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Smoke and Mirrors: Police Dreams
Xlibris author Jordan P. Castro has seen his book Smoke and Police Dreams reviewed by the New York Times. The review praises Jordan Castro's prose and writing, comparing it to the works of such writers as Mike Hammer. The New York Times review also positively upholds Jordan Castro's dialogue, citing it as gritty and emotionally evocative. Jordan Castro is an active NYPD sergeant who began assembling his literary painting on the pages of his police memorandum pad and restaurant napkins while on patrol in the Bronx and Harlem. Born in Washington Heights to Cuban parents, his dreams were supported and nurtured by a mother and father who enrolled him in arts programs where he cultivated the bold strokes of his vivid writing style. Inspired by English teachers, who awakened him to the universes of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jordan believed it was his destiny to contribute memorably to the literary landscape while honoring his predecessors. The original New York Times article and review can be read
134 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 16, 2017
The book is told by an anonymous voice about the life of Brandon Rose whose only dream is to become a detective like his father was. He's young, he's ambitious, and has a one track mind when it comes to justice and he has his goal.
It's Ash Wednesday, 2007 and there is a horrendous murder of four people involving a group of drug dealers. There Rose meets teenager Giselle, a watcher for a nefarious group. Falling in love with Rose as only a teenager can, Rose thinks that she is the secret to learning who the shooters were on Ash Wednesday.
But things don't always turn out the way you would hope. Giselle is not your typical teenager..she is a child of the streets. His partner warns him of the dangers of pursuing this relationship, but Rose swears he knows what he's doing in getting Giselle to help him. And he always has the end in sight ... the gold badge of a detective.
But what are the risks to Rose's career .. and Giselle's life?
This is a very short read, approximately 150 pages. It's more of a narration than an actual story. Lots of action, lots of violence on almost every page. Brandon Rose as a rookie cop comes across as a man willing to do anything, even cross a line or two, in his determination to become a detective. He's not willing to serve a few years as a street cop, not willing to listen to his partner, not willing to listen to his own gut feelings .. all he wants is that detective's badge.
I am somewhat disappointed as this feels more like a graphic novel than a crime fiction. Although very short, the author did a good job in his depiction of Brandon Rose. I understand the author is himself a member of law enforcement, but the credibility of his characters and scenarios was blurred for me.
My thanks to the author / XLIBRIS / Negalley for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
It's Ash Wednesday, 2007 and there is a horrendous murder of four people involving a group of drug dealers. There Rose meets teenager Giselle, a watcher for a nefarious group. Falling in love with Rose as only a teenager can, Rose thinks that she is the secret to learning who the shooters were on Ash Wednesday.
But things don't always turn out the way you would hope. Giselle is not your typical teenager..she is a child of the streets. His partner warns him of the dangers of pursuing this relationship, but Rose swears he knows what he's doing in getting Giselle to help him. And he always has the end in sight ... the gold badge of a detective.
But what are the risks to Rose's career .. and Giselle's life?
This is a very short read, approximately 150 pages. It's more of a narration than an actual story. Lots of action, lots of violence on almost every page. Brandon Rose as a rookie cop comes across as a man willing to do anything, even cross a line or two, in his determination to become a detective. He's not willing to serve a few years as a street cop, not willing to listen to his partner, not willing to listen to his own gut feelings .. all he wants is that detective's badge.
I am somewhat disappointed as this feels more like a graphic novel than a crime fiction. Although very short, the author did a good job in his depiction of Brandon Rose. I understand the author is himself a member of law enforcement, but the credibility of his characters and scenarios was blurred for me.
My thanks to the author / XLIBRIS / Negalley for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 24, 2018
Great tale of NYC!
I normally purchase Auto Biographies but I was immediately drawn by the creativity and brilliant word play used to describe the streets of New York. I was born and raised in NYC. This book surpasses it's intent. For my convenience, I purchased it on my Kindle. I would love to see this book transition into film! I am curious to know if there are future novels in production.
Law enforcement has been the topic of conversation for many reasons these days. I hope this book can attract the opposite attention and help provide positivity throughout our communities.
I normally purchase Auto Biographies but I was immediately drawn by the creativity and brilliant word play used to describe the streets of New York. I was born and raised in NYC. This book surpasses it's intent. For my convenience, I purchased it on my Kindle. I would love to see this book transition into film! I am curious to know if there are future novels in production.
Law enforcement has been the topic of conversation for many reasons these days. I hope this book can attract the opposite attention and help provide positivity throughout our communities.
January 12, 2022
Castro is a true storyteller. He captures your attention and keep you engaged and involved in this wonderfully written tale.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews