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Sabel Origins #1
The Geneva Decision
Before the bestselling Sabel Security series, Pia Sabel took over dad’s company. Ever wonder how that happened? Sabel Origins #1 chronicles Pia’s foray into the business. Sabel Origins #2 details Jacob’s first adventure with Pia back when he was still on his meds.
Until a few weeks ago, Pia Sabel was an international soccer star. But now she’s taken the helm of her billionaire father’s private security company, and she’s playing against a whole new set of opponents – the kind who shoot to kill.
On her first day on the job, Pia’s client is assassinated in front of her. There’s no time for training, so Pia must trust her instincts and athletic skills to unravel the complicated maze of money laundering and piracy that will take her from Swiss mansions to the jungles of Cameroon.
Her battle-hardened employees suspect she’s just a spoiled rich girl with a mean corner kick. But Pia’s got some unexpected moves of her own. Will they be enough to bring her team through its mission?
Until a few weeks ago, Pia Sabel was an international soccer star. But now she’s taken the helm of her billionaire father’s private security company, and she’s playing against a whole new set of opponents – the kind who shoot to kill.
On her first day on the job, Pia’s client is assassinated in front of her. There’s no time for training, so Pia must trust her instincts and athletic skills to unravel the complicated maze of money laundering and piracy that will take her from Swiss mansions to the jungles of Cameroon.
Her battle-hardened employees suspect she’s just a spoiled rich girl with a mean corner kick. But Pia’s got some unexpected moves of her own. Will they be enough to bring her team through its mission?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2012
144 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
Seeley James
27 books310 followersOn a rainy day when I was ten, I was transported to eighteenth century England where I met Captain Billy Bones, heard the tapping of Blind Pew’s cane, and witnessed the treachery of Long John Silver. When I closed the cover of Treasure Island, I thought to myself: When I make stuff up, I get in trouble. I need to become a writer.
Which was the career I planned on pursuing. Planned on …
At 17, I was homeless, wandering from one minimum wage job to another. At 19, I found purpose in life when I adopted a 3-year-old girl and raised her (she’s 51 now and lives across town). Children need a lot of things that cost money, so I shelved the writing idea and pursued a career in technology, selling products and services to Fortune 500 company executives.
Along the way, I met and married the love of my life. We added two children (now grown and living in LA and NYC) and carved out a life. When I’d made all the gold I could eat, I returned my focus to the career I’d always wanted: writing adventures filled with thrills and mysteries.
My beloved wife passed unexpectedly in early 2024. Now, I spend my time talking to my imaginary friends and hiking a small mountain in my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. I hope you enjoy the Sabel Security Series, and the characters of Jacob Stearne and Pia Sabel. As of this writing, there are sixteen novels completed and two more in my head. I plan to keep writing them until my mortal ink dries up.
To buy books from my writer-direct site, visit seeleyjames . com
Contact Seeley James:
Email: Seeley@seeleyjames.com
Facebook: SeeleyJamesAuth
Twitter: @SeeleyJamesAuth
Seeley is a proud member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Which was the career I planned on pursuing. Planned on …
At 17, I was homeless, wandering from one minimum wage job to another. At 19, I found purpose in life when I adopted a 3-year-old girl and raised her (she’s 51 now and lives across town). Children need a lot of things that cost money, so I shelved the writing idea and pursued a career in technology, selling products and services to Fortune 500 company executives.
Along the way, I met and married the love of my life. We added two children (now grown and living in LA and NYC) and carved out a life. When I’d made all the gold I could eat, I returned my focus to the career I’d always wanted: writing adventures filled with thrills and mysteries.
My beloved wife passed unexpectedly in early 2024. Now, I spend my time talking to my imaginary friends and hiking a small mountain in my hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. I hope you enjoy the Sabel Security Series, and the characters of Jacob Stearne and Pia Sabel. As of this writing, there are sixteen novels completed and two more in my head. I plan to keep writing them until my mortal ink dries up.
To buy books from my writer-direct site, visit seeleyjames . com
Contact Seeley James:
Email: Seeley@seeleyjames.com
Facebook: SeeleyJamesAuth
Twitter: @SeeleyJamesAuth
Seeley is a proud member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 30, 2013
The length of time it took me to read this fast-paced action novel is deceptive. I started reading it as a free e-book, having taken the author up on an offer he made in one of my groups, and I read in that format only intermittently; it doesn't fit into my schedule well. Some time later, he generously offered me a signed paperback copy (with no request for a review!); and I was delighted to accept, since I already knew I wanted a hard copy! From that point on, it flew pretty quickly; the narrative drive and suspense kept me turning pages as fast as I could. It's easy to imagine many readers finishing it in a few days --less time if they're able to read it nonstop, and most would want to!
Brave, principled action-oriented heroines are an enormous draw for me in fiction, and Pia Sabel is one of the most outstanding characters of this type that I've ever encountered. Seeley's skill in bringing her to life is unquestionably the key to the novel's success; she's an intriguing, fully round character with a complex past that shapes her. (Not all of this past is revealed here --the author has stated elsewhere that he wanted to spread the revelations out over three books-- and what is revealed is exposed gradually, sometimes in a way that can create a bit of confusion; but stay with it.) Even as a young child, her life was impacted by violence; her (adoptive) father is an enormously wealthy business tycoon with a drive and determination that he's passed on to her; she's rich in her own right from stocks he settled on her, gifted with a tall, strong physique developed as an athlete, and highly trained as a boxer. She's not a superwoman, and not without her inner demons; she's also lacking in security and combat experience, despite growing up around security operatives, and she can be dangerously brash and impulsive; but she has believable strengths that counterbalance these weaknesses. (One is native smarts, which she's used to applying in competitive situations, and an ability to read people --though she doesn't always realize when she needs to let these skills kick in.) Above all, she's a caring, highly ethical person who genuinely wants to help others, whether it's with her money or with her fighting ability.
