You love a good mystery. The first one is: which book do you start with?
It took Rafe Vega five years to figure out a horrific crime had been committed against his family, and another three to figure out what to do about it. The only one left standing, he thinks he knows what happened to his wife and daughters. But Fortune Flores is hiding secrets even she doesn’t know. With the FBI looking for the girl, Rafe has to make them understand he’s not what they think he is. The eight-year-old is going to help him prove how his own family was methodically destroyed. Is Fortune the key he thinks she is? Or will her DNA prove him a liar?
Fortune is a two book set that tells the same story from two perspectives. Learn more about the secrets eight-year-old Fortune is hiding. Find out why was Fortune taken. . .
FORTUNE'S two books follow the same timeline, so you can read either one first. We call it an "E-quel."
Fortune (Gray) A Kidnapper’s Story of Loss and Betrayal
A.J. Scudiere, one this generations finest writers, keeps the hits coming with a novel (pun intended) approach. I don’t believe in reviewers giving a detailed synopsis of the book. I feel that is the job of the author to get people to read the book and it is the job of the reviewer to give an honest review. Since I do not like to give spoilers, in a way, I cannot say all that I would like to about the fascinating stories found in Fortune (red) or Fortune (gray). This book is half of the two-book set that has a concept reminiscent of the premise of the TV show [Dong Dong] Law and Order: Criminal Intent. Originally, each episode of L & O: CI was to be told from both the police officer’s and the criminal’s perspective. In what A.J. states is not a prequel or a sequel, instead, it is an E-quel, where the same story of the abduction of an eight-year-old girl is told in two separate books, one from the mother’s perspective (Red) and the other from the kidnapper’s viewpoint (Gray). It was not necessary to suspend disbelief in this book of two people trying to hold their lives together, not just exist, in what has to be the worst fear any parent could have. The premise of the story is truly believable. It is fast-paced and does not need a lot of shoot ‘em up action to maintain interest. The dialogue was credible, authentic, and not stilted, as well as never being used as a foil for the story line. Though some of the characters could use further development, the primary characters are complex, well rounded, and well thought out Ms. Scudiere is known for the professional touches she puts on everything she writes, in a multitude of genres. From “The Vendetta Trifecta” and “The NightShade Forensic Files” series to some amazing stand-alone books, when you pick up a book by A.J. you know it will be well written, well edited, and well proofed. Fortune (Red) and Fortune (Gray) are no exception. Together or separate, these two books make an interesting and intense read. While following the primary character through the harrowing adventure, the reader comes to the realization that there is more to the story than the just kidnapping of an eight-year-old girl. Together, these books are a story driven by a strong central theme, with complex central characters, dialogue that pulls the story together and pulls you along for a literary ride of a lifetime, with enough twists in the storyline that makes these books so hard to put down. Both stories are self-contained stand-alone novels. Tough the author says either can be read first, I suggest Fortune (Red) be read first, though I cannot tell you why without giving away key spoilers. No matter the order, to get the full story, it is best to read both.
When I first began reading Fortune (gray) I was prepared to hate the main character with a passion. I could not envision ever sympathizing with a kidnapper. However, the more I read, and the more the author revealed about the true relationship between Rafe and Fortune, the more I became sympathetic to his actions. I began to truly understand the character, and while society says what he did was wrong, I would find it so difficult to convict him. This story is a classic Scudiere story. It definitely has her style of action and suspense. However, it transcends those genres. In essence, the story is about a man attempting to regain some of the time he never got to spend with his daughter. A lot of the story was about their relationship and Scudiere showed how truly touching the simplest of situations can be just by spending it with a loved one. Having a young daughter, I could easily feel the joy pleasure Rafe felt as he watched his daughter draw; or when she called him Daddy. The author conveyed these emotions seamlessly. As for the mystery, I eagerly followed along as bit by bit, the truth was revealed. Or at least as much of it as Rafe was able to discern. While I was able to figure out some of these answers well before they were revealed, I believe that has more to do with the fact this author is one of my favorites rather than any fault in her ability to keep readers guessing. While the ending saddened me, it felt right. I am eager to read the Fortune (red), the equel to this story. It occurs along the same timeline and tells the same story from another character’s viewpoint, filling in some of the questions from this story. While both stories are stand-alone stories, the full story is only known through reading both. If one chose to read both stories, I would personally recommend starting with Fortune (red). At least to me it gave away less that would effect how one views certain characters, thereby changing the experience of the reveal. I would give Fortune (gray) five stars and would eagerly recommend it to everyone.
