or Dustin Hoffman apologizing for being short! Who gives a damn? A ...more
By Giacomo Giammatteo
4 7/8 out of 5 stars
You know what I hated most about this book? The one tiny, little thing that kept it from being a full-on 5-star? The introduction!
Seriously, DO NOT tell me that it “starts out a little slow.” DO NOT tell me that the first book in the series got sidelined because you “didn't like the way it played out.” NEVER tell me that shit. It's like Tom Cruise or Dustin Hoffman apologizing for being short! Who gives a damn? A ...more
Reviewed for Readers' Favorites
Necessary Decisions, A Gino Cataldi Mystery is a suspenseful page-turner that combines a kidnapping, a crime spree, a hard-working, middle class family, and the personal stories of several characters into one explosive story that is not easy to put down.
Lonny Hackett finds himself out of employment after a lifetime of hard work, and he makes one bad decision that lands him in the middle of a crime ring and ultimately a kidnapping that hits too close to home. Gino ...more
Necessary Decisions, A Gino Cataldi Mystery is a suspenseful page-turner that combines a kidnapping, a crime spree, a hard-working, middle class family, and the personal stories of several characters into one explosive story that is not easy to put down.
Lonny Hackett finds himself out of employment after a lifetime of hard work, and he makes one bad decision that lands him in the middle of a crime ring and ultimately a kidnapping that hits too close to home. Gino ...more
This book was very well written. There was lots of twists and turns throughout. The author gave a good description of the scenes, the people, and more importantly allowed them to have personalities that shone all over the pages. One of my favorite characters is Tip, he seemed like a no funny business guy who liked to do things the old fashioned way lol We follow a family who is struck by loss of job, bills piling up, and kids who still just want to be kids. When presented with an opportunity to
...more
Giacomo Giammatteo has an amazing ability to construct characters that are not perfect people and fill them with the breath of life. As before, in his other works, he has excelled again. Yes, various people did bad things, but these were human things. The finger on the pulse of absolute reality is there.
Gino, a detective suffering from the trauma of less than perfect completions of other cases of a similar nature is now charged with the rescue of a kidnapped girl. One of my favourite characters ...more
Gino, a detective suffering from the trauma of less than perfect completions of other cases of a similar nature is now charged with the rescue of a kidnapped girl. One of my favourite characters ...more
A deadly gang of criminals known as Boss, Driver, Number One, Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, and Number Five are on the loose. Robberies at poker games become home invasions then escalate to kidnapping and murder as the criminal ring gets more daring and wants more money.
The suspense continues as Detectives Gino Cataldi and Hector “Ribs” Delgado work on the kidnapping case of a teenage girl. The two work as a team with their fellow detectives in the race to find the girl before harm com ...more
The suspense continues as Detectives Gino Cataldi and Hector “Ribs” Delgado work on the kidnapping case of a teenage girl. The two work as a team with their fellow detectives in the race to find the girl before harm com ...more
This was okay...a little too much profanity for my taste (though guess not any more than what one would hear in a police type movie). But if profanity doesn't bother you and you enjoy these types of books, I believe you will highly enjoy this read. The plot was pretty good. I did highly enjoy Lonnie and Lucia's characters. It wasn't overly predictable either, had it wrong a couple of times.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
With so many reviewers ahead of me, it's impossible to find new and innovative ways to say I loved this book, from the mystery, to the characters, to the ending. Looking forward to more books by Mr. Giammatteo.
...more
Gino Cataldi, a cop and the protagonist of the novel, finds himself immersed (reluctantly) into a kidnapping case that seems all too reminiscent of a kidnapping case from Philadelphia that nearly destroyed him. Worse, his wife died of cancer and if Cataldi ever gets over that, well . . . it’s hard to imagine he will.
Now he’s on a new case by a crew of people who escalated from carefully crafted home invasions to the kidnapping of a teenaged girl, a potentially deadly situation that gets worse be ...more
Now he’s on a new case by a crew of people who escalated from carefully crafted home invasions to the kidnapping of a teenaged girl, a potentially deadly situation that gets worse be ...more
I had never read this author, and wasn't sure what to expect. But it turned out to be a fascinating story that kept me up half the night to finish it. Gino Cataldi is a policeman, who is taken off a case concerning home invasions, to look into a kidnapping. The young daughter of a wealthy black man has disappeared, and he receives a ransom call. Gino eventually finds that the burglaries and the kidnapping may well be connected. During one of the burglaries, his watch is taken - a gift from his d
...more
Gino Cataldi is trying to pull his life back together. Cancer killed his wife, his son is in rehab, all he has left is his badge. Then a string of break-ins and kidnappings start happening. As much as he doesn't want to do it, Cataldi must take the case to redeem himself for the case that sent him packing from Philadelphia. But will he succeed? The kidnappers seem to be one step ahead of the police all the time. Cataldi isn't known for following the rule book by the letter, but when the big deci
...more
Best who done it I've read in a long time.
As a long time fan of who done it mystery novels it takes a lot to impress me and keep my interest. This book wasted no time getting my literary attention, I was hooked by the end of the first paragraph. There was nothing else I wanted to do but dig deeper and deeper into fabulously written mesmerizing assemblage of literary excellence, if you're interested in being glued to a storyline that will keep you guessing from start to finish this novel is a mus ...more
As a long time fan of who done it mystery novels it takes a lot to impress me and keep my interest. This book wasted no time getting my literary attention, I was hooked by the end of the first paragraph. There was nothing else I wanted to do but dig deeper and deeper into fabulously written mesmerizing assemblage of literary excellence, if you're interested in being glued to a storyline that will keep you guessing from start to finish this novel is a mus ...more
I enjoyed reading this book. The plot is good. I learned a little bit about insurance in the process!
My one criticism is about character development. The protagonist, Gino is not well rounded. I want to know more about him!
Another character problem enters with the HUGE law enforcement team. There are too many characters and things get muddled.
I would recommend reducing that number of characters and giving Gino more depth. The smaller group of other characters also need !more development.
I woul ...more
My one criticism is about character development. The protagonist, Gino is not well rounded. I want to know more about him!
Another character problem enters with the HUGE law enforcement team. There are too many characters and things get muddled.
I would recommend reducing that number of characters and giving Gino more depth. The smaller group of other characters also need !more development.
I woul ...more
Engaging
This was one of those books that just gets better and better as it goes along. I quickly became vested in Gino and his watch. However the other detectives did not appeal to me. They were not well developed and were very difficult to keep straight. Mostly I just didn’t like them. I did like the techs and the office staff, especially the purple haired young woman who loved old rock and roll. (Think Penelope and Abby.) The story was terrific and I do recommend. I will be reading more in th ...more
This was one of those books that just gets better and better as it goes along. I quickly became vested in Gino and his watch. However the other detectives did not appeal to me. They were not well developed and were very difficult to keep straight. Mostly I just didn’t like them. I did like the techs and the office staff, especially the purple haired young woman who loved old rock and roll. (Think Penelope and Abby.) The story was terrific and I do recommend. I will be reading more in th ...more
A very exciting thriller. A young girl is kidnapped, and then there is surprise after surprise. Is the kidnapping connected to several hold-ups of gambling dens? And is there a connection to home invasions that have also occurred? Who is behind it all? Is there an accomplice working with the police? The story has you hooked right from the beginning. I found it so hard to put this book down. Great read!
Much better than I expected!!!
Because this is my first Giacomo Giammatteo book I didn't know what to expect but I must say that if you want suspense, mystery, some humor, and even a few tears, this book has all of the above. I was pleasantly surprised how good this book was and even read it all in one afternoon into evening and am looking forward to reading more from Mr. Giammatteo. ...more
Because this is my first Giacomo Giammatteo book I didn't know what to expect but I must say that if you want suspense, mystery, some humor, and even a few tears, this book has all of the above. I was pleasantly surprised how good this book was and even read it all in one afternoon into evening and am looking forward to reading more from Mr. Giammatteo. ...more
A really good story...
