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The Scopas Factor
A Hmong "story cloth," a Revolutionary War battle flag, forged Picassos and a Russian drug dealer—finding the link between these disparate elements is the challenge Mike Hegan faces in The Scopas Factor, the latest mystery from Vincent Panettiere.
After his last investigation ends tragically, Detective Mike Hegan returns to Chicago from St. Kitts, hoping to put everything behind him. But his girlfriend, Diana, has other plans, and although he has no interest in the job opportunity she presents him—in a small northern California town, no less—he wants to please her. Upon his arrival in Weedley, he's caught up in a kidnapping and two murders. A visit to Diana's family in San Francisco only serves to deepen the mystery, as her father might be the link to a gang of antiquities thieves that might have something to do with the crimes in Weedley. And when Diana's father disappears, Hegan takes off for Antibes in southern France, where he discovers that the mystery has only just begun.
After his last investigation ends tragically, Detective Mike Hegan returns to Chicago from St. Kitts, hoping to put everything behind him. But his girlfriend, Diana, has other plans, and although he has no interest in the job opportunity she presents him—in a small northern California town, no less—he wants to please her. Upon his arrival in Weedley, he's caught up in a kidnapping and two murders. A visit to Diana's family in San Francisco only serves to deepen the mystery, as her father might be the link to a gang of antiquities thieves that might have something to do with the crimes in Weedley. And when Diana's father disappears, Hegan takes off for Antibes in southern France, where he discovers that the mystery has only just begun.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2018
4 people are currently reading
1745 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Panettiere
7 books757 followersVincent Panettiere is the author of four novels. His latest is THE MUSIC OF WOMEN. Other novels are: A WOMAN TO BLAME, THE SCOPAS FACTOR and the award-winning and critically acclaimed THESE THY GIFTS.
He has also written The Internet Financing Illusion which deals with the dark side of the Internet.
Website www.vincentpanettiere.com
He is a former licensed and bonded literary agent in Los Angeles representing writers and directors in TV/Film. At the same time he was an agent certified by the Major League Baseball Players Association to represent major league baseball players and did so. As a writer early in his career he wrote and sold several film projects that in the byzantine world of motion pictures went unproduced.
He began his career as a reporter for the wire service UPI and Boston Herald, a daily newspaper.
He has also written The Internet Financing Illusion which deals with the dark side of the Internet.
Website www.vincentpanettiere.com
He is a former licensed and bonded literary agent in Los Angeles representing writers and directors in TV/Film. At the same time he was an agent certified by the Major League Baseball Players Association to represent major league baseball players and did so. As a writer early in his career he wrote and sold several film projects that in the byzantine world of motion pictures went unproduced.
He began his career as a reporter for the wire service UPI and Boston Herald, a daily newspaper.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 12, 2019
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
3.5 Stars
The Scopas Factor was a second book in Mike Hegan mystery series. Book was revolved around primitive art, forgery, Laosian history, and drug smuggling that tangled main character – detective Mike Hegan in complex case. Book was filled with twist and turns, some tense scene and little bit romance.
I haven’t read first book so I can tell there wasn’t much I was missing from first book and can be read as standalone. Writing was okay at first but as I read more I could see it improving by the end of the book. It was third person narrative from multiple character’s perspective. The narration style, setting and plot was different and interesting.
It started in 1990 with Hmong woman running from communist insurgents terrorizing village. They were assisted by the Americans during Vietnam War. While staying at refugee camp she recreated horrors of war by sewing a cloth depicting the events she witnessed. She hid it in secret compartment of her lean-to. The cloth that took old woman’s life and put her daughter Mos and her family in danger even after 25 years.
Why cloth was so important, why the Skaggs was after it, why Tom and some other people had ‘Don’t Trade On Me’ flag and why they had letters from Ambassadors of America signed by Rene Sabotka, who was Sabotka, how he was related to cloth and why he wanted it? All these questions made the book interesting and I was curious to find out how Hegan was going to solve the mystery of story cloth.
First few chapters gave overview of history of story cloth, Tom Fritzgerald and Hegan’s life as detective of Chicago Police Department, how he was now on sabbatical after returning previous mission and on the case of two murders and a missing story cloth.
Hegan was clever, his deductive skill was great and I liked how he cared for people around him. Initially he was suspicious of Thornie but once it was cleared their team was remarkable. I enjoyed conversations between them. Thornie was my most favorite character in the book. He was hilarious British that made the book lively and eased the tension of the mystery.
Side characters David, Alexis, LeNoir and Thornie were eventually introduced. I liked to read their part in the mystery that helped to gather the pieces of puzzle. Yvette’s life story and her relation to LeNoir was intriguing and I liked how she reconnected with her lost family. All characters were flawed and realistic.
Drama, murder, kidnapping, smuggling with many twist and turns made me read till the end of the chapter. A statue by Scopas and Hegan’s skill was the turning point in the book. Climax was good. Last 30% of the book fast paced, real interesting and tense filled with action, little surprises and better writing. I liked the way mystery was concluded.
Why 3.5 stars-
Now there were few things that kept me distracted and from fully enjoying the story. I enjoyed first chapter but from second to seventh chapter (first 100 pages), it didn’t held the same interest and pace, maybe because of narration style which was little confusing.
I couldn’t feel the characters. There was more focus on plot than characters. I didn’t care for any of them. Though Hegan was main character, I feel like I don’t know much about him and his romance with Yvette was also superficial. The way they met and their love at first sight felt unrealistic.
I couldn’t feel the thrill of mystery until last 30% of the book.
Overall, it was interesting and unique plot and mystery with twist and turns. I would have loved the book if it had depth in characters and more gripping narration.
*** Note : I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. ***
3.5 Stars
The Scopas Factor was a second book in Mike Hegan mystery series. Book was revolved around primitive art, forgery, Laosian history, and drug smuggling that tangled main character – detective Mike Hegan in complex case. Book was filled with twist and turns, some tense scene and little bit romance.
I haven’t read first book so I can tell there wasn’t much I was missing from first book and can be read as standalone. Writing was okay at first but as I read more I could see it improving by the end of the book. It was third person narrative from multiple character’s perspective. The narration style, setting and plot was different and interesting.
It started in 1990 with Hmong woman running from communist insurgents terrorizing village. They were assisted by the Americans during Vietnam War. While staying at refugee camp she recreated horrors of war by sewing a cloth depicting the events she witnessed. She hid it in secret compartment of her lean-to. The cloth that took old woman’s life and put her daughter Mos and her family in danger even after 25 years.
Why cloth was so important, why the Skaggs was after it, why Tom and some other people had ‘Don’t Trade On Me’ flag and why they had letters from Ambassadors of America signed by Rene Sabotka, who was Sabotka, how he was related to cloth and why he wanted it? All these questions made the book interesting and I was curious to find out how Hegan was going to solve the mystery of story cloth.
First few chapters gave overview of history of story cloth, Tom Fritzgerald and Hegan’s life as detective of Chicago Police Department, how he was now on sabbatical after returning previous mission and on the case of two murders and a missing story cloth.
Hegan was clever, his deductive skill was great and I liked how he cared for people around him. Initially he was suspicious of Thornie but once it was cleared their team was remarkable. I enjoyed conversations between them. Thornie was my most favorite character in the book. He was hilarious British that made the book lively and eased the tension of the mystery.
Side characters David, Alexis, LeNoir and Thornie were eventually introduced. I liked to read their part in the mystery that helped to gather the pieces of puzzle. Yvette’s life story and her relation to LeNoir was intriguing and I liked how she reconnected with her lost family. All characters were flawed and realistic.
Drama, murder, kidnapping, smuggling with many twist and turns made me read till the end of the chapter. A statue by Scopas and Hegan’s skill was the turning point in the book. Climax was good. Last 30% of the book fast paced, real interesting and tense filled with action, little surprises and better writing. I liked the way mystery was concluded.
Why 3.5 stars-
Now there were few things that kept me distracted and from fully enjoying the story. I enjoyed first chapter but from second to seventh chapter (first 100 pages), it didn’t held the same interest and pace, maybe because of narration style which was little confusing.
I couldn’t feel the characters. There was more focus on plot than characters. I didn’t care for any of them. Though Hegan was main character, I feel like I don’t know much about him and his romance with Yvette was also superficial. The way they met and their love at first sight felt unrealistic.
I couldn’t feel the thrill of mystery until last 30% of the book.
Overall, it was interesting and unique plot and mystery with twist and turns. I would have loved the book if it had depth in characters and more gripping narration.
*** Note : I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. ***
April 7, 2019
Mystery/Thrillers are my genre but this book was very difficult to follow.
I wasn't sure what was going on. The plot was a mystery. Something about art forgery and communists. What? And the dialogue between Hegan and Diana was awkward at best. My New Years resolution was give books 100 pages then move on. This ended up a dnf.
I wasn't sure what was going on. The plot was a mystery. Something about art forgery and communists. What? And the dialogue between Hegan and Diana was awkward at best. My New Years resolution was give books 100 pages then move on. This ended up a dnf.
December 20, 2018
A lot happens in this story. A mix of drama, kidnapping, danger, mystery, murder, criminality, theft and a lot more.
It makes the reader a bit confused at times because it is difficult to catch the breath of it all.
A lot of twists and turns makes it worth the read in spite of confusion sometimes. The characters and sites are really well described and the author has made a great research.
It is a story that could have been shortened a bit to give it more suspence. It has a bit too much filling at times.
I can only recommend it to others because the author has a way of captivating the readers.
It makes the reader a bit confused at times because it is difficult to catch the breath of it all.
A lot of twists and turns makes it worth the read in spite of confusion sometimes. The characters and sites are really well described and the author has made a great research.
It is a story that could have been shortened a bit to give it more suspence. It has a bit too much filling at times.
I can only recommend it to others because the author has a way of captivating the readers.
November 7, 2018
“It says you solved a murder and broke up a Russian mob. There you are, in black and white.”
Los Angeles author Vincent Panettiere began his colorful career as a sports writer for a wire service and Boston daily, altered his path by accepting several executive positions at CBS and Fox Network, wrote several film scripts yet to be produced and served as a literary agent for television and film writers and directors, and as a sports agent for major league and professional baseball players. He is the author of THE INTERNET FINANCING SOLUTION, and while that book is an expose of Internet scams, it is also the experience of the author and his personal unfortunate experiences with the Internet global scams. With the success of that first outing with writing he followed with a well-sculpted mystery thriller A WOMAN TO BLAME, and continued his journey to literary importance with THESE THY GIFTS, only to blossom again with THE SCOPAS FACTOR.
Vincent’s facility with language allows him to say so much in so few poignant words. And example of this is his opening paragraphs – ‘No one knew the name or age of the person they called the Mud Woman. She seemed to have been a part of the Hmong exodus from Northern Laos since the first day of their journey. None could be certain. With her dun-colored bundle she was one of many solitary, nameless people on the trek. All were fleeing the Laotian army. Sometimes the bundle was balanced on her head or slung over her shoulder. If anyone paid her any attention, that was the only change they saw from the start of their hurried flight to their final settlement in Ban Vinai, located some 350 miles north of Bangkok. She was just another piece in a coagulated mass of humanity. The woman did not speak, and no one could engage her downcast eyes long enough to pose an inquiry. However, the depth of her soul-weary sadness did not require explanation. There were cots and washrooms to provide shelter and warmth in a longhouse awaiting the new residents at Ban Vinai. The woman preferred a patch of dirt near the outer perimeter of the camp and settled in under the tarp rolled up in her bundle. Not until the others saw her remove some branches that had been whittled into tent pegs did she appear to be an enterprising woman, prepared for hard times. She trundled her way to the chow line twice a day—in the morning for a breakfast bowl of porridge and later for a dinner of noodles and vegetables courtesy of some United Nations-sponsored refugee relief committee. Relieved of the burden she’d carried for hundreds of miles, the woman exposed her time-worn visage, allowing all to see the impact of the pain she bore on her diminutive frame. Still, there was a vestige of energy in her eyes that belied her physical being. In good weather, her days were spent outside her lean-to refuge, drawing in the dirt with a wooden stick. A joyous spirit emerged as she etched in the soil, even if her life contained more misery than pleasure. She was happy with her work, as though achieving a long-suppressed mission. When the runoff after a rain erased her drawing, she would recreate the sketch in the mud. The pleasure was less apparent in those times. Worry creased her broad forehead each time she feared the image would be lost. Then she hurriedly worked the stick in the ground to hold fast the picture in her mind. No one realized she drew to remember, trying to keep the images alive so that one day others would know. Occasionally, other camp dwellers would pass to observe her concentrated efforts at replicating the original dirt drawing. From that vantage she was referenced as the Mud Woman.’
The very brief summary offered before reading is adequate to place us in the realm of the gist of the tale. ` A Hmong "story cloth," a Revolutionary War battle flag, forged Picassos and a Russian drug dealer—finding the link between these disparate elements is the challenge Mike Hegan, a veteran police detective being forced to retire on medical disability (who was introduced in A WOMAN TO BLAME) faces in The Scopas Factor. After his last investigation ends tragically, Detective Mike Hegan returns to Chicago from St. Kitts, hoping to put everything behind him. But his girlfriend, Diana, has other plans, and although he has no interest in the job opportunity she presents him—in a small northern California town, no less—he wants to please her. Upon his arrival in Weedley, he's caught up in a kidnapping and two murders. A visit to Diana's family in San Francisco only serves to deepen the mystery, as her father might be the link to a gang of antiquities thieves that might have something to do with the crimes in Weedley. And when Diana's father disappears, Hegan takes off for Antibes in southern France, where he discovers that the mystery has only just begun.’
Vincent Panettieri is molding a remarkably solid stance as a writer of substance. His insights, sensitivity to issues - contemporary and enduring ones, and his eloquent prose place him near the top of today’s authors’ peak. Highly recommended.
Los Angeles author Vincent Panettiere began his colorful career as a sports writer for a wire service and Boston daily, altered his path by accepting several executive positions at CBS and Fox Network, wrote several film scripts yet to be produced and served as a literary agent for television and film writers and directors, and as a sports agent for major league and professional baseball players. He is the author of THE INTERNET FINANCING SOLUTION, and while that book is an expose of Internet scams, it is also the experience of the author and his personal unfortunate experiences with the Internet global scams. With the success of that first outing with writing he followed with a well-sculpted mystery thriller A WOMAN TO BLAME, and continued his journey to literary importance with THESE THY GIFTS, only to blossom again with THE SCOPAS FACTOR.
Vincent’s facility with language allows him to say so much in so few poignant words. And example of this is his opening paragraphs – ‘No one knew the name or age of the person they called the Mud Woman. She seemed to have been a part of the Hmong exodus from Northern Laos since the first day of their journey. None could be certain. With her dun-colored bundle she was one of many solitary, nameless people on the trek. All were fleeing the Laotian army. Sometimes the bundle was balanced on her head or slung over her shoulder. If anyone paid her any attention, that was the only change they saw from the start of their hurried flight to their final settlement in Ban Vinai, located some 350 miles north of Bangkok. She was just another piece in a coagulated mass of humanity. The woman did not speak, and no one could engage her downcast eyes long enough to pose an inquiry. However, the depth of her soul-weary sadness did not require explanation. There were cots and washrooms to provide shelter and warmth in a longhouse awaiting the new residents at Ban Vinai. The woman preferred a patch of dirt near the outer perimeter of the camp and settled in under the tarp rolled up in her bundle. Not until the others saw her remove some branches that had been whittled into tent pegs did she appear to be an enterprising woman, prepared for hard times. She trundled her way to the chow line twice a day—in the morning for a breakfast bowl of porridge and later for a dinner of noodles and vegetables courtesy of some United Nations-sponsored refugee relief committee. Relieved of the burden she’d carried for hundreds of miles, the woman exposed her time-worn visage, allowing all to see the impact of the pain she bore on her diminutive frame. Still, there was a vestige of energy in her eyes that belied her physical being. In good weather, her days were spent outside her lean-to refuge, drawing in the dirt with a wooden stick. A joyous spirit emerged as she etched in the soil, even if her life contained more misery than pleasure. She was happy with her work, as though achieving a long-suppressed mission. When the runoff after a rain erased her drawing, she would recreate the sketch in the mud. The pleasure was less apparent in those times. Worry creased her broad forehead each time she feared the image would be lost. Then she hurriedly worked the stick in the ground to hold fast the picture in her mind. No one realized she drew to remember, trying to keep the images alive so that one day others would know. Occasionally, other camp dwellers would pass to observe her concentrated efforts at replicating the original dirt drawing. From that vantage she was referenced as the Mud Woman.’
The very brief summary offered before reading is adequate to place us in the realm of the gist of the tale. ` A Hmong "story cloth," a Revolutionary War battle flag, forged Picassos and a Russian drug dealer—finding the link between these disparate elements is the challenge Mike Hegan, a veteran police detective being forced to retire on medical disability (who was introduced in A WOMAN TO BLAME) faces in The Scopas Factor. After his last investigation ends tragically, Detective Mike Hegan returns to Chicago from St. Kitts, hoping to put everything behind him. But his girlfriend, Diana, has other plans, and although he has no interest in the job opportunity she presents him—in a small northern California town, no less—he wants to please her. Upon his arrival in Weedley, he's caught up in a kidnapping and two murders. A visit to Diana's family in San Francisco only serves to deepen the mystery, as her father might be the link to a gang of antiquities thieves that might have something to do with the crimes in Weedley. And when Diana's father disappears, Hegan takes off for Antibes in southern France, where he discovers that the mystery has only just begun.’
Vincent Panettieri is molding a remarkably solid stance as a writer of substance. His insights, sensitivity to issues - contemporary and enduring ones, and his eloquent prose place him near the top of today’s authors’ peak. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2019
[English review + Reseña en Español]
The Scopas Factor, by Vincent Panettiere (author of These Thy Gifts and A Woman to Blame, whose protagonist is also Detective Mike Hegan). Published by BookBaby, 1st. edition, 2018. 310 pages (printed edition). Gender: Mystery.
A Hmong refugee seeks asylum in Ban Vinai, Thailand, where she embroiders on a cloth the story of a massacre at the hands of the Laotian army and entrusts it to her teenage daughter. Mike Hegan, Detective of the Chicago Police, is back home after an investigation that had a tragic end on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts. Hegan and his girlfriend Diana travel to a town in California to meet Diana's parents, and there they find themselves involved in a kidnapping and a couple of murders that somehow link Diana's father with the Hmong cloth and with a series of labels with the logo of the Revolutionary Flag of Gadsden. The issue will take them to Antibes, France, where Hegan must decipher a mystery involving forgeries, a sculpture by the greek Scopas and an international criminal network.
With a very well achieved writing —typical to the genre of detective mystery— The Scopas Factor weaves a plot to which extra factors, well written characters and a well-articulated rhythm are added. The story is coherent and without errors or obviousness, and the novel is written impeccably, showing what must be shown and keeping the surprises for the right time. The plot is agile, seductive, fun, exciting and clear enough.
Personally, I have quite enjoyed reading this novel. It seems to me that it has a very good rhythm and extension, and it is easy to read it continuously without getting bored at all. It is easy to sympathize with the characters, who are well built and not too stereotypical, which gives them space to move with ease and feel real. There is action without shocking demonstrations of violence, and there is romance without spilling honey. If you like mystery, art and la France, this book may be for you.
----------
The Scopas Factor, por Vincent Panettiere (autor de These Thy Gifts y A Woman to Blame, cuyo protagonista es también el Detective Mike Hegan). Publicada por BookBaby, 1ª. edición, 2018. 310 páginas (edición impresa). Género: Misterio.
Una refugiada Hmong busca asilo en Ban Vinai, Tailandia, donde borda en un paño la historia de una masacre a manos del ejército laosiano y se lo confía a su hija adolescente. Mike Hegan, Detective de la Policía de Chicago, está de vuelta en casa tras una investigación con un final trágico en la isla caribeña de San Cristóbal. Hegan y su novia Diana viajan a un pueblo en California a conocer a los padres de Diana, y ahí se ven envueltos en un secuestro y un par de asesinatos que de algún modo relacionan al padre de Diana con el paño Hmong y con una serie etiquetas con el logotipo de la Bandera Revolucionaria de Gadsden. El asunto los llevará hasta Antibes, Francia, donde Hegan deberá descifrar un misterio que implica falsificaciones, una escultura del griego Scopas y una red criminal internacional.
Con un estilo típico —y muy bien logrado— del género del misterio detectivesco, The Scopas Factor teje una trama a la que van añadiéndose factores extra, personajes bien escritos y un ritmo bien articulado. La historia es coherente y sin errores ni obviedades, y la novela está escrita de manera impecable, mostrando lo que debe ser mostrado y guardando las sorpresas para el momento justo. La trama es ágil, seductora, divertida, emocionante y suficientemente clara.
Personalmente, he disfrutado bastante leyendo esta novela. Me parece que tiene un ritmo y una extensión muy buenos, y es fácil leerla de manera continua sin aburrirse para nada. Es fácil simpatizar con los personajes, que están bien construidos y no son demasiado estereotípicos, lo que les da espacio para moverse con soltura y sentirse reales. Hay acción sin demostraciones chocantes de violencia, y hay romance sin derramamiento de miel. Si te gusta el misterio, el arte y la France, este libro puede ser para ti.
The Scopas Factor, by Vincent Panettiere (author of These Thy Gifts and A Woman to Blame, whose protagonist is also Detective Mike Hegan). Published by BookBaby, 1st. edition, 2018. 310 pages (printed edition). Gender: Mystery.
A Hmong refugee seeks asylum in Ban Vinai, Thailand, where she embroiders on a cloth the story of a massacre at the hands of the Laotian army and entrusts it to her teenage daughter. Mike Hegan, Detective of the Chicago Police, is back home after an investigation that had a tragic end on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts. Hegan and his girlfriend Diana travel to a town in California to meet Diana's parents, and there they find themselves involved in a kidnapping and a couple of murders that somehow link Diana's father with the Hmong cloth and with a series of labels with the logo of the Revolutionary Flag of Gadsden. The issue will take them to Antibes, France, where Hegan must decipher a mystery involving forgeries, a sculpture by the greek Scopas and an international criminal network.
With a very well achieved writing —typical to the genre of detective mystery— The Scopas Factor weaves a plot to which extra factors, well written characters and a well-articulated rhythm are added. The story is coherent and without errors or obviousness, and the novel is written impeccably, showing what must be shown and keeping the surprises for the right time. The plot is agile, seductive, fun, exciting and clear enough.
Personally, I have quite enjoyed reading this novel. It seems to me that it has a very good rhythm and extension, and it is easy to read it continuously without getting bored at all. It is easy to sympathize with the characters, who are well built and not too stereotypical, which gives them space to move with ease and feel real. There is action without shocking demonstrations of violence, and there is romance without spilling honey. If you like mystery, art and la France, this book may be for you.
----------
The Scopas Factor, por Vincent Panettiere (autor de These Thy Gifts y A Woman to Blame, cuyo protagonista es también el Detective Mike Hegan). Publicada por BookBaby, 1ª. edición, 2018. 310 páginas (edición impresa). Género: Misterio.
Una refugiada Hmong busca asilo en Ban Vinai, Tailandia, donde borda en un paño la historia de una masacre a manos del ejército laosiano y se lo confía a su hija adolescente. Mike Hegan, Detective de la Policía de Chicago, está de vuelta en casa tras una investigación con un final trágico en la isla caribeña de San Cristóbal. Hegan y su novia Diana viajan a un pueblo en California a conocer a los padres de Diana, y ahí se ven envueltos en un secuestro y un par de asesinatos que de algún modo relacionan al padre de Diana con el paño Hmong y con una serie etiquetas con el logotipo de la Bandera Revolucionaria de Gadsden. El asunto los llevará hasta Antibes, Francia, donde Hegan deberá descifrar un misterio que implica falsificaciones, una escultura del griego Scopas y una red criminal internacional.
Con un estilo típico —y muy bien logrado— del género del misterio detectivesco, The Scopas Factor teje una trama a la que van añadiéndose factores extra, personajes bien escritos y un ritmo bien articulado. La historia es coherente y sin errores ni obviedades, y la novela está escrita de manera impecable, mostrando lo que debe ser mostrado y guardando las sorpresas para el momento justo. La trama es ágil, seductora, divertida, emocionante y suficientemente clara.
Personalmente, he disfrutado bastante leyendo esta novela. Me parece que tiene un ritmo y una extensión muy buenos, y es fácil leerla de manera continua sin aburrirse para nada. Es fácil simpatizar con los personajes, que están bien construidos y no son demasiado estereotípicos, lo que les da espacio para moverse con soltura y sentirse reales. Hay acción sin demostraciones chocantes de violencia, y hay romance sin derramamiento de miel. Si te gusta el misterio, el arte y la France, este libro puede ser para ti.
January 27, 2019
Vincent Panetierre’s novel, The Scopas Factor, is an exhilarating and fast-paced thriller novel that is an overall enjoyable read thanks to a one-of-a-kind and multi-level plot. The story primarily follows Michael Hegan, a Chicago-based police detective who finds himself unexpectedly entangled in an international and multi-generational intrigue. Hegan is supported in the story by a motley crew of fascinating and enigmatic characters who weave in and out of story lines to create an absorbing web of mystery. Panettiere’s novel is entertaining to read and merits four stars due to its unique and innovative plot and the thrilling surprises that Panettiere skillfully pulls out at every turn, but it does have some areas where it could improve and become a truly amazing work.
Panetierre’s novel begins with an instantly absorbing scene in a Thai refugee camp in 1990, where readers will be struck by Panettiere’s poetic writing style and beautiful descriptions of nature and people. The novel then switches gears to the present with police detective Michael Hegan and his spirited companion, Diana, as they travel from Chicago to rural California for a possible job interview. Through a series of peculiar events, Hegan soon finds himself halfway across the world in southern France, following a dangerous trail of a lost artwork that many are willing to kill – and die – for. In France, he finds much more mystery and danger than he ever could have anticipated, and readers will happily tag along with Hegan as he dives deeper and deeper into the world of international criminals. Admittedly, the twists and turns that the story takes are highly unlikely and require readers to stretch their minds beyond a reasonable belief, but no one wants to read about regular run-of-the-mill lives anyway, do they? Just accept that you will never find yourself in the same small French town with a gorgeous Laotian-American woman who will fall instantly in love with you (and is a fabulous chef to boot) and enjoy the ride.
The Scopas Factor excels by creating a unique and complex story, unlike anything I’ve ever read before. At some points it feels reminiscent of other popular thriller and mystery novels, but Panettiere does not fall into the trap of clichés and “gotchas” as many others do. He keeps the plot fast-paced, fascinating, and surprising, with never a dull moment on any page. The three-hundred pages of The Scopas Factor fly by, and as I whisked to the end I was disappointed that it had come to an end, but glad to reach the conclusion of such an exhilarating work.
Where the Scopas Factor could improve would be by spending more time developing its central characters. Panettiere spends the most time with the star, Michael Hegan, but even after reading the novel in its entirety, I felt as if I only knew Hegan on a superficial level. Hegan’s romantic relationships felt equally superficial, and I struggled to believe the passion in the scenes that Panettiere wrote. The novel contains many fascinating supporting characters – my favorites include maneater Alexis, mysterious Yvette, and the ever-hilarious, ever-British Thornie – but their personalities felt only skin-deep. In spite of that, though, I think that The Scopas Factor is a worthwhile and unique read that is sure to entertain.
Panetierre’s novel begins with an instantly absorbing scene in a Thai refugee camp in 1990, where readers will be struck by Panettiere’s poetic writing style and beautiful descriptions of nature and people. The novel then switches gears to the present with police detective Michael Hegan and his spirited companion, Diana, as they travel from Chicago to rural California for a possible job interview. Through a series of peculiar events, Hegan soon finds himself halfway across the world in southern France, following a dangerous trail of a lost artwork that many are willing to kill – and die – for. In France, he finds much more mystery and danger than he ever could have anticipated, and readers will happily tag along with Hegan as he dives deeper and deeper into the world of international criminals. Admittedly, the twists and turns that the story takes are highly unlikely and require readers to stretch their minds beyond a reasonable belief, but no one wants to read about regular run-of-the-mill lives anyway, do they? Just accept that you will never find yourself in the same small French town with a gorgeous Laotian-American woman who will fall instantly in love with you (and is a fabulous chef to boot) and enjoy the ride.
The Scopas Factor excels by creating a unique and complex story, unlike anything I’ve ever read before. At some points it feels reminiscent of other popular thriller and mystery novels, but Panettiere does not fall into the trap of clichés and “gotchas” as many others do. He keeps the plot fast-paced, fascinating, and surprising, with never a dull moment on any page. The three-hundred pages of The Scopas Factor fly by, and as I whisked to the end I was disappointed that it had come to an end, but glad to reach the conclusion of such an exhilarating work.
Where the Scopas Factor could improve would be by spending more time developing its central characters. Panettiere spends the most time with the star, Michael Hegan, but even after reading the novel in its entirety, I felt as if I only knew Hegan on a superficial level. Hegan’s romantic relationships felt equally superficial, and I struggled to believe the passion in the scenes that Panettiere wrote. The novel contains many fascinating supporting characters – my favorites include maneater Alexis, mysterious Yvette, and the ever-hilarious, ever-British Thornie – but their personalities felt only skin-deep. In spite of that, though, I think that The Scopas Factor is a worthwhile and unique read that is sure to entertain.
January 8, 2019
The book is nothing short of exciting, mysterious and electrifying. The events are dramatized well, making the reader visualize every action on the ground. Vincent Panettiere writes fascinatingly and was able to catch my interest from the start.
The author takes us to Ban Vinai Refugee Camp in Thailand at the beginning of the book. The year is 1990 and we are introduced to the Mud Woman. I found the Mud woman to be intriguing. Her character seemed interesting because at the beginning, the reader is informed that no one knew her name or age. She was amusing. Despite being among the many nameless people on the trek that was fleeing the Laotian army, the mud woman was distinct in her own ways. She spoke less and one could see the sadness in her eyes. I read her story with empathy up until she reunited with her daughter, Mos. I love that the author wrote about this woman. It helps the reader have a perspective of how things are run in some refugee camps; isolation, misery, depression, loneliness and hunger are some of the things refugees face. The reader is able to learn a lot about the mud woman's story. Lessons I took from her include perseverance and prudence.
The plot of the story gets better after the first chapter. One encounters unexpected twists as they read on, meeting new characters and being virtually taken to different locations. Detective Mike Hegan was a favorite in the book. The man was skilled in his profession, acted as required and was always focused. I loved that I identified him as a protagonist. Detective Hegan’s life was adventurous. The cases he took, his investigations and his personal life are what made me enjoy the book.
Detective Hegan’s final investigation did not end well with him. He left St. Kitts to Chicago hoping to forget everything. This was however not the case as he was met with more drama. I was not prepared for the action that followed. Murders, kidnappings and his girlfriend’s father’s shady links are some of the things he never thought he would be dealing with. Detective Hegan is among the characters who perfectly executed their roles in the book.
“The Scopas factor” is an attention-grabbing book. Though the reader is taken to different parts of the world, one could see that the stories are somehow connected. The author did well with the development of the plot and the characters’ roles. I loved reading the mystery as it made me more eager to read what was to follow.
Vincent Panettiere is a great author. His writing style is laid-back and the reader follows through every story he puts out. The paragraphs were well arranged in that one was able to comprehend the current events without having to go back for reference. "The Scopas Factor" was written for readers who enjoy thriller stories, detective, drama, crime, mystery and murder themes. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading a book that is action packed.