Liz Bearden’s Review of Fortune (gray) By AJ Scudiere
Well….I plead (intensely) for a new book, but apparently, the intense part was inserted into the plot. Although I was almost frantic to know who this man was to the child he abducted, she strung it out, clue by clue, forcing the reader to attempt to solve the mystery simultaneously with her abductor. Needless to say, I lost even more sleep. Because of the authenticity of the characters, in this book, as well as previous ones, I am impressed at the depth of understanding shown for the feelings of each one. When I compare this book with my favorite, “The Shadow Constant”, or Felix’s favorite, probably “Resonance”, and other family favorites, it’s hard not to suspect that A.J. may be a closet psychologist, or maybe a schizophrenic. Don’t sue me A.J. I am a devoted fan. This offering will no doubt have expectant parents checking their paperwork including bills and birth certificates thoroughly. Going on the past books, I suspect that a lot of research went into this. Without giving away the plot or the ending {?}, this is a book to start if you can block out some time to binge, and let the phone pick up messages. Everyone got the brushoff, while I finished this one. By the time I finished, I was so invested in the welfare of the adorable child, and the endearing qualities of the abductor, it was frustrating to come to an end.
I would give this one five stars, but maybe I should withhold half of one until I read Fortune (red).
Felix Bearden’s review of “Fortune-Grey” By AJ Scudiere As to be expected, AJ has turned out an unusual but captivating story. It doesn’t fit in the normal but limited genres. It is adventure, mystery, and emotion. She accurately expresses the feelings and emotions of most men that may find themselves in similar situations as Rafe’s.
Even though Rafe’s actions were illegal under man’s law I wonder how the Creator viewed his actions. AJ made it clear that Rafe was fundamentally a good person, and as such this reader found himself rooting for his success and affected by his paranoia.
Don’t know whether its a good thing, but my recurring nightmare has changed from trying to stop a car with bad brakes to waking up expecting the FBI to be breaking in. So far I have resisted the urge to check on my college graduate, married daughter to see if she was OK.
This book is part of an E-Quel, the same book from another character’s point of view. This one is about Rafe , He takes Fortune, a little girl, from her yard to have an adventure. It turns out she is his daughter, or one of the them. He was told when his wife gave birth, the both had died.
Years later he sobers up and figures out something was not right. He borrows Fortune to show her history and to make sure she is okay.
The book is full of action and fear that he will be caught. He can have his adventure with Fortune and return her. I read this one first I was glad I did. I am sure either book first will influence the other book. I loved it and “Red” the companion book. worth 5 stars .
Just finished the second book and my heart is hurting. Much better than the Red one. Face a more likable character than Mia. Fortune was the sweetest character of all. Loved her to bits! I did figure out an important thing when reading the first, or Red book. But no spoilers from me, ever! Better to read Red first and Gray second.
How can a man finally cope with a wife and daughters gone. In Red we have an abduction, in this, about a man who wanted time with a daughter, moving plot and will tell of how the kidnapper felt. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
You simply can not go wrong with any book by A.J. Scudiere. The action, characters and plot always follow the way they should. Characters are fleshed out so you can pick your favorite. Do not miss this book as it is a good one.
I need to read Red to see if I was correct. Sorry but it looks as if Rafe won’t have the time. I do hope Fortune stays safe. I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.