Around her, the author has created an edge-of-the-seat plot which opens with a man's head being blown off on the second page, and keeps up the pace until the end. As the Goodreads description notes, piracy and money laundering are the engines that drive the action (though Seeley thankfully doesn't dwell on the intricacies of the latter!), and it includes life and death jeopardies for our heroine, along with plenty of gunfighting and hand-to-hand combat on land and water. I'd characterize it primarily as action-adventure, but it has elements of the mystery genre too, with a criminal mastermind whose identity is hidden through much of the book, and will take some twists and turns to reveal. (I guessed one of Seeley's secrets early on, but not all of them.) Although Pia stands out, other characters are well-drawn also, and Seeley gives us two other strong female characters in action roles: Sabel Security's Major Jonelle Jackson, and Agent Tania (no last name given) both of whom I expect we'll see more of in later books. He develops the geographical settings --Geneva, Cameroon, Lyon, Vienna-- with an assurance and vividness that suggests that he's actually been to these places; and there's none of the awkwardness here in handling language that's so often associated with first-time, self-published novelists. He also knows soccer, and he knows about guns, high-tech communication equipment, etc. (Some of the terms, like "Bluetooth," were new to me, but that's not a flaw; most readers of this type of fiction are more familiar with this sort of technology, and I could either get the meanings from context or muddle through anyway.) IMO, most of the plot developments and motivations stand up well to examination. As an added plus, there's no sex; and though some of the characters sometimes do use profanity and obscenity (the phrase "swear like a trooper" has a basis in fact, and several Sabel Security people got their start in the military; Tania, who has the worst mouth, also grew up in inner-city Brooklyn, where we can surmise that clean language wasn't universally modeled), I could tell that the author used some restraint in this area. Of course, action adventure is going to be about violence, but Pia's no homicidal maniac; while she packs bullets as a last resort, her Glock, like other Sabel security firearms, is equipped to shoot quick-acting tranquilizer darts, and one of her first acts as head of the company is to require these to be used as a first resort in all cases. That's a feature which is unique in my reading experience, and I think it's pretty cool!
If I could give half stars, this would be a solid four and a half; I debated long and hard whether to round up or round down. What flaws did I find in the book? First, the descriptions of action scenes were often, for me, hard to follow visually; that is, from the language used, I couldn't always exactly picture the action in my mind without it seeming awkward (that may be because I haven't engaged in that sort of fighting, and don't have the experience to picture it with), or because I couldn't get the physical layout of the setting, as in the floor plan, etc. Second, a feature of Seeley's writing style here is that he suddenly drops bits of information that Pia or other characters have known before (but we haven't) into the mix at moments when they can be useful, in a way that sometimes makes them come across as confusing, or as a Deus ex machina, or both. It would have made the narrative smoother, IMO, to introduce these earlier, and I don't think it would have required info-dumps to do so. There's also a basic credibility problem; under the circumstances, I don't think Alan Sabel would realistically have sold her the control of his security firm, and I don't think it's realistic to imagine the top leadership of the firm being involved in field operations with nobody minding the store at headquarters. (Of course, the author's purpose demands that Pia be in the field; and the premises of action heroine fiction not infrequently do strain believability a bit.) But these weren't deal-breakers; and in the end the strength of Pia's character made me round up. She's a stellar action heroine for the 21st century, and I'm already a committed fan who wants to read every book she ever stars in! My recommendation doesn't carry the weight that genre author Zoe Sharp's does; but nevertheless, I'm proud to add my endorsement to hers. If you're an action-fiction fan, you need to make Pia's acquaintance ASAP, and I think you'll be glad you did!
Brave, principled action-oriented heroines are an enormous draw for me in fiction, and Pia Sabel is one of the most outstanding characters of this type that I've ever encountered. Seeley's skill in bringing her to life is unquestionably the key to the novel's success; she's an intriguing, fully round character with a complex past that shapes her. (Not all of this past is revealed here --the author has stated elsewhere that he wanted to spread the revelations out over three books-- and what is revealed is exposed gradually, sometimes in a way that can create a bit of confusion; but stay with it.) Even as a young child, her life was impacted by violence; her (adoptive) father is an enormously wealthy business tycoon with a drive and determination that he's passed on to her; she's rich in her own right from stocks he settled on her, gifted with a tall, strong physique developed as an athlete, and highly trained as a boxer. She's not a superwoman, and not without her inner demons; she's also lacking in security and combat experience, despite growing up around security operatives, and she can be dangerously brash and impulsive; but she has believable strengths that counterbalance these weaknesses. (One is native smarts, which she's used to applying in competitive situations, and an ability to read people --though she doesn't always realize when she needs to let these skills kick in.) Above all, she's a caring, highly ethical person who genuinely wants to help others, whether it's with her money or with her fighting ability.
Around her, the author has created an edge-of-the-seat plot which opens with a man's head being blown off on the second page, and keeps up the pace until the end. As the Goodreads description notes, piracy and money laundering are the engines that drive the action (though Seeley thankfully doesn't dwell on the intricacies of the latter!), and it includes life and death jeopardies for our heroine, along with plenty of gunfighting and hand-to-hand combat on land and water. I'd characterize it primarily as action-adventure, but it has elements of the mystery genre too, with a criminal mastermind whose identity is hidden through much of the book, and will take some twists and turns to reveal. (I guessed one of Seeley's secrets early on, but not all of them.) Although Pia stands out, other characters are well-drawn also, and Seeley gives us two other strong female characters in action roles: Sabel Security's Major Jonelle Jackson, and Agent Tania (no last name given) both of whom I expect we'll see more of in later books. He develops the geographical settings --Geneva, Cameroon, Lyon, Vienna-- with an assurance and vividness that suggests that he's actually been to these places; and there's none of the awkwardness here in handling language that's so often associated with first-time, self-published novelists. He also knows soccer, and he knows about guns, high-tech communication equipment, etc. (Some of the terms, like "Bluetooth," were new to me, but that's not a flaw; most readers of this type of fiction are more familiar with this sort of technology, and I could either get the meanings from context or muddle through anyway.) IMO, most of the plot developments and motivations stand up well to examination. As an added plus, there's no sex; and though some of the characters sometimes do use profanity and obscenity (the phrase "swear like a trooper" has a basis in fact, and several Sabel Security people got their start in the military; Tania, who has the worst mouth, also grew up in inner-city Brooklyn, where we can surmise that clean language wasn't universally modeled), I could tell that the author used some restraint in this area. Of course, action adventure is going to be about violence, but Pia's no homicidal maniac; while she packs bullets as a last resort, her Glock, like other Sabel security firearms, is equipped to shoot quick-acting tranquilizer darts, and one of her first acts as head of the company is to require these to be used as a first resort in all cases. That's a feature which is unique in my reading experience, and I think it's pretty cool!
If I could give half stars, this would be a solid four and a half; I debated long and hard whether to round up or round down. What flaws did I find in the book? First, the descriptions of action scenes were often, for me, hard to follow visually; that is, from the language used, I couldn't always exactly picture the action in my mind without it seeming awkward (that may be because I haven't engaged in that sort of fighting, and don't have the experience to picture it with), or because I couldn't get the physical layout of the setting, as in the floor plan, etc. Second, a feature of Seeley's writing style here is that he suddenly drops bits of information that Pia or other characters have known before (but we haven't) into the mix at moments when they can be useful, in a way that sometimes makes them come across as confusing, or as a Deus ex machina, or both. It would have made the narrative smoother, IMO, to introduce these earlier, and I don't think it would have required info-dumps to do so. There's also a basic credibility problem; under the circumstances, I don't think Alan Sabel would realistically have sold her the control of his security firm, and I don't think it's realistic to imagine the top leadership of the firm being involved in field operations with nobody minding the store at headquarters. (Of course, the author's purpose demands that Pia be in the field; and the premises of action heroine fiction not infrequently do strain believability a bit.) But these weren't deal-breakers; and in the end the strength of Pia's character made me round up. She's a stellar action heroine for the 21st century, and I'm already a committed fan who wants to read every book she ever stars in! My recommendation doesn't carry the weight that genre author Zoe Sharp's does; but nevertheless, I'm proud to add my endorsement to hers. If you're an action-fiction fan, you need to make Pia's acquaintance ASAP, and I think you'll be glad you did!
December 5, 2012
I wrote the best, most exciting story I could possibly write featuring a female lead, Pia Sabel. I hope you find her an engaging, thoughtful, caring, and (above all) ass-kicking, no excuses heroine.
I attempted to portray women in leadership roles who can plan and execute a complex mission without their primary conversations revolving around sex and fashion. I modeled these women after the women in my life.
If you would like a review copy, please don't hesitate to email me: seeley@seeleyjames.com. If you bought the book and didn't like it, I will refund the money you spent (US only, sorry). If you recommend the book to others, I will love you forever.
Peace, Seeley
I attempted to portray women in leadership roles who can plan and execute a complex mission without their primary conversations revolving around sex and fashion. I modeled these women after the women in my life.
If you would like a review copy, please don't hesitate to email me: seeley@seeleyjames.com. If you bought the book and didn't like it, I will refund the money you spent (US only, sorry). If you recommend the book to others, I will love you forever.
Peace, Seeley
December 28, 2012
After a slightly hesitant start, this book really got into its stride and kept going strong. I loved the character of Pia Sabel - there's a girl Charlie Fox would team up with any day!
January 9, 2013
Action and Adventure on Every Page
If you’re an adrenalin junkie who enjoys breakneck pacing and action on every page, then The Geneva Decision is the book for you.
Pia Sabel is young, rich and a gifted Olympic athlete—a true action heroine. She reminds me of heroines in recent movies like Zoe Saldana in Colombiana or Angelina Jolie in Wanted.
Pia’s billionaire father has given Pia the top spot in his international security firm. And what is her first challenge? The assassination of one of her firm’s clients, a Swiss banker who is murdered right before her eyes. As more bankers are similarly dispatched, Pia is determined that Sabel Security find their killers despite the attitudes and interference of the local authorities. Her quest takes us from the streets of Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland to the jungles of Africa. Intrigue and gunplay challenge her crew as Pia goes head to head with her firm’s seasoned operators. Pia doesn’t have all the answers and though she makes mistakes, her dogged determination eventually gains the respect of her more experienced subordinates. In the end they discover a plot involving money laundering and piracy that leads back to the banking community itself.
As the relentless action unfolds, the author’s familiarity with European locales is quite evident. If he hasn’t lived or visited Geneva, Zurich and Munich then his research of the locations is even more impressive.
Can Pia’s intelligence and physical prowess overcome her inexperience? You bet. A great debut for a new series.
Reviewed by William G. Davis
http://www.mikegagethrillers.com
If you’re an adrenalin junkie who enjoys breakneck pacing and action on every page, then The Geneva Decision is the book for you.
Pia Sabel is young, rich and a gifted Olympic athlete—a true action heroine. She reminds me of heroines in recent movies like Zoe Saldana in Colombiana or Angelina Jolie in Wanted.
Pia’s billionaire father has given Pia the top spot in his international security firm. And what is her first challenge? The assassination of one of her firm’s clients, a Swiss banker who is murdered right before her eyes. As more bankers are similarly dispatched, Pia is determined that Sabel Security find their killers despite the attitudes and interference of the local authorities. Her quest takes us from the streets of Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland to the jungles of Africa. Intrigue and gunplay challenge her crew as Pia goes head to head with her firm’s seasoned operators. Pia doesn’t have all the answers and though she makes mistakes, her dogged determination eventually gains the respect of her more experienced subordinates. In the end they discover a plot involving money laundering and piracy that leads back to the banking community itself.
As the relentless action unfolds, the author’s familiarity with European locales is quite evident. If he hasn’t lived or visited Geneva, Zurich and Munich then his research of the locations is even more impressive.
Can Pia’s intelligence and physical prowess overcome her inexperience? You bet. A great debut for a new series.
Reviewed by William G. Davis
http://www.mikegagethrillers.com
December 27, 2012
This review is of an e-book copy provided to me by the author via the Goodreads Group Making Connections, in return for my fair and impartial review. 978-0-9886996-0-1
James tells the kind of story I enjoy, one with a strong protagonist struggling against heavy odds in a contemporary and realistic setting slotted into an intricate plot that shifts between exotic destinations. The story is fast paced and well written.
The heroine is unusual, a young soccer star, Pia Sabel, who inherits Sabel Security from her very wealthy step-father. Early in her life, her parents were assassinated and she was adopted. Growing up in this privileged environment she thrived in sports and became a star. The confidence and insights she developed on the soccer field stand her in good stead in her new position.
When the banker her team is protecting is killed in Geneva, she is propelled into an international chase involving other murdered Geneva bankers, millions in missing money and hijacked tankers. The team of hardened men and women she gathers around her to chase the elusive foe view her as a neophyte who may compromise their safety and the success of the mission. Her father urges her to come home and accept a desk job running the business. She refuses. Along the way she makes mistakes and some enemies.
The shifts in action from Geneva to the Cameroons to Vienna make it an interesting read. The only quibble I have with the book is some unrealistic aspects of Pia, the protagonist. The book chronicles many fights in which she performs almost super-human feats, albeit tempered by realistic emotions of fear. In my opinion the author should have reduced the number of these encounters, and deepened those threads that sketched her character. Nevertheless, a good holiday read.
James tells the kind of story I enjoy, one with a strong protagonist struggling against heavy odds in a contemporary and realistic setting slotted into an intricate plot that shifts between exotic destinations. The story is fast paced and well written.
The heroine is unusual, a young soccer star, Pia Sabel, who inherits Sabel Security from her very wealthy step-father. Early in her life, her parents were assassinated and she was adopted. Growing up in this privileged environment she thrived in sports and became a star. The confidence and insights she developed on the soccer field stand her in good stead in her new position.
When the banker her team is protecting is killed in Geneva, she is propelled into an international chase involving other murdered Geneva bankers, millions in missing money and hijacked tankers. The team of hardened men and women she gathers around her to chase the elusive foe view her as a neophyte who may compromise their safety and the success of the mission. Her father urges her to come home and accept a desk job running the business. She refuses. Along the way she makes mistakes and some enemies.
The shifts in action from Geneva to the Cameroons to Vienna make it an interesting read. The only quibble I have with the book is some unrealistic aspects of Pia, the protagonist. The book chronicles many fights in which she performs almost super-human feats, albeit tempered by realistic emotions of fear. In my opinion the author should have reduced the number of these encounters, and deepened those threads that sketched her character. Nevertheless, a good holiday read.
March 4, 2013
The Geneva Decision does a lot of things that are different from the run-of-the-mill action thriller. For one thing, its protagonist and dominant personality is a woman; she’s not a guy with breasts, nor a cartoon ultravixen, nor does she wear Spandex unless she’s working out. She even keeps her clothes on through the entire book. (That may be a spoiler.) The good guys don’t work for some ultra-secret government agency; they’re private security contractors, and although well-heeled, they don’t have all the resources of the Earth behind them. The bad guys aren’t some other ultra-secret global cabal with limitless reach and resources; they’re bad, yes, they get around, but they’re human. The fate of the world doesn’t even hang in the balance.
So how does it all work? Very nicely, thank you. Geneva is a fast, satisfying read that won’t have you thinking “Haven’t I read this before?” after every chapter.
Let’s start with Pia Sabel, the aforementioned heroine. Not only is she not token eye-candy, she’s also not the standard Special Forces refugee. She’s an athlete – a former Olympic soccer player – dragooned by her fabulously wealthy adoptive father into running the family business. Except for whatever she’s picked up from being surrounded by bodyguards for most of her life, she’s a rookie at this game. She’s not even a very good shot. Being an athlete, though, she’s fit, can run like hell, can beat the crap out of lesser mortals, and has a very casual attitude toward her own mortality. Yes, she has the requisite Painful Past™, but it doesn’t involve alcoholism, gambling, a long-lost love, dead children or serial divorces. If you’re an action-thriller fan, you can already see how this kind of protagonist might change up the genre.
Fittingly, Sabel Security is an unusual lead agency for this kind of story. For one thing, it’s not the standard everybody-united-against-the-dark-enemy place (except for the Dastardly Enemy Mole™ or Butthead Political-Weasel Boss™, natch). This firm came undone upon Our Heroine’s ascension to the CEO’s chair, with mass resignations and much political backbiting. This, too, is a refreshing change; it sounds like reality.
The story has twists and turns that flow organically, and a series of action set-pieces that are realistically messy and often inconclusive (again, just like in life). In fact, both good and bad guys miss their shots more often than hit, another touch of reality in a genre in which the heroes regularly pull off amazing feats of marksmanship against moving targets in the dark while riding upside down on cropdusters. The dialog is naturalistic and believable. No one can accuse James of picking overused settings; if you’re struggling to find a novel set in Cameroon to complete your around-the-world-mysteries challenge, this is your book. Not only are the locations fresh, but the author makes good use of fairly esoteric parts of those locales, such as Geneva’s water system (!).
As you can tell, I like this book. So what happened to the fifth star?
It’s gone not for any one big reason, but a collection of little ones. Pia is a dear and I enjoyed my time with her, but she’s such a Girl Scout, and the third or fourth time this quality puts her people at deadly risk I just wanted to slap her. Also, I kept waiting to see her dark side, . While the bad guys are described early and economically, Pia’s accomplices aren’t; for instance, it took quite a while before I realized Pia’s chief lieutenant and minder is black (it became a plot point, leaving me wondering what I’d missed). For that matter, I still don’t know what Pia herself looks like. (I imagined a Brandi Chastain/Hope Solo mashup, which worked well enough for me.) As befits a spoiled rich girl – something she gets called at least a hundred times during the story – Pia is stubborn and reckless and doesn’t take coaching well, which made me wonder (a) how she managed to get on an Olympic anything team, and (b) how she expects to keep the rest of her employees from walking out. Finally, I’m truly on the fence about using (as the author does in places) text-embedded links to online photo galleries instead of baking place descriptions into the narrative. On one hand, it does give the reader a vivid picture of the setting, but on the other hand, I can think of many reasons why my Kindle might not be connected to the Internet, and what happens with the printed book?
Like I said, these are minor gripes, and your mileage may vary. The Geneva Decision is a refreshing departure from the increasingly calcified norms of action-thriller fiction, a solid read with a unique protagonist, an array of engaging supporting characters, and a plot that keeps you hooked. Author James’ handling of so many difficult-to-nail elements while also breaking multiple conventions is remarkable for a debut novelist; many veterans don’t always manage it (I’m looking at you, Patterson). So if you’re on the prowl for a fresh take on the action-thriller genre, you’re suffering from testosterone overload from too much Reacher, or you just want to see girls kick butt, give The Geneva Decision a try. You won’t be sorry.
So how does it all work? Very nicely, thank you. Geneva is a fast, satisfying read that won’t have you thinking “Haven’t I read this before?” after every chapter.
Let’s start with Pia Sabel, the aforementioned heroine. Not only is she not token eye-candy, she’s also not the standard Special Forces refugee. She’s an athlete – a former Olympic soccer player – dragooned by her fabulously wealthy adoptive father into running the family business. Except for whatever she’s picked up from being surrounded by bodyguards for most of her life, she’s a rookie at this game. She’s not even a very good shot. Being an athlete, though, she’s fit, can run like hell, can beat the crap out of lesser mortals, and has a very casual attitude toward her own mortality. Yes, she has the requisite Painful Past™, but it doesn’t involve alcoholism, gambling, a long-lost love, dead children or serial divorces. If you’re an action-thriller fan, you can already see how this kind of protagonist might change up the genre.
Fittingly, Sabel Security is an unusual lead agency for this kind of story. For one thing, it’s not the standard everybody-united-against-the-dark-enemy place (except for the Dastardly Enemy Mole™ or Butthead Political-Weasel Boss™, natch). This firm came undone upon Our Heroine’s ascension to the CEO’s chair, with mass resignations and much political backbiting. This, too, is a refreshing change; it sounds like reality.
The story has twists and turns that flow organically, and a series of action set-pieces that are realistically messy and often inconclusive (again, just like in life). In fact, both good and bad guys miss their shots more often than hit, another touch of reality in a genre in which the heroes regularly pull off amazing feats of marksmanship against moving targets in the dark while riding upside down on cropdusters. The dialog is naturalistic and believable. No one can accuse James of picking overused settings; if you’re struggling to find a novel set in Cameroon to complete your around-the-world-mysteries challenge, this is your book. Not only are the locations fresh, but the author makes good use of fairly esoteric parts of those locales, such as Geneva’s water system (!).
As you can tell, I like this book. So what happened to the fifth star?
It’s gone not for any one big reason, but a collection of little ones. Pia is a dear and I enjoyed my time with her, but she’s such a Girl Scout, and the third or fourth time this quality puts her people at deadly risk I just wanted to slap her. Also, I kept waiting to see her dark side, . While the bad guys are described early and economically, Pia’s accomplices aren’t; for instance, it took quite a while before I realized Pia’s chief lieutenant and minder is black (it became a plot point, leaving me wondering what I’d missed). For that matter, I still don’t know what Pia herself looks like. (I imagined a Brandi Chastain/Hope Solo mashup, which worked well enough for me.) As befits a spoiled rich girl – something she gets called at least a hundred times during the story – Pia is stubborn and reckless and doesn’t take coaching well, which made me wonder (a) how she managed to get on an Olympic anything team, and (b) how she expects to keep the rest of her employees from walking out. Finally, I’m truly on the fence about using (as the author does in places) text-embedded links to online photo galleries instead of baking place descriptions into the narrative. On one hand, it does give the reader a vivid picture of the setting, but on the other hand, I can think of many reasons why my Kindle might not be connected to the Internet, and what happens with the printed book?
Like I said, these are minor gripes, and your mileage may vary. The Geneva Decision is a refreshing departure from the increasingly calcified norms of action-thriller fiction, a solid read with a unique protagonist, an array of engaging supporting characters, and a plot that keeps you hooked. Author James’ handling of so many difficult-to-nail elements while also breaking multiple conventions is remarkable for a debut novelist; many veterans don’t always manage it (I’m looking at you, Patterson). So if you’re on the prowl for a fresh take on the action-thriller genre, you’re suffering from testosterone overload from too much Reacher, or you just want to see girls kick butt, give The Geneva Decision a try. You won’t be sorry.
March 24, 2013
"The Geneva Decision" is an action-packed, never-a-dull-moment thriller with an interesting protagonist. Pia Sabel is a professional soccer player who ends up running a security company. Her skills and background make her well-suited to the task in some ways, but she has a steep learning curve, and it's entertaining to see how she grows into the role.
Although the story flowed well and I was entertained throughout, I found myself shaking my head and yelling at Pia several times for her pig-headedness and seeming inability to listen to others with more experience. In life-and-death situations, there's really no room for such antics, and I found it stretched credulity that experienced ex-military pros would follow her after such behavior instead of walking off the job. I expected a lot more resistance (and some outright defections) from her team members after some of the stunts she pulled. Yes, she's the boss, but I find it highly unbelievable that these people would add additional risk by having such a loose cannon in charge.
So high marks for entertainment value, fast pacing, great use of setting (particularly in Cameroon), and twists and turns galore, but I had to drop a star because I was rolling my eyes in disbelief at some of the decisions Pia and other characters made. That said, I'll check out more books in this series because it was certainly a page-turner!
Although the story flowed well and I was entertained throughout, I found myself shaking my head and yelling at Pia several times for her pig-headedness and seeming inability to listen to others with more experience. In life-and-death situations, there's really no room for such antics, and I found it stretched credulity that experienced ex-military pros would follow her after such behavior instead of walking off the job. I expected a lot more resistance (and some outright defections) from her team members after some of the stunts she pulled. Yes, she's the boss, but I find it highly unbelievable that these people would add additional risk by having such a loose cannon in charge.
So high marks for entertainment value, fast pacing, great use of setting (particularly in Cameroon), and twists and turns galore, but I had to drop a star because I was rolling my eyes in disbelief at some of the decisions Pia and other characters made. That said, I'll check out more books in this series because it was certainly a page-turner!
May 4, 2013
Full disclosure - I was provided a copy of this book by the author.
This is an enjoyable book however I did feel that it lacked a central direction. This sort of made it feel to me like a number of incidents some what loosely connected together. Each scene in itself is well written and grabs the reader, however when they are over there just isn't that impetus to turn the page and keep reading.
The characters are engaging and distinct which make the book more enjoyable. What I would have liked to have seen is a underlying motive for the actions that drives the story along and provides the glue that binds the whole thing together. To me the reader simply isn't driven from scene to scene they are simply following. An enhanced sense of mission throughout would provided greater engagement I feel.
None the less, if you like stories that involve modern action and espionage themes then this book is a worthwhile read. It is somewhat unique to have a action female lead but the author does make that character work along with the other around her. The writing is crisp and engaging and does not get bogged down and the action sequences are well written and keep the reader's attention while maintaining vivid imagery. Never too much or too little detail here, which is sign of write who knows their craft.
In summary, a good read for those who enjoy action and international intrigue, however a more defined central direction through out may have improved the story in my mind.
This is an enjoyable book however I did feel that it lacked a central direction. This sort of made it feel to me like a number of incidents some what loosely connected together. Each scene in itself is well written and grabs the reader, however when they are over there just isn't that impetus to turn the page and keep reading.
The characters are engaging and distinct which make the book more enjoyable. What I would have liked to have seen is a underlying motive for the actions that drives the story along and provides the glue that binds the whole thing together. To me the reader simply isn't driven from scene to scene they are simply following. An enhanced sense of mission throughout would provided greater engagement I feel.
None the less, if you like stories that involve modern action and espionage themes then this book is a worthwhile read. It is somewhat unique to have a action female lead but the author does make that character work along with the other around her. The writing is crisp and engaging and does not get bogged down and the action sequences are well written and keep the reader's attention while maintaining vivid imagery. Never too much or too little detail here, which is sign of write who knows their craft.
In summary, a good read for those who enjoy action and international intrigue, however a more defined central direction through out may have improved the story in my mind.
December 11, 2012
An heiress wants to know who killed her customer and goes all over the world to find out. I always hear people say "gripping story" but in this case it fits. She's a spoiled rich kid who retired from soccer (although we don't know why). I've never seen a soccer player in a thriller before. The first move she made is one I've done on the pitch (you will get a yellow card though) so I know it works. After that, she's pretty resourceful in using her strengths against a bunch of killers. What I like about her is she makes time to help people. She's a nice person.
The story starts out a little slow for my taste but gets into the action about a third of the way in and never stops after that. The battle in the jungle had me speed reading to see what happened. I can't say without a spoiler, but it was good. The ending was pretty amazing too. Fast and furious.
If you like women in lead roles, this is a great book.