...though I had a little difficulty keeping all the characters straight. I think that was because the author sometimes writes in first person and sometimes in third person. Very confusing at times. So, four stars because of that, and I really didn't enjoy the foul language. I almost gave up on it because of those two issues but stayed with it to the end because the plot was so good. ...more
...though I had a little difficulty keeping all the characters straight. I think that was because the author sometimes writes in first person and sometimes in third person. Very confusing at times. So, four stars because of that, and I really didn't enjoy the foul language. I almost gave up on it because of those two issues but stayed with it to the end because the plot was so good. ...more
Necessary Decisions
I liked this book. Gino Cataldi is a man who has lost his wife and has not been able to finish grieving and is very lonely. He works all the time and had a bad result from a kidnapping in another city. Taking on this kidnapping proved to be a tangled web. He finally figured everything out but was still unable to arrest the kidnapper and fully settle the case.
I liked this book. Gino Cataldi is a man who has lost his wife and has not been able to finish grieving and is very lonely. He works all the time and had a bad result from a kidnapping in another city. Taking on this kidnapping proved to be a tangled web. He finally figured everything out but was still unable to arrest the kidnapper and fully settle the case.
I had never heard of this author before, and now that I have I will read his books again. I can feel for Gino, he had alot of decisions to make , and I figured out who number 2 was and boy on and on things kept playing in Gino's mind. This was a great book and as I said I will be looking at more of his books, if you like murder, terror and thrillers- mystery, this has it all. Loved it....
...more
A homely murder mystery
A cop with a tortured soul versus a conniving criminal genius what's not to like. Hi no makes you want to hug hi, Jennifer makes thousandth pull your hair out. They use all th other characters as well constructed pawns to create a page turning who funniest. Well worth the read ...more
A cop with a tortured soul versus a conniving criminal genius what's not to like. Hi no makes you want to hug hi, Jennifer makes thousandth pull your hair out. They use all th other characters as well constructed pawns to create a page turning who funniest. Well worth the read ...more
Good read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and that is how it got 5 stars.
Mr Giammatteo' s books have jumped into my favorites category quickly. Well thought out plots with intriguing characters. The i cannot put factor is high. I rarely take .it's than two days to read ,so the i can't put it down factor is high.
So that is why the 5 stars. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and that is how it got 5 stars.
Mr Giammatteo' s books have jumped into my favorites category quickly. Well thought out plots with intriguing characters. The i cannot put factor is high. I rarely take .it's than two days to read ,so the i can't put it down factor is high.
So that is why the 5 stars. ...more
Great story. It had action and emotion all the way. Enjoyed the ongoing story of Gino and Mary. I have read other books by this author and was glad to see Tip Denton make an appearance in this book. Looking forward to future books in this series.
Necessary Decisions
Wow! Another good one! Love his characters. His stories keep me reading. So many twists and turns. The stories are tense but the bits of humor make me laugh out loud. Very good read.
Wow! Another good one! Love his characters. His stories keep me reading. So many twists and turns. The stories are tense but the bits of humor make me laugh out loud. Very good read.
4.6 For Wonderful Characters & Great Plot
I would give a 4.6 For A story that gives lots of information about all facets of a very involved plot while keeping the finish elusive to the very end.
I would give a 4.6 For A story that gives lots of information about all facets of a very involved plot while keeping the finish elusive to the very end.
Twists and turns!
Just when you think you've got it all figured out it takes a sharp turn and you're off and running. Great characters-Gino is a sweetheart who really cares. All of the characters are thought out and well developed. The story is wonderful. ...more
Just when you think you've got it all figured out it takes a sharp turn and you're off and running. Great characters-Gino is a sweetheart who really cares. All of the characters are thought out and well developed. The story is wonderful. ...more
Fantastic Book
Wow this book kept me on my toes this talented author was able to introduce Gunk and his police team in a captivating story. The Hackett family the Scott family and Gino 's family. Gunk makes a promise and delivers. I will follow this suthor ...more
Wow this book kept me on my toes this talented author was able to introduce Gunk and his police team in a captivating story. The Hackett family the Scott family and Gino 's family. Gunk makes a promise and delivers. I will follow this suthor ...more
Excellent mystery that all ties together very nicely.The characters are warm
And wonderful some are not so nice. There is plenty of action that makes this a page turner. I would read more of his books
And wonderful some are not so nice. There is plenty of action that makes this a page turner. I would read more of his books
A Great Mystery
I really enjoyed this book. It was one mystery after another. Who did it and why and how would they get caught. You will just have to read the book to find out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I really enjoyed this book. It was one mystery after another. Who did it and why and how would they get caught. You will just have to read the book to find out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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