The author takes us to Ban Vinai Refugee Camp in Thailand at the beginning of the book. The year is 1990 and we are introduced to the Mud Woman. I found the Mud woman to be intriguing. Her character seemed interesting because at the beginning, the reader is informed that no one knew her name or age. She was amusing. Despite being among the many nameless people on the trek that was fleeing the Laotian army, the mud woman was distinct in her own ways. She spoke less and one could see the sadness in her eyes. I read her story with empathy up until she reunited with her daughter, Mos. I love that the author wrote about this woman. It helps the reader have a perspective of how things are run in some refugee camps; isolation, misery, depression, loneliness and hunger are some of the things refugees face. The reader is able to learn a lot about the mud woman's story. Lessons I took from her include perseverance and prudence.
The plot of the story gets better after the first chapter. One encounters unexpected twists as they read on, meeting new characters and being virtually taken to different locations. Detective Mike Hegan was a favorite in the book. The man was skilled in his profession, acted as required and was always focused. I loved that I identified him as a protagonist. Detective Hegan’s life was adventurous. The cases he took, his investigations and his personal life are what made me enjoy the book.
Detective Hegan’s final investigation did not end well with him. He left St. Kitts to Chicago hoping to forget everything. This was however not the case as he was met with more drama. I was not prepared for the action that followed. Murders, kidnappings and his girlfriend’s father’s shady links are some of the things he never thought he would be dealing with. Detective Hegan is among the characters who perfectly executed their roles in the book.
“The Scopas factor” is an attention-grabbing book. Though the reader is taken to different parts of the world, one could see that the stories are somehow connected. The author did well with the development of the plot and the characters’ roles. I loved reading the mystery as it made me more eager to read what was to follow.
Vincent Panettiere is a great author. His writing style is laid-back and the reader follows through every story he puts out. The paragraphs were well arranged in that one was able to comprehend the current events without having to go back for reference. "The Scopas Factor" was written for readers who enjoy thriller stories, detective, drama, crime, mystery and murder themes. I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading a book that is action packed.
March 11, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A simple cloth becomes the vocal point for an international mystery involving war crimes, art theft and murder in author Vincent Panettiere’s The Scopas Factor. Here is the synopsis.
The Synopsis
A Hmong "story cloth," a Revolutionary War battle flag, forged Picassos and a Russian drug dealer—finding the link between these disparate elements is the challenge Mike Hegan faces in The Scopas Factor, the latest mystery from Vincent Panettiere.
After his last investigation ends tragically, Detective Mike Hegan returns to Chicago from St. Kitts, hoping to put everything behind him. But his girlfriend, Diana, has other plans, and although he has no interest in the job opportunity she presents him—in a small northern California town, no less—he wants to please her. Upon his arrival in Weedley, he's caught up in a kidnapping and two murders. A visit to Diana's family in San Francisco only serves to deepen the mystery, as her father might be the link to a gang of antiquities thieves that might have something to do with the crimes in Weedley. And when Diana's father disappears, Hegan takes off for Antibes in southern France, where he discovers that the mystery has only just begun.
The Review
A whirlwind adventure that explores the horrors of war and the ways in which criminals profit from other’s misery, the story is the third highly acclaimed novel from author Vincent Panettiere. The novel is very character driven, taking readers through the mystery by showcasing everyone involved in great detail, from Detective Heagan and his investigation into the mystery, to the woman who’s mother left a legacy behind that she hopes will reveal the truth, and an art forger who finds himself caught in the midst of a bloody battle.
The author does a fantastic job of commanding the story fully into the mystery genre. The action of the narrative plays out in a very creative and cinematic way, creating instant images in the readers imagination as they follow the adventure piece by piece. The way the author stretches out the mystery is perfect as well, taking readers in one direction and then completely dropping the floor out from under them, taking the adventure into an entirely unexpected direction.
The Verdict
This is a wonderful novel, filled to the brim with action, suspense and romance as one lone detective becomes embroiled in a larger than life international mystery. Who can you trust when everyone seems to be connected? And with a feeling of dread hanging over the detective after the loss of his last two relationships, can he find happiness in a new relationship, or are the dangers of the case too overwhelming for his relationship to survive? Find out in this incredible roller coaster mystery by picking up your copy of The Scopas Factor by Vincent Panettiere today!
A simple cloth becomes the vocal point for an international mystery involving war crimes, art theft and murder in author Vincent Panettiere’s The Scopas Factor. Here is the synopsis.
The Synopsis
A Hmong "story cloth," a Revolutionary War battle flag, forged Picassos and a Russian drug dealer—finding the link between these disparate elements is the challenge Mike Hegan faces in The Scopas Factor, the latest mystery from Vincent Panettiere.
After his last investigation ends tragically, Detective Mike Hegan returns to Chicago from St. Kitts, hoping to put everything behind him. But his girlfriend, Diana, has other plans, and although he has no interest in the job opportunity she presents him—in a small northern California town, no less—he wants to please her. Upon his arrival in Weedley, he's caught up in a kidnapping and two murders. A visit to Diana's family in San Francisco only serves to deepen the mystery, as her father might be the link to a gang of antiquities thieves that might have something to do with the crimes in Weedley. And when Diana's father disappears, Hegan takes off for Antibes in southern France, where he discovers that the mystery has only just begun.
The Review
A whirlwind adventure that explores the horrors of war and the ways in which criminals profit from other’s misery, the story is the third highly acclaimed novel from author Vincent Panettiere. The novel is very character driven, taking readers through the mystery by showcasing everyone involved in great detail, from Detective Heagan and his investigation into the mystery, to the woman who’s mother left a legacy behind that she hopes will reveal the truth, and an art forger who finds himself caught in the midst of a bloody battle.
The author does a fantastic job of commanding the story fully into the mystery genre. The action of the narrative plays out in a very creative and cinematic way, creating instant images in the readers imagination as they follow the adventure piece by piece. The way the author stretches out the mystery is perfect as well, taking readers in one direction and then completely dropping the floor out from under them, taking the adventure into an entirely unexpected direction.
The Verdict
This is a wonderful novel, filled to the brim with action, suspense and romance as one lone detective becomes embroiled in a larger than life international mystery. Who can you trust when everyone seems to be connected? And with a feeling of dread hanging over the detective after the loss of his last two relationships, can he find happiness in a new relationship, or are the dangers of the case too overwhelming for his relationship to survive? Find out in this incredible roller coaster mystery by picking up your copy of The Scopas Factor by Vincent Panettiere today!
January 30, 2019
The Scopas Factor, by Vincent Panettiere, is an ambitious story full of adventure and intrigue. The book starts in 1990 in the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp in Thailand. The refugees are from the Hmong exodus from Northern Laos, fleeing from the Communist insurgents. One woman, known as the mud woman, refuses to live inside with the others and spends her days tracing pictures in the dirt. One day, Mos, her daughter, shows up and is reunited with her mother. While they are in the camp, the mud woman sews a recreation of the massacre in their village. After the mud woman finishes the cloth and shows Mos where she hid it, a truck of heavily armed men invade the camp and take her. Also, in 1990, we meet Tom Fitzgerald. He is a young college graduate who answers an ad to be sent to Thailand. From there, he is sent to Ban Vinai. He arrives two days after the old woman is taken. He meets and falls in love with Mos.
We then skip to twenty-five years later in Arles, France, where David St. Pierre finds himself in trouble. He is an art forger who cannot deliver what he has promised to a dangerous man known as The Black. The item in question is the Hmong story cloth that the mud woman made. If he cannot get the cloth to them, he will be killed. After storming out of a lunch with his wife, Alexis, and his friend, Thornie, David disappears.
Jump to Chicago, where we meet Detective Mike Hegan who has a history of getting the women he loves killed. He is dating Diana, who accompanies him on a trip to California where he will go to an interview for the police chief job and then on to meet her parents. Once in California, the story comes full circle as we find that the mayor of the little town is Tom Fitzgerald. He is married to Mos and has children with her. From there, we find that everyone is connected and involved. The Hmong cloth disappears and the chase is on to find it and to bring the bad guys to justice. The question of who the bad guys really are is featured heavily in the story.