The story starts out a little slow for my taste but gets into the action about a third of the way in and never stops after that. The battle in the jungle had me speed reading to see what happened. I can't say without a spoiler, but it was good. The ending was pretty amazing too. Fast and furious.
If you like women in lead roles, this is a great book.
December 6, 2012
I loved The Geneva Decision. The main character, Pia Sabel has taken on a job where she may very well be in over her head. But she's not willing to admit defeat and she is not going to give up. This is a refreshing change to the mystery/thriller concepts where the protagonist can't do anything wrong. Pia is new at this. She makes mistakes. She learns as she goes along. She makes friends and enemies along the way, and people get hurt. All of this adds up to a reading experience that is both fun and engrossing. The title indicates that this is only book one of a series. I'm looking forward to book #2!
December 5, 2012
Great thriller featuring a woman character (heroine?) with other women in prominent roles. And none of them discuss shoes or men. These women actually strategize and discuss plans with each other. Then she goes off and kicks ass better than any other female lead in literature today. Highly recommended. More at
SeeleyJames.com
February 22, 2013
Overall I thought this was a good fun read. Pia is a believable and likeable character. Book was fast paced. Looking forward to the next one.
March 23, 2013
There are a couple of things that make or break a novel for me. The first is... can the author set the scenes, chapter for chapter, and define the characters without excessive narrative detail; and the second is... can he or she tell a great story that keeps the reader guessing all the way through. Mr. James gets an A+ in both areas.
Pia Sable is a fascinating character and, as an ex-player, coach and life-long fan of the beautiful game, I was transfixed at how Pia used her football skills, both physically and mentally, to win in life and death situations. Here is a unique character, exceptionally well developed and in fact, firmly established, in her first outing, as Mr. James's "brand name". Like most real people, Pia is a bundle of contradictions... she's very rich, but humble, she's egotistical but listens to those who have more experience, she's masculine in a fight, but all female otherwise and, she's a born leader that follows when necessary. I predict that Pia Sable will become a household name for millions of thriller fans.
All of the characters... the good, the bad and the ugly were very well developed through their dialogue and actions, rather than narrative detail. The dialogue was exceptionally well done... believable, funny at times, and true to each individual character. The chase to discover the ultimate villain is torturous in its exquisite route of twists and turns, dead ends and new leads. Mr. James left clues, of course, but they were so covert that they went practically unnoticed because of the intense action that was non-stop to the end. At the conclusion, I (and you will, too) was shaking my head, "Of course! How did I miss that?"
This is the first of a series, but it has a solid ending - as well as a small cliff hanger, opening the way for the next book. I loved The Geneva Decision, the story and the characters, and I'm really looking forward to the next Pia Sable thriller!
Pia Sable is a fascinating character and, as an ex-player, coach and life-long fan of the beautiful game, I was transfixed at how Pia used her football skills, both physically and mentally, to win in life and death situations. Here is a unique character, exceptionally well developed and in fact, firmly established, in her first outing, as Mr. James's "brand name". Like most real people, Pia is a bundle of contradictions... she's very rich, but humble, she's egotistical but listens to those who have more experience, she's masculine in a fight, but all female otherwise and, she's a born leader that follows when necessary. I predict that Pia Sable will become a household name for millions of thriller fans.
All of the characters... the good, the bad and the ugly were very well developed through their dialogue and actions, rather than narrative detail. The dialogue was exceptionally well done... believable, funny at times, and true to each individual character. The chase to discover the ultimate villain is torturous in its exquisite route of twists and turns, dead ends and new leads. Mr. James left clues, of course, but they were so covert that they went practically unnoticed because of the intense action that was non-stop to the end. At the conclusion, I (and you will, too) was shaking my head, "Of course! How did I miss that?"
This is the first of a series, but it has a solid ending - as well as a small cliff hanger, opening the way for the next book. I loved The Geneva Decision, the story and the characters, and I'm really looking forward to the next Pia Sable thriller!
January 1, 2013
I read a lot of crime novels. One of my favorite authors is John Sandford, and it’s because his character, Lucas Davenport, is different from most of the other detectives out there. I picked up The Geneva Decision based on a recommendation and I’m glad I did. I ended up liking Pia Sabel, the female lead, for the same reasons I like Lucas; she’s different. It took me a while to buy into Pia Sabel, but once I did, I found myself liking her.
The pacing was good and the story moved along nicely, although at times I would have liked a few of the secondary characters to have had a little more page time.
Seeley James does a good job of creating the setting and taking the reader to new places. The story starts off in Geneva, but the chase leads the reader to Africa and Vienna also. There are a lot of nice specifics, especially in Geneva, that help transport you there and make you feel more of a part of the story. His writing style makes for an easy read, and the book isn’t riddled with errors like so many books are. I think James is a writer to keep your eye on, and I’m looking forward to the next Pia Sabel book.
The pacing was good and the story moved along nicely, although at times I would have liked a few of the secondary characters to have had a little more page time.
Seeley James does a good job of creating the setting and taking the reader to new places. The story starts off in Geneva, but the chase leads the reader to Africa and Vienna also. There are a lot of nice specifics, especially in Geneva, that help transport you there and make you feel more of a part of the story. His writing style makes for an easy read, and the book isn’t riddled with errors like so many books are. I think James is a writer to keep your eye on, and I’m looking forward to the next Pia Sabel book.
July 15, 2015
I would like to start saying that I am a big fan of "Jack Reacher". I was introduced to him 10 years ago and I followed all his past and current travels since then. So its obvious that a post on FB caught my eye "Is Pia Sabel the next Jack Reacher".
I am glad that I had a chance to meet Pia on her first mission in Geneva. Thanks to author Seeley James, I have one more hero who took my sleep for reading their adventures. The thought of a professional gold medal footballer turned head of security group surprised me.
The story starts with a race of all intellectual conclusions from Pia on her yet to start first adventure. The way story unravels, the space and action costed me sleepless nights to continue the read.
I am very pleased to have a chance to meet Pia and I am looking forward to travel with her in all adventures.
Who knows, Mr. James might think of first hand speech where Pia narrates the story for us :)
With Enthusiasm,
B.
I am glad that I had a chance to meet Pia on her first mission in Geneva. Thanks to author Seeley James, I have one more hero who took my sleep for reading their adventures. The thought of a professional gold medal footballer turned head of security group surprised me.
The story starts with a race of all intellectual conclusions from Pia on her yet to start first adventure. The way story unravels, the space and action costed me sleepless nights to continue the read.
I am very pleased to have a chance to meet Pia and I am looking forward to travel with her in all adventures.
Who knows, Mr. James might think of first hand speech where Pia narrates the story for us :)
With Enthusiasm,
B.
August 18, 2015
A new action series featuring Pia Sabel, former Olympic soccer player taking over dad's security firm. Pia is smart, naive and a quick learner as she goes to the 'field' in a fast-paced romp between Africa and Europe to uncover a web of intrigue (no spoilers here!) This one will certainly keep your attention and entertain. I had a little trouble keeping track of who was who as there are a number of players/characters & a bit over the top sometimes with Pia's new career change. This is a great first book and I look forward to Pia's further adventures.
July 28, 2015
just the type of book that kept my heart pumping and my eyes glued to the pages. literally. the style of writing slowly pulls you in, and without realizing it, half the day is gone! the action never leaves you wanting more, and especially, you see the other side, the unknown factor in what it takes to be the best of the best and surviving against all odds. bring on the next book in the series, because quite frankly, I can't wait to find out what will happen to our characters!!
February 17, 2013
This was a good read by Seeley James. Pia Sabel is former soccer star, who has taken over Her fathers security firm. This is the first time she has been out in the field. She has to prove to her co-workers that she can handle the field work, while chasing assassins. Seeley is a independent writer, Pia is 1st in this series. This was a good book and a fast page turner.
March 22, 2013
Seeley James has created in Pia Sabel a kickass competitor to Zoe Sharp’s Charlie Fox. James introduces readers to Pia in THE GENEVA DECISION, the first in what promises to be a series of adventurous romps around the globe.
A World Cup soccer player before an unspoken, on-field calamity put an end to her career, Pia is given the helm of a global security firm by her adoptive father Alan Sabel despite the fact that she knows nothing about security let alone how to run a company. Eager to prove herself, Pia literally throws herself into her first case, tackling an assassin who has killed her first client before he even had a chance to officially hire her firm. Unfortunately the assassin escapes police custody, leaving Pia and her company empty-handed.
Despite objections from those she works with and a mass of employee defections from the security firm resulting from her appointment to the top job, Pia makes it her mission to take on the case, for free if necessary, to prove her mettle to herself, her reluctantly loyal inner team, and her father.
The case takes Pia and her security team from Geneva to Cameroon to Vienna and back to Geneva. James has obviously researched his settings, and much else in the book, very thoroughly, creating a feeling of veracity to most of his story.
But Pia, due to her inexperience and her background, is a wildcard, taking risks and diving into dangerous situations she has no business getting involved with. And though James hints at the forces that motivate her, they are only that—hints—leaving readers to wonder how genuine Pia’s actions and capabilities really are.
James seems to have borrowed a fair bit from here and there. Some of the Gil Kane Batman mythos is evident in Pia’s backstory—her parents were murdered in front of her, and Alan Sabel, a rich industrialist (her Alfred) adopts her on the spot. Pia herself is strongly reminiscent of the aforementioned Charlie Fox, though readers will likely never confuse the two. They both carry the emotional weight of traumatic pasts; they both have learned close-combat techniques that make them fearsome fighters; and they both work for global security firms. But we never really learn where Pia’s skills come from (though James suggests that more will be revealed in future episodes), which leaves us with questions about her willingness, her compulsion, to jump into the crosshairs of enemy guns.
A more minor nit, Pia's decision to make Sabel Security's operatives use tranquilizer darts instead of bullets, no matter what Pia's rationalization, is at times a device to up the ante and tension when bad guys are shooting real bullets at Pia and her team from farther away than their darts will reach, and at times an all too easy way for Pia to subdue and question the enemy--dart them, wake them up, dart them again... It's a wonder any of them survived the sheer amount of drugs in their systems despite being shot up with an "antidote" when necessary.
All in all, however, if you’re looking for adventure with a smart girl who isn’t afraid to throw a punch when necessary, THE GENEVA DECISION is a fun escapade that will more than entertain you for a time.
A World Cup soccer player before an unspoken, on-field calamity put an end to her career, Pia is given the helm of a global security firm by her adoptive father Alan Sabel despite the fact that she knows nothing about security let alone how to run a company. Eager to prove herself, Pia literally throws herself into her first case, tackling an assassin who has killed her first client before he even had a chance to officially hire her firm. Unfortunately the assassin escapes police custody, leaving Pia and her company empty-handed.
Despite objections from those she works with and a mass of employee defections from the security firm resulting from her appointment to the top job, Pia makes it her mission to take on the case, for free if necessary, to prove her mettle to herself, her reluctantly loyal inner team, and her father.
The case takes Pia and her security team from Geneva to Cameroon to Vienna and back to Geneva. James has obviously researched his settings, and much else in the book, very thoroughly, creating a feeling of veracity to most of his story.
But Pia, due to her inexperience and her background, is a wildcard, taking risks and diving into dangerous situations she has no business getting involved with. And though James hints at the forces that motivate her, they are only that—hints—leaving readers to wonder how genuine Pia’s actions and capabilities really are.
James seems to have borrowed a fair bit from here and there. Some of the Gil Kane Batman mythos is evident in Pia’s backstory—her parents were murdered in front of her, and Alan Sabel, a rich industrialist (her Alfred) adopts her on the spot. Pia herself is strongly reminiscent of the aforementioned Charlie Fox, though readers will likely never confuse the two. They both carry the emotional weight of traumatic pasts; they both have learned close-combat techniques that make them fearsome fighters; and they both work for global security firms. But we never really learn where Pia’s skills come from (though James suggests that more will be revealed in future episodes), which leaves us with questions about her willingness, her compulsion, to jump into the crosshairs of enemy guns.
A more minor nit, Pia's decision to make Sabel Security's operatives use tranquilizer darts instead of bullets, no matter what Pia's rationalization, is at times a device to up the ante and tension when bad guys are shooting real bullets at Pia and her team from farther away than their darts will reach, and at times an all too easy way for Pia to subdue and question the enemy--dart them, wake them up, dart them again... It's a wonder any of them survived the sheer amount of drugs in their systems despite being shot up with an "antidote" when necessary.
All in all, however, if you’re looking for adventure with a smart girl who isn’t afraid to throw a punch when necessary, THE GENEVA DECISION is a fun escapade that will more than entertain you for a time.
March 24, 2013
Pia Sabel runs Sabel Security for her billionaire adopted father, Alan. Just months before she was a star on the American soccer team, playing in both the World Cup and the Olympics. At twenty-five, she was pressured to retire and take over the company. Her father wanted her to be a desk jockey and run the business, schmoozing clients.
Pia had other ideas.
Which didn't set well with the employees. Nepotism and an inexperienced leader had them resigning in droves. Changes she instituted weren't helping either. Their weapons were loaded with sleep darts. Real bullets were only a last resort.
