Before Paris

by Adria J. Cimino

See how it all began...


Before the lives of four strangers collided in Paris, there was one young man. Before Paris, a prequel to the novel Paris, Rue des Martyrs, tells the story of how Rafael, son of an emerald broker in Colombia, found his way to the City of Light. One fateful and dangerous night in emerald territory, he learns his father was carrying a secret. And the key to unlock it can only be found in Paris.

Genres: Mystery

ebook

First published April 2, 2015

About the author

Adria J. Cimino is the author of Amazon Best-Selling novels Paris, Rue des Martyrs and Close to Destiny, as well as Paris Jungle and A Perfumer’s Secret.

She also co-founded boutique publishing house Velvet Morning Press. Prior to jumping into the publishing world full time, she spent more than a decade as a journalist at news organizations including The AP and Bloomberg News.

Adria writes about her real-life adventures at AdriaJCimino.com and on Twitter @Adria_in_Paris.

Reviews

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramatic action, adventure, and mystery for one young man, Rafael. As he lingers in indecision regarding his future, the decision seems to be made on his behalf by the outcome of his family's actions one dark night in the Colombian jungle. Thus begins his unwanted journey of discovery to Paris and the unfolding of secrets untold..

Succinctly written, Ms Cimino grabbed and held on to my attention throughout. Well described characters had palpable personality and easily envisaged locations. A pleasure to read.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERDICT: Nice literary novella focused on one of the major characters in Cimino’s first novel, and how his past led him to Paris.


my full review is here:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2015/06/02/b...

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Rafael's story in Paris, rue des Martyrs the best! Seeing him here in this prequel novella before the novel opens is a real treat! The little story is spare, but so alive and how Rafael got from Bogotá to Paris and his quest there are all clear ... I even like re-reading this something fierce. So well-written, and I feel like I've known the characters somewhere, somehow ... recommended!

[Letty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good, fast read that grabbed my attention right from the start. Great introduction to Paris, Rue des Martyrs, which I will be reading soon as my curiosity is piqued and I need to find out if Rafael finds the mysterious Carmen and what her role is in this story.

[Nils · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. The only good thing one can say about this ‘book’ is that it is mercifully short and the pain of reading it did not last long. It says it is a prequel to other works. I can only say that if this is the sort of thing the author produces I hope I never encounter the other books they have written. Avoid at all costs.

[Dori Sabourin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Assassination

“Before Paris,” by Adria J. Cimino takes place in Columbia.

Rafael Mendez is the son of an emerald broker, and it is a tradition that the business be handed down to him.

Rafael believes this business is dangerous. This belief is confirmed when his parents are killed.

After the murder, Rafael notices an old postcard with the Champs-Elysees on one side. It entreats the reader to find Carmen.

Is Carmen in Paris, and why does Carmen need to be found? Will Rafael's parents' assassin come after him?

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

After downloading a sample of the same author's book, "Paris: Rue des Martyrs" which continues the story begun in "Before Paris," I received the latter as a free e-book. Now I'm eager to continue the saga and learn what will become of the central character, Rafael, and what he will learn in Paris about the mysterious Carmen who he sets out to find as "Before Paris" ends.

[Petite · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the blink of eye

Another example of how precious life is,your family nor you are promised to live to see the next day. Everything just gone in the blink of an eye.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, gives you a quick insight into Rafael's life

The writing in this novella is smooth. This short bit gives you info on Rafael and wants the reader to pick up the novel and find more out about Carmen.

[Vicki Lesage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced read that plunges you right into the world of Rafael and the Colombian emerald mines, and all the struggles he faces. A great prequel novella that leads right into the full-length novel!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty dramatic read full review to come later