The book is very easy to read. The writing is well done and the story flows. I found myself very interested in what would happen next. One issue I had with the story is that there was almost too much going on. There were so many characters that it was a bit difficult to keep up. The only other thing I did not like is that some of the language was a bit antiquated.
I am giving the book a solid 4 out of 5 because I really enjoyed the story. I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventurous mystery stories with a lot going on. This engaging novel definitely fits the bill.
We then skip to twenty-five years later in Arles, France, where David St. Pierre finds himself in trouble. He is an art forger who cannot deliver what he has promised to a dangerous man known as The Black. The item in question is the Hmong story cloth that the mud woman made. If he cannot get the cloth to them, he will be killed. After storming out of a lunch with his wife, Alexis, and his friend, Thornie, David disappears.
Jump to Chicago, where we meet Detective Mike Hegan who has a history of getting the women he loves killed. He is dating Diana, who accompanies him on a trip to California where he will go to an interview for the police chief job and then on to meet her parents. Once in California, the story comes full circle as we find that the mayor of the little town is Tom Fitzgerald. He is married to Mos and has children with her. From there, we find that everyone is connected and involved. The Hmong cloth disappears and the chase is on to find it and to bring the bad guys to justice. The question of who the bad guys really are is featured heavily in the story.
The book is very easy to read. The writing is well done and the story flows. I found myself very interested in what would happen next. One issue I had with the story is that there was almost too much going on. There were so many characters that it was a bit difficult to keep up. The only other thing I did not like is that some of the language was a bit antiquated.
I am giving the book a solid 4 out of 5 because I really enjoyed the story. I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventurous mystery stories with a lot going on. This engaging novel definitely fits the bill.
January 22, 2019
A mystery that spans ages and continents. A young girl, a life torn by war, a man submerged in curious circumstances. These are the tantalizing details that await readers of Vincent Panettiere’s The Scopas Factor. This gripping tale will have readers eager to devour the tale and learn more. There is an intricate attention to detail here that comes to writers who work hard to hone their craft and devote themselves to accurate portrayals. Beginning the story in the harsh circumstances found in a refugee camp with the Mud Woman we become witness to her fervent task. We are whisked ahead in time and to the other side of the world, coming upon a man, Mike Hegan, who seems to be as far removed from this situation as can be. But is he? What is his part to play in this masterful drama?
Mysteries that confound the mind and bring exhilaration to readers are often hard to find. It requires an incredible commitment to attention to detail and they can often only be written by writers who are confident in their craft. An insecure mystery writer invites plot holes and cliché outcomes. This is not what readers will find with Panettiere. There is dedication in this book. Not only to research but to careful world building and character creation. There is nothing to dislike about this adventure, except for when it ends.
This is not Panettiere’s first time writing a book and that is evidenced by his skill. His second novel was critically acclaimed, and this third book is also worthy of praise. Readers who have been following Panettiere since his debut will be happy to see the reappearance of Mike Hegan within these pages. Unfortunately, this writer has not had the pleasure of reading A Woman to Blame so cannot comment on the continuity of the character. Mike is a likeable character with realistic reactions and uncanny luck to be caught in such a situation, that much can be said.
Devouring a good mystery while trying to trace the path and connect the dots is what readers will find in the pages of Vincent Panettiere’s The Scopas Factor. The characters are realistic, and this adventure will take readers across the world in search of the truth. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain from picking up a copy of this magnificent read and devoting a good chunk of time to unravelling its secret. You won’t be disappointed.
Mysteries that confound the mind and bring exhilaration to readers are often hard to find. It requires an incredible commitment to attention to detail and they can often only be written by writers who are confident in their craft. An insecure mystery writer invites plot holes and cliché outcomes. This is not what readers will find with Panettiere. There is dedication in this book. Not only to research but to careful world building and character creation. There is nothing to dislike about this adventure, except for when it ends.
This is not Panettiere’s first time writing a book and that is evidenced by his skill. His second novel was critically acclaimed, and this third book is also worthy of praise. Readers who have been following Panettiere since his debut will be happy to see the reappearance of Mike Hegan within these pages. Unfortunately, this writer has not had the pleasure of reading A Woman to Blame so cannot comment on the continuity of the character. Mike is a likeable character with realistic reactions and uncanny luck to be caught in such a situation, that much can be said.
Devouring a good mystery while trying to trace the path and connect the dots is what readers will find in the pages of Vincent Panettiere’s The Scopas Factor. The characters are realistic, and this adventure will take readers across the world in search of the truth. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain from picking up a copy of this magnificent read and devoting a good chunk of time to unravelling its secret. You won’t be disappointed.
January 16, 2019
Detective Hegan from Chicago is on a leave of absence from the force after taking down the mob. Yet his vacation is not the one of relaxation that he was hoping for. Hegan and his not so serious girlfriend head to California for an unofficial job interview at a small town sheriffs office and to meet Dianas`s parents. Upon arriving in town for his interview Hegan stumbles upon the robbery of a story cloth that could put a war criminal, that massacred thousands of people, in prison for the rest of his life. This cloth also brings him to France where he works with Interpol and art forgery masterminds from all over the world. But a story cloth and art is only the beginning.
This book is a great read and I would advise anyone to pick this book up. This book is for an adult audience though having sex, drugs, and major crimes in it. The book does a great job of telling the story in full. The authors ability to weave the characters lives together and give a clear description of who the characters are and what their roles are in the story is on point. I also feel like Panettiere did such a great job leading the reader through all the events and keeping the suspense. Every time I thought I had something figured out there was a twist and I had to rethink what I had thought I had known.
I couldn’t put this book down and for being a little more of a shorter book in my opinion and captured me from the beginning and really help my attention all the way through. A fun little thing that could be done with this book is have a French dictionary near you whether a book or your phone and look up some of the things being said. There is not a lot of French but there is a little.
The only thing I would add to this book is maybe putting at the end the French translations for the sentences in the book because there are so few. I think it would be fun for someone who doesn’t know French to be able to flip to the back real quickly and see what was said. Other than that I don’t have a single thing that I would change about the book except that I want more!!!!!
This book is a great read and I would advise anyone to pick this book up. This book is for an adult audience though having sex, drugs, and major crimes in it. The book does a great job of telling the story in full. The authors ability to weave the characters lives together and give a clear description of who the characters are and what their roles are in the story is on point. I also feel like Panettiere did such a great job leading the reader through all the events and keeping the suspense. Every time I thought I had something figured out there was a twist and I had to rethink what I had thought I had known.
I couldn’t put this book down and for being a little more of a shorter book in my opinion and captured me from the beginning and really help my attention all the way through. A fun little thing that could be done with this book is have a French dictionary near you whether a book or your phone and look up some of the things being said. There is not a lot of French but there is a little.
The only thing I would add to this book is maybe putting at the end the French translations for the sentences in the book because there are so few. I think it would be fun for someone who doesn’t know French to be able to flip to the back real quickly and see what was said. Other than that I don’t have a single thing that I would change about the book except that I want more!!!!!
April 8, 2019
This was my first book by this author so I was not quite sure what to expect. From the synopsis, I gathered that the primary male character, Detective Mike Hegan returns to Chicago hoping to put a bad experience behind him. However, his girlfriend Diana, who was a prominent figure and not just an afterthought in the story set him up on a new job. the case leads him from San Francisco to traveling across the country. There are a lot of characters to keep up with so pay attention. With those characters come multiple twists including kidnapping and murder. I did enjoy the Author not pulling any punches and grabbing my attention from the first Chapter. He knows how to pull you in with great imagery. I always enjoy when I can picture and feel what is going on with the characters. The characters were developed including the supporting characters. The story appears to be well structured and good editing was involved here as well. I ALWAYS appreciate a technically clean novel. My only issue with the story is that at times, it got a little wordy and I think bogged down with unnecessary details. I felt the pace slow a tad bit midway through. Hmm, it could have just been me and the fact that I could not wait to see how the story would unfold. The Detectives backstory was interesting and I loved getting the insight that the Author gave us as to what makes him tick. All in all, a good read and am glad I got to experience it.
May 29, 2019
The Scopas Factor is a mystery for Panettiere to be proud of. The setting is interesting and far spanning, not only in time but also in place. While it starts in 1990, it instantly feels like the effects of the Vietnam war are still being felt on Asian countries, creating some fantastic world-building.
The writing itself is more than competent, showing flair and control over characters, events, and history. This helps create an air of mystery from the very beginning, drawing you into this world of intrigue filled with FBI chases and shady betrayals.
It is concise in how it's written, condensing a variety of settings and situations. While this for the most part keeps everything fast paced and interesting, I felt like at times the story was held back by its "punchiness". I found myself flitting between settings without being able to fully savour them at times.
The dialogue could also be improved. This falls prey to the same problem, where the benefit of the punchy nature of it is that it assists the book's pace, but the problem is that some characterisation and voice is sacrificed in order to do this.
Overall, however, The Scopas Factor is a great mystery, not cliche, great writing, and gripping from the start.
The writing itself is more than competent, showing flair and control over characters, events, and history. This helps create an air of mystery from the very beginning, drawing you into this world of intrigue filled with FBI chases and shady betrayals.
It is concise in how it's written, condensing a variety of settings and situations. While this for the most part keeps everything fast paced and interesting, I felt like at times the story was held back by its "punchiness". I found myself flitting between settings without being able to fully savour them at times.
The dialogue could also be improved. This falls prey to the same problem, where the benefit of the punchy nature of it is that it assists the book's pace, but the problem is that some characterisation and voice is sacrificed in order to do this.
Overall, however, The Scopas Factor is a great mystery, not cliche, great writing, and gripping from the start.
March 31, 2025
The Scopas Factor was a second book in Mike Hegan mystery series. The book revolved around primitive art, forgery, Laosian history,
and drug smuggling that tangled main
character detective Mike Hegan in complex.
The novel is very complex.
case. Book was filled with twist and turns, some tense scenes and a little bit of romance. I haven't read the first book so I can tell there wasn't much I was missing from the first book and can be read as standalone. Writing was okay at first but as I read more I could see it improving by the end of the book. It was a third person narrative from multiple characters'perspective. The narration style, setting and plot was different and interesting. It started in 1990 with Hmong women running from communist insurgents terrorizing the village. They were assisted by the Americans during Vietnam War. While staying at refugee camp she recreated horrors of war by sewing a cloth depicting the events she witnessed. She hid it in secret compartment of her lean-to. The cloth that took an old woman's life and put her daughter Mos and her family in danger even after 25 years.
Actually I lost in between chapters.
The whole idea worked for me.
and drug smuggling that tangled main
character detective Mike Hegan in complex.
The novel is very complex.
case. Book was filled with twist and turns, some tense scenes and a little bit of romance. I haven't read the first book so I can tell there wasn't much I was missing from the first book and can be read as standalone. Writing was okay at first but as I read more I could see it improving by the end of the book. It was a third person narrative from multiple characters'perspective. The narration style, setting and plot was different and interesting. It started in 1990 with Hmong women running from communist insurgents terrorizing the village. They were assisted by the Americans during Vietnam War. While staying at refugee camp she recreated horrors of war by sewing a cloth depicting the events she witnessed. She hid it in secret compartment of her lean-to. The cloth that took an old woman's life and put her daughter Mos and her family in danger even after 25 years.
Actually I lost in between chapters.
The whole idea worked for me.
November 30, 2018
'The Scopas Factor' by Vincent Panettiere is one of those books that draw you in without you even realise it and before you know it 3 hours have gone by. There is a power to his writing style that intrigues and engrosses you in equal measure that simply makes you unable to put the book down. The story starts in Laos with the mysterious Mud Woman, one of many fleeing the brutality of the Laotian army who would spend her days drawing in the dirt with a stick. Throughout, the course of the novel you will learn how this relates to seemingly random things including an isolated community in the Asian mountains, Picasso forgeries, and a Russian drug dealer. Detective Mike Hegan is the man tasked with making the connections, and with kidnapping and murder thrown into the mix, he has quite the task on his hands.
This is the first novel I have read from Vincent Panettiere, but I'm sure it won't be the last. The novel was exciting, tense, thrilling, and even insightful and informative. When it comes to contemporary fiction, it doesn't come much better than this.
This is the first novel I have read from Vincent Panettiere, but I'm sure it won't be the last. The novel was exciting, tense, thrilling, and even insightful and informative. When it comes to contemporary fiction, it doesn't come much better than this.
November 18, 2018
The opening chapter of this book immediately throws the reader into the story world with beautiful descriptive passages and a powerful setting. The author is skilful in weaving together various plot twists and turns, as well as taking the reader on a journey across various international locations. There are multiple surprising reveals and a large cast of characters that keep the action flowing. I was particularly drawn to Mos and Kia. I feel that noir films/fiction likely had a big stylistic influence on this novel, as can be seen in the femme fatale characters, the jaded detective and the pervasiveness of corruption in the story world. The author is clearly a confident writer and many readers are sure to be thrilled by this intricate mystery plot. In terms of constructive criticism, the casual sexism of some of the heroic characters was a little off-putting and I felt that shortening the overall length would significantly boost the book’s suspense factor.
February 13, 2019
Vincent Panettiere has already published four books, and now that I’ve finished “The Scopas Factor,” I’m going to buy the other three and hope they’re as good as this one! “The Scopas Factor” will have you turning those pages like crazy because you’ll want to know what’s going to happen next and ultimately solve all the mysteries with Mike.
Mike Hegan is the main character of the book, and he’s a brilliant detective who wants to give up on his career because of the tragedy that concluded his last case (if you want to read the books in order, you’ve got to start with “A Woman To Blame”). However, his girlfriend persuades him to take up another case to investigate a double murder accompanied by a kidnapping in a small rural town. Reluctant at first, Mike eventually agrees to pursue the case for the sake of his romantic relationship and quickly becomes involved in a mystery that turns out to spread far beyond the town of Weedley.
Mike Hegan is the main character of the book, and he’s a brilliant detective who wants to give up on his career because of the tragedy that concluded his last case (if you want to read the books in order, you’ve got to start with “A Woman To Blame”). However, his girlfriend persuades him to take up another case to investigate a double murder accompanied by a kidnapping in a small rural town. Reluctant at first, Mike eventually agrees to pursue the case for the sake of his romantic relationship and quickly becomes involved in a mystery that turns out to spread far beyond the town of Weedley.
November 14, 2025
The Scopas Factor is a fast-paced, intelligently layered mystery that pulls you in from the very first page. Vincent Panettiere weaves together seemingly unrelated elements a Hmong story cloth, a Revolutionary War flag, forged Picassos, and a dangerous Russian criminal into a gripping, globe-spanning investigation.
Detective Mike Hegan is a compelling protagonist, still haunted by the fallout of his last case but determined to push forward. What begins as a reluctant trip to please his girlfriend quickly spirals into kidnappings, murders, and a web of secrets that reaches from small-town California to the art markets of Antibes. Every chapter raises the stakes, and every new revelation tightens the mystery.
With sharp writing, rich detail, and a plot full of twists, The Scopas Factor delivers suspense, intrigue, and an unforgettable journey. A must-read for fans of smart, well-crafted crime thrillers.”
Detective Mike Hegan is a compelling protagonist, still haunted by the fallout of his last case but determined to push forward. What begins as a reluctant trip to please his girlfriend quickly spirals into kidnappings, murders, and a web of secrets that reaches from small-town California to the art markets of Antibes. Every chapter raises the stakes, and every new revelation tightens the mystery.
With sharp writing, rich detail, and a plot full of twists, The Scopas Factor delivers suspense, intrigue, and an unforgettable journey. A must-read for fans of smart, well-crafted crime thrillers.”