Her first day on the job and her client is murdered. It doesn't matter that she personally took down the shooter. She feels guilt despite her lack of training. When the killer manages to escape and a string of bankers die soon after, Pia finds herself racing to figure out a scheme that has piracy, money-laundering, and death on two continents.
I liked this character, though her hard-headed attitude makes things harder for, having to earn respect from her people, catch the bad guys, and keep her father's company from going under. A definite work-in-progress.
Seeley James has a writing style that makes for easy reading, keeping the plot moving and the action flowing to the finale.
Recommended.
Pia had other ideas.
Which didn't set well with the employees. Nepotism and an inexperienced leader had them resigning in droves. Changes she instituted weren't helping either. Their weapons were loaded with sleep darts. Real bullets were only a last resort.
Her first day on the job and her client is murdered. It doesn't matter that she personally took down the shooter. She feels guilt despite her lack of training. When the killer manages to escape and a string of bankers die soon after, Pia finds herself racing to figure out a scheme that has piracy, money-laundering, and death on two continents.
I liked this character, though her hard-headed attitude makes things harder for, having to earn respect from her people, catch the bad guys, and keep her father's company from going under. A definite work-in-progress.
Seeley James has a writing style that makes for easy reading, keeping the plot moving and the action flowing to the finale.
Recommended.
July 19, 2014
A very readable book. Pia Sabel is a kick-ass yet vulnerable female ex-Olympic footballer turned detective, and despite being mega rich, the author succeeds in making Pia an easy character to relate to.
The story races along at a good clip, jumping destinations like a Bond film, with plenty of the type of details that make it easy to visualise the setttings. Dialogue between the cast is snappy and believable, and carries the slightly dubious plot along even when it gets a bit far fetched.
I did find myself skipping some of the action sequences, which were a bit too technical-heavy for my taste, but the book rounds off nicely, with a clean solution and plenty of hooks for the follow ups.
I will certainly read the next one.
The story races along at a good clip, jumping destinations like a Bond film, with plenty of the type of details that make it easy to visualise the setttings. Dialogue between the cast is snappy and believable, and carries the slightly dubious plot along even when it gets a bit far fetched.
I did find myself skipping some of the action sequences, which were a bit too technical-heavy for my taste, but the book rounds off nicely, with a clean solution and plenty of hooks for the follow ups.
I will certainly read the next one.
March 24, 2016
I was offered a free ebook and accepted. Little did I know that it would gobble up much of my free time for the next few days. This tale is very engrossing, and grabs you fairly quickly. The initial action scenes are very well done and keep you wanted more. Pia, the main character, is one of the very few main characters in a thriller series that I fully enjoy. She is a former soccer star turned Security company badass....let's just leave it at that.
Without giving too much of the story away (I hate that!), I would simply recommend anyone that loves fast paced thrillers to pick this one up. I would also advise you give up any free time you may have had, because once you dive into this one, you aren't coming out until the last page.
Without giving too much of the story away (I hate that!), I would simply recommend anyone that loves fast paced thrillers to pick this one up. I would also advise you give up any free time you may have had, because once you dive into this one, you aren't coming out until the last page.
December 11, 2012
Wow! this book captured my imagination quickly and held it. i stayed up way too late reading this one. Mr. James writes with impact and leaves every chapter hanging without making you feel like he was doing it on purpose. This one moved forward with more than just shoot-run type chase scenes--it had a reason for going everywhere it went. And it was fun. Really fun.
Especially nice to see a woman taking charge without deferring to a man somewhere along the line. This one has two powerful women leading the men and one funny woman-sidekick who screws up. Fair balance.
Refreshingly new and different. Highly recommended.
Especially nice to see a woman taking charge without deferring to a man somewhere along the line. This one has two powerful women leading the men and one funny woman-sidekick who screws up. Fair balance.
Refreshingly new and different. Highly recommended.
February 10, 2013
Wow! What can I say about this book? It was high octane action spanning from Geneva to Cameroon which kept me on the edge of my seat from the start and Pia Sabel is a very likeable Lara Croftesque heroine. There were times i felt a little sorry for the seasoned soldiers with military training who were put to shame by Pia but she missed enough targets to make her somewhat human. Despite guessing some aspects of the conclusion of this mystery thriller there was a lot I didn't see coming and no doubt much, much more to learn about Pia's past. I certainly will be looking out for the sequel of this book.
June 19, 2013
I've just read the first few chapters of this book (I didn't want to commit to buying it in case I didn't like it), and have now decided to buy the rest of it. At first I thought it would just be another action novel with a strong, female character who kicks butt and happens to meet and attractive guy who isn't really her type, but the story IS dynamic, and so far, has gotten me interested enough to want to know how it ends. Seeley has set up the characters and their stories in a way that has prepared me to care more for them as I learn more about them. I'm excited to read the rest, and will write another review once I've finished it!
August 28, 2013
I was given this book to provide a review and after getting over the thrill of being asked, I was a bit disappointed. I usually like a good strong female character wrapped up in a mystery but I didn't find this main character very likeable or credible. It was a great mystery that finally came together in the end but there were several times that main character, Pia, would suddenly figure out the next step of the mystery without enough clues to the reader what was going on and I found myself frequently confused. Pia is definitely a mystery of her own that I'm sure will be developed in future books.
March 29, 2015
Pia Sabel is a strong female character, a former champion soccer player. An heiress, her dad gives her the security firm he's built and she is off and running with a strange mystery. Bankers in Geneva are being murdered. So Pia heads up the investigation; one of the bankers had requested the company's service. This takes Pia and her team, some of whom think she's a worthless rich kid who knows nothing, into Africa and back to unravel a tangled web of mayhem. The pacing is quick and the dialogus good, and there's plenty of action. Good escape reading.
March 22, 2015
Great read
I am glad I decided to read this book. I find this author to have a good grasp on writing a interesting story with lots of action. I am glad he wrote it so there can be many more stories with these characters. I was impressed with how well written the book was and didn't find typos as I usually do with e-books. I will definitely be getting more of his books.
I am glad I decided to read this book. I find this author to have a good grasp on writing a interesting story with lots of action. I am glad he wrote it so there can be many more stories with these characters. I was impressed with how well written the book was and didn't find typos as I usually do with e-books. I will definitely be getting more of his books.
March 17, 2013
The Geneva Decision was AWESOME! Seeley James is an incredible author! I was sitting at the edge of my seat reading this book and I couldn't put it down! I loved all the twists and turns. I hope there are more books about Pia Sabel. I would love to know what other events life has in store for her.
March 21, 2015
Page turner
Kept my interest. Could not put it down. I had to know what happens to Pia the rich bitch footballer
Kept my interest. Could not put it down. I had to know what happens to Pia the rich bitch footballer
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