The Donahues deliver a mystery/thriller that will keep you on the edge of your cozy reading
An Italian friend and colleague of Criminology Professor Marin Ryan dies in an accidental fall from a ladder. The community in Genoa is devastated by the tragic end of a beloved father, grandfather, and loving husband. Marin and John Hunter are equally in sorrow as they walk down the street in the classic Italian burial procession. The wife asks Marin to finish a project her husband had been working on for their grandson—a historical book on sixteenth-century pirates. Honored, she agrees.
Marin and John review the documents and her friend’s notes to discover his disturbing connection between those historical pirates and three present-day wealthy families. It’s a secret the patriarchs kill to keep. Was their friend’s death an accident? No!
They journey across the Atlantic and the Pacific in an attempt to know the truth. The more they find, the more they are at risk. At each stop, from Italy to New York to Hawaii and back, they are the in the sights of the modern pirates.
Over 1000 reviews across all book 79% 5 and 4 star.
Reader “This was a vacation in a book.” Reader “This should be a movie.” Reader “I think I felt every kick, punch, and sword injury! LOVED IT!!!!”.
I gave this book two stars because I finished it but that's not to say I enjoyed the experience. Some folks will enjoy the zigs and zags, the murders, the near misses, a peek into the lives of the .01 percent, and reading about the brainy and the beautiful. I know it sounds pretty good.
But there's such a thing as excess. This is more of a fantasy set in contemporary times than a murder mystery based upon the lives of real people. A computer genius who can break any, and I mean any, system in a matter of moments with a minimum of keystrokes. A former female FBI femme fatale who aced every exam she ever took and, she may actually be faster than a speeding bullet - and with more lives that nine cats!
There is a semi-interesting story line though. It's just the characters that mess up the narrative.
The plot of this book was very good and it kept your interest. What I found hard to stomach was the two protagonists who have it all and do it all. John Hunter is a billionaire who owns his own jet and yacht. His partner, Marin Ryan is a Criminology professor who is a former FBI agent. They have connections to the CIA and even the President of the United States knows them. They have an Intelligence Officer as their yacht captain who is gorgeous. They jet off to places around the world to follow a case oh, and while they're at it, they take time to surf which of course they do expertly. It was a bit too much for me.
I liked the characters and the intrigue. It does get a little far-fetched, especially toward the end. I enjoyed it with a willing suspension of disbelief.
Murder on the Isle of Capri, Italy is book 4 in the Ryan-Hunter series by Dr. Karen Donohue and Thomas Donahue. The characters are realistic and the plot is twisted. This makes for a very good book. Marin Ryan is an American Criminology professor who is on vacation in Italy with billionaire computer genius John Hunter. Marin is also presenting a keynote address with Professor Samuele Renzo at the Rome Conference on International Law. Samuele tells her about a caller who tells him not to continue writing a book about seventeenth century pirates and then threatens him. Samuele is writing the book for his grandson because he likes pirates. However, it is clear he has wandered into something quite different with this phone call. However, Samuele Renzo has no idea what. He does, however, have some papers he would like Marin to look at which he promises to get to her. Marin heads for Capri while Renzo heads home after purchasing a lime green dinosaur for his grandson Samuele and a necklace for his wife. On the train, he reads Kenneth Young’s The Pirate Roundsmen. When the Professor reaches home, he is visited by two men who say they are with the police. However, Gareth Baxter and his son Quinton are not the police; but are there to murder the professor and obtain his research. They set the scene up to look as though the Professor fell while changing a light bulb. Marin decides to call the Professor to continue their talk. Instead of getting Sophie, the Professor’s wife, she gets Inspector Orso who tells her of the Professor’s death. When Marin is told of the professor’s death, she is stunned and insists she attend the funeral and help Sophie as much as she can. When Sophie asks her to finish the Professor’s book for little Samuele, Marin agrees. As she begins to look into the death of the Professor and to finish his book, Marin finds herself and John drawn into the darker side of Italy. Death lurks around each corner and threatens John’s brother and sister-in-law who are visiting, as well as John and Marin. What is so important about three seventeenth century pirates?