November 12, 2018
The Scopas Factor by Vincent Panettiere showcases the author's varied background and experiences from sports writer to an executive at major television networks. With several solid books under his belt, Panettiere again provides the reader with an intriguing story with a lot going on. The story opens in Laos and the Mud woman and from there the story unfolds nicely. Detective Mike Hegan again is the protagonist this time, taking us on a journey around the globe, trying to figure out a mystery that contains many disparate elements. His girlfriend's father might be involved in something nefarious, and Mike must figure out what exactly is going on. With a solid plot, a succinct yet descriptive writing style, and fascinating characters, the author has solidified his position as a writer of great note. Highly recommend for an interesting and exciting read.
December 17, 2018
Mike Hagan, a veteran police detective, was forced into retirement on medical grounds, after his final investigation ended badly. Not wanting to take on anything else, he finds himself persuaded into taking one more job by his girlfriend. In the small Californian town of Weedly he finds himself in the midst of numerous intertwining mysteries. How do two murders relate to a Russian drug dealer, and what dodgy dealings has his girlfriend's father been involved with? Hagan will have to travel the world to solve the mysteries that have surrounded him, and it has only just begun.
The Scopas Factor by Vincent Panettiere is a really accomplished novel that is seriously well written, with great descriptions and really well-developed characters. He has a great ability to set a mood and atmosphere, which helps to bring you into the story.
The Scopas Factor by Vincent Panettiere is a really accomplished novel that is seriously well written, with great descriptions and really well-developed characters. He has a great ability to set a mood and atmosphere, which helps to bring you into the story.
May 14, 2019
What an intreaging crime novel set. This is detective Mike Hegan's story. He is returning to Chicago after finishing his last case. Unfortunately one that went so badly, that he is in no rush to take another case for awhile. But his girlfriend Diana already has a job lined up for him in a near where her parents live. Mike reluctantly agrees to the job and they head west. But when they get there the case is not so simple and he soon finds himself in the middle of a theft and a murder case. The worst part is Diana's father may be involved in some way. Then all of a sudden Diana's father vanishes. And he has to figure out what happened to him as well. He finds what clues he can and ends up traveling to france to look for her dad. But will he figure it out in time and find Diana's dad. Thiss book was a fun and interesting read that I had a hard time putting down.
December 7, 2018
Ah, finally a mystery that pulls you forward rather than throws you in the shadows to lurk. This is a great story written by Panettiere, and his talent for writing really shows here. You can tell just by reading it what a creative and diversified person Panettiere is.
We start off jumping right into the fray at a refugee camp in Thailand, and the rest of the story follows Mike Hegan, Detective, as he works his way through one twist at a time. Mike is a good man coping with some tough situations (like the shadow hanging over his head from his last case). There’s a lot of action, and a slew of very intelligently written characters.
This story is well written, and has a lot of twists and action that keep the story pushing forward in a great way.
We start off jumping right into the fray at a refugee camp in Thailand, and the rest of the story follows Mike Hegan, Detective, as he works his way through one twist at a time. Mike is a good man coping with some tough situations (like the shadow hanging over his head from his last case). There’s a lot of action, and a slew of very intelligently written characters.
This story is well written, and has a lot of twists and action that keep the story pushing forward in a great way.
March 19, 2019
I have never read a novel like this. It is gripping and touching at the same time. In my view, through this tale, the author wanted to tell about a secret of history. Unfortunately, history always has secrets. Some of them are good, others are bad. The shocking secret of this story is about a massacre in a village in Laos, where the most of victims were women. The starting of the novel persuaded me continue reading until the last page, where I further discovered a compelling spy story that explored the hot matters of the our past. I felt touched by the history of these women and amused by the main character, Detective Mike Hegan, a man, but above all, a hero. I look forward to reading the second book about this stunning character.
December 5, 2018
Sports journalist-turned-writer Vincent Panettiere proves once again he is no stranger to weaving an intense story with a twist at every corner. He entertains and excites readers with his creative writing mastery and mind for intricate detail. As soon as readers open the book, they discover a world described in such detail it will seem real. Each sentence is painstakingly molded, but Panettiere doesn’t go overboard with the wording. He simple spins a tale while using just the right number of words and sentences. Panettiere uses one tactic forgotten by modern mystery writers – include the reader in the journey. The Scopas Factor is a must read for any mystery fan.
December 19, 2018
Vincent Panettiere’s third novel, The Scopas Factor features great intrigue and plot development as do Panettiere’s two previous novels. Detective Hegan, whom we have grown to champion before, takes on an even greater and more confounding mystery, which is not only expressly elusive but somewhat morphable, and leads him through personal doubts and concerns, as well as a wide geographical span. The devil-may-care, he-man behavior of Mike Hegan lends both attractiveness and credibility to his exhilarating character.
The award-winning Panettiere’s ability is showcased at its sharpest yet in this thrilling, nonstop action mystery.
The award-winning Panettiere’s ability is showcased at its sharpest yet in this thrilling, nonstop action mystery.
December 27, 2018
A lot happens in this story. A mix of drama, kidnapping, danger, mystery, murder, criminality, theft and a lot more.
It makes the reader a bit confused at times because it is difficult to catch the breath of it all.
A lot of twists and turns makes it worth the read in spite of confusion sometimes. The characters and sites are really well described and the author has made a great research.
It is a story that could have been shortened a bit to give it more suspence. It has a bit too much filling at times.
I can only recommend it to others because the author has a way of captivating the readers.
It makes the reader a bit confused at times because it is difficult to catch the breath of it all.
A lot of twists and turns makes it worth the read in spite of confusion sometimes. The characters and sites are really well described and the author has made a great research.
It is a story that could have been shortened a bit to give it more suspence. It has a bit too much filling at times.
I can only recommend it to others because the author has a way of captivating the readers.
December 28, 2018
Apparently this is the second novel that has featured Detective Mike Hegan, but I don't believe that it matters if you haven't read the first one to get plenty of enjoyment out of 'The Scopas Factor'. It is a mystery novel that takes you all over the world to figure out a number of conundrums that are somehow related. The characters, particularly Mike himself, are intriguing and empathetic, and you will be wondering right up until the end what their motivations truly are. If you are a fan of old school detective novels, 'The Scopas Factor' definitely has a film noir feel about it, but brought up to the contemporary age.
May 17, 2019
It was the cover that first pulled me in to check out The Scopas Factor first. It seemed slightly at odds with the book blurb but I was suitably intrigued enough to give it a go.
For anyone else, like me, that initially thinks this may be another generic crime novel the likes that have flooded the market these days, I found this to have a lot more to offer. The writing is particularly good and concise, not over-written like so many books are these days. Detective Hegen proves to be a strong protagonist, and despite me not having read the first novel in this series this was a good stand-alone offering on its own.
For anyone else, like me, that initially thinks this may be another generic crime novel the likes that have flooded the market these days, I found this to have a lot more to offer. The writing is particularly good and concise, not over-written like so many books are these days. Detective Hegen proves to be a strong protagonist, and despite me not having read the first novel in this series this was a good stand-alone offering on its own.
November 30, 2018
Some men will do everything to their girlfriends. Mike Hegan certainly is one of them. Mike is a detective and his last case ends badly. He wants to start everything from the beginning. But his girlfriend has a different plan so they end up in a small town Weedley and before Mike finds out he is in the middle of a mysterious kidnapping and two murders. Furthermore Diana's father disappears so the story gets really interesting.
,,The scopas factor'' contains a solid, intriguing crime story and main character seems to me like a real, live person with doubts, emotions and feelings.
,,The scopas factor'' contains a solid, intriguing crime story and main character seems to me like a real, live person with doubts, emotions and feelings.
December 10, 2018
First off, this is a well-done mystery with enough twists to keep you intrigued, yet not too many to turn you off. The writing is lyrical and descriptive, drawing you in from the very first page. The characters are well-developed and interesting, allowing the reader to really become invested in the role of each within the narrative. While I hadn't read the first of the series featuring Mike Hegan, this book definitely piques my interest in going back to read that book as well. Overall a solid paperback mystery. Very fun.
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