I picked out this book because it is set in Capri, a place I love. But there wasn’t a lot about the island. The heroine and hero, Dr. Marin Ryan and John Hunter, are owners of Ryan-Hunter investigations, and are also engaged. John is a billionaire having sold his computer company. This money helps them fly around the world in their own plane with pilot, Kim, and also sail around in their own yacht. Money is no object. But they are investigating in the world of rich men. Their stalker, Bulldog also has his own resources. The story focuses on modern day piracy, and is set in motion when a colleague of Marin’s who is writing a book on piracy is murdered in Italy. Are the descendants of old pirates still around? What research did her colleague uncover that led to his death? If the pirates are still operating, what is their ‘booty’ because it’s not obvious piracy. This is the fourth book in the series. The duo jet and yacht off to Genoa, Hawaii and Capri, with the man who wants to murder them not far behind. Some sex scenes, some violence, and lots of alcohol. Perfect Wave Publishing 2013
I enjoyed this book on modern-day piracy. Dr. Marin Ryan & her boyfriend, John Hunter, are shocked to learn about what appeared to be the suicide death of a friend. Upon checking the facts, they discover it was a staged suicide, performed to stop the deceased's piracy research.
Marin follows-up on her late friend's research & soon finds herself the target of the Baxter family (Gareth & son Quentin), whose family piracy legacy goes back centuries. But another individual, Nathan, soon comes into the picture.
The setting fluctuates between the Hawaiian Islands & various cities in Europe, with Marin & John having to dodge numerous attempts on their lives. John's boat is appropriately named The Hunter and his plane is likewise called Sky Hunter, which the attempted murderers find amusing. A female intelligence agent, Franco, comes to their rescue on several occasions.
The book kept me in suspense & I was pleased with the manner in which the author wrote his unusual tale.
Excellent, I Believe ThatThis Book Has the Makings of a Movie, or Television Show!!!
Fabulous, it has definitely got movie and/or television potential! It has flair, style, sophistication, action, mystery, and intrigue. This book reminds me of "Hart to Hart," "James Bond," "Charlie's Angels," and "Remington Steel," all rolled into one! I loved the characters, the locations, and the storyline! I loved the fact that the investigators could zip off to anywhere, for any reason, at any time, with only a moment's notice, while solving mysteries, and evading and/or fighting the bad guys. This was a vacation in a book, without the jet lag! Thanks, Dr. and Mr. Donahue!
This was the first book I have read by this couple. It is a great mystery and hope to read more by them. A professor who is so excited to be a grandfather thinks he will write a book about real pirates for his new grandson. It does not go well for him and when he i skilled with it looking like it was an accident then his professor friend Marin Ryan and her friend John Hunter takes up the challenge to find out what has happened to him and to see what is so wrong in writing a book on pirates from 300 years ago. Read this good book to find out where this takes them.
A tale of pirates, taken from the past and brought up to the present. Two investigators try to discover why their friend, who was writing a book about pirates, was brutally murdered. Was he too close to finding out the truth that ruthless pirates still exist? Was their treasure amounting to millions of dollars? A wild race across 2 continents, as the killers seek to eliminate anyone who tries to bring their lucrative business to an end. Be prepared for twists and surprises in the plot- An entertaining read!
This is a fantastic fast moving story that I couldn't put down. The characters were most laudable at least the good ones . I liked the authors writing techniques. I plan on reading more of their books. The ending was different but very enjoyable.. I recommend Murder on the Isle of Capri, Italy to all who like a fantastic quick moving mystery
Generally I enjoyed it. But, time and time again I was mystified that the authors referred to the harbor on the Isle of Capri as Grande Marina, when it is Marina Grande. To add to the head shaking is the "chapter locale" correctly puts them at Marina Grande on numerous occasions. Where were the editors and proofreaders?
A freebie on iBooks, this is what I would call a beach read. The story is strictly meant for entertainment. Far-fetched lifestyles and experiences add to the escapism. I read this in June of this year.
Well paced action in different locations in Europe and the United States. Believable characterizations and motivations. Likable protagonists who are caring and competent.
New twist with historical facts thrown in which I really liked. Police, intelligence work too which made it very interesting but also very human elements. Anyone who likes detective books &history